There are moments in this documentary that you feel so guilty for having perpetuated some sort of stereotype in ignorance. For that simple reason along it is imperative for you to watch this. However, this isn’t the goal of this film. Instead, the directors Neil Diamond, Catherine Bainbridge and Jeremiah Hayes take us down the road towards understanding through the tragedy, injustice, humour and triumph of Native people throughout the world. This isn’t just about “Natives” but about humanity. There is a lot of footage and commentary that makes this an enriching experience. But laced with that are entertaining and compelling elements of scandals and shocking revelations. If there is one documentary that you’re going to wade into this year let it be this one. As a Salvadorian Mestizo I am only starting to become aware of the depth that exists when we understand not only our own culture but those that surround us.
“If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian, he can live in peace…
Treat all men alike. Give them all thesame law. Give them all an even chanceto live and grow.
All men were made bythe same Great Spirit Chief.
They are all brothers. The Earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it….
Let me be a free man,free to travel,free to stop,free to work,free to trade where I choose my own teachers, free to follow the religion of my fathers,free to think and talk and act for myself, and I will obey every law, or submit to the penalty.”
Heinmot Tooyalaket ( Chief Joseph), Nez Perce Leader