Here is the press release from the filmmakers of You're No Indian, an award winning documentary on the scourge of tribal disenrollment. I HAVE ADDED LINKS to the release so that you may learn more.
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LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On November 24, 2025, the filmmakers of You’re No Indian received a cease-and-desist letter from attorneys representing the Pechanga Band of Indians and Chairman Mark Macarro. The letter demands that all screenings and distribution of the film be stopped, asserting concerns about research and representation.
The filmmakers stand by the extensive work that went into the project. “Our team spent years documenting these stories, speaking with families, reviewing records, and consulting experts,” said Ryan Flynn, Director of You’re No Indian. “We also reached out to Chairman Macarro multiple times during production — and documented those attempts — offering him the opportunity to share his perspective. That invitation remains open.”
The team is reviewing the letter with legal counsel, but they remain confident in the integrity of their process and the importance of the conversations the film has sparked.
“Our aim has always been to approach this subject with care, accuracy, and respect,” Flynn added. “If Chairman Macarro wishes to share his viewpoint now, we welcome that dialogue and will present it fully and without alteration.”
You’re No Indian has screened at Dances With Films LA, Montana International Film Festival, Shining Mountains Film Festival, the United Nations Association Film Festival (UNAFF), and the RNCI Red Nation International Film Festival, receiving the Joanelle Romero Impact Award and an Honorable Mention for Best Documentary Feature.
As the filmmakers evaluate the letter’s claims, they remain committed to transparency, open conversation, and to ensuring that the voices featured in the film are heard.
About You’re No Indian
You’re No Indian is a documentary that explores the experiences of people who have been removed from tribal citizenship, highlighting the personal, cultural, and community-level effects of disenrollment as told by those directly affected. Directed by Ryan Flynn and executive produced by Tantoo Cardinal and Wes Studi, the film is produced by Michael Sammaciccia and Santana Rabang.
Turning their backs on their very own, hiding behind the face paper, power, greed, the very thing that we are fighting against... taking away rights from those of us who respect our ancestors, the lands, our people...culturally trying to genocide our own people for the paper, power and position? disgraceful! they do not honor the ancestors and relatives who have walked on and came before us. The higher they rise the harder they will fall. Their reign in power will come to an end. They cannot think that they can disenroll those who belong, who carry the blood of our ancestors, and relatives and who uphold the truth and connection with the Creator and have no dues to pay. This film has to be protected and continued to be shared on every platform!
ReplyDeleteThis documentary highlights the importance of accurate storytelling and open dialogue when addressing sensitive issues like tribal disenrollment. Just as filmmakers rely on thorough research and expert consultation, students seeking high-quality academic work can benefit from professional support such as thesis writing services in USA that ensures careful research, accurate citations, and credible presentation. Transparency and rigor matter in every form of scholarship.
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