Just finished viewing the H.B.O. film Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee. I think that having gone through the allotment and sovereignty lessons in this Heartlines course gave me some of the needed background knowledge to connect and understand the Native perspective of Wounded Knee. I cannot be a judge of its accuracy but it seemed to align to most of what we have been discussing. (As a sidebar: I was also astounded to learn there is no word in any Native language that means to own land or to own the earth.)
The bonus features are a must to view. I regret not watching them first because there is an interactive on-screen historical guide where "throughout each episode a feather icon will appear over certain scenes allowing you access to jump-out menus. These menus offer an in depth understanding of the personal lives of historical figures, the dynamics of the political climate and the richness of American Indian culture." I will view it again with this option on!
I also thought The Heart of a People bonus feature which gave a Native perspective by the Native actors in the film enlightening. In it, one actor states that some Natives believe these events of allotment, boarding schools, Wounded Knee, etc. never happened to their ancestors. Another gives the reason behind the Ghost Dance as a remedy for social ills and a psychological pick me up. Yet another comes to the theory that allotment wasn't just to separate out the land but also in separating land you in turn separate the people and make them easier to assimilate.
The film's main purpose is to give the Native perspective of events and tell the story of survival not decimation. It wants to get across the Sioux's ability to overcome barriers put before them and live vital lives while bringing back their customs and language.
This film is a must-see for any history buff or one seeking background knowledge on why Wounded Knee happened in the first place.
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