Anyone familiar with Native American history knows about Pine Ridge in South Dakota. Most will be overly familiar with depictions of poverty and desperation that are centered in most media about one of America’s best-known reservations. On The Ridge exists specifically to address the lack of positive content about the people living on and around the Pine Ridge reservation.
Following teachers in Lakota language programs, volunteers, local entrepreneurs, activists, and semi-local support and assistance programs, On The Ridge looks at the less shocking but equally interesting aspects of life on the reservation. We hear the hopes, dreams, efforts, and struggles of people fighting to preserve and uplift their culture. While focused on the positive, On The Ridge includes several tear-jerking moments as the film’s subjects recall tough times or frustrating circumstances, but the film always returns to building a positive, supportive, and healthy community in Pine Ridge.
The most substantial flaw of this documentary is its almost sales-pitch-like tone. The filmmaker’s voiceovers and the video chosen to accompany these sections are distracting and remind me more of a business-to-business advertisement than a documentary. This is the only complaint I can make about this film, however. The positive focus and honest conversations in On The Ridge make this a valuable documentary for anyone interested in Native American lives in the modern day.
Those interested in activism (and supporting activists) will want to see this documentary: Not only do Lakota people living in Pine Ridge speak about their experience with various forms of activism in their community, but they and those who work closely with them share helpful knowledge about reaching and serving the various demographics on which they focus their efforts. If your patrons enjoy documentaries about Native Americans, consider adding On The Ridge to your collection. Highly Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
On The Ridge would be an excellent addition to Native American documentary library shelves, but it would also fit into film collections about activists.
What kind of college instructors could use this title?
Those teaching Native American history and culture, and those teaching non-profit management or public administration will find the most value in classroom use of On The Ridge.