EOU alumna becomes emerging filmmaker, plans to tell Indigenous stories

EOU alumna becomes emerging filmmaker, plans to tell Indigenous stories

An Indigenous EOU alumna and emerging filmmaker is the recipient of a grant from Oregon Film. 

Daisy Sue Minthorn is a Cayuse/Palouse, an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation of Washington, and a lifelong resident of Pendleton. She is also a graduate of Eastern Oregon University with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and sociology. 

Last week Minthorn was awarded camera equipment that she will use to tell stories. 

Seven Indigenous storytellers have been named Confluence Filmmaker Fellows, as the nonprofit Confluence launches its inaugural program to showcase emerging Native visual artists.

After earning her degree at EOU, Minthorn said she took several jobs with tribal governments  and acquired what she called, “a weird administrative background that prepared her to be a storyteller.” 

Throughout the year, Confluence and a Judging Committee will meet with the Fellows to provide mentorship opportunities, culminating in a film screening and celebration in Spring 2024.

“We will have opportunities to engage, and work together, with writers and others,” Minthorn said. “It’s really amazing.”

Minthorn plans to create videos that showcase the beauty of the usual and accustomed homelands.

Minthorn described her time at EOU as a step, a progression, to where she is now. Minthorn said her son has turned 18, leaving her more time to pursue “passion projects.” Now she is ready to share her culture with others through film.