Independent Lens Season 4 Episode 6 Chiefs

Chiefs is an episode from season four of Independent Lens, a documentary series that explores social issues through thought-provoking and captivating films.

In this episode, the filmmakers take us to the heart of South Dakota's Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where we meet three Lakota Sioux men striving to improve their community.

The first man we meet is Kevin Killer, a young activist who has recently been elected to the tribe's highest political office. Despite his youth, Killer is determined to confront the many challenges facing the reservation, including poverty, addiction, and violence. With the help of his colleagues and community members, Killer is working to create tangible solutions that will improve the lives of the people he serves.

Next, we meet Milo Yellow Hair, a seasoned activist who has been fighting for Native American rights for over forty years. Yellow Hair has experienced firsthand the devastating effects of historical trauma and colonization on indigenous communities, and he is determined to ensure that the next generation of Lakota Sioux receive a better future. We witness Yellow Hair's tireless efforts to educate young people about their culture, language, and traditions, and his unwavering commitment to preserving Lakota sovereignty.

Finally, we meet J.R. LaPlante, a former prosecutor who has returned to Pine Ridge to serve as the tribe's attorney general. LaPlante brings a unique perspective to his role, having grown up on the reservation and experienced both the joys and struggles of Lakota life. With his legal expertise and strong commitment to justice, LaPlante is determined to reduce crime and improve safety on the Pine Ridge reservation.

Through the stories of Killer, Yellow Hair, and LaPlante, Chiefs explores the complex history and contemporary challenges facing Native American communities in the United States. We see the devastating consequences of centuries of colonization and oppression, as well as the resilience and determination of these three remarkable individuals who are working to create a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Chiefs is a powerful and thought-provoking film that challenges viewers to confront their own assumptions and biases about race, poverty, and social justice. With its intimate glimpses into the lives of these three inspiring men, this episode of Independent Lens is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences.