Joe Buffalo, of the Maskwacis Cree Nation, is an indigenous skateboard legend and a survivor of Canada’s tragic Indian Residential School system. Following a traumatic childhood and decades of addiction, Joe must face his inner demons to realize his dream of turning pro.

Juror comments: I was saddened and yet enlightened by this coherent, narrative, documentary short film.

The dream of skateboarding and a recapturing of foundational indigenous traditions are woven into a social justice narrative from childhood to the adult life of Joe Buffalo.

Despite the role of outsiders who hijacked and forced him and the people of the Maskwacis Cree Nation onto bumpy, unpaved paths of destruction, Joe Buffalo discovers “roadmaps” for success scribed from past traditions of his indigenous roots. He used these roadmaps to reclaim the will and determination that would be needed to envision and reach a destination filled with healing, redemption, hope, and a renewed life following a traumatic childhood

The story of Joe Buffalo is a journey of tribulations and triumphs beautifully narrated with cinematic accompaniments, traditional drumming, and indigenous melodies, yielding reflections about childhood and family memories; and a life filled with troublesome potholes, emotional detours into hopelessness and trauma, as well as an eventual victorious destination at this time of his life’s journey.

Mild profanity is occasionally heard in the narrative but focused primarily on emphasizing the horrendous impacts of the shame, doubt, inner demons, and frustrations experienced during this journey.

I strongly recommend Joe Buffalo and any related viewer’s guides designed to provide resource information, for teachers, parents, and children. I give this 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 14 to18, plus adults. Reviewed by Ed G.,

Reviewed by Ed G., KIDS FIRST!