Women of the White Buffalo is a documentary film that provides an intimate and emotional look at the lives of eight women living on a Native American reservation. Each woman shares her personal story of loss and survival, and through their individual experiences, the film sheds light on the larger issues facing modern Indigenous Americans.
The film begins with historical accounts of U.S. government policies that have impacted Native American communities, from forced removal from their homelands to the Indian boarding school system that sought to assimilate Native American children into white culture. These policies have had lasting effects on Indigenous Americans, including poverty, addiction, and a lack of access to basic resources like healthcare and education.
The women featured in the film come from different generations and backgrounds, but all have faced challenges as a result of these policies. One woman, 98-year-old Josephine, shares her memories of being sent to a boarding school as a child and losing touch with her traditional culture. Another woman, 10-year-old Sunni, talks about the difficulties of growing up on a reservation, including limited opportunities for education and healthcare.
Throughout the film, viewers are presented with startling statistics about the current state of Native American communities, including high rates of poverty, unemployment, and suicide. Despite these challenges, the women featured in the film demonstrate resilience and strength, as they work to preserve their cultural traditions and improve the lives of their communities.
Women of the White Buffalo is a powerful and eye-opening film that offers a window into the experiences of modern Indigenous Americans. It serves as a reminder of the injustices faced by Native American communities throughout history, and the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.