Reclaiming Narratives ・ Redefining Futures

For over a hundred years, Hollywood and mainstream media have shaped how Native people are viewed. This has led to stereotypes, erasure, and misinformation that have changed history, influenced public policy, fueled violence, and separated generations from their true identity.

Today, things are starting to change.

Regina Dezbah Simons, MFA, of Diné, Nakoda, and Dakota heritage, leads this keynote and consulting practice. Together, we look at how Native storytellers are challenging old narratives from within. We also discuss what institutions, educators, and collaborators should know to join this movement.

Key Takeaways:

  • Trace the documented history of Native misrepresentation in film & media, and why it matters today

  • Identify how stereotypes and erasure continue to shape Native communities, institutions, and public perceptions

  • Discover how contemporary Native filmmakers are asserting narrative sovereignty and redefining representation

  • Leave with concrete frameworks for ethical collaboration, responsible representation, and cultural accountability

Featuring from left to right: Regina Dezbah Simons, MFA and Betty Simons, M.ED

On location for the film, GREY

Available Programs

Every engagement focuses on your community, needs, and goals. Whether you are a university facing curriculum gaps, a festival aiming for authentic representation, or an organization exploring ethical collaboration, this approach meets you where you are and helps you take the next step.

BOOK NOW

  • A 60-90 keynote or workshop delivered live via Zoom or your preferred platform. Designed for universities, schools, and organizations who want a high-impact session without geographic limits. Interactive evidence-based, and built around your audience, not a generic slide deck.

  • A commanding, story-driven keynote that shifts how a room understands Native representation in film, media, and the institutions that shape both. Built for conferences, campus events, and professional development programs. Available regionally and nationally.

  • A deep-dive session for educators, filmmakers, media professionals, and organizational teams ready to move beyond awareness into practice. Combines facilitated dialogue, and applied storytelling frameworks that participants leave with, not just think about.

  • One-on-one or small group consulting for organizations, film & media teams, or institutions that want Native representation done right, not just defensibly. Script review, curriculum development, project consulting, and ethical collaboration framework built around your specific work.