#skoden @ Venables Theatre

Event Dates:
  • Sun • October 26, 2025 • 6:00 PM
  • Event Cost: $14

TELUS originals is proud to announce the world premiere of #skoden, a new feature documentary by Damien Eagle Bear. The film explores the story behind one of NDN Country’s most iconic memes and reclaims the humanity of the man at its center, Pernell Bad Arm.

#Skoden is written, directed and produced by Damien Eagle Bear (Napi, Big Momma, The Bannocking). It was filmed on location in Lethbridge and the Blood Reserve on traditional Blackfoot Territory.

Every meme has its story. #skoden delves into the origins of NDN country’s most iconic meme to redefine the man at the center of it all, 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. But underneath the viral fame was a kind and generous Blackfoot man from Kainai who faced immense challenges while living on the streets. This documentary seeks to reclaim Pernell’s humanity, offering a deeper, more complex portrait of the man behind the meme.
​
This is his story.