100 Sandoval St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Friday April 26th, 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Ha txan tsi. An ka li (We come home after)
“Ha Txan Tsi. An Ka Li (Translated from Osage: We Come Home After)” is a poignant and thought-provoking short documentary film co-produced, written, and directed by Dante Biss-Grayson, an Osage veteran, and the Bawaadan Collective. The film explores the experiences of Native American veterans as they return home after serving in the military and the complex relationships they have with their service and their identity as Indigenous peoples.
Through interviews and personal stories, the film sheds light on the struggles that many of these veterans face, including difficulty in accessing traditional mental health support and the challenge of reconciling their service with the history of atrocities committed against their people.
Through the use of Dante Biss-Grayson’s powerful poem “The Warriors Paradox,” the film explores the concept of the “warrior’s paradox” and the complex and often conflicting feelings that arise when Indigenous people serve in the military of a nation that has a history of oppressing and committing violence against them. It encourages viewers to reflect on the ways in which historical trauma and generational trauma continue to impact Native American communities and the importance of honoring traditional ceremonies and mental health support in the healing process.
The documentary highlights the significant contributions made by Native Americans to the US military, with a focus on the high rate of voluntary enlistment during World War II and the continued service of Native Americans since 9/11. The film features RC Begay, one of the last Navajo Code Talkers, and pays tribute to him and his family for their support in the completion of this piece.
Overall, “Ha Txan Tsi. An Ka Li (We Come Home After)” is a powerful and emotional exploration of the experiences of Native American veterans and their journey to find healing and reconciliation. The film reminds us of the sacrifices that Native Americans have given to military service and emphasizes the importance of never forgetting past atrocities and embracing traditions and ceremonies.
Dante Biss-Grayson is a Native American from the Osage Nation and Veteran of the US Air Force. He is a multifaceted artist, writer, film producer, and fashion designer hailing from the Osage community. With a passion for pushing the boundaries of Native American art and fashion, Dante constantly explores new directions in his creative pursuits. His artistic journey encompasses various mediums, including painting, holographic sculpture, poetry, and fashion design, as he endeavors to express his thoughts and emotions through diverse platforms.
He is the Founder & Fashion Designer of the Sky-Eagle Collection, a leading Indigenous and Veteran Owned Fashion House. With multiple clothing brands, media consulting, and show production, the brand has become an entrapernural success.
As a veteran who has personally grappled with PTSD, Dante has discovered solace and purpose in his artistic endeavors. Drawing from his studies at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Holland and IAIA in Santa Fe, N.M, as well as his apprenticeship under the guidance of his adopted father, Earl Biss, Dante has honed his classical techniques and seamlessly integrated them into his contemporary works. Through his art, Dante externalizes his trauma and draws attention to important issues impacting Native communities, using his creative voice as a catalyst for inspiration and raising awareness.
Driven by his belief in the power of fashion to empower and inspire, Dante has always been captivated by the world of clothing design. He sees fashion as a symbol of empowerment and utility, offering a platform to shed light on crucial issues affecting Indian Country. Through his Native American and Veteran-owned fashion brand, the Sky-Eagle Collection, Dante seeks to inspire a new generation of modern warriors who navigate the complexities of the modern world. The collection’s contemporary designs serve as a bold statement, drawing attention to overlooked matters and elevating the voices of Native communities. With a resounding message of resilience and strength, Dante’s work declares, “We are Still Here!”
In addition to his diverse artistic pursuits, Dante Biss-Grayson has made a profound impact as a co-producer, writer, and director of the transformative film project, “We Come Home After.” This poignant short documentary explores the experiences of Native American veterans as they return home from military service, delving into their complex identities and the challenges they face. Through heartfelt interviews, personal stories, and the inclusion of Dante’s powerful poem, “The Warriors Paradox,” the film offers an emotional and thought-provoking exploration of healing, reconciliation, and the sacrifices made by Native American veterans. Through this transformative project, Dante continues to shed light on important issues and ignite dialogue surrounding historical trauma, identity, and the enduring strength of Indigenous communities.
Director:
Dante Biss-Grayson, Bawaadan Collective
Writer:
Dante Biss-Grayson, Bawaadan Collective
Producer:
Dante Biss-Grayson, Bawaadan Collective
Talent:
Dante Biss-Grayson, RC Begay
Year Released:
2023
Country:
U.S.A.
Length:
00:6:11
