LaDonna Harris: Indian 101

Full-blooded Comanche LaDonna Harris entered the spotlight in the mid-1960s when she developed the “Indian 101” class for colleagues of her husband, Democratic Senator Fred Harris. The class was in response to ignorance about Native Americans, coupled with governmental and cultural attitudes favoring total assimilation—or, as LaDonna puts it, “no more Indians.” Filmmaker Julianna Brannum traces Harris's life from her Oklahoma childhood through her Washington years and work with various agencies and organizations, up through her current focus—as president of the nonprofit Americans for Indian Opportunity—on building solidarity with native peoples worldwide. The film features insightful interviews with Harris, as well as activists and representatives of Native American and other indigenous cultures. Archival stills and film clips illustrate Harris's rise from being the charismatic wife of a senator—quietly picking up connections and political skills—to her role in the forefront of the Native American rights movement. She was an important influence on Lyndon B. Johnson's signing of the Indian Civil Rights Act, as well as the first Congressional spouse to testify before a House committee, and a key representative in the groundbreaking caucus formed to position women for election to public office. Harris talks about the difference between her low-key approach to activism and that of the more radical American Indian Movement, outlining the strategies she has used throughout her career. A well-made biography of a living heroine, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg)