Hunter-Warrior Of the Plains

An interesting docu-drama about life on the Northern Plains for a Native American circa the 1860s, Hunter-Warrior of the Plains stars Native American historian, author, lecturer, and actor Joseph Marshall III as a hunter-warrior father who is teaching his sons Little Elk and Badger the necessary skills of scouting, tracking, making and shooting bows and arrows, and building snare traps. Combining the dual roles of provider and protector, the hunter-warrior had to ensure that enough game was caught to feed his family while constantly being on the lookout for enemy tribes or the increasing presence of the white man. Written and narrated by Marshall, the video lacks a strong central narrative (it's not Dances With Wolves); however, as a demonstration of the rigors of daily life for the Plains Indians (not to mention the artistry in creating useful solutions to problems--such as attaching feathers to arrows for greater flight accuracy), this program is a good introduction. Recommended. (R. Pitman)