Irish Film Institute -International Film Directory – Film Listing

Éire agus na Chéad Náisiúin

Ireland and the First Nations

    • Director

      Ronan McCloskey

    • Credits

      Producer:
      Ronan McCloskey

      Writer:
      Ronan McCloskey

    • Principal Cast

      Dakota Wind Goodhouse,
      Elder Tom Porter,
      Kay Olan,
      Lillis Ó Laoire,
      Waylon Gary White Deer,
      Dr Úna Ní Bhroiméil,
      Billi Jo Beleher.

  • Category

    Documentary
    Irish Language

The incredible untold story of how Irish people interacted with the First Nations of North America, with contributions from some of Ireland’s leading historians along with a new wave of First Nations academics and commentators.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Irish people are trading and intermarrying with native people and later fighting against them as part of the 7th Cavalry. Our attitude to the First Nations reflected a deep division within our own psyche. We were both friends and foes, who, having lost our land, settled in theirs. This film looks at the domino effect of colonialism, showing our journey into America from our perspective, and through the eyes of the people we displaced.

80 minutes, Ireland, 2025, Colour

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The IFI is supported
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Arts Council of Ireland