Ep 9. One Sky Above Us

The West is a documentary series produced and directed by Ken Burns that explores the history and culture of the American West. In season 1, episode 9, titled One Sky Above Us, the series delves into the relationship between Native American tribes and the United States government.

The episode starts with the story of Black Elk, a Lakota medicine man who witnessed the Battle of Little Bighorn and the massacre at Wounded Knee. Black Elk's narrative sets the tone for the rest of the episode, as it introduces the theme of the West's cultural clash and how it affected Native American communities.

The episode then moves on to discuss the Dawes Act of 1887, which was a federal law aimed at assimilating Native Americans into white American culture by dividing their land into individual plots. The law was met with resistance from Native American communities, who saw it as an attack on their way of life.

As the episode progresses, it highlights the life of Geronimo, a famous Apache leader who fought against the US government's attempts to control the West. Geronimo's story is an example of how Native American communities refused to comply with the US government's policies.

The episode also covers the story of Sitting Bull, a Lakota leader who fought in the Battle of Little Bighorn and was later killed during the Ghost Dance movement. Sitting Bull's story represents the tragedy of Native American displacement and the loss of their way of life.

One Sky Above Us also explores the Buffalo Soldiers, a nickname given to the African American soldiers who served in the West during the late 19th century. The episode highlights the challenges that these soldiers faced as they integrated into a society that was hostile to their presence.

Towards the end of the episode, the focus shifts to the mid-20th century, where Native American communities began to push back against the policies of the US government. The episode covers the occupation of Alcatraz Island, where a group of Native American activists occupied the former prison in protest against the government's treatment of their communities.

Overall, One Sky Above Us is a poignant episode that explores the complex history of the West's cultural clash. The episode highlights the tragedy of displacement, loss of culture, and the tireless resistance of Native American communities against the US government's policies. Through powerful storytelling and insightful commentary, The West provides a comprehensive look into the history and culture of one of America's most iconic regions.