Jode - ProfilesArchive

About Me

I am currently conducting presentations on Native identity, suicide awareness and empowerment. Below are samples of my video work and editing as well as performances by the young hip hop group I manage: POETIC WARRIORZ. My blood is Chippewa and Oneida and I believe in myself, my family and my people. I have completed Part I of the documentary 'Three Nations One Story' , (the video below is a five minute trailer) an independent film about Native identity and suicide awareness. I'm a writer by choice, a director (cause if ya want something done right you have to do it yourself lol) and a producer (cause no one else wants the job). My production company is based out of London, ON, Canada. Exciting times ahead and I hope to bring my people with me...if you would like to know more about me then check out my blog...to all my relations...peace and love...
ps/ I am spiritual, but not religous...just so ya know...haha
Like my videos, the Poetic Warriorz are raw and real. It's about truth & respect. The Poetic Warrriorz are a Native Hip Hop group aimed at inspiring change in our youth...this was shot on my rez...and wouldn't ya know it...the song is called "On My Rez"...like I said...very raw footage...sound dubbed in for lack of quality...check it out! RAW, EMOTIONAL, INTENSE...PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE NEXT VIDEO IS VERY PERSONAL. The song is called "Miss You". The truth comes from our youth...enjoy!The following music video was shot in mid-August 2007. The music was produced by Quese IMC, the artist is the multi-talented Happy...the video was filmed and directed by yours truly...please be kind, we shot in about two hours, no budget, limited time, and no actors...but considering the circumstances of a lack of time and money, I think we did a pretty good job...check it out!

My Interests

The entire process of film, from the very first idea, that spawns other ideas that builds into a story that builds into a screenplay...to...the process of organizing and directing and working with a good crew...to editing and going into debt...and preparing for that jump off that cliff in hopes that everything will be alright...Saving lives...there was a time when we could drink the water that nature provided, when walking wasn't a hassle, but a way of life. There was a time when our children had the freedom to be children. A time when animals were respected for all they do and men and women walked together. Now things are different...life is in dispair...the world is in crisis...saving lives...Truth...in pursuit of truth...forever interested in the mystery of life...

I'd like to meet:

Obwandiyag (the hunter) aka Pontiac, the Odawa/Ojibway War Chief who led a military campaign against the British empire in 1763 and the reason we have land claims and treaties today. I would like to sit down with our Principal Chief Odhumeeko in 1818 before the signing of the Longwoods Treaty and let him know what the British really had planned for our people and our land...I'd like to meet Tecumseh, the Shawnee/Delaware war chief, and let him know that he was doing the right thing and that the future generations would benefit from his existence...

Music:

Gimme a sound that's real. One that is born out of imagination, talent, emotion and soul. The time for commercial is near it's end...

Movies:

too many...Scarface, Natural Born Killers, True Romance, Gladiator, Boondock Saints, Shreck, Old School, Rocky, Star Wars, The Matrix, The Chronicles of Riddick, Casino, Smoke Signals, Geronimo...many more...

Television:

If you'd like to see a couple of short videos I've shot go to youtube.com...search 'jkechego'

Books:

How Twenty Film Directors Got Their Start, The Toughest Indian in the World, 101 Habits of Highly Successful Screenwriters, Chippewa Customs, and several shooting scripts...

Heroes:

My father, may he rest in peace, despite the violence, I understand and am proud to be alive.My mother, who represents strength; common sense is the foundation of my direction, I have my mother to thank for that realization.My children, including all their friends and relatives...a hero inspires...a hero is someone you want to be around...a hero makes you feel safe...a hero can make everything okay in an instant...yeah, definitely the young people are my heros

My Blog

Potential

I was ten years old when I sat on the church steps on my reservation, wondering about my future and the future of other kids like me. I told myself that I would not allow other kids go through the thi...
Posted by Jode on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 02:05:00 PST

The Creator Cries No More

Today as I ponder the future of you and I, I cannot help but to feel sad. I want to give you something. A promise. A promise from my heart. I promise to be there for you one day and we will be togethe...
Posted by Jode on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 09:47:00 PST

The Spirit of a Boy

When I think about the issues my son faces today, it brings me back. When my son was born it was a magical experience. I remember holding him for the first time. Tiny hands, tiny feet and legs, wrinkl...
Posted by Jode on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 03:22:00 PST

Capitalism

There is an old Native proverb that states, "Only after the last tree has been cut down, only after the last river has been poisoned, only after the last fish has been caught, only then will you find ...
Posted by Jode on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 01:19:00 PST

My Seven Day Fast

First of all, to my many supporters: THANK YOU for showing the love and sending all your positive messages. Sometimes as a writer, I do not always know whether or not anyone else will 'get' what I am ...
Posted by Jode on Mon, 04 Jun 2007 01:36:00 PST

Forgiviving is seeing

I placed my tobacco in my hand today and I went to the water. I did not close my eyes; I did not have to. My prayers are no more profound with my eyes closed or open, so I kept them open. I looked out...
Posted by Jode on Mon, 23 Apr 2007 12:05:00 PST

Historical Contemplation

I do not consider myself Canadian or American. Sure I may say the words at the border, I pick my battles, but I do not believe it. I refuse to be catagorically defined by such a disgraceful history. A...
Posted by Jode on Mon, 09 Apr 2007 08:43:00 PST

Sometimes I write like a fool...

Relationships are delicate. If you manage to understand everything that is going on while it is going on, well, you're way ahead of me. I think sharp turns, ups, downs, hidden driveways, all can be ap...
Posted by Jode on Tue, 27 Feb 2007 01:56:00 PST

A glimpse into the life that I have endured and the life that I continue to live...

Who am I? When I was a boy I lived in fear. Fear from my father and the violence that followed his life around. I remember seeing my mother, face bloodied, eyes swollen, tears of pain and dispair. I r...
Posted by Jode on Fri, 11 Aug 2006 08:37:00 PST