Still from the documentary Skoden.
Still from the documentary Skoden.
 

#skoden

by Damien Eagle Bear
In the age of mass-scrolling, this doc tunnels deep into one problematic popular meme and expands into a discussion of Indigenous identity and Canadian colonialism.
2025  ·  1h15m  ·  Canada
English
About the Film

Every meme has its story. #skoden delves into the origins of NDN country’s most iconic meme to redefine the man at the center of it all, Pernell Bad Arm.

In the early days of social media, a notorious image circulated of an Indigenous man with raised fists, ready to strike. The photo was initially shared to mock and reinforce stereotypes of Indigenous peoples, but one word added to the image would change it forever.

SKODEN – an Indigenous shortening of “let’s go then” – ignited an instant Indigenous pop culture icon that spread like wildfire across Turtle Island and beyond.

But underneath the viral fame was a kind and generous Blackfoot man from Kainai who faced immense challenges while living on the streets. This documentary seeks to reclaim Pernell’s humanity, offering a deeper, more complex portrait of the man behind the meme.  

This is his story.

Upcoming Screenings

Stay tuned for upcoming screenings!

Credits
Producer(s)
Damien Eagle Bear
Writer(s)
Damien Eagle Bear
Editor(s)
Billy Calling First, Jasleen Kaur and Kane Stewart
Sound
Troy Slocum
Composer
Melody McKiver
Cinematography
Tamarra Canu
Executive Producer(s)
Priyanka Desai
About the Director

Damien Eagle Bear

Headshot of Damien EB, director of the documentary Skoden.
Damien EB, director of Skoden.

Damien Eagle Bear is a multifaceted filmmaker from the Kainai Nation of the Blackfoot Confederacy. He got his start with the short experimental documentary, Napi, which explored the Blackfoot trickster and the importance of telling Indigenous stories. It premiered at the opening night of the 37th American Indian Film Festival in 2012. Since then Damien’s work has progressed from short films (q’sapi times, Big Momma) to web series (The Bannocking) and hour long documentaries (#skoden). Damien continues to expand his horizons with work explores the themes of belonging and Indigenous resiliency.

 
Other films by Damien Eagle Bear

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