By: Mercedes Dunn/Media Intern
TVLSE, Oklahoma – On June 7 Mvskoke Radio brought on filmmaker Jesse Short Bull to the program. Short Bull and Laura Tomashelli are the co-directors of the documentary, “Lakota Nation vs. United States”. The film features the poetry of Layli Long Soldier and was executive produced by Jodi Archambault, Kevin Killer, Sarah Eagle Heart, and Mark Ruffalo.
The documentary shows the Lakota people fighting against the federal government to protect and reclaim their sacred land, the Black Hills. The Lakota tribe is located in Western South Dakota, where their sacred land was stolen. This was an infringement of U.S. treaty agreements between the federal government and the tribe. The film shows the ways that the United States has neglected historical wrongs done to Indigenous communities.
“Lakota Nation vs. United States” is an impactful story for all Indigenous people from across the world who are fighting to protect their sacred lands. Short Bull hopes this film will make people feel good about themselves.
“We’re talking about hard things, we’re talking about difficult subject matters,” Short Bull said. “If you take nothing else, I hope it makes you feel good about yourself.”
Short Bull made the point that this film has something everyone can learn from, regardless of whether the history discussed is related to them or not.
“We also understand that communities have endured violence that you know we’ve also endured times of war,” Short Bull said. “You know anybody that believes in doing the right thing, anybody that loves the history that is Tulsa can find something to learn from regardless of the history not pertaining to them directly.”
“Lakota Nation vs. United States” will be presented in a free screening on Thursday, June 29 at Circle Cinema. Seating is limited and ticket RSVPs are required. Tickets are available at https://lakotanation-tulsa.eventbrite.com.
The Circle Cinema’s Native Spotlight Series will provide the free screening at 5:30 p.m. with a catered reception followed by the movie at 7:00 p.m. with a filmmaker and special guest Q&A. Special guests will include Short Bull himself, Tribal Sovereignty of Native Nations Attorney, Mary Catherine Nagle and other contributors to the film.
IFC Films will release “Lakota Nation vs. United States” exclusively in theaters beginning July 14, followed by a nationwide rollout.
Short Bull’s full interview and live performance can be found at: https://youtu.be/sm-NcJeNAYg.
The Lakota Nation is fighting for all Tribal Nations. We were driven from our sacred homelands in the East. No treaties were ever upheld. Mvto