Aitamaako’tamisskapi Natosi: Before the Sun

From the outside, it looks like it’s only one human individual preparing for a race – it’s so much more than that. The relationship between Siksika people and horses is one that has been cultivated for hundreds of years. The Indian Relay race stems from these relationships. Though this is Logan Red Crow’s story, the horses she races with are central figures. The horses have their own unique relationships with everyone in the film. The film allows human-viewers to be immersed in the horses’ close physical, spiritual and emotional connections. The bonds between Logan as rider, the team who takes care of the horses, and Logan’s family, have to be unbreakable for Logan to be a contender in such dangerous events. Logan Red Crow has a loving and dedicated family behind her including a profoundly deep connection with her Father. It is the intense journey -the celebrations, the heartbreaks and the teachings -leading up to the races that pulls the audience along intimately with Logan, and the horses, and everyone who has helped them prepare. In essence, the film Aitamaako’tamisskapi Natosi: Before the Sun is an Indigenous story about love and one we do not see often enough.