Skip to content
MUSEUM AND NWFC CLOSED: The Portland Art Museum and Northwest Film Center are closed in an effort to further stem the spread of COVID-19. All public programs, screenings, and events are canceled until further notice. Stay connected to art, film, and more by signing up for our newsletter.

Director: Lawrence Johnson

Alaskan Native Wisdom: The People of the Caribou

Directed by Lawrence Johnson

Athabascans have inhabited Alaska for over 14,500 years. Also known as the Caribou People, there are 12 distinct linguistic groups …

Alaskan Native Wisdom: The People of the Whale

Directed by Lawrence Johnson

The Inupiaq people are experiencing unprecedented changes and yet continue to cherish their rich way of life in the uppermost …

No image available

Baling Baling

Directed by Lawrence Johnson

In rice fields of the Indonesian island of Bali, farmers keep the birds away with rhythmic noisemakers, plastic bags, and …

No image available

Cube Variations

Directed by Lawrence Johnson

Repetition and unfulfilled anticipation fuel this abstract experiment with animated objects.

Native Wisdom Films

Directed by Lawrence Johnson

Wisdom of the Elders, a Portland cultural organization, records and preserves the history and arts — music, dance, storytelling and …

Native Wisdom: The People of Oregon’s Interior

Directed by Lawrence Johnson

Featuring several of Oregon’s interior tribes, including the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Reservation, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, and Confederated …

Native Wisdom: The People of the Oregon Coast

Directed by Lawrence Johnson

Native American elders, indigenous scientists, and cultural leaders from the Pacific Coast–including the Confederated Tribes of Siletz, Confederated Tribes of …

The Native Wisdom Documentary Film Series

Directed by Lawrence Johnson, Tim Keenan Burgess

Presented in conjunction with Portland-based non-profit Wisdom of the Elders, this short series explores how climate change is affecting native …