We Are A Horse Nation
“We Are A Horse Nation” documents the relationship(s) among the Oceti Sakowin (Lakota, Dakota, Nakota) peoples and the Sunka Wakan Oyate (Horse Nation). The voice and perspective for the film is shared by the peoples living throughout the Ikce Oyate (Common People). Stories, History, Traditional Horse Songs and Culture tell the story of how people across the Lakota, Dakota & Nakota lands are bringing the Horse back in to the center of their ways of life. Focusing on the healing provided by the Horse Nation, “We Are A Horse Nation” is intended to provide a positive picture of life among the Lakota, Dakota & Nakota, and pays respect and honors their (Oceti Sakowin) relatives of the “Horse Nation”.
"We Are A Horse Nation”film played at the Laemmle “Music Hall” Theatre, Beverly Hills, CA in November 2014
Director: Keith Braveheart & Jim Cortez
Run Time: 100 minutes
ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE SALES OF THIS VIDEO ARE DONATIONS TO THE SGU/TIWAHE GLU KINI PI EQUINE ASSISTED MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY PROGRAM.
THIS FILM WILL TELL THE WORLD OUR STORIES AND SHOW THE WORLD OUR VISUALS FROM OUR OWN PERSPECTIVES… AS THE OCETI SAKOWIN.
“I saw this film at the Red Nation Film Festival in 2014 so when I saw it was available on DVD I had to have it. This was an excellent documentary, looking at the impact horses have on our tribal communities and how they can be used to heal. As a clinical psychologist who has used horses in a therapeutic environment, I would highly recommend this movie. The fact that royalties go towards a wonderful cause is all the more reason to support this film.” - TM Witko-
First of all, the proceeds from this DVD go to a great cause. Second, I thought that the documentary was well done. As a fan of all things equine, I appreciated learning about traditional horse knowledge. As a Native person, I was happy to see a positive story. So often, media representations of Native people is negative. This is a compilation of stories of hope and love. I was fortunate enough to share this film with my classroom of fifth graders. I highly recommend this film. -Iktomi -
Very important content regarding the practical and spiritual meaning significance of the horse to the Lakota people. I am using it in a history course on Native Americans of the upper Midwest. Heart breaking, as so many of the documentaries are that deal with the genocide of Native people in the Americas, but also inspirational and hopeful. Highly recommend. -Jan Elizabeth-
A beautiful portrait of the powerful Lakota spirit that survives after all the misguided, heartbreaking efforts to destroy it. How the Lakota have preserved their resiliency is a lesson for all humanity. It's a life-giving lesson for me. -Larry S.-