A provocative multi-media project that establishes Native history as an essential part of American history. The centerpiece of this initiative is a television series that tells five heartbreaking, yet inspiring stories. Together they highlight Native ingenuity and resilience over the course of 300 years. The series upends two-dimensional stereotypes of American Indians as simply ferocious warriors or peaceable lovers of the land.
Episodes include:
1. After the Mayflower - In 1621, Massasoit, sachem of the Wampanoags of New England negotiated a treaty with Pilgrim settlers. A half-century later, as a brutal war flared between the English and a confederation of Indians, this diplomatic gamble seemed to have been a grave miscalculation. Directed by Chris Eyre.
2. Tecumseh's Vision - In the course of his brief and meteoric career, Tecumseh would become one of the greatest Native American leaders of all time, orchestrating the most ambitious pan-Indian resistance movement ever mounted on the North American continent. After his death he would live on as a potent symbol of Native pride and pan Indian identity. Directed by Ric Burns and Chris Eyre.
3. Trail of Tears - Though the Cherokee embraced ""civilization"" and won recognition of tribal sovereignty in the U.S. Supreme Court, their resistance to removal from their homeland failed. Thousands were forced on a perilous march to Oklahoma. Directed by Chris Eyre.
4. Geronimo - As the leader of the last Native American fighting force to capitulate to the U.S. government, Geronimo was seen by some as the perpetrator of unspeakable savage cruelties, while to others he was the embodiment of proud resistance. Directed by Dustinn Craig and Sarah Colt.
5. Wounded Knee - In 1973, American Indian Movement activists and residents of the Pine Ridge Reservation occupied the town of Wounded Knee, demanding redress for grievances. As a result of the siege, Indians across the country forged a new path into the future. Directed by Stanley Nelson.
Bonus features include:
The We Shall Remain 30-minute preview film, which combines a sneak preview of the documentary films, with a behind-the-scenes look at the production of the series.
Scenes from the Native Now project, including films on language, sovereignty , and enterprise.
Behind the scenes footage, including Apache Dance, Wardrobe and Makeup, Cherokee language, and Nipmuc Language.
Printable materials for educators and librarians, including resources for social studies educators to integrate Native American history into curricula; bibliographies for each of the five programs; and related Web sites and resources for further learning.
An Event Kit for Libraries.
Series Narrator: Benjamin Bratt
Series Composer: John Kusiak
Executive Producer: Sharon Grimberg
Producer: MArk Samels, Sharon Grimberg
Production Year: 2009
Copyright Year: 2009
Director: Chris Eyre, Sharon Grimberg
Narrator: Benjamin Bratt
Number of Discs: 3
Length: 450 minutes
Language Track: English
Audio Format: 5.1 Surround
Aspect Ratio: 16x9 Widescreen