The stories shared of Indigenous peoples, and especially Indigenous women, are often centered around the traumas that colonization has inflicted. “Aitamaako’tamisskapi Natosi: Before the Sun” focuses instead on the inspiring courage, drive and power of Logan Red Crow building connections with all of the people, animals and place she comes from to achieve a goal that seems impossible.

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.

The significance of a Siksika woman racing against men in a race where there has never been a woman rider empowers young Indigenous women to overcome challenges against overwhelming odds. The focus is not overtly on the racism and sexism that Indigenous women in the prairies constantly deal with, but on the hope, determination and love of a beautiful family that allows them to transcend all barriers.

Though this is Logan’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.

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. The film “Aitamaako’tamisskapi Natosi: Before the Sun” is a story about love – their love for one another.