Rise: Modern Indigenous Life On Screen

Rise, a new documentary series produced by VICE Canada and the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), aims to change the conversation around native communities. “We are always a second thought. We are always the afterthought. That’s why Rise is so important,” says series host Sarain Carson-Fox.

Rise portrays modern indigenous life across North and South America, from activism to MMA fighting to hip-hop. It showcases the diversity of the hemisphere’s indigenous peoples while also recounting a shared history of oppression and resilience. The series also offers a glimpse into the front lines of indigenous-led resistance, from the Standing Rock Sioux tribe’s efforts to stop the Dakota Access pipeline to the San Carlos Apache tribe's fight to protect Oak Flat.

Following a three-episode premiere at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, Rise began airing on Viceland in late January, and is also available online. You can watch the series trailer here.