American Experience: We Shall Remain

American Experience: We Shall Remain is a landmark mini-series that forms part of the prestigious American Experience documentary series produced by PBS. The series, spanning five episodes, is an ambitious production that sets out to recalibrate the narrative of American history to include the perspective and experiences of Native Americans. This groundbreaking effort spans over 300 years of history, tracing back from the early 17th century to the Wounded Knee incident in 1973.

Each episode stands alone as a documentary film, and together they weave a comprehensive tapestry that challenges the traditional stories of America’s past. The series underscores the resilience and resistance of America's indigenous peoples even as they have endured centuries of displacement and assault on their cultures.

The first episode is a dramatic portrayal that reflects on the early encounters between Native Americans and the English settlers in New England. The episode delves into the complex relationships formed, including cooperation and conflict. Through a blend of expert interviews, reenactments, and cinematic imagery, the episode examines the impact of these interactions on the course of American history.

As the series progresses to its subsequent episodes, it touches upon signature moments and notable figures in Native American history. Viewers learn about tribal leaders who played crucial roles in their people’s destinies, crafting strategies to navigate the treacherous waters of power dynamics with European settlers, colonial authorities, and the United States government.

One episode delves into the story of the legendary leader, Tecumseh, and his brother, known as The Prophet. Together, they led one of the most formidable Pan-Indian alliances against American expansion. The story highlights their fight for survival and autonomy during a time of remarkable upheaval and the subsequent shaping of the continent.

Another episode shifts the focus to the Southwest and tells the remarkable story of the Apache leadership, particularly Geronimo, and their formidable resistance against Mexican and American forces. This segment paints a vivid portrait of a people unwilling to succumb to the encroachment of outside forces and the brutal tactics employed to subdue them.

The series also spotlights the poignant narrative of the Cherokee Nation. Through a blend of historical analysis, personal accounts, and dramatic reenactments, it details the tragic tale of the Cherokee's forced removal from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States, a journey that came to be known notoriously as the Trail of Tears.

Reaching into the 20th century, the final installment capstones the series with the examination of the 1973 stand-off at Wounded Knee, South Dakota, where members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) confronted the U.S. government in a 71-day siege. The episode explores the motivations and legacy of the movement, including the broader fight for Native American rights, sovereignty, and identity in modern-day America.

We Shall Remain is a stirring blend of history and storytelling that employs a mix of techniques to bring the past to life. The series features on-camera commentary by historians, authors, and leaders from various Native communities, providing invaluable insight and context to the stories. Reenactments bring drama and a vivid humanity to the historical figures, making the events accessible to a broad audience.

The historical reenactments are produced with an eye for authenticity, including the use of Native actors and language, period-accurate costumes, and props, all contributing to the immersive experience. The voices of the indigenous peoples are not just the focus of the narrative; they are integral to its telling, shifting the lens from an external perspective to one that is deeply rooted in Native American viewpoints.

Each episode of American Experience: We Shall Remain steers away from the romanticized and often one-dimensional portrayals of Native Americans that have long persisted in popular culture. Instead, it unearths the complexity, diversity, and profound narratives of Native communities across the United States. Through a nuanced examination of history, the series offers both education and reflection, challenging viewers to reconsider the stories that they might have learned about the United States' past.

We Shall Remain stands as a significant contribution to American documentary filmmaking and a critical educational resource. The series not only commemorates the struggles and triumphs of Native peoples but also serves as a reminder of their enduring legacy and the continual shaping of America’s diverse cultural heritage. It is a declaration that despite the centuries of struggle, Native Americans remain, resilient as ever, an essential part of the fabric of America.