At its best, skateboarding accepts everyone and anyone. You don't need a coach or expensive equipment or a team, just a willingness to get back up after falling over and over again. That's the true skater spirit and Joe has it.

So proud that he came right out of my reserve, and succeeded despite all the hardships

Joe Buffalo, besides being an absolute beast of a skater, is also one of the kindest and most humble people I have ever met. He is nice to everyone at the skatepark. He teaches young kids how to rip. He is a stand up guy on and off the board and Vancouver is lucky to have him. Thank you Joe Buffalo! We love you!

This man was there for me when I was down hittin' rock bottom. Thank you, Joe. Keep on keepin’ on, eh.

I started skating when I was 5 I'm 37 now. been though everything with my skating it was my outlet through my learning disabilities as a kid and now with my sobriety. 2 years sober keep pushing. ✌

Joe is a Canadian legend. Super cool guy

This video was very inspirational thank you. As a Cherokee growing up in the Southern Bible belt of Texas, skateboarding was my only escape and I wouldn't be alive today had it not been for what so many called a "useless wooden toy." It warms my heart to see indigenous professionals in skateboarding. 🤘❤️

When I hear the drums I hear my ancestors heartbeat ❤️🪶🥰

I met Joe at one of the most difficult times in my life. Joe was the sense of community that allowed me to feel comfortable in a place where I desperately needed an escape. I am thankful to have met him and I am so happy he is able to have a platform to share his story and help inspire others! this was very well done, cheers Joe!

This is absolutely brilliant. It takes you on an emotional ride and educates you on so many levels. So well film, edited, and a story you shouldn't ever forget. Who the *uck puts a thumb down on this Documentary.

Growing up in Ottawa, we always knew of Joe as a local skate legend, but never knew of his struggles. Glad to see he's healthy, recovering, and using his experience to try and make the world a better place. Absolute legend.

I've seen this man in dark times. Back in the square days in Ottawa. He has had some unbelievable battles with his demons. I'm proud of him. He has the strength of a Buffalo. A true modern warrior. Keep being you Joe. You're a good man

Born, raised, and still residing in Vancouver, this really hit me on so many levels. Thank you for using the tool of filmmaking for this. #215

What even more incredible than going pro young, is fighting for your life and anding grinding the whole way to finally make your dream after 35 years. There truly is no timeline on when things need to happen in life, just keep at it and it will come. Just keep getting back up no matter how many times you fall. Joe is an inspiration!

Thank you for supporting Joe & this film. The subtitles at 10:16 should say: "I went to a sweat lodge in Capilano Reserve" The music that is captioned "indigenous people singing and drumming" should be credited fully. It sounds like The Northern Cree. No matter who it is, it should be properly credited. Beautifully crafted film.

I still remember when Joe showed up at my local park when I was sixteen and killed the biggest hubba in the park and remember thinking to myself who is this dude . I love you Joe, we’ve never met but just know you inspired me to skate harder as a teenager and now to fight harder as an adult to end this racism our generations are still stuck in. Much love to you and your family. Thank you for sharing your story.

My parents sent me to residential schools and they've caused many problems for me, even as an adult now at 45 years old. First cigarette was when I was 11, first time getting drunk I was 12. I used to skate as a kid, wish I had never stopped. Sober now and quit smoking years ago but the psychological scars endure.

This really made me cry. So similar to how we treat our indigenous communities in my country. I'm so happy to know he's paying it forward. What an amazing story of redemption. You are inspiration, Joe. Will show this to my students.

He wasn’t even allowed to see his parents except twice a year 💔💔💔💔 each part of residential school is mortifying. The kids are so vulnerable.

He looks like His Grandfather!! So glad He is healing 💖💖💖

Had the pleasure of meeting him today, he was a really nice dude

TURTLE ISLAND LEGEND!!!

What incredible strength of character. I’m just so sorry for what you and your family went through. I can’t imagine the horror. Your resilience will break the cycle and inspire many generations to come. Thank you for sharing your story, Joe.

My son is on this video SYI I LOVE ❤️ THIS ..THANKS JOE

Dear Amar Cherub, Joe Buffalo, and The New Yorker, Thank you for producing and sharing this powerful documentary.

I feel ashamed as a canadian; and my country has the audacity to make a reconciliation day... like if anything has been solved🙄! Keep skating Joe

Keep on skateboarding and live forever, Joe Buffalo. Salutations cordiales de Québec.

Thank you for this movie. It deserves an award. Incredible imagery and story. Joe is a hero!

Keep shredding Joe Buffalo! My grandparents were sent to boarding school here in the states back in the 1920s, they met, ran away at night, and got married the next day so they couldn't be sent back. Peace brother!

I personally think the Native American culture is absolutely beautiful! My mom grew up in South Dakota so i learned a deep respect very young. Beautifully Documented story; my heart and respect goes out to him

Nothing but love and respect.

skateboarding loves you and your strength keeps the wheels turning

SKATEBOARDING SAVE LIVES!!!

This is so powerful and beautiful, thank you Joe for sharing part of your story and giving others permission to share theirs. Shine and skate on!

Amazing story. I'm glad he shared it with us.

I worked in the skateboard industry for a long time and I’ve known Joe he’s always been a beast on the board and such a rad dude off the board I never realized what he went through and what a lot of my native / First Nation friends in canada went through. This was a touching story that I really do hope more people see.

thank you joe for telling so many of our stories

✊🏾🪶🐚💨 Biggest Blessings Brother, Appreciate you and your story. We still here my Brother 🦅🤜🏾🤛🏾

I will never forget skateboarding with you in Edmonton. I love you Joe and I am so happy that you are on a path that you can find happiness in brother. Thank you for your courage in sharing with the world your story and the story of those before you!

I've met Joe back in 09 when I was in Vancouver to improve my English! He is a great character and fun to hang out with! So glad to see that he is doing well! Thanks for this well made documentary!

I watched Joe skate in his earlier years. We frequented the same parks. Different sports, but I could tell he was a cut above the rest. I never knew his story. I never knew he excelled as much as he did. This story is relevant, inspirational and sobering at the same time. Joe, congrats on your successes. I’m glad you found the path out of the troubled past. All the best in your future endeavours. Thanks for sharing your story with us.

I’m so deeply moved by Joe’s story. His vulnerability and willingness to rise again and again and once more is beyond inspiring. Powerful and sacred. Thank you for sharing this. Skating is unique, even if you fall, hard, you have the choice to get back up and try again. Rise, rise, rise again.

Wow 👏 is all i can say. MAY THE PEOPLE HAVE VOICE! BUFFALO🤟💪💛

im 53 once a skater always a skater. I miss my bros- your story is deep brother.

It's a very powerfull documentary Joe!!! I got some tears man... Never in a million years i thougth you live all that madness when you were skating, partying and chilling in Montréal in the early 2000. I am pround of you. You have de courage to make this awsome documentary. Thank you Joe!

Truly inspiring. Glad you battled your demons to move on and make the world a better place. Genuineness can go a long way.

This is my brother, my homie , so proud of you Joe. Keep at it always . Legend

Thank you Joe. Thank you for educating us.

Peace Joe. Keep doing what you're doing. Keep giving to the kids. Keep talking to the younger you. It matters

Hey Joe, thank you for sharing your story. It is so important because the world needs to see that the trauma and damage still exist in the present. It is not a relic of the past. Wishing you peace, strength and love.

This guy taught me how to skate in Ottawa it’s your boy lapenskie great job and thanks again

I know the feeling, I don't want to do this anymore but I can't stop. Inspiring film.

A living legend and miracle!

Always brings the session up, skates harder and faster on everything.

Thank you for sharing, Joe Buffalo!

Watched this for an English first peoples class today. I felt goosebumps, this is really powerful,I am really glad he succeeded ! - grade 11 student

Everyone needs to watch this. The courage to share your story, break the trauma, inspire others, speak your truth….This was incredible! This man 👏 👏 WOW

With Love n Respect to Brother Joe and Respect to the New Yorker for putting it out to be experienced. I find it So indicative of what the Canadian government has always been to Canadian broadcasting. Joe is Canadian, that's truth, where's the reconciliation in acknowledging, supporting and helping the rest of Canada know more Indigenous Ppl's stories. When does Canadian history and Canadian stories start to matter more to the Canadian government? To Brother Joe, Real stays Real, It can't B anything but and So Appreciate U for B'ing 1 of the Real 1s Love n Blessings Family!!!

Thank you Joe 🤘🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️🤘🏻 Thank you Tony 🤘🏻❤️🤘🏻

Absolutely empowering. Sharing your story will do so much to educate others about the atrocities Indigenous peoples faced. Sharing your strength and achievement will inspire others to do the same. As a skater and an Albertan, thank you, Joe.

Blessings brother🙏

Joe is truly a living legend and a big inspiration to us all! Respect

What a beautiful film! Joe Buffalo is so humble and inspiring ... his story so instructive.

You Sir, are braver than you know. You are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story.

Joe , you are an inspiration! 🥲

Met him today, what a awesome guy :D

What is the beauty of skateboarding not what you do on the skateboard. But the COMMUNITY that surrounds the skateboard. We all different in some way and deep down in the culture we are all equal. This is why I love skateboarding ❤️❤️ #skateboardingisfun

Pretty fantastic storytelling. Glad things are turning back around for Joe. Also, interesting mash-up of documentary with a swirl of narrative filmmaking or re-shot scenes mixed in there. Def provokes more emotion. Pushes the boundaries of the strictly straight doc.

I met Joe the beginning of 2015 in Edmonton, we were in the same career program, nicest dude ever. Gave him rides without him even having to ask how nice he is, just seen this on tiktok and had to watch it. It was winter time and he still carried around a skateboard, I'm happy he followed his dream.

Joe. You freaking shred bro. I'm 39. Got addicted to heroin real bad due to my childhood Trauma. I'm f'n miserable. My jars about to explode. I want to get better very soon. I'm getting ready to leave this all behind for a better version of myself. Homelessness, suicide letters just like you talked about 😫😫 I know what your talking about. I used to skate and I mean hard. I stopped at about 26-27 due to the heroin. Quit playing in all the punk bands I used to be in too. I want to get back to that life. You really gave me hope with this story. Please reach out m say hi if you see this. I want you on my side, I want to be on yours. Much love and respect o.g.

1 word; Legend.

What a true survivor

Great vid. Thanks for making this! Guys (and gals) like Joe need to have their stories heard. They have the potential to inspire millions.

Great cinematography and inspirational story telling !

So much respect for him being vulnerable and sharing his and his family’s trauma Also I’m gonna try and find his board for sale somewhere that does international shipping If anyone knows of a skate shop and can send a link on it would be hugely appreciated

skateboard warrior of peace

Madness, so sorry this happened to you and your people...keep skating , stay free✌🏻💚

What an inspiration 💯 this motivation and sense of "being a part of something bigger" is so valuable to the future. I appreciate and idolize people that give back to their community. Much respect 🙏

I knew Joe growing up he was an amazing person. I was always super impressed at his skills in skateboarding. I was unaware that he had that childhood and It's upsetting to know that people were treated like that.

This needs to be seen in every Canadian high school. So cool that the skatepark at the end is the Britannia DIY one.

This is fkng beautiful. Thank you.

I loved this. Anyone who is 30+ and still ripping inspired me to get back on the board after 15 years. Especially with stories like mine. Killed it as a kid then lost it all to drugs. 10 years sober now and took me this long just to get back on the board now I’m lovin it more than ever. Didn’t think I had it in me.

Gunałchéesh, thank you for sharing your history and trauma. May you and your family find healing ❤️

Joe, you are an idol.

Amazing documentary! Keep on inspiring Joe!

Joe Buffalo is an inspirational dude. Met him once a couple years back and he'd a genuinely nice person. Love you, Joe!!

I've skated with Joe randomly a few times over the years around Vancouver, always been a positive influence and an awesome dude, really cool to see this !

God bless skateboarding. It saves so many young lives in so many ways. Much love to all the skateboarding lost souls out there. Never give up and always push as hard as you can!

God bless you Joe

Heartbreaking ...and Amazing.

Please do more stories on Residential schools in North America, people need to know about this stuff!

watched this and was moved to tears .... that tribal music i felt that

I’ve met Joe many times over the years, he is the best. This documentary was a thing of beauty, hopefully Joe’s story will touch the hearts and minds of all who watch.

My complete respect to you Sir. Peace. 😇😇❤❤

Thanks for sharing your powerful story. ✌️

Annndddd now I must have his pro model.

Right on joe! Love you brother!!

Such an inspirational person 🧡 Thank you for sharing his story.

Bless his heart

Excellent film. Powerful and inspiring story.