Lakota Nation vs. United States, directed by Laura Tomaselli and Jesse Short Bull, is a unique documentary chronicling the Lakota Indians' struggle to reclaim the Black Hills, a sacred land stolen in violation of multiple treaty agreements. The film offers a detailed history from the Lakota perspective, challenging the one-sided narratives commonly taught in U.S. schools and media.
Beginning with the arrival of Europeans and focusing on the mid-1800s onward, the documentary explores over 400 treaties between the U.S. government and Native American tribes, highlighting how each agreement further eroded Indigenous lands. It opens with the Dakota 38 mass execution in 1862, progressing to the Lakota tribe's fight over the Black Hills as it begins its poetic dance between noteworthy events through time.
Narrated by Native American poet Layli Long Soldier, the film delves into the tragic history of extermination and assimilation, including the brutal boarding schools aimed at erasing Native culture. It showcases the ongoing Landback movement, emphasizing the Lakotas' demands for reparations, clean water, and the return of their lands.
The film also covers recent protests, such as DAPL and those sparked by Donald Trump's July 4th celebration at Mount Rushmore. A compelling and visually stunning documentary, it elicits strong emotions and provides a crucial perspective on the Lakota's enduring struggle to protect their sacred land and cultural heritage.
Lakota Nation vs. United States is incredibly artful and poetic, using striking visuals and archival footage to weave together a quilt of history from the Lakota perspective. From the first until the last moment of this film, I was stunned by the quality of the cinematography and the subtle meaning behind the images, cartoons, advertisements, and movie scenes interspersed between interview segments.
The unique style of this film makes it a must-see for anyone interested in documentary filmmaking, and the quality of its content makes Lakota Nation vs. United States a film every Native American history buff will be delighted to see on the shelf. If you’re expanding history or Native film collections, consider Lakota Nation vs. United States above all other films. Highly Recommended. Editor’s Choice.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
Lakota Nation vs. United States belongs on history, Native American, and cultural documentary shelves.
What kind of college instructor could use this film?
Lakota Nation vs. United States would be a perfect addition to any history class discussing either Native American history as a whole or touching on the US extermination of plains natives during the latter half of the 19th century.