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The Natives: This Is Our America

Documentary looking at what it is like to be a young Native American today, focusing on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

Documentary looking at what it is like to be a young Native American, focusing on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Beset with alcohol and drug problems, this South Dakotan reservation is desperate to revive ancient traditions and joins the protest against the Dakota Access oil pipeline, which they say threatens their land.

Pine Ridge is home to the Lakota Sioux and is one of the poorest areas of America, with many struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. The Lakota were forced on to the reservation in the late 1800s, their customs and religion stripped away over decades.

But things are changing. Schools are now reviving traditional ceremonies, banned by the government until 1978, and young people are returning to Lakota ways.

The film follows a symbolic buffalo kill at Little Wound High and 18-year-old Arthur's journey as a new father. Transgender teen Sky and his friends join thousands of other activists at the Standing Rock protest camp to protect the Sioux Tribe's water supply, which they say is under threat from the Dakota Access pipeline.

46 minutes

Last on

Wed 19 Jul 201723:50

Music Played

  • The Ting Tings

    Fruit Machine

  • Marilyn Manson

    This Is Halloween

  • Ólafur Arnalds

    Til Enda

  • The Ting Tings

    Be The One

  • Bonobo

    Cirrus

  • Clean Bandit & Noonie Bao

    Dust Clears

  • Mercury Rev

    Holes

  • Woodkid

    Run Boy Run

Credits

RoleContributor
NarratorStacey Dooley
Executive ProducerMike Blair
DirectorFrankie Fathers
Production ManagerAlex Horsfall
Production CompanyShiver

Broadcasts

  • Wed 19 Jul 201723:30
  • Wed 19 Jul 201723:50