[2] The movie was directed by Robin Davey and Yellow Thunder Woman, who are both members of LA Based alternative pop group The Bastard Fairies.

The documentary details several United States programs that have negative impacted the Native American population.

[4] Additionally, the film also describes the numerous issues on Native American reservations.

[4] The film features an interview with American Indian Movement leader Ward Churchill.

[1][5] The documentary's title comes from a quote by lawyer Felix Cohen: Like the miner’s canary, the Indian marks the shift from fresh air to poison gas in our political atmosphere, and our treatment of the Indians, even more than our treatment of other minorities, reflects the rise and fall of our democratic faith.