0:00:05 > 0:00:06GUNFIRE
0:00:14 > 0:00:17Hello, United Kingdom.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20Greetings from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22SINGING
0:00:27 > 0:00:32Pine Ridge - home to 40,000 Native Americans.
0:00:32 > 0:00:37Once, the Sioux tribe roamed the Great Plains.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40But after generations of war with the US Government
0:00:40 > 0:00:43and decades of broken agreements and promises,
0:00:43 > 0:00:48they are left here on the place they call "the Rez".
0:00:50 > 0:00:53In the heart of the richest nation on Earth,
0:00:53 > 0:00:56many of the Lakota live in striking poverty.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01Struggling with drugs, alcohol and illness.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04But something is changing.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06They tried to bury us.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09We are like seeds, they didn't realise it.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13They buried us, we are only growing back stronger and better.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18People on the Rez are fed up with the bad name they have got
0:01:18 > 0:01:21and there is a new story they want to tell.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26About protecting their ancient traditions.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29Human life is more important than greed.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33A new generation of tribal activists are fighting to stop
0:01:33 > 0:01:38a 1 billion oil pipeline and young Natives rediscovering
0:01:38 > 0:01:41their history are hitting the headlines.
0:01:51 > 0:01:52All right, let's get everybody here.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54Yeah, got you.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58My name is Sundown.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00You've been walking around with these three students here.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03I don't want to go first. I don't want to go first.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05We're going to have some fun, enjoy it.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07Wait, so the practice round is one shot, right?
0:02:07 > 0:02:09We'll probably give you five.
0:02:09 > 0:02:10All right.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12Remember, take your time.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14Active shooting is not violent, just what the bullet does,
0:02:14 > 0:02:16you need to be nice and calm.
0:02:16 > 0:02:17And just smooth.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20We're going to have a whole week at the Little Wound High School
0:02:20 > 0:02:22dedicated to honouring our relative,
0:02:22 > 0:02:27the buffalo of the northern plains, bison, I guess you would call it.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32And now, we don't got the bow and arrow, we got a Wetherby 30-06.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34It makes it a little bit easier!
0:02:34 > 0:02:38The best shooter will be awarded the honour of killing
0:02:38 > 0:02:40a buffalo in one week's time.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42This is a competition, yeah.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54It will be more than a hunt.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03They are all competing to become young Lakota warriors.
0:03:03 > 0:03:059...31.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08It's only the second time the school has done this.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12- All right!- Slightly disappointed.
0:03:14 > 0:03:15Second one, you can show to your mom.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18Yeah, second one, I'm proud about it.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22All right, so we qualified the three boys and Arthur got
0:03:22 > 0:03:25first place, so he will have the first opportunity.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27I'll take it!
0:03:29 > 0:03:30Arthur shot the best.
0:03:30 > 0:03:31I shot the best.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35I feel excited,
0:03:35 > 0:03:39blessed with the opportunity to do this.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44I feel pretty great about it, honestly.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46One bull's-eye and all the rest are nines.
0:03:52 > 0:03:57- WOMAN ON RADIO:- All right, good morning, Pine Ridge Reservation!
0:03:59 > 0:04:03This is Melanie at 90.1 KILI Radio.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06The only Lakota radio station for miles around!
0:04:08 > 0:04:09It's a beautiful, sunshiny day.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13You're always awesome, Lakota Land.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15Life here is a mix of modern American culture...
0:04:15 > 0:04:17HORN BEEPS
0:04:19 > 0:04:20..and Native traditions.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28- ARTHUR:- Being Lakota is a good thing, if you ask me.
0:04:28 > 0:04:33I really started, like, following the Lakota way when I was just,
0:04:33 > 0:04:36you know, a little kid myself.
0:04:36 > 0:04:4018-year-old Arthur's girlfriend is nine months pregnant
0:04:40 > 0:04:42so he will be raising his own kids soon.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47When I told everyone I was going to be a father,
0:04:47 > 0:04:50my uncles, their eyes got big.
0:04:50 > 0:04:51They looked at me, like, really?
0:04:51 > 0:04:54We were having a cookout.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57We had cake and when I told everyone I was going to be
0:04:57 > 0:04:59a father and everyone was like ...
0:04:59 > 0:05:03Then my grandma was, like, licking the frosting off of that cake.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05Just kind of funny, if you ask me.
0:05:13 > 0:05:14I'm Tyrone.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18I'm a junior and I'm walking to school now.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24Many teenagers on Pine Ridge drop out of school and only
0:05:24 > 0:05:26a tiny number go to university.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30Little Wound High wants to change that.
0:05:30 > 0:05:31I think it's a really good school.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35A lot of people really stick together here and help each
0:05:35 > 0:05:39other work on what they are working for in the future.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45It may look like any other American school,
0:05:45 > 0:05:48but Little Wound believes it has a sacred mission to teach
0:05:48 > 0:05:52the next generation what it means to be Lakota.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56I don't know, you just get more connected into the school and
0:05:56 > 0:05:57to our culture.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01Just, I don't know, something.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05There is no big businesses on Pine Ridge and unemployment runs
0:06:05 > 0:06:07between 80% to 90%.
0:06:07 > 0:06:08Yeah.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13But Tyrone has plans for the future.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17Two colleges that I have in mind is South Dakota State and
0:06:17 > 0:06:18Chadron State College.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20I want to go into architecture.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22Education is key, especially around here.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26You can't get a job nowhere and just,
0:06:26 > 0:06:31your life is pretty much just going to be a little bit horrible.
0:06:31 > 0:06:32If you don't get a job.
0:06:37 > 0:06:43The Rez has its own borders, its own president and a tribal council.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48But it's US Government cash that keeps the place running.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50Just about.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54We're getting ready for the zombie walk, ladies and gentlemen!
0:06:54 > 0:06:57Despite this, people who live here go all-out for Halloween.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59Honk your horns!
0:06:59 > 0:07:01HORNS HONK
0:07:01 > 0:07:03Zombies are coming to town!
0:07:03 > 0:07:05The zombie walk ...
0:07:06 > 0:07:07We're going to bite people.
0:07:07 > 0:07:12MUSIC BLARES FROM TRUCK
0:07:12 > 0:07:14Welcome to the Pine Ridge zombie walk!
0:07:14 > 0:07:17It's a rare chance for young Natives like Sky to help bring
0:07:17 > 0:07:18the community together.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23Just look at all of them!
0:07:23 > 0:07:27Our goal is to get these kids more in touch with the community.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30They are all ready to show Pine Ridge
0:07:30 > 0:07:33that the zombies are in town this Halloween!
0:07:41 > 0:07:42It's a tradition!
0:07:42 > 0:07:46It's hard for many tribes to move on from decades of discrimination
0:07:46 > 0:07:49when they feel history keeps repeating itself.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00At the neighbouring Standing Rock reservation, there has been
0:08:00 > 0:08:05a stand-off between mainly Native American protesters...
0:08:05 > 0:08:06People are really clearly saying
0:08:06 > 0:08:08they are not going to get out of the way.
0:08:09 > 0:08:14..and a police force defending a billion-dollar oil pipeline.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18You in the crowd, move to the south!
0:08:19 > 0:08:23Most Natives think it will pollute water supplies and destroy
0:08:23 > 0:08:25ancient burial grounds.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28Guys! You're doing wrong!
0:08:28 > 0:08:30- Move along! - This is Sioux Nation land!
0:08:32 > 0:08:35The oil companies say the pipeline is safe,
0:08:35 > 0:08:39environmentally friendly and economically important to the US.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43THEY CHANT
0:08:43 > 0:08:45It hasn't stopped the protests.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48I'm here to protect our water.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52And the issue has been firing up the tribes.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56Especially on Pine Ridge.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01RAP MUSIC
0:09:01 > 0:09:04Dakota Access Pipeline - that's what the DAPL stands for,
0:09:04 > 0:09:08that's the pipeline that's trying to be built up in North Dakota
0:09:08 > 0:09:11that goes down into the Missouri River.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14Our people, we just strongly believe that that is going to
0:09:14 > 0:09:18mess up our watering system and that is really all-important to us.
0:09:18 > 0:09:23So we just really want to take care and stop the pipeline being put in.
0:09:23 > 0:09:28RAPPER: Build that pipeline and I'm burning down your oil...
0:09:28 > 0:09:32Where can I set it so people can see it easily?
0:09:32 > 0:09:35This is like, one of the most... Like, when people hang up things,
0:09:35 > 0:09:37it is in this area.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43When it first started out, it was just the Standing Rock Natives
0:09:43 > 0:09:44that were up there protesting
0:09:44 > 0:09:47and then, when we all found out that was when they were like,
0:09:47 > 0:09:49all tribes are going up there.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53Now there's hundreds of tribes up there and thousands of people,
0:09:53 > 0:09:55so it's kind of a big outbreak.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01PA INDISTINCT
0:10:01 > 0:10:05Nearly 200 demonstrators have been arrested
0:10:05 > 0:10:08since the movement started eight months ago.
0:10:08 > 0:10:09Taser! Taser!
0:10:09 > 0:10:11SCREAMING
0:10:11 > 0:10:14Who tends to dominate our society?
0:10:14 > 0:10:18At Little Wound High, the pipeline's a popular topic.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21A good example, or the best example I can think of, is North Dakota.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25- The DLP... - Oh, DAPL. OK.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27If anyone read the New York Times over the weekend...
0:10:27 > 0:10:32Some guys in Oregon took over a wildlife federal office -
0:10:32 > 0:10:36all white people - and these white protesters got off,
0:10:36 > 0:10:39got completely off, no charges, nothing, right?
0:10:39 > 0:10:41At the same time, 150 Native protesters
0:10:41 > 0:10:44got arrested over the weekend at the DAPL camp, right?
0:10:44 > 0:10:46This is my understanding. I don't know, I wasn't there,
0:10:46 > 0:10:48but this is what the New York Times said.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50So it's kind of weird how, like, these white people
0:10:50 > 0:10:53did the same thing, nothing happened.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56Native Americans do the same thing, 100 of them get arrested.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59The second question - who gets to write the history books?
0:11:09 > 0:11:13Cyrus Huncharek's English class also covers politics and history.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16When I was growing up in Texas,
0:11:16 > 0:11:21the books were about the Pilgrims and how they got along with
0:11:21 > 0:11:24the Natives and it was all hunky-dory,
0:11:24 > 0:11:28and how, like, these Pilgrims had a mandate by God
0:11:28 > 0:11:30to come to this country and establish it.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32Today, there is still segregation, right,
0:11:32 > 0:11:34but it's still not formalised.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38I would argue the Rez is kind of segregated, wouldn't you say that?
0:11:38 > 0:11:40Cyrus has a tough job.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44As a Wasichu, or white man, he is part of the people
0:11:44 > 0:11:47who defeated the Lakota and who put them here.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50So take two minutes to discuss the whites, maybe.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52Sure, that's kind of the camp I'm in.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54Why would you say that we are segregated
0:11:54 > 0:11:59when your people are the ones who put us in the...
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- on the Rez?- Yeah...
0:12:01 > 0:12:04You guys are the ones who put us on the...
0:12:04 > 0:12:06Who put us in these little boxes.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10Putting us here like we're cattle, or like we're...
0:12:10 > 0:12:13- like we're animals.- Sure.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26Lots of people never leave the Rez, they just can't afford it.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30The nearest shopping mall is over the border and 100 miles away.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34'All right, once again you're listening to KILI Radio 90.1.'
0:12:34 > 0:12:35So there's not much to do.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38'Don't forget, this is Red Ribbon Week.'
0:12:38 > 0:12:42Anti-drug and alcohol. Check out your local schools.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44'I know the children have red ribbons to hand out.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46'You can put them on your cars,
0:12:46 > 0:12:49'but let's be anti-drug and alcohol this week.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52'Keep it awesome, Lakota Land.'
0:12:53 > 0:12:56Alcohol and drugs are a massive problem on the Rez,
0:12:56 > 0:13:00where 50% of people live below the poverty line.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03Life expectancy is 52 years old.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08Eileen and I are here to say, "Hey, it can't be all bad."
0:13:08 > 0:13:09It's not.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15Youth worker Tiny D does her best to remain positive.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18I love the reservation. I love the open space.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21I love the scenery. I just love the people.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24Wherever I go, I know somebody or somebody knows me.
0:13:24 > 0:13:29I'm always defending my home because we are the Great Sioux Nation.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33Well, I can look back at our seven virtues, our values of life,
0:13:33 > 0:13:38you know, being respectful, having fortitude, you know, bravery...
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Eileen, help me out, what are the other ones?
0:13:41 > 0:13:43And wisdom.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46Be able to share wisdom.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48Being Lakota?
0:13:48 > 0:13:51I don't know, have you ever asked somebody,
0:13:51 > 0:13:53"What does it feel like to be white?"
0:13:58 > 0:14:01I'm not going to go one step further until I get your attention.
0:14:01 > 0:14:06Today, Tiny's at Rockyford Primary School.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08We're here for Red Ribbon Week.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11The kids here are aged between eight and 10.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15Sadly, on Pine Ridge, that's not too young to be in danger.
0:14:15 > 0:14:21As a Lakota, you can always stand up because that's our strength.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23Our people never had alcohol
0:14:23 > 0:14:27and drugs in their life until the late 1800s
0:14:27 > 0:14:31when they put us on reservations.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35We have had people murdered on the reservation because of drugs.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40Meth is something that is man-made.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42Our youngest meth user that overdosed
0:14:42 > 0:14:45on the Pine Ridge Reservation was ten years old.
0:14:48 > 0:14:49Look at that.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51GROANING
0:14:51 > 0:14:52When you grow older,
0:14:52 > 0:14:55you don't want a girlfriend who has teeth like that, boys.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59Or, girls, you don't want a boyfriend with teeth like that.
0:14:59 > 0:15:04Tiny D's life is scarred by the same problems as everyone else.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07I've had a hard six weeks.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10Her own daughter is an alcoholic.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12I lost a granddaughter.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15Her name was Tabria.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17Some of you might know Tabria.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22She loved coming out here because she loved the gym.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27She said this was the most awesome, the best gym on the Rez.
0:15:27 > 0:15:33And she had an accident, but it shouldn't have happened.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36She and a couple of other 11-year-old friends
0:15:36 > 0:15:39decided to go for a cruise.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44Her mom was drinking,
0:15:44 > 0:15:46so Mommy gave her the car keys.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52Tabria wasn't driving the car, she wasn't.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55She was sitting on top of the car.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58The car ran over her.
0:16:00 > 0:16:01It smashed her...
0:16:01 > 0:16:03The side of her head.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07She didn't have a chance.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09And I was so angry.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11I was angry.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15Then I blamed myself.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17But I look back at it...
0:16:17 > 0:16:19Alcohol is a drug.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25Would anybody like to share something?
0:16:25 > 0:16:26Yes?
0:16:27 > 0:16:29Take that, hon.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54Thank you for sharing.
0:17:01 > 0:17:02And you want her to stop?
0:17:25 > 0:17:27It's OK.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44Take your time, OK?
0:17:52 > 0:17:55This month, the meth epidemic hit a new high.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58OK, if you guys could come in closer
0:17:58 > 0:18:00and make a circle around our memorial here.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06A few days ago, Vinny Brewer was shot dead by drug dealers
0:18:06 > 0:18:08outside a youth centre.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10HE SIGHS
0:18:10 > 0:18:12It's been a hard five days.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16Meth's killing our people.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21Vinny hated it
0:18:21 > 0:18:24and that side of his life...
0:18:26 > 0:18:29His death is going to help us.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32From here on out, we've got to beat this.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34We've got to stick together.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40'The reservation was created generations and generations ago
0:18:40 > 0:18:46'but created a cycle of poverty and it's all handed down.'
0:18:46 > 0:18:48The candles.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50OK, now, let's light our candles.
0:18:50 > 0:18:55'There are no jobs and some vicious cycle.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58'So you have babies having babies. We have alcohol and drugs.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02'We have kids that are overdosing on pills.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04'Every day is a challenge to me.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06'Every day is a challenge.'
0:19:21 > 0:19:23But there is new hope.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25BELL RINGS
0:19:26 > 0:19:29Tribal schools believe that education
0:19:29 > 0:19:31and a revival of Lakota ways
0:19:31 > 0:19:34can break the cycle of poverty and crime.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36Hi, so a buffalo chip is a piece of the shit...
0:19:36 > 0:19:38HE SPEAKS OWN LANGUAGE
0:19:38 > 0:19:39That's the only way I could say it.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42That's the perfect way I could say it.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44'It's their identity.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47'Without their identity, they'll be lost.'
0:19:47 > 0:19:50More lost than we currently are now.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53There are seven known ways to hunt the buffalo in deep snow.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56'When I started school, I wanted to be the ultimate gangster,
0:19:56 > 0:19:59'the ultimate... Everything I'd seen on TV.'
0:20:00 > 0:20:05Up until about 23 years old, I didn't know anything about culture.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09I didn't know I had options.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12You know, it saved my life.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16- Then oxygen is what? - Oxygen is O. Nitrogen is N.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19It's not just tradition the school teaches.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21All right, all right, I've got it...
0:20:21 > 0:20:24Arthur wants to study medicine.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27Not too many Natives go to college.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30Most of it's because college is too expensive, to be honest.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34The college I would like to go to for neurology is
0:20:34 > 0:20:36the University of Washington.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40'I'm not sure if they have the best department,'
0:20:40 > 0:20:42but I always wanted to go to there.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45It's a nice campus, from the pictures.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49Keep coming! Hold on to the pole until we get it stood up.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52Tomorrow is the Little Wound High buffalo kill,
0:20:52 > 0:20:54so students are learning how their ancestors
0:20:54 > 0:20:56would have prepared themselves.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58Just like that, then slide it through your hands.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02The Government banned Lakota religious ceremonies until 1978.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06We weren't allowed to have our sun dances
0:21:06 > 0:21:09and our sweats and whatnot, because they always
0:21:09 > 0:21:12thought we were gathering to become...
0:21:14 > 0:21:16..rebellious again, you know,
0:21:16 > 0:21:19against the United States Government.
0:21:19 > 0:21:20One more.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23Arthur's been picked to kill the buffalo
0:21:23 > 0:21:26after he won the shooting competition.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29I'm feeling pretty excited about the buffalo kill, to be honest.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32It'll make a big impact on my life, honestly.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35I think the only way to prepare myself
0:21:35 > 0:21:37is, like, to keep thinking about, like,
0:21:37 > 0:21:39"This is going to feed the community."
0:21:39 > 0:21:42I just can't get over it, honestly!
0:21:42 > 0:21:44It's a big thing for me.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48All right, boys, Lance is looking for people to go cut wood,
0:21:48 > 0:21:49so I said you'd be a good one.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54But Arthur can't stay any longer.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56I guess this is it.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58He's just received an urgent call.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03His girlfriend's gone into labour.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06So he'll lose the chance to take part in the buffalo kill.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29Oh, Tony Frosted Flakes. No way!
0:22:31 > 0:22:34Those ones are there, too. A whole box of them.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38- I've got to test them to make sure they're not stale.- Yeah, right.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40M-hm, they're good.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44We are loading up to go to Cannon Ball, North Dakota -
0:22:44 > 0:22:47to the Standing Rock Reservation,
0:22:47 > 0:22:50to the front line, to fight the pipeline.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55Tiny D are her youth group are taking up supplies
0:22:55 > 0:22:57for the protesters.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59She has toothpaste around here. Right here - toothpaste.
0:22:59 > 0:23:0416-year-old Sky was born a girl called Brianna,
0:23:04 > 0:23:07but identifies as a boy.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09Two years back, I came out as transgender.
0:23:10 > 0:23:16And everywhere I go, it's just like, "Is that a boy? Is that a girl?
0:23:16 > 0:23:18"Why are they going into the girls' bathroom?
0:23:18 > 0:23:20"Why are they dressing like that?"
0:23:20 > 0:23:23And it was just at the point where everyone was calling me "It".
0:23:23 > 0:23:25I tried to hang myself.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29I tried to slit my wrists deep enough.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32I've taken pills.
0:23:32 > 0:23:37I've once held a .39mm gun to my head.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42I've been bullied since kindergarten.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46And I dropped out of school many times.
0:23:48 > 0:23:49So...
0:23:50 > 0:23:55It wasn't just the kids, it was just everyone around me that made me
0:23:55 > 0:23:59feel like I was hopeless, that, you know, no-one was going to accept me.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01And when I grew up...
0:24:02 > 0:24:04..it was...
0:24:04 > 0:24:07it was hard because, you know...
0:24:07 > 0:24:10I've come out to my friends and everything,
0:24:10 > 0:24:12but I still haven't...
0:24:12 > 0:24:16I've tried coming out to my mom, but she just says I'm confused.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19When I told my dad, he told me that he didn't want to be
0:24:19 > 0:24:24a part of my life any more and that I wasn't considered his blood.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35Sky is not alone in his suicide attempts.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38The teen suicide rate on Pine Ridge is said to be four times
0:24:38 > 0:24:40higher than the US average.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47These are going to be going back up again and again and again.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51OK, let's roll. Yeah! Let's rock and roll.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53Y'all better have on deodorant, I'm serious.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57Let's take Febreze to spray on them if they don't use deodorant.
0:24:59 > 0:25:00Whoo!
0:25:01 > 0:25:03Going to Cannon Ball!
0:25:06 > 0:25:08INTERVIEWER: What do you think it's going to be like?
0:25:08 > 0:25:11Oh, just going to try not to get shot, you know?
0:25:11 > 0:25:13Yeah, if they pull me over for anything,
0:25:13 > 0:25:15I'm going to pray in their face.
0:25:15 > 0:25:16THEY LAUGH
0:25:20 > 0:25:24Tiny has always urged Sky to talk through his problems.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27To me, I think what really matters is if the person wants to be
0:25:27 > 0:25:31what they want to be, then they can be it.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35You've come a long, long, long ways.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39- From the time you was a little girl sitting in the park.- Yeah.
0:25:39 > 0:25:43There are times when I still catch myself calling you Bri.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45But I'm getting better.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48Every time you tried to take your life, I was there.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51And when you bounced back,
0:25:51 > 0:25:54each time you bounced back, you got a little bit stronger.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57This is who you are, this is what you want.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00But I don't see you switching back, that's just what I'm trying to say.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02- Yeah.- That's how strong you are.
0:26:03 > 0:26:04In our culture,
0:26:04 > 0:26:09our many young women who chose the opposite sex are special.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14Before Christianity arrived in America, being gay or trans
0:26:14 > 0:26:18was actually an accepted part of Native American life.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20They were special, they were sacred, they were...
0:26:20 > 0:26:23Sacred, and to look at them in a sacred manner.
0:26:23 > 0:26:28When you're born Lakota, you have already some things against you,
0:26:28 > 0:26:31and that's OK because it makes you stronger as you grow.
0:26:32 > 0:26:33You proved them wrong.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43- BABY CRIES - Oh! The other way, I'm sorry.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48Arthur's girlfriend Jordan is out of hospital with their baby.
0:26:51 > 0:26:52You're OK.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58She's moved in with him and the rest of his five-strong family.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05I'm holding my daughter,
0:27:05 > 0:27:08my beautiful daughter, who's kind of frowning at me.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13And my beautiful girlfriend, right here.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18I cried. She came out the womb...
0:27:18 > 0:27:21Surprisingly, she didn't cry.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23Before she did, she was just looking round,
0:27:23 > 0:27:25like she was just ready for the world.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Oh, she just farted.
0:27:33 > 0:27:34She farts like a man.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36Farts like crazy.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43It's not unusual for several generations to share
0:27:43 > 0:27:44a house on the Rez.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48Some homes have no power or running water.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54But Arthur is lucky - his family home
0:27:54 > 0:27:56has both and is well looked after.
0:27:58 > 0:27:59I have to do this, like...
0:28:01 > 0:28:03..middle of the night.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05It's really tiring,
0:28:05 > 0:28:09because even as she sleeps, I still wake up to check on her and...
0:28:09 > 0:28:11She's with me 24/7.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16Arthur's up against the steep high school dropout rate on the Rez.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19It's kind of stressful, because I'm still in school.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22A high school student, at that.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26I want her to be more successful than I am,
0:28:26 > 0:28:29I want her to have more awards than I do.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34Like being a top student in her school, wherever she goes.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39Yeah.
0:28:46 > 0:28:50- RADIO:- Good morning, KILI listeners, Lakota Land.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52- The Little Wound drive...- Whoo!
0:28:52 > 0:28:54They are working on getting cold weather gear
0:28:54 > 0:28:56for those at Standing Rock.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00The water protectors, they need any type of winter gear -
0:29:00 > 0:29:03coats, hats, gloves - for the winter months.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07Let's get out there and stand with Standing Rock.
0:29:09 > 0:29:14The protest camp has expanded to house several thousand activists.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17- Everybody, look.- Oh, awesome!
0:29:17 > 0:29:19And more are pouring in.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24Oh, man, isn't this beautiful?
0:29:24 > 0:29:27- This is a lot of people. - This is just beautiful.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31This is the best thing I've ever seen.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45You guys ready for the front lines?
0:29:45 > 0:29:47Not yet. A little bit, though.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49You can see the DAPL guys right there, you see them?
0:29:49 > 0:29:51Yeah, I see them.
0:29:51 > 0:29:5590% of us in this camp were right there on the front line.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57Going to jail, getting made, you know?
0:29:57 > 0:30:00We were running people back here and flashing our eyes
0:30:00 > 0:30:02and running back up there.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04It was an amazing day, that day.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09- That aeroplane just goes in circles all night.- Jesus.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13- That drone's constant drone. - PLANE DRONES
0:30:13 > 0:30:16- Long time, no see.- Oh, how are you? - How you doing? Long time, no see.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19Look around, see where we're going to set up camp.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22Kind of weird to see these people have been here since the beginning.
0:30:22 > 0:30:26Hundreds of tribes have put aside ancient disputes...
0:30:26 > 0:30:28SHE ULULATES
0:30:28 > 0:30:32..to join forces against the oil company and the Federal Government.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35People are coming in from Minnesota.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37All right, Minnesota, loud and proud!
0:30:37 > 0:30:41The protest is now one of the largest in tribal history.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44Oklahoma!
0:30:45 > 0:30:46Nebraska.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51That's some family members. Good afternoon!
0:30:53 > 0:30:57Native American religion, forced underground for so many years,
0:30:57 > 0:31:00is becoming a real part of these people's lives.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09When we come to the circle, we bring our respect.
0:31:09 > 0:31:13You know, we're bringing the honour to be here.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16Most of the time, filming any ceremonies is forbidden.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20When we circle up, we are making a strong circle of life.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22THEY SING
0:31:26 > 0:31:27You've earned a feather.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31But this time, they're keen to show young warriors being honoured
0:31:31 > 0:31:35with eagle feathers for making the journey to the protest front line.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38You took that challenge, showed your bravery,
0:31:38 > 0:31:42left your homes and your mom and dad to come here to be a part of this.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45I honour you that way with those feathers.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47Now we're going to pray with this.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55THEY SING
0:32:08 > 0:32:09Here's some jackets.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12Winter on the plains can get seriously cold.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14And some kids' socks.
0:32:14 > 0:32:19The protestors have vowed to stay put until the pipeline is stopped.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27Everyone's nice here.
0:32:28 > 0:32:33Normally, in Pine Ridge, you look at a Native, they just look at you...
0:32:33 > 0:32:35like, "I don't know you, don't look at me."
0:32:35 > 0:32:37But when you just look at other people here, they're just like,
0:32:37 > 0:32:39"Oh, hi!" They smile.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41They smile and they don't mean mug you.
0:32:43 > 0:32:44INTERVIEWER: What does mean mug mean?
0:32:44 > 0:32:48- I knew that question was going to come up somehow.- Basically...
0:32:49 > 0:32:54That's actually how we live, cos everyone's mean on our Rez,
0:32:54 > 0:32:57and it'd be nice to come back here and everyone be like,
0:32:57 > 0:33:00"Oh, hey, come on in. Have some food if you want."
0:33:00 > 0:33:04On Facebook they make it seem like it's very violent and just...
0:33:05 > 0:33:09..negative here, but, honestly, it's not.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12It's, like, very calm and peaceful.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17Oh! Stop it!
0:33:27 > 0:33:30- RADIO:- All right, once again, you're listening to KILI Radio.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33I am going to play you the White Buffalo Calf Song.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39That's the sacredness of our tatanka, our buffaloes.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45At Little Wound High, it's the day of the hunt.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50INTERVIEWER: Who's going to be shooting the buffalo here?
0:33:50 > 0:33:52Dawson.
0:33:52 > 0:33:53Arthur wasn't able to make it,
0:33:53 > 0:33:57so all the pressure is on reserve shooter Dawson.
0:34:00 > 0:34:01- Nervous?- Yeah.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07He didn't show up to shoot, so that leaves me.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14You guys might get the chance to see a buffalo get shot today.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22It's an event for the whole school to witness.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25All right, you guys, get in a circle.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29Morning.
0:34:29 > 0:34:30No squares.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36A circle! You guys know what a circle is.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39All right, hold it down!
0:34:42 > 0:34:46We have a young man, young warrior that's going to shoot
0:34:46 > 0:34:50the buffalo today, and I ask that you all pray for him.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52It's probably the first time that he's going to do this
0:34:52 > 0:34:54and he's nervous.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57Let's support this young man that's going to go on this hunt.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59Support him and pray for him.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03That's what this day is about, to guide you so that you have
0:35:03 > 0:35:07maybe a different point of view than what you've always had.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10Dawson, you're riding with Dawson. All right. Let's go.
0:35:15 > 0:35:16I feel ready.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30Just got to get in position and make sure it's clear
0:35:30 > 0:35:31from the herd.
0:35:33 > 0:35:37- There's one behind him to the left. - Middle...about halfway up.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55Think I could put these down and I could lay down?
0:35:55 > 0:35:57You're not comfortable here, or what?
0:35:57 > 0:36:00I think I'd shoot better laying down, but...
0:36:00 > 0:36:01You're OK...
0:36:12 > 0:36:14- He's in that line of, like, four? - Yeah.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16Just keep your eye on him.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19- I'm kind of shaky right now. - Relax, take some deep breaths.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22- Keep your eye on him. - I think I lost him.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24Back there, see him? All by himself.
0:36:24 > 0:36:25Further left.
0:36:32 > 0:36:33Again.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37- You see him?- Yeah. - OK, blast him again.
0:36:39 > 0:36:40Oh...
0:36:40 > 0:36:43That was a good shot, your barrel was steady on that one.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47They're coming out pretty quick.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50They're pretty tough, man.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52We say our prayer, and we have to
0:36:52 > 0:36:55give them to say goodbye to their relatives and say their prayers.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59See, there's one up to him now,
0:36:59 > 0:37:02talking to him or praying with him.
0:37:02 > 0:37:08He'll be a relative, maybe a mother or an auntie or something.
0:37:09 > 0:37:14I feel good. I'm happy I only took two shots.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21The first shot was kind of high but the second shot,
0:37:21 > 0:37:23I think I redeemed myself.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37He's still warm.
0:37:39 > 0:37:44Buffalo was the traditional food of the Sioux.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46One, two, three.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49It was a sacred animal, almost wiped out by white hunters.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52It's why today is so important.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54All the students are happy about it.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58I'm excited, I'm really, really happy about it.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06CHANTING
0:38:16 > 0:38:17We've got buffalo meat!
0:38:17 > 0:38:19It's pretty neat,
0:38:19 > 0:38:23that was only the second student that ever shot the buffalo.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27The buffalo meat will feed Little Wound High
0:38:27 > 0:38:29as it gathers to celebrate.
0:38:31 > 0:38:35- It was pretty all right.- Was it? - Yes.- You did really good.
0:38:35 > 0:38:37THEY LAUGH
0:38:39 > 0:38:41BELLS JANGLE
0:38:47 > 0:38:49Arthur is also being honoured in the powwow,
0:38:49 > 0:38:52the final stage of the coming of age ceremony.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54CHANTING
0:39:03 > 0:39:06Becoming a father means he missed out on killing the buffalo.
0:39:06 > 0:39:10I looked at my baby pictures and she looked exactly like me,
0:39:10 > 0:39:13only I was a bit chubbier.
0:39:14 > 0:39:18But it also means he's now determined to plan for the future.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22Best thing for me to do for her is to go to college and still
0:39:22 > 0:39:23attend medical school.
0:39:23 > 0:39:29By the time I get my medical degree she'll be at least 12 years old.
0:39:30 > 0:39:34Each generation has to carry on our culture.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38They have to carry on our language.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40I am going to teach her the ways...
0:39:42 > 0:39:44..and be the best father I can be to her.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48CHANTING
0:40:06 > 0:40:12A convoy from the Standing Rock camp is heading to the local
0:40:12 > 0:40:15courthouse to protest against police arrests.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18Love and prayer, people march.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24The police have arrested around 200 protesters for acts
0:40:24 > 0:40:28- of civil disobedience.- Hurry up!
0:40:29 > 0:40:32Including trespassing on construction sites and
0:40:32 > 0:40:34locking themselves to bulldozers.
0:40:34 > 0:40:39We're going to join the peaceful walk of prayer.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43I believe they're going to walk to the courthouse.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46So I'm hoping the kids that are with us see this
0:40:46 > 0:40:48and understand why we're doing it.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51I don't want their children, their grandchildren,
0:40:51 > 0:40:54to drink oil.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56DRUMS BEAT
0:40:56 > 0:40:58CHANTING
0:41:05 > 0:41:07SHE JOINS IN SINGING
0:41:09 > 0:41:15Look at this, the whole block is surrounded by people that are
0:41:15 > 0:41:18against the oil.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22If that don't say something, I don't know what will, you know?
0:41:26 > 0:41:28Hey, how are you?
0:41:33 > 0:41:37This day has been a long time coming.
0:41:39 > 0:41:44Our people have waited for this day for a few centuries.
0:41:45 > 0:41:51We are here to forgive you and look at you like our family.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55You are our family.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01Stand with us, be on the right side of history.
0:42:02 > 0:42:07The side of history that protects the future of mankind.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10Single file, Indian style.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17It's a good day to forgive.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20It's a good day to be humble
0:42:20 > 0:42:26and kind of turn the tables and forgive the people who are trying to
0:42:26 > 0:42:31do their jobs and I know they feel bad about putting people in jail,
0:42:31 > 0:42:35but it's a good day to forgive and I just hope that the officers
0:42:35 > 0:42:38and the people on the other side that we're forgiving,
0:42:38 > 0:42:39take it as that, in a good way.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42- Good morning.- Morning.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52I feel bad.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54You hate to leave, but we've got to go.
0:42:56 > 0:43:01While everyone else in the camp is staying for the long term,
0:43:01 > 0:43:05Sky and his friends have to go back to Pine Ridge.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08I kind of want to stay here a little longer because I've got to
0:43:08 > 0:43:11know so many people and talked to so many people.
0:43:11 > 0:43:15It's going to change my perspective. Smile.
0:43:15 > 0:43:17Now that I've got more friends I've got more support,
0:43:17 > 0:43:19I just wake up smiling.
0:43:22 > 0:43:26This camp is a tribe that helps each other out and even if
0:43:26 > 0:43:30they're not blood related, they're all relatives, they're all family.
0:43:33 > 0:43:37It's a beautiful way of life. That's what keeps us together as
0:43:37 > 0:43:40a Lakota nation, is our culture.
0:43:40 > 0:43:42We'll be back!
0:43:42 > 0:43:45It's important for everybody to know who they are.
0:43:48 > 0:43:51I'm proud of being Lakota because we're a unique group of
0:43:51 > 0:43:54people that have refused to give in to the Government.
0:43:56 > 0:44:01We refuse to change our ways. We refuse to go down.
0:44:01 > 0:44:03We're going to stand strong.
0:44:10 > 0:44:14In December 2016, the Obama administration ordered
0:44:14 > 0:44:17a halt to the Dakota Access Pipeline.
0:44:17 > 0:44:21# Stand up for the First Nation... #
0:44:22 > 0:44:26It was a victory for the Sioux and the people who supported them.
0:44:26 > 0:44:28But the new President, Donald Trump,
0:44:28 > 0:44:33has signed an executive order to reverse the decision.
0:44:34 > 0:44:36Despite this, the battle has inspired
0:44:36 > 0:44:41a new generation of Native Americans on Pine Ridge
0:44:41 > 0:44:45and they say they're ready to resume the fight.
0:44:45 > 0:44:48MUSIC: Stand Up/Stand N Rock By Taboo
0:44:48 > 0:44:49# Too long, my Native people
0:44:49 > 0:44:51# Recognise yourself Keep your head up
0:44:51 > 0:44:53# Too long, my tribal people
0:44:53 > 0:44:56# Recognise yourself Keep your head up... #
0:44:56 > 0:44:57One, two, three.
0:44:57 > 0:45:00That is a real super villain, right there.
0:45:00 > 0:45:02DALP.
0:45:02 > 0:45:05And then us, and everyone of us is a superhero. That's so cool.
0:45:05 > 0:45:07MUSIC: Stand Up/Stand N Rock By Taboo
0:45:07 > 0:45:08# Too long, my Native people
0:45:08 > 0:45:10# Recognise yourself Keep your head up
0:45:10 > 0:45:12# Too long, my tribal people
0:45:12 > 0:45:15# Recognise yourself Keep your head up
0:45:15 > 0:45:17# Too long, my Native people
0:45:17 > 0:45:20# Too long, the original people
0:45:20 > 0:45:22# Too long, my indigenous people
0:45:22 > 0:45:25# Recognise yourself Keep your head up
0:45:25 > 0:45:28# Stand up, stand up, stand up, stand up
0:45:28 > 0:45:30# Stand up, stand up, stand up
0:45:30 > 0:45:33# Stand up, stand up, stand up
0:45:33 > 0:45:34# Standing Rock, Standing Rock
0:45:34 > 0:45:37# At Standing Rock we're standing feet
0:45:37 > 0:45:38# As history is on a sad repeat
0:45:38 > 0:45:41# Is it liberty or we just acting free?
0:45:41 > 0:45:44# As our land depletes from these hands of greed
0:45:44 > 0:45:46# See fate is found as we face the hounds
0:45:46 > 0:45:48# Take a bow for these sacred grounds
0:45:48 > 0:45:50# Make a sound that'll shake them out
0:45:50 > 0:45:52# Sing aloud, what can save us now?
0:45:52 > 0:45:53- #- What can save us now? - Stand up, stand up. #