Award-Winning Documentary ‘#skoden’ Set for Broadcast Debut on National Indigenous Peoples Day

The broadcast debut of Penticton-based filmmaker Damien Eagle Bear’s #skoden will air on June 21, 2026. Filmed in Lethbridge, Alberta, and on traditional Blackfoot Territory, #skoden explores the story behind one of NDN Country’s most iconic memes and reclaims the humanity of Pernell Bad Arm, the man at its center. #skoden world premiered at Hot Docs in 2025, and will be available to watch free on demand on TELUS Optik TV starting on National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Every image has a story. #skoden delves into the origins of NDN country’s most iconic meme to redefine the man in the photo, 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. Underneath the viral fame was a kind and generous Blackfoot man from the Kainai First Nation who faced immense challenges while living on the streets. This documentary reclaims Pernell’s humanity and offers a deeper, more complex portrait of the man behind the meme.  This is his story.  

#skoden is written, directed and produced by Damien Eagle Bear (Napi, Big Momma, The Bannocking). Eagle Bear is an award-winning filmmaker from the Kainai First Nation and is based between BC and Alberta, whose work explores themes of belonging and Indigenous resiliency. #skoden, his feature film debut, has traveled the festival circuit globally winning the Earl A. Glick Emerging Canadian Filmmaker Award at Hot Docs and Best BC Director at the DOXA Documentary Film Festival in 2025. The film features Mark Brave Rock, a friend of Pernell’s and founder of Sage Clan, a grassroots organization that specializes in engaging those who need it most.