The Onondaga Nation is a resilient bastion of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, embodying the spirit of the Great Law of Peace. As an early exemplar of democracy, the Onondaga Nation's influence echoes through history, inspiring both the Founding Fathers and the women's suffrage movement. The film dances between past and present, capturing the Onondaga Nation's struggle for environmental justice and freedom throughout American history.
Fueled by ancient traditions and strong heritage, they wage a legal battle against the U.S., confronting the violation of a 1794 treaty with George Washington that protected ancestral lands now seized by New York State. The Good Mind traces the Onondaga's tireless environmental advocacy, unveiling the heartbreaking degradation inflicted upon their sacred lands and waters by industrial exploitation and expanding suburbs. This poignant tale documents a quest for environmental stewardship, illuminating the Onondaga Nation's indomitable spirit against the backdrop of its historical legacy and contemporary challenges.
The Good Mind is one of the best documentaries about Native Americans that I’ve seen all year. Not only is this documentary informative and entertaining, it’s beautifully shot and follows a saga that has run the length of American history. The Good Mind hits on many big topics, making this a must-see documentary for a variety of different interests including Native culture and politics, American History, constitutional law, environmentalism, activism, and more.
Lovers of documentary film will be enamored by the thoughtful editing and camera placement throughout the film. Those interested in the history of Native Americans will be struck by the deep conversations surrounding the Haudenosaunee, called the Iroquois by the French. Those with a passion for justice will be enthralled by the dramatic editing that forms a cohesive narrative between different people and times. Highly Recommended. Editor’s Choice.
Where does this film belong on public library shelves?
The Good Mind is a perfect fit for Native, Law, and History documentary shelves.
What kind of college instructor could use this title?
Anyone teaching the history of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy or early American history will want to use The Good Mind in the classroom.