The Forgotten Creeks Documentary Continues to Leaves Big Impact on Alabama Communities
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During the last year, several communities across the state have had the opportunity to take a glimpse inside the rich history of the Poarch Creek Indians. Community screenings of the Emmy award-winning documentary have garnered a big impact on adults and school-aged kids alike as they have learned about the hardships and dedication of the once impoverished, isolated community.
To bring the Tribe’s history to life, the documentarians interviewed, among others, Tribal elders and descendants of the Tribe’s forefathers, who led the successful years-long drive to have the Poarch Creek Indians recognized by the United States as a sovereign Indian Nation.
Many who have been a part of viewing the documentary have been deeply impacted. Dale Ash, who oversees the Strand Theater in Atmore where several of the screenings were held, was personally moved by the documentary. She has hosted numerous screenings for the community along with partnering with local schools to share with students ranging from 2nd through 12th grade. Ash has helped more than 1,000 students experience the true history of the Poarch Creek Indians. Her passion is to continue showing the film to as many students as possible due to its rich history lesson and story of resilience.
“It brought me to tears,” said Ash, who personally knows several of the Tribal leaders featured in the documentary. “Seeing what they had to go through to become an independent nation is incredible,” she added. “The kids have been so attentive and interested in learning about the Tribe. Everyone also really enjoys the Q&A portion with the senior Tribal leaders at the end,” said Ash, who is planning for four more screenings in the coming weeks for additional schools in the area.
Joan Harrell, Director of Inclusive Excellence in the Dean’s Office at Auburn University, also held a screening on Auburn’s campus this past Fall. “Having the opportunity to share the documentary with our university students and the external community members of Lee County was an enlightening, educational experience for all, ” said Harrell. “Many students and neighbors had never heard the personal narratives of the trials and tribulations of the Poarch Creek Indians. Hearing the historic stories of the ancestors and the current day intergenerational lived experiences of resilience and success ‘overcoming poverty to prosperity’ are cultural stories that help enrich the minds of our students and teach them about Alabama’s Indigenous people,’ ‘ she furthered. For more information on the The Forgotten Creeks documentary or to inquire about hosting a community screening, visit poarchcreekindians.org.
