Authentic film can be a really useful way to incorporate Indigenous voices in the classroom, especially as a settler educator who does not have any lived experience. Here are a few examples:
Maq and the Spirit of the Woods (2006)
This short brings to life the idea of Elders and Spirits. It’s the story of a young Mi’kmaq boy learning more about story, medicine and song. Created by Phyllis Grant who is a Mi’kmaq from the Pabineau First Nation.
Nunavut Animation Lab: Qalupalik (2010)
Another short that takes place near the Arctic Ocean and depicts a young boy, Angutii, who does not want to listen to his parents. Created my Ame Papatsie, an Inuk artist based in Pangnirtung, Nunavut.
A number of different topics are covered in each of these episodes and can be used to teach about Cree culture and honoring tradition. The series is also available in Cree and in French which could be useful for French immersion educators.
Although these examples could most definitely be used in a middle school setting, I find some of them to be a little bit young. It appears there are a decent amount of film resources available for younger students and for older students as well but few that hit the 13-15 year old ages.