“This film is an excellent resource for introducing Indigenous studies in Art, Anthropology, and Sociology courses, as well as for students of any age. I highly recommend it.”

Seth Thomas Sutton (Odawa), Prof. and Chair, Arts & Humanities, Montcalm Community College, Author, The Deconstruction of Chief Blackhawk

Gyaangee: Beyond Being Silenced

Directed by Charles Wilkinson

14 minutes | SDH captions

In this beautiful and informative short film, famed Haida artist Robert Davidson carves his latest monumental totem pole and gives a rare insight into the deeper meanings of the imagery found on North Coast Indigenous art works.


The articulate and engaging master carver shows how he once created a totem pole called ‘We Were Once Silenced’; a work dedicated to the memory of the wrongs suffered by his people at the hands of the captains of colonization. In his new, more hopeful work however, Robert celebrates the cultural and political reawakening of the Indigenous peoples of the world in general, and the Haida Nation particular, with a pole called "Gyaangee: Beyond Being Silenced."

Audiences will be treated to the extraordinarily beautiful shapes and curves of the master’s work. We’re astonished to see the peerless level of craft skill from the artist’s unwavering hands: work so fine that his knife produces a finish much smoother than sandpaper ever could. More importantly, viewers will be given access to the mysterious world of the supernatural creatures who populate Haida mythology and their spiritual world view.


Gyaangee: Beyond Being Silenced is available on DVD with public performance rights for school and library purchase or rental. Academic streaming can be licensed from Docuseek. Campus and community groups interested in hosting a community screening can book now through Bullfrog Communities.

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“Robert Davidson has carved dozens of totem poles. This visual biography accompanies the artist as he creates a unique poleone that he has 'always wanted to do.' Gyaangee: Beyond Being Silenced addresses settler oppression with references to residential school crimes, cultural devastation, and a history denied. But works like this intensify empowerment and recognition, articulating a robust voice no longer silenced. This is a compelling and moving film of Davidson's optimistic artistic interpretation of colonialism and its downfall.”

Aldona Jonaitis, Director Emerita, Museum of the North, University of Alaska, Author, Art of the Northwest Coast


“Vibrant as the painted pole itself, the story of Gyaangee: Beyond Being Silenced beautifully illustrates what happens when you invite creativity into the world. The film reveals Robert Davidson's dedication to collaboration and knowledge sharing. We witness the artist's deep knowledge of how to bring Haida histories into physical form as he brings this pole to life."

Kathryn Bunn-Marcuse, Director, Bill Holm Center for the Study of Northwest Native Art, University of Washington

HAIDA MODERN

The Art and Activism of Robert Davidson


Haida artist Robert Davidson, whose art and activism point the way towards a renewed connection with the natural world, is inspiring political movements led by Indigenous activists and artists, fighting the critical environmental battles of our time. Highlighted in Haida Modern is the story of how Davidson carved the first totem pole raised on the island of Haida Gwaii in over 100 years — an act credited with sparking a reawakening of Indigenous culture in the Pacific Northwest

Learn More

To order Gyaangee on DVD with public performance rights for educational use,

visit the Bullfrog Films online catalog.

Order by phone at (610) 779-8226

or email us at info@bullfrogfilms.com

Academic Streaming

Bullfrog Films is the oldest and largest publisher of documentary films about the environment in the United States. We define "environment" broadly, and our catalog includes programs on ecology, energy, agriculture, indigenous peoples, women's studies, environmental justice, international relations, sustainable development, anthropology, economics, ethics, and conflict resolution.

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