This Gallery of vintage motion pictures offers rich perspectives on the American Indian experience. It is presented here free of charge for viewing and downloading for educational purposes.

The discipline of Native American Studies has been without an accessible film record for a long time. This website begins to fill that void. Bringing these films to global attention provides an opportunity for reconsidering the Native American peoples and their cultures, their societies, and their histories.

Furthermore, for too long the image of the Indian in U.S. popular culture has been unhistorical and negatively stereotyped. The American Indian Film Gallery challenges such old thinking and opens the way for reevaluation by students, scholars, and curious visitors alike. There is entertainment here, and there is enlightenment.

These films are archival treasures long buried in obscure vaults, unused and forgotten. But, they are not in perfect. Some were educational shorts used in American schools from the 1930s to the 1970s. Several have abbreviated titles or missing endings. Some are spliced or scratched; others have faded color. But through the mistakes made long ago by schoolroom projectionists, and film stock programmed to lose its coloration, the historical importance of the movies remains compelling. These films are windows into the human past, stunning documents with much to tell us about our New World story.

The American Indian Film Gallery is the fullest compilation of motion pictures about the Original Peoples of North and South America in internet history. And, it is a dynamic collection. We constantly seek new materials to expand our visual offerings.

To that end we have developed a list of “Lost Films” to encourage others to join our effort. If you possess any of the Lost Films, or if you own relevant motion pictures not listed here, we would love to place your movies―with online recognition of your ownership― into the collection. If you have films that you would like to share with the world, please contact us at aifg@macfilms.com

J. Fred MacDonald, Ph.D.

Professor of History, Emeritus

President, MacDonald & Associates