Young Lakota

Two young Native Americans attempt to balance respect for their culture with the realities of modern life in this PBS-aired Independent Lens documentary. Sunny, an Oglala Lakota who lives on South Dakota's Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, worries about the health problems that plague the local population. The 21-year-old, who works in a convenience store, also expresses fears about the limited career options for women. Her boyfriend is already talking about children, but she isn't ready (she's also concerned that his problems with alcohol will only get worse). Her 23-year-old neighbor, Brandon, a father of two, studies television production and works on a current affairs podcast. During the filming, the state of South Dakota seeks to ban abortion except in cases where the mother's life is at stake. Sunny's mentor, Cecelia Fire Thunder, Pine Ridge's first female president, speaks out against the initiative, arguing that it doesn't apply to tribal lands, but so many of her constituents disagree that she is ultimately impeached and Vice President Alex White Plume takes over. When Alex invites Brandon to serve as his public relations director, the young man jumps at the chance to make a difference and better provide for his family. As Brandon moves up in the world, Sunny stays in the same place, underscoring her point about the difficulties facing Native women, although she continues to stand up for herself and Cecelia achieves some success in her efforts to insure that Native women will have better resources in terms of reproductive health and protection from domestic violence. Presented in the full-length version or a 52-minute broadcast edition, this is a solid documentary about tribal politics that features strong personal stories. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)