Reservation Redemption
Follow the journey of “Chief” Marchand Rice — a Colville Citizen and tribal member who has spent more than three decades in prison.
Chief Marchand Rice was one juror away from receiving the death penalty. What follows is an intimate look into cultural resilience, legal battles, and the profound spirit of restoration within the Colville Indian Reservation.
OFFICIAL TRAILER
Experience the cinematic preview of Chief's journey.
"IN 2024, NATIVE PEOPLE MADE UP 0.0% OF ALL FEDERALLY INCARCERATED PEOPLE, BUT THEY MAKE UP LESS THAN 0.0% OF THE U.S. POPULATION."
THE MOST INCARCERATED RACE
This documentary is a look into the lives of the most incarcerated race in the state of Washington: Native Americans.
The Native culture plays a big part in the family dynamic of indigenous people. Throughout history, the culture has been under attack much like the people and the land.
Generational Trauma
The residential schools have had an extremely negative effect on families and the generations who survived that came after.
The abuse inflicted at the boarding schools taught these kids violence and to be ashamed of their culture.
Drugs and alcohol became the norm to cope. Neglect, domestic violence and substance abuse, has led to the large number of Natives being incarcerated.
A PATHWAY THROUGH CULTURE
It’s seen through the eyes of a man who, as a 17 year old, received life without parole for murder — ultimately discovering his identity through his culture and inspires community.
Key Turning Points
Click below to explore the vital chapters of Chief's journey.
As a filmmaker, there are stories that choose you. Reservation Redemption is a deeply personal story that I felt compelled to share. Chief Marchand Rice, a Colville Tribal Member was not only the subject of this documentary, but also my childhood friend. We grew up together on the Yakama Reservation. I saw his struggles firsthand as a lost boy caught in a cycle of self-destruction. His journey from serving a life sentence for murder to becoming a beacon of hope and redemption is a testament to the transformative power of culture and resilience.
As a witness to Chief’s life, I felt compelled to be a character witness for him during the penalty phase of his trial. In that moment, I saw the weight of his choices. He was just one juror away from receiving the death penalty, yet his story didn’t end there. It was a pivotal moment that underscored both the gravity of his past and the potential for his future. That experience stayed with me and is one of the driving forces behind this film.
Chief’s transformation began when he met Francis Cullooyah, a tribal elder from the Kalispel Tribe, while serving his sentence. Francis asked him a simple yet profound question: “Who do you want to be when you grow up?” This pivotal moment set Chief on a new path, one rooted in his culture and spirituality. Through this connection, he discovered the strength and healing that came from embracing his heritage. This awakening not only changed his own life but ignited a desire to inspire others walking similar paths of struggle and loss.
At the heart of "Reservation Redemption" is Chief’s remarkable ability to forge deep connections with advocates, activists, and his fellow prisoners. These relationships have been pivotal in his journey, providing mutual support, understanding, and opportunities for cultural and spiritual growth. Through his leadership and advocacy, Chief has influenced his peers and inspired activists like Gabe Galanda, a spiritual rights attorney, and Aaron Faletogo. Aaron, a former prisoner who met Chief during his incarceration, now works with at-risk youth to help them avoid the mistakes he made.
Blake Pickens who is also a director and producer, felt a connection with this story as he has experienced firsthand the effects of family members being incarcerated and the cycle of recidivism that plagues our relatives.
This documentary sheds light on the devastating consequences of cultural loss and generational trauma while celebrating the healing and empowerment that comes from reconnecting with your culture.
Be Part of the Journey
Your support ensures this vital story of restoration and justice reaches communities nationwide.