Maine Public Television will premiere “Called to Lead”, a powerful new documentary chronicling the life and legacy of Chief Brenda Commander on Thursday, May 22 at 9 p.m. with encore broadcasts on Friday, May 23 at 1 a.m. and Saturday, May 24 at 2 p.m.
Chief Brenda Commander was born and raised in northern Maine, where the Indigenous community endured generations of poverty, domestic violence and systemic racial discrimination. Despite these deep-rooted challenges, Brenda emerged as a trailblazer — becoming the first woman to serve as chief of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians.
“Called to Lead” traces her early years spent on the Maliseet reservation in neighboring Canada, her return to Houlton and her journey through adversity in a predominantly white society. The film captures her extraordinary resilience, visionary leadership and enduring commitment to her people.
Filmmakers Pam Maus and Susanna Liller, driven by a shared mission to elevate the voices of women and girls, were inspired to bring Chief Commander’s compelling story to the screen. The result is a moving and timely documentary that amplifies Indigenous voices and celebrates the transformative power of leadership.
“Called to Lead” is a tribute to courage, identity and the strength it takes to rise — and lead.
