RESERVATION REDEMPTION

Follow the journey of “Chief” Marchand Rice — a Colville Citizen and tribal member who has spent over three decades behind bars for a murder he committed as a teenager.

WATCH THE TRAILER

WATCH THE TRAILER

While in prison, Chief met a wise tribal spiritual leader, Francis Cullooyah (Kalispel Tribe), who asked him point-blank: “Who do you want to be when you grow up?”

Chief replied, “What do you mean? I am in here for life.”

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At that moment, Chief realized taking responsibility for his crime wasn’t enough. He immersed himself in learning about Native American culture and began to heal…

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Part Personal Tale, Part Research Project

Part personal tale of redemption as narrated through the director's extensive, intimate phone conversations with Chief while in prison, and part research project, the documentary will educate viewers on how the loss of Native American culture has devastated Native families and contributed to generational trauma as it delves into the harmful repercussions of not knowing one's roots.

Utilizing data, interviews with activists and experts, and in-depth sit-downs with numerous people connected to Chief, Reservation Redemptions will explore the prison systems, native culture, and the families affected while weaving Chief's personal story of redemption from the "Iron House Life" (prison) to the "Red Road."

Additional Details

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  • We are also including how the loss of culture occurred. Catholic boarding schools implemented in the late 1800s were approved by the United States government to forcibly remove Indian children from their homes and place them in the custody of the Catholic Church. These boarding schools, along with historical laws, regulations, and institutional practices that systematically disadvantage certain groups while privileging others are responsible for the loss of Indigenous culture, missing and murdered children, and countless atrocities inflicted on Native children — atrocities still occurring today.

  • The film will interview criminal justice activists and experts to enlighten viewers on the pervasive realities of systemic oppression amongst marginalized groups, and how we can challenge these systematic disadvantages by advocating for policy change and fostering cultural shifts toward equity and justice through open discussion, rehabilitation, and education.

  • The Miller Decision, a landmark legal ruling enacted in 2014, abolished mandatory life without parole for juveniles. In light of this recent change in Washington State law, audiences will witness Chief's resentencing in the film's climactic moments. The decision will reflect the principles outlined in Miller, considering Chief's age and potential for rehabilitation. As the final credits roll, viewers will discover that Chief has been granted a new lease on life, emerging from prison in 2028 and embarking on a journey of freedom.

  • While the documentary will be completed before his release, Chief has already begun his outreach to Native American organizations such as the Chief Seattle Club, Mending Wings, and King County Native American Leadership Council.

    Once released, Chief will share his story with Native organizations, college campuses, and Native youth groups. The film will conclude with a compelling message about the profound impact of one man's healing and persistence, creating a transformative domino effect on countless lives.

A Message from the Director

“This documentary started out as a story about me and my friend, Chief, who I have known since the first grade. He has been incarcerated for over 35 years, as he received life without parole at 17 years old. On this journey this documentary has turned into a much bigger project…”

— Brenda Fischer, Reservation Redemption Director & Producer

Your Support Makes a Difference.

I have met so many amazing people who have supported me and Chief tell a meaningful story. Moreover, Chief has learned more about his culture and how to fight for his spiritual rights. In turn, he has taught other Native inmates how to take responsibility during restorative therapy groups he’s created.

This documentary is a look into the lives of the most incarcerated race in the state of Washington: Native Americans.

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.

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. 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.

This film brings these issue to life with the people who are trying to change the system and bring people back to the culture.

Your fiscal support will help us finish this film. Please consider donating today. All donations are tax-deductible.