How We Stand: Director Marie Clements Shines Light on Forgotten History of Native American Relocation in Los Angeles

The streets of Los Angeles are often touted as a melting pot of cultures, but beneath the surface lies a complex web of histories and identities that rarely intersect in mainstream narratives. The legacy of the Native American Relocation Program, which forcibly relocated thousands of indigenous people from rural reservations to urban centers like LA in the 1950s, is one such story.

This brutal chapter in American history has been largely erased from collective memory, but its effects still resonate today. Director Marie Clements’ film, How We Stand, shines a light on this dark period by telling the story of Angela and her daughters, who were torn apart by the very policies designed to “improve” their lives.

The Relocation Program was a product of its time, born from a paternalistic notion that governments knew better than indigenous communities what their needs were. This racist ideology led to the forced assimilation and erasure of native cultures, often through violent means. The “Vanishing Indian” myth, which posits that indigenous peoples are destined to fade away, is nothing more than a cruel justification for this destruction.

Clements’ film portrays the sisters as they navigate the challenges of growing up in a society that systematically seeks to erase them. By highlighting their resilience and strength, Clements highlights the ongoing struggle for indigenous rights. The Los Angeles of today is still grappling with its own identity crisis, as gentrification pushes out long-time residents, including many native families.

The city’s cultural landscape is being rewritten, but this process is not unique to LA; it’s a symptom of a broader pattern of displacement and erasure that has haunted urban centers for decades. Clements’ work serves as a powerful reminder that our understanding of history is always incomplete and often distorted.

By confronting the painful truths of our past, we can begin to make amends and work towards a more just future. How We Stand is not just a film about relocation; it’s an urgent call to action, urging us to reckon with the ongoing legacies of colonialism and imperialism. The Toronto International Film Festival, where How We Stand premiered earlier this month, has long been a platform for marginalized voices.

Clements’ film is a testament to the power of indigenous storytelling and a celebration of the complex histories that shape our cities. As we watch these characters navigate the streets of 1970s Los Angeles, we’re reminded that the struggles they face are not relics of the past but ongoing realities that demand attention today. Conversations about colonialism, assimilation, and indigenous rights have dominated social media and film forums in the aftermath of How We Stand’s premiere.

However, it’s essential to recognize that this is merely the beginning – not an end point – for a more inclusive understanding of LA’s complex history. As the city continues to evolve, Clements’ work serves as a warning: we must confront and learn from our past, lest we repeat its mistakes. The shadow of relocation still looms over Los Angeles, a reminder that our histories are intertwined with those of indigenous peoples who have been erased or silenced for far too long.

By listening to their stories, we can begin to heal the wounds of history and forge a more just future for all.