52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing - Week 18

Week 18 - Watch an Indigenous Television Show
from Robertson, David A. 52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing

This week might be one of the most accessible invitations yet: watch an Indigenous television show. As Robertson reminds us, supporting Indigenous storytelling isn’t limited to books. It extends across the arts: film, television, music, and beyond. And just by choosing what we watch, we help shape what gets made next.

When audiences show up, demand grows. That means more opportunities for Indigenous writers, directors, actors, and countless others working behind the scenes. Representation isn’t just about who appears on screen. It’s about who gets to tell the story, shape it, and bring it to life.

Robertson also offers an important caution. Not all portrayals of Indigenous people are created with care or authenticity. Some are built on stereotypes or romanticized ideas that do more harm than good. That’s why a bit of intention matters here too: seeking out shows created by Indigenous people or developed with meaningful Indigenous involvement.

One standout example he points to is Reservation Dogs, created by Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi. The series features an almost entirely Indigenous cast and crew and has been widely celebrated for its storytelling. It is at once funny, heartbreaking, and deeply grounded in community. Through its characters and relationships, it offers an authentic window into contemporary Indigenous life.

What makes shows like this so powerful is not just their quality, but their impact. When Indigenous youth see themselves reflected in complex, creative, and meaningful ways, it expands what feels possible. And for non-Indigenous viewers, it offers a chance to encounter stories that challenge assumptions and deepen understanding.

The invitation this week is simple: pick a show, get some popcorn, settle in, and watch. It may feel like a small act, but it is part of a much larger shift toward supporting Indigenous voices and stories across the arts.

What Indigenous-created show might you watch this week, and how could the stories you encounter reshape what you think you know about community, identity, and belonging?

Want to read last weeks post, you can do so here.