Vision Maker Media Documentaries Highlight Native History and Language

Two documentaries on PBS this summer highlight the importance of history and language for Native Americans in Minnesota and Alaska. Ohiyesa: The Soul of an Indian follows Kate Beane, a young Dakota woman, who examines the extraordinary life of Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa). Kate traces Eastman’s path—from traditional Dakota boyhood, through education at Dartmouth College, and in later roles as physician, author, lecturer and Native American advocate. Keep Talking features four Alaska Native women fight to save Kodiak Alutiiq, an endangered language now spoken by less than 40 remaining fluent elders.

To learn more about Native Stories for Public Broadcasting, visit the Vision Maker Media website at www.visionmakermedia.org.