Artist Statement
Native Enough is an art-house short film that describes the negative effects felt from external sources and internal thoughts of an Indigenous person. The film stars Caitlyn Murphy-Eagleson and Dave Monday, whose characters are young people struggling with their identity. We follow them as they share their journey and emotions of being an Indigenous person in the modern-day.
Native Enough shows the portrayal of Indigenous people in the media and how we are burdened and shaped by it. It provides a look inside what Indigenous people feel daily. We see not only the media's portrayal of them but also the inner struggles and thoughts racing around in their heads.
As Indigenous people continue to be painted in an archaic way, it is up to us to help change perceptions. We are expected to act a certain way but to truly control our own narrative, we have to be the voice that tells the story.
Artist Bios
Sage Petahtegoose is the Creative Producer for the Indigenous Transmedia Fellowship. Sage is Ojibwe-Podewadmi from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. She is a graduate of the Film and Television Production program at Humber College and is a practicing multimedia artist specializing in digital drawing and woodland art. Sage is also an educator, having taught moccasin making and beadwork for 4 years. Sage is passionate about screenwriting and video games.
Evan Bowman is a member of Six Nations of the Grand River and grew up in Hagersville, Ontario. After completing his undergraduate degree from the University of Western Ontario, Evan went to Humber College where he recently completed a post-graduate certificate in Advertising Copywriting. He is currently pursuing a writing career at a Toronto based advertising agency. In Evan's spare time he enjoys being way too invested in sports, pop culture, and creating the perfect Spotify playlist.
Mykelti Knott is a 23-year-old Advertising and Graphic Design student, studying at Humber College. Raised in Curve Lake, Ontario, she harboured a love for nature and the outdoors. Mykelti finds peace, calming, and inspiration within nature which is where she prefers to work. Mykelti's time spent abroad helped her find her love for photography. In her travels, she met many people from all over the world who were all unique and made for interesting subject matter. She began practicing portrait photography on her Nikon DSLR in her spare time, documenting her travels and the people she met. Through her schooling and interests, Mykelti will continue to build upon her photography, design, and adobe suite skills.
Mathew Magneson is a 19-year-old indigenous singer-songwriter and busker from Toronto, Ontario. He is currently studying at Humber College for a Bachelor Of Music specializing in Jazz Guitar. Mathew loves all genres of music and pulls his sound from a variety of styles experimenting with an amalgamation of rock, folk, alternative, and lo-fi indie sounds. Mathew’s lyricism is rooted in folk tunes which has given him the unique ability to create themes and stories while having the upbeat feel of alternative-rock. This overall collection of experiences has led him to find his own sound in the alternative style with a mainstream appeal.
Morgan Grace Pannunzio is a 21-year-old student enrolled in the Bachelor of Music, Voice program at Humber College. Morgan is a Métis artist who grew up in Leamington, Ontario, the southernmost point of Canada. She grew up painting/drawing and participating in community theatre productions. Morgan now identifies as an artist of many mediums, being a singer-songwriter of alternative music, visual artist, and writer. She is inspired by artists such as David Bowie, Stevie Nicks, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Lana Del Rey. Morgan is currently working on her debut album of original music which will be released in the year of 2021.
Jacob Rogers is a 26-year-old filmmaker from Toronto, Ontario, and is currently a 3rd-year Film and Television Production student at Humber College. Raised on Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Jacob has always been an artistic person, who grew up loving to draw and listening to music. Jacob is inspired by films and shows such as Breaking Bad, Pan’s Labyrinth, and Dr. Strangelove. He has been a crew member on several productions, including documentaries and studio films. After graduating Jacob plans on joining one (or many) of the film unions in the Toronto area and pursuing a career as a Location Sound Mixer, Dialogue Editor, Re-recording Mixer, Picture Editor, or Cinematographer.
Dave Monday is an Afro-Indigenous individual, who grew up in The Netherlands. His mother was adopted by Dutch settlers and then later moved to Europe, where Dave spent his childhood. At 21, Dave moved to Toronto and has been here since. For the past 5 years, Dave has made efforts to better his life for himself and his family.
Caitlyn Murphy-Eagleson is an Ojibwe & Caucasian who currently resides in Toronto. Her Ojibway name is Ziibiikwans, and her clan is mukwa. Caitlyn comes from bkwejwanong. Caitlyn is in her final year at York University, completing a Bachelor of Social Work.
Her biracial identity helped Caitlyn connect with the film's theme as she has felt the pull from two directions. Caitlyn felt like an outsider most of her life despite having great family, friends, and relations to the land. The film allowed her to air frustrations she hasn't allowed herself to share with others. Caitlyn is grateful for the opportunity & amazing cast and crew.
Miigwech
Humber's Indigenous Transmedia Fellowship is coordinated by:
