Amidst the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving Day in New York City, a powerful new documentary directed by Mohawk/Oneida filmmaker Paige Bethmann is making waves by centering Indigenous storytelling and resistance. “Remaining Native” (2025) follows the journey of Paiute teenager Kutoven “Ku” Stevens, whose dream of becoming a professional runner is intertwined with the legacy of his great-grandfather, who escaped a residential school for Indigenous children.
After premiering at the South by Southwest Film and TV Festival and embarking on an international festival circuit, “Remaining Native” recently screened at DCTV’s Firehouse Cinema in Tribeca as part of the Fall of Freedom programming. The documentary captures Stevens’ life on the Yerington Paiute Reservation in Nevada, where he trains tirelessly to improve his running times and earn a spot on the University of Oregon’s track and field team.
Stevens’ dedication to his sport comes at a cost, as he struggles to balance his training with his cultural heritage. Through poignant storytelling, Bethmann explores the impact of intergenerational trauma caused by the residential school system that forcibly assimilated Indigenous children into Western culture. Stevens’ great-grandfather, Frank Quinn, was one of those children who managed to escape and return to his Paiute roots, a journey that inspires Stevens as he navigates his own path.
The documentary delves into the dark history of residential schools, where Indigenous children were subjected to abuse, forced labor, and cultural erasure. Quinn’s escape from Stewart Indian School and his subsequent life as a respected tribal elder serve as a beacon of resilience and strength for Stevens as he grapples with his own identity and legacy.
In response to the recent discoveries of mass graves at residential schools in Canada, the Stevens family organized the Remembrance Run, a symbolic gesture of remembrance and healing. Stevens and other participants retraced Quinn’s 50-mile journey from Carson City to Yerington, shedding light on the atrocities of the past and demanding accountability from the government.
Through powerful visuals and personal anecdotes, “Remaining Native” sheds light on the ongoing effects of colonialism and the importance of acknowledging and honoring Indigenous history. The film’s non-linear narrative structure and emphasis on community voices provide a unique and authentic perspective on the resilience of Indigenous peoples.
As “Remaining Native” continues to make waves in the film festival circuit, it serves as a testament to the power of storytelling in reclaiming and preserving Indigenous culture and history. Join us for a screening of “Remaining Native” at DCTV’s Firehouse Cinema this Thanksgiving Day.
