Some films and tv shows to check out that explore Native American heritage and culture

During the month of November we recognize Native American culture and heritage. Below are some great tv shows and movies that you can check out that highlight the lives and stories from different Native Americans.

Reservation Dogs (2021-2023)

A modern comedy drama show from filmmakers Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi that surrounds the lives of Indigenous teenagers in rural Oklahoma. The show is a mixed bag of emotions. You’ll laugh at moments, and then you’ll fight to hold back tears during other moments. The central tribe in this story is the Muscogee Nation and is the first mainstream show to have a majority Indigenous creative team behind it.

Yellowstone **(Original Show, 1883, & 1923)**

Native Americans play prominent roles in all of the current Yellowstone television shows and have a deep connection with the Dutton family.

In the main series set in modern times, there is much political and family drama surrounding the local tribes and the Duttons over the land of Yellowstone. The most prominent character is Monica Dutton, who is a Native American woman married to Kayce Dutton (the youngest son of the Dutton patriarch John).

1883, the earliest prequel to Yellowstone, shows the pioneer era of the Duttons and their earliest connections with local tribes.

1923, another prequel, includes the main character Teonna Rainwater. Teonna was kidnapped and placed into an abusive religious school where she experienced horrible torments. Her story can be extremely difficult to watch, but it is eye opening to experiences that many American Indigenous children indured.

Pocahontas (1995)

This is controversial; I know. Disney’s Pocahontas fictionalizes and romanticizes colonization and completely dismantles the true story of what happened to Pocahontas. I still recommend this movie for a couple reasons.

For those of us who grew up with this film, I think it's worth going back just to point out all of the BS that was pushed on us as kids. Also, as bad as the story is, is it okay to appreciate some of the great music that came out of it? I mean, I’d be lying if I said Colors of the Wind is still not a banger. I also love how infatuated Pocohontas is with nature. At the same time, the Savages song literally makes me sick to my stomach. Why were we watching this as children again?

Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

Speaking of “sick to the stomach,” I have yet to recover from Killers of the Flower Moon. This film is a depiction of the true events surrounding the mysterious murders of Osage tribe members that took place in Oklahoma between the 1910’s-1930’s.

Members of the tribe became very wealthy after discovering oil on their land. This led to the systematic control and murders of many Native Americans from the tribe out of pure jealousy, hate, and greed.

The most disturbing part is that all of these attacks didn’t come from people who were obvious enemies. This movie features an excellent cast with big names such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, and Robert DiNero. This is also directed by one of my favorite directors Martin Scorsese. I’m still waiting on a physical BluRay release to add this film to my collection.

Apocalypto (2006)

I love Apocalypto because it evokes so many feelings at once. Directed and written by Mel Gibson, Apocalypto takes place in Mesoamerica during the decline of the Mayan empire. The film has been criticized for historical inaccuracies, including the Mayans sacrificial practices apparently being more tied to Aztecs.

With that being said, don’t take this movie as fact. What I do appreciate is the story of a man fighting for his life to save his family, and that is what is at the core of the movie. It is an action thriller that is quite gory at times, but a great watch nonetheless. It’s also interesting to see the differences between the indigenous folks that lived in villages vs those who were part of the Mayan city life. I think I would’ve hid off in the villages personally. Check this out if you love a good action film.

Those are the end of my suggestions, and if you have any others that I should be checking out please let me know. The more historically accurate, the better.

Great Watches for Native American Heritage Month