0:00:00 > 0:00:00- 888
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- 888- - 888
0:00:04 > 0:00:09- I'm Iolo Williams and I'm travelling - across North America...
0:00:09 > 0:00:15- ..visiting Native American tribes - from the Navajo to the Cherokee...
0:00:16 > 0:00:19- ..from the wild west - to the mountains of the north.
0:00:19 > 0:00:23- These were the inhabitants - of this incredible continent.
0:00:24 > 0:00:28- I'm here to learn about the people, - their culture, language...
0:00:29 > 0:00:32- ..spiritual beliefs - and harmony with nature.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38- I want to know what we can learn - from this unique way of life.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41- Join me on a journey of discovery...
0:00:42 > 0:00:45- ..across one of the world's - most striking continents.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04- These are the plains - of North and South Dakota.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07- Two centuries ago...
0:01:07 > 0:01:12- ..60 million buffalo roamed - the continent of North America.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18- Hundreds, if not thousands, of them - would have grazed on this land.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22- These days, - only a few thousand remain.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26- In this episode, I go in search - of this unique creature...
0:01:27 > 0:01:30- ..and meet the prairie's - Native Americans...
0:01:31 > 0:01:33- ..the Lakota and Dakota.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40- This is the story of an iconic - Native American tribe...
0:01:41 > 0:01:46- ..and their unique relationship - with the remarkable buffalo.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51- We come face to face - with the people and the animals.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55- Sometimes, we get - a little too close.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59- We explore how this ancient tribe - is coping in the modern world.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03- Welcome to the world - of the Lakota and Dakota.
0:02:11 > 0:02:16- I'm on the prairie to see an animal - that I've never seen in the wild.
0:02:17 > 0:02:18- The buffalo.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23- You kill the buffalo off, - you kill the Native Americans off.
0:02:23 > 0:02:28- Mike Lawrence is the buffalo warden - for the Lakota/Dakota tribe.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30- The buffalo is so sacred.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34- If it wasn't for them, - our people wouldn't survive.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42- In order to get close to them, - we venture into buffalo territory.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47- We have to be careful...
0:02:47 > 0:02:49- ..and keep quiet.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54- We can see the animals up ahead - but what we don't know...
0:02:54 > 0:02:58- ..is whether there are others - just beyond this hillock.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03- We're moving slowly and carefully - because we don't want to scare them.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- We also don't want them - to turn on us.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10- Even in a vehicle like this, - they could do some damage.
0:03:15 > 0:03:16- Stop.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19- Look at the size of them.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22- Goodness me.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25- I wouldn't like to be in a fight - with him.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29- Look at him.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- It's the first time - I've seen buffalo in the wild.
0:03:35 > 0:03:41- What strikes me most is how big - and powerful the bulls are.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45- They're huge. They're like - the front end of a bulldozer.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- They're strong creatures.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52- How dangerous are they?
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- We don't take any chances...
0:03:56 > 0:03:58- ..getting too close to them.
0:03:58 > 0:04:03- They'll give you a sign when it's - too close by lifting their tail up.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07- When their heads go down, - it's time to head out of Dodge.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11- Their ancient belief - is that the Creator...
0:04:11 > 0:04:15- ..put the buffalo and the people - on earth to coexist.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19- The sacred buffalo - ran wild across the prairie...
0:04:19 > 0:04:22- ..until they were culled - by the white man.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24- Today, on the reservation...
0:04:25 > 0:04:28- ..the tribe lives alongside - the buffalo once again.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31- The men told me...
0:04:31 > 0:04:36- ..how important the buffalo were - to the tribe.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40- The Lakota/Dakota in this area - were almost wholly dependent...
0:04:40 > 0:04:45- ..on the buffalo - for their hide, meat and bones.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47- They used the entire animal.
0:04:47 > 0:04:52- Once they migrated - to find better grazing pasture...
0:04:52 > 0:04:57- ..the Lakota and Dakota - migrated with them.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01- These animals were their main source - of sustenance.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- Buffalo came very close - to extinction.
0:05:06 > 0:05:11- I wonder what effect that had - on the local tribes here?
0:05:12 > 0:05:15- The Lakota/Dakota are the people - of the Great Plains...
0:05:15 > 0:05:18- ..the vast prairies - of north-central USA.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21- They're part of the Sioux tribe.
0:05:21 > 0:05:26- These nomadic warriors - have lived here for centuries...
0:05:26 > 0:05:28- ..alongside the buffalo.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31- They have a strong heritage...
0:05:31 > 0:05:34- ..and an ancient language - and culture.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39- But as with all - America's native tribes...
0:05:39 > 0:05:42- ..the white man brought tragedy - to their world.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46- Within decades, millions of buffalo - were slaughtered...
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- ..and a new way of life - was forced upon the nation.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- These proud warriors - are mostly remembered...
0:05:53 > 0:05:57- ..for their victory - against General Custer's army...
0:05:57 > 0:05:59- ..in the Battle of Little Big Horn.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02- Today, as a semi-independent - nation within the US...
0:06:03 > 0:06:07- ..the tepees have vanished, - few speak the language...
0:06:07 > 0:06:11- ..and most of the 100,000 or so - Lakota/Dakota...
0:06:12 > 0:06:16- ..live a restricted life - within the reservations.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20- Good morning. It's 7.00am - in the Central Time Zone.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23- Broadcasting loud and proud...
0:06:23 > 0:06:27- ..we are the heartbeat - of the Lakota nation.
0:06:27 > 0:06:32- Community radio KLND, - Little Eagle, South Dakota.
0:06:33 > 0:06:38- From the fall of 1971, - the sounds of Mr Rod Stewart.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40- A good morning...
0:06:40 > 0:06:42- A good morning...- - This is KLND radio station.
0:06:42 > 0:06:47- Virgil presents the morning show - from Monday to Friday.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50- He speaks Lakota - for the first hour...
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- ..and then switches to English, - as he's doing now.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56- I've been invited onto the show.
0:06:56 > 0:07:01- Once he gives me the nod, - I'll be joining him in there.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05- It's a bit like doing Galwad Cynnar - every Saturday morning.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- I have some guests in studio - with me this morning.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14- They come from a long, long ways - this morning.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17- All the way from where, Olah?
0:07:17 > 0:07:19- We've come from Wales in the UK.
0:07:19 > 0:07:24- You've got England, Scotland, - Ireland and you've got Wales.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28- We're Welsh - and we have our own language.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- Virgil has just killed a fly - going past my nose!
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- That was Luke's pet - that he brought from Wales.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- That's right. - Well, it's dead now anyway.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- So we're part of the UK.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44- KLND is a non-profit station...
0:07:45 > 0:07:49- ..that broadcasts to a vast area - across North and South Dakota.
0:07:49 > 0:07:54- It aims to provide a public service - in Lakota, Dakota and English.
0:07:55 > 0:08:04- I broadcast in Lakota mainly - for the elders within our community.
0:08:04 > 0:08:10- Lakota is their mother tongue - and they enjoy hearing it spoken.
0:08:11 > 0:08:17- The way of life is vital, - so I try to play my part.
0:08:17 > 0:08:25- I love our way of life and culture - and I'm trying to educate people.
0:08:25 > 0:08:32- The younger generation don't really - try to speak the language any more.
0:08:36 > 0:08:41- The tribe's relationship - with the rest of America is strained.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- Some think that the Lakota/Dakota - portray a negative image...
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- ..while others - don't even know they exist.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52- We're not fighting Sioux, - as they try to portray us.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54- That's your romantic side of it.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58- It's the daily life - that people don't see.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01- They only talk about - the Battle of Little Big Horn...
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- ..the fights we had with the US - government and things like that.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09- Good morning out there.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13- It's 8.49am in the Central Time Zone - on a Wednesday morning.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16- Virgil's a real character.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19- He calls himself Virgil the Soulman.
0:09:19 > 0:09:26- He starts broadcasting at 6.00am - and doesn't finish until midday.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- That's six hours. - You'd never get that at home.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- He does such important work.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37- I've been invited to meet his family, - which is great.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40- I'm looking forward to that.
0:09:45 > 0:09:50- Life is hard on the streets - of the reservation.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- There is no industry.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57- There is 80% unemployment - and many live in poverty.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- There is also - a huge alcohol and drug problem.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- I've just been walking around - Fort Yates...
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- ..and bumped into a policeman.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09- I had an interesting conversation.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11- He was from New York.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14- I expected a native police force.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- He told me that the alcohol - and drug abuse is such...
0:10:18 > 0:10:23- ..that 36 police officers at a time - are imported here every month.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26- They stay for a month - and then return...
0:10:27 > 0:10:32- ..to different parts of America - and are replaced by another set.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- I couldn't work out - why there was a police car...
0:10:36 > 0:10:40- ..on almost every street corner.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42- Well, that's the reason.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- There's nothing - for young people to do...
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- ..so they turn to drugs and alcohol.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50- He said it was a huge problem here.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55- It's hard to imagine at the moment, - but it's very bad here at night.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02- Moments after filming these words, - I got the shock of my life.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05- What a stroke of luck!
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- I was coming along here - and I saw something.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- It made a noise and I thought, - what on earth is this?
0:11:12 > 0:11:14- It's a rattler. A rattlesnake.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- Hello, darling. - Hello, darling. Don't worry.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21- Don't worry, I won't harm you.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23- Don't worry.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- Notice the tail.
0:11:25 > 0:11:30- Her tail's up and her head's back, - ready to pounce.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33- Ready to bite.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- It's just a threat.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- If I go a little closer...
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- Did you hear the tail? - It started rattling.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- That's a warning to stay away.
0:11:45 > 0:11:46- If she bit you...
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- ..and you weren't treated - in hospital...
0:11:50 > 0:11:55- ..it could be fatal, especially - for a child or an elderly person.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57- Wow, you're a pretty thing.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- I have to admit, - it gave me quite a shock.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08- I didn't know what it was. - All I could hear was the rattle.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13- That's the closest I've ever come - to being bitten by a rattler.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18- I've always wanted to see one, - but maybe not that close!
0:12:18 > 0:12:20- Goodness me.
0:12:24 > 0:12:24- .
0:12:28 > 0:12:28- 888
0:12:28 > 0:12:30- 888- - 888
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- I'm on a journey - to the world of the Lakota/Dakota.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- I'm in the main town, Fort Yates.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44- Heavens above, this place - is teeming with snakes.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48- There's another one here, - a mere 10 yards from the other one.
0:12:48 > 0:12:53- I don't want it to come to any harm, - so I'm going to use this boom...
0:12:53 > 0:12:57- ..Luke, the sound man's - microphone, to send it back.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02- Go on, girl.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09- Come on, sweetheart. Hold on.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18- Whoa, whoa, whoa. Here. See it?
0:13:18 > 0:13:22- OK? I'm going to send her back.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- No, let's not. It might go into...
0:13:25 > 0:13:26- It's a rattler.
0:13:26 > 0:13:27- It's a rattler.- - Yes, it's alright.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32- Don't kill it, whatever you do. - Well done, he's got a rake.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- Don't kill it.
0:13:34 > 0:13:35- Pick it up, Sammy.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- Pick it up, Sammy.- - Cool. Well done, boy.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- Hold it right at the back of its - head if you're going to hold it.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- Don't let it get you, - whatever you do.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- Do you want me to help you?
0:13:50 > 0:13:53- You can't do that - because you've got...
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- Oh, OK. You've got it?
0:13:56 > 0:13:59- You've got your thumb - in between that.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01- She'll turn round and get you.
0:14:01 > 0:14:06- Be careful because if you - clamp it down, you'll hurt her.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13- I think it's the same one.
0:14:15 > 0:14:16- Sammy, Sammy, don't let it go.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18- Sammy, Sammy, don't let it go.- - That's OK, that's OK, that's OK.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21- That's it.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- Can you get it in there, boys? - Lift her in there.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27- Yeah, go on. She's in.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29- OK.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- OK, hold on. Down, girl.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- Head down, girl. - Come on, sweetheart.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41- Stay in there now, girl.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46- I'll put her in the back of the - vehicle and take her out of town.
0:14:46 > 0:14:51- I'm sure they would have hurt her - in the end, but we'll let her go now.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- Let's hope she's still in the box.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56- Ooh, the box has just moved.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59- I have to be really careful.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01- OK.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12- The tripod fell onto the box, - which hasn't helped.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23- Be careful. - Don't come too close, just in case.
0:15:23 > 0:15:28- Putting her in and getting her out - is the most dangerous part.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31- I have to be really careful.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33- One.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35- That one's off.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41- It's a flimsy box and sometimes - they can bite through it.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43- I'll lift it like this.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- Is she out? Yes. - There you go, sweetheart.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51- Off she goes.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54- Stay out of town. Go on.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56- Go on.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- What perfect camouflage.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03- She's lying there now. - She has plenty of room to hide.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07- She's far enough away from the road - and the town.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09- She'll be left alone now.
0:16:12 > 0:16:17- My journey into the world of the - Lakota/Dakota takes me from town...
0:16:17 > 0:16:19- ..deep into the countryside.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24- I'm on my way to meet a man - called DeLyle Lefthand.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28- If you think - that's a strange name...
0:16:28 > 0:16:32- ..his Lakota name - is Brave Horse Walking Alone.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34- What a name!
0:16:34 > 0:16:36- He's a horse enthusiast.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39- He lives in the middle of nowhere.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42- Nothing but grassland - as far as the eye can see.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45- We haven't seen a house - for 10 miles.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47- What a place to live.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50- DeLyle was a rodeo star in his 20s.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- He now runs a ranch, - teaching horse rearing skills.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56- As a recovering alcoholic...
0:16:56 > 0:17:01- ..he has returned to the traditional - way of life to help his sobriety.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05- DeLyle? Iolo.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08- How are you? Pleased to meet you.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10- Thanks for making time for me.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- After tiring - of the white man's way of life...
0:17:14 > 0:17:18- ..DeLyle has turned back - to the Lakota/Dakota culture.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- I want to try and understand - why he chose the old way of life...
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- ..and how it has helped him - in the modern world.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30- He's rediscovering the language - and the old ways of life.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34- Though this is a ranch, - all the horses are wild.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38- This horse whisperer - shares his world with the animals.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42- He needs a hand - to steer all the horses in...
0:17:42 > 0:17:45- ..so I have to climb the hill.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48- He's going to bring - the horses around.
0:17:49 > 0:17:54- On my way, I get a sense - of what lured him back to his roots.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58- It doesn't get much better - than this.
0:17:58 > 0:18:03- That's the bald eagle, - the national symbol of America.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07- When it's in the air, - it looks like a barn door.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- Here he comes. - I'll take you to him.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12- Can you see him coming? Here he is.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- Whoa!
0:18:15 > 0:18:17- He's going back to his nest.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- Go on, lad. Off he goes.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22- Heavens above!
0:18:23 > 0:18:25- Have you ever seen such a bird?
0:18:25 > 0:18:30- He's huge. - His wingspan is around seven feet.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33- He's enormous.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37- The horse was adopted - by the Lakota/Dakota...
0:18:37 > 0:18:39- ..more than two centuries ago.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42- Hunting buffalo on foot - was dangerous...
0:18:43 > 0:18:46- ..so the horse transformed - their lives.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51- As a result, the Lakota/Dakota - developed into supreme horsemen.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- You're OK. Some of these horses - have never been touched.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15- You can't get wilder horses - than these.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18- They could do you a lot of injury.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20- He obviously knows what he's doing.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- He's talking to them - and touching them carefully.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- Seeing the control - he has over his horses...
0:19:27 > 0:19:31- ..makes it hard to imagine DeLyle - being controlled by alcohol.
0:19:32 > 0:19:39- I grew up around alcohol, - like so many of us nowadays.
0:19:39 > 0:19:46- Some years ago, my brother - was killed by a drunk driver.
0:19:46 > 0:19:56- That prompted me to change my ways. - I have to uphold the old beliefs.
0:19:56 > 0:20:05- The best way to do this is by - drawing on my affinity with horses.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- Using all his knowledge - and expertise...
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- ..DeLyle sets about taming - a completely wild horse.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22- Then I get him to come - a little closer.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29- He's breaking him in very gradually.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41- If you get close enough...
0:20:41 > 0:20:43- ..to at least touch it.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48- Oh, yeah, you're OK.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51- Yeah. Ho.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53- Yeah, you're OK.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- He has worn out the mare.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- She's had enough - of running around and around.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- He's slowly getting closer to her...
0:21:16 > 0:21:18- ..and gently touching her.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22- It's a gradual process...
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- ..for her to earn his trust...
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- ..and be at ease with him.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49- I enjoy seeing a master at work, - no matter what he does.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- It's wonderful to see someone - so masterful with horses...
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- ..and to see the process - develop gradually.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14- You can see the change in her - in 10 minutes.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18- She was a wild horse - running around in circles.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- She's now being led - with a rope around her ears.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23- That's remarkable.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- This horse has never been haltered - or saddled before.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- Goodness me. What a sight.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38- The sun's going down...
0:22:38 > 0:22:42- ..and, to some extent, - the wild horse has been tamed.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46- It'll be a while - before he'll be able to saddle her.
0:22:46 > 0:22:51- That'll take a bit more work - but she's already come on...
0:22:51 > 0:22:53- ..in less than an hour.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02- I've learnt so much from DeLyle - in a day.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06- The modern world's frenetic pace - can bring problems in its wake.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10- What better way - to solve contemporary problems...
0:23:10 > 0:23:13- ..than by learning from the past...
0:23:13 > 0:23:17- ..and emulating the traditional ways - of the tribe?
0:23:18 > 0:23:21- Now I understand - why DeLyle was given the name...
0:23:22 > 0:23:25- ..Brave Horse Walking Alone.
0:23:25 > 0:23:25- .
0:23:28 > 0:23:28- 888
0:23:28 > 0:23:30- 888- - 888
0:23:30 > 0:23:32- LEVEL CROSSING BELL RINGS
0:23:33 > 0:23:35- TRAIN HORN
0:23:39 > 0:23:43- I'm on a journey - to the world of the Lakota/Dakota...
0:23:43 > 0:23:45- ..on America's Great Plains.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48- I've witnessed first hand...
0:23:48 > 0:23:51- ..their respect - for the sacred buffalo.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54- Today, I'm on a different trail.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58- I've come to the home of Casper - and his son, Aaron.
0:23:59 > 0:24:00- They're both hunters.
0:24:01 > 0:24:06- The Lakota/Dakota - were supreme hunters...
0:24:06 > 0:24:09- ..hunting buffalo and deer.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12- I want to find out - how much things have changed.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14- This is his house.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21- Casper? Pleased to meet you. Iolo.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23- Hiya, boy. Are you well?
0:24:23 > 0:24:28- Widower Casper lives here - with his two children.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32- He earns a living as a hunting guide - for trophy hunters.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35- Nowadays, it's all about the horns.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38- HE SPEAKS LAKOTA
0:24:39 > 0:24:44- So people want to hunt for the horns, - not for the meat any more?
0:24:44 > 0:24:46- It's all for sport.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50- He has all kinds of rifles - and is obviously an expert hunter.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53- If you were going out hunting...
0:24:53 > 0:24:55- If you were going out hunting...- - I'd use a bigger gun than this.
0:24:55 > 0:24:56- You'd use that?
0:24:56 > 0:24:58- You'd use that?- - I'd use a bigger gun.
0:24:58 > 0:25:03- You'd use an even bigger gun? Why? - Just in case you found something...?
0:25:03 > 0:25:05- No, just to make sure it dies.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07- You gotta make sure - you kill it good.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12- I don't want to kill any animal.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- But the big man - is keen to take me out shooting.
0:25:20 > 0:25:25- Hunters usually pay at least 400 - per head for Casper's expertise.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29- On top of that, they must pay - the tribe for a licence.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32- Hunting antelope costs 250...
0:25:33 > 0:25:35- ..and a deer licence 500.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39- Hunting the sacred buffalo - can cost as much as 5,000.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44- Hunting has always been - a physical pursuit.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46- A battle between man and beast.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49- These days, it's an unfair contest.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52- It's all about pointing a rifle - from the car seat.
0:25:54 > 0:26:00- I've followed Casper for a few miles - to this rural location.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04- I don't know how many exactly...
0:26:04 > 0:26:10- ..but there are seven or eight - antelope in the distance.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21- What's happening here, Casper?
0:26:23 > 0:26:28- Target practice. We're going - to aim for that rock over there.
0:26:38 > 0:26:43- He hit a rock some 250 metres away, - if not 300 metres.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45- It was quite a shot.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48- That was a good shot.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52- It was a lucky shot!
0:26:55 > 0:26:57- I'm going to give it a go.
0:26:58 > 0:26:59- Safety's off.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01- Safety's off.- - Then push it all the way forward.
0:27:08 > 0:27:09- Right above it.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11- Right above it.- - Too high.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17- In the old days, - the Lakota hunted for meat.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20- They needed meat - and they had to eat.
0:27:20 > 0:27:25- They hunted buffalo, deer, - prairie dogs and so on.
0:27:25 > 0:27:31- Nowadays, many Lakota lead hunters - to hunt for trophy heads.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34- How do you feel about that?
0:27:35 > 0:27:37- It's somewhat of an income.
0:27:38 > 0:27:43- There's no work for us these days.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48- People know the land like the back - of their hand and know how to hunt.
0:27:48 > 0:27:53- They're using their skills - to earn a living.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57- I'm determined to have another go - at that rock.
0:27:58 > 0:27:59- Go ahead.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08- Right, Iol.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10- Exhale now.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20- You got it.
0:28:22 > 0:28:23- What's my name now?
0:28:23 > 0:28:25- What's my name now?- - Wataya.
0:28:25 > 0:28:26- That means hits?
0:28:26 > 0:28:27- That means hits?- - Yes.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30- Hey, I'm a proper warrior now.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32- Wataya Iolo.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45- Just as the horse - simplified the art of hunting...
0:28:46 > 0:28:51- ..the introduction of the rifle - has simplified killing animals.
0:28:58 > 0:29:02- I can imagine seeing hundreds - of buffalo from up here.
0:29:02 > 0:29:03- Have you shot one?
0:29:04 > 0:29:08- I've shot two buffalo in my time.
0:29:08 > 0:29:12- Did you perform any kind of ceremony - when you shot it?
0:29:13 > 0:29:16- No, because nobody - has ever shown me how to.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20- But I have respect for the animal.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24- All the meat was eaten - and I used every bit of the buffalo.
0:29:25 > 0:29:30- Though he hunts for money, he shows - no malice nor contempt for his prey.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33- There's no denying his love - for his land.
0:29:34 > 0:29:40- I was brought up on this land. - I moved away to Canada.
0:29:40 > 0:29:47- But I came back. - This place is in my blood.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57- Perhaps for the very first time...
0:29:57 > 0:30:02- ..I feel as if someone's - actually given me the real truth.
0:30:02 > 0:30:08- The whole picture, - not a romantic notion of the buffalo.
0:30:08 > 0:30:13- Yes, it was once vital to the tribe, - but as he said...
0:30:13 > 0:30:19- ..nowadays it's meat, - just like any other animal.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21- It's a way of life.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25- It's a way of earning a living - and providing for the family.
0:30:25 > 0:30:29- He doesn't pray - for the animals' spirits...
0:30:30 > 0:30:32- ..because they're just animals.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34- He was never taught to do that.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38- Many of the old traditions...
0:30:38 > 0:30:41- ..among the ordinary folk...
0:30:41 > 0:30:43- ..have died out.
0:30:43 > 0:30:49- I think we've heard the real truth - from Casper for the first time.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53- As the sun set over the prairie...
0:30:53 > 0:30:57- ..it was time for me - to leave the modern hunter...
0:30:57 > 0:31:00- ..who had been so honest with me.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14- Today, I'm spending the day - with DJ Virgil Soulman's family.
0:31:14 > 0:31:19- I want to see what everyday life - is like in the Taken Alive household.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24- In the past, communities - would have lived in tepees...
0:31:24 > 0:31:27- ..and followed the buffalo - across the plains.
0:31:27 > 0:31:32- Today, there are permanent houses - and cars have replaced horses.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37- I've been shopping so that I could - bring them some food.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40- I've got some food for you here.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42- This is my sister right here.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46- Lovely to meet you.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50- With Virgil still on the air, - I enjoy an American breakfast.
0:31:50 > 0:31:56- Powdered egg, pancakes and sausages, - washed down with traditional tea.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58- This is chiaka.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01- This is something - you pick out in the field?
0:32:01 > 0:32:04- Smell it. It smells really good.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07- Iechyd da.
0:32:07 > 0:32:08- Iechyd da.
0:32:08 > 0:32:09- Iechyd da.
0:32:09 > 0:32:11- Iechyd da.- - That means good health.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13- Thanks. Same to you.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22- Where are we going? - Up the top of the hill?
0:32:22 > 0:32:25- After our American breakfast...
0:32:25 > 0:32:29- ..we go out in search - of more traditional food...
0:32:29 > 0:32:31- ..such as the prairie turnip.
0:32:43 > 0:32:48- It's refreshing to see - an old tradition continuing.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52- They still eat this food.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55- Food which is wild and free.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59- But more importantly - for the Lakota/Dakota today...
0:32:59 > 0:33:02- ..a healthy and nutritious staple.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04- They eat so much junk.
0:33:04 > 0:33:09- They themselves admit - that obesity and diabetes...
0:33:09 > 0:33:13- ..are huge problems - within the tribe.
0:33:13 > 0:33:18- If more of them did some exercise - and ate healthy food...
0:33:18 > 0:33:20- ..it would benefit them greatly.
0:33:23 > 0:33:29- Without the know-how - passed down the generations...
0:33:29 > 0:33:32- ..you'd never know - that this food existed.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35- Oh, OK.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42- It pops out like a nut.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44- You can taste that.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49- Just crunch on it.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51- It's very tasty.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56- This would have been vital - for them years ago.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58- You have some.
0:33:58 > 0:34:03- If they went hunting for buffalo, - they made sure that they hunted...
0:34:03 > 0:34:06- ..in areas - where these grew in abundance.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11- They knew that if they were gone - for two or three days at a time...
0:34:11 > 0:34:13- ..they'd have enough food.
0:34:14 > 0:34:19- This plant has been - as important to them as the buffalo.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21- Eat it up, lad.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24- You eat it. - Nice? It's nice, isn't it?
0:34:30 > 0:34:36- The traditional diet of buffalo meat - and seasonal vegetables was healthy.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40- But a diet high in salt, - fat and sugar...
0:34:40 > 0:34:43- ..has become the silent killer.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46- Diabetes is twice as prevalent - in the tribe...
0:34:47 > 0:34:49- ..as in the rest of America.
0:34:49 > 0:34:53- One in eight Lakota/Dakota - is now diabetic.
0:34:57 > 0:35:02- It's sad that the younger generation - has lost that ancient information.
0:35:02 > 0:35:07- They have fallen prey - to modern America's poison.
0:35:16 > 0:35:20- Virgil is back from another - broadcasting marathon.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24- It's meal time once again - and the cookout is a chance...
0:35:25 > 0:35:27- ..to spend time - with the older members.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30- WOMAN PRAYS IN LAKOTA
0:35:45 > 0:35:47- THEY ALL SPEAK LAKOTA
0:35:49 > 0:35:52- Despite all the children - speaking only English...
0:35:53 > 0:35:56- ..the older generation - chat in their mother tongue.
0:35:56 > 0:36:03- The family gets together at every - celebration and laughs and jokes.
0:36:03 > 0:36:12- It's a rare opportunity for us - to chat like we did as children.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22- I have to speak Lakota to you. - Do you understand?
0:36:22 > 0:36:25- I understand every word of Lakota.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28- Virgil has been giving me lessons.
0:36:32 > 0:36:37- It's nice to see Virgil's enthusiasm - for the past.
0:36:37 > 0:36:44- When you were little, when did you - hear English for the first time?
0:36:45 > 0:36:49- Everybody spoke Lakota - when I was small.
0:36:49 > 0:36:56- I was afraid to go to school because - I didn't understand the teacher.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58- My first words in English were...
0:36:59 > 0:37:01- ..I want to go to bathroom!
0:37:03 > 0:37:09- That was the beginning of the end - for Lakota as an everyday language.
0:37:11 > 0:37:15- During the meal, - the conversation turns to religion.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18- Incredibly, - in the Land of the Free...
0:37:18 > 0:37:23- ..the Lakota/Dakota religion - was forbidden until 1978.
0:37:23 > 0:37:29- People were turning to Christianity - when I was a child.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32- My grandfather spoke no English...
0:37:32 > 0:37:36- ..and he still took part - in Indian ceremonies.
0:37:36 > 0:37:43- He had a sweat lodge, but I was - prevented from learning about it.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47- As the thunder interrupts - the grandmother's words...
0:37:47 > 0:37:50- ..it's time for me to leave.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53- It's obvious - that the Big Sky's inhabitants...
0:37:54 > 0:37:57- ..are used to seeing storm clouds - on the horizon.
0:37:57 > 0:38:01- The weather changes quickly - in this country.
0:38:01 > 0:38:05- Soon, a rainbow appeared - to guide me on my way.
0:38:14 > 0:38:14- .
0:38:17 > 0:38:17- 888
0:38:17 > 0:38:19- 888- - 888
0:38:23 > 0:38:27- My journey into the world - of the Lakota/Dakota intensifies.
0:38:27 > 0:38:31- I've discovered - that their religion has survived.
0:38:31 > 0:38:35- Their ceremonies are a complex - combination of fasting...
0:38:35 > 0:38:37- ..and physical sacrifices.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42- The buffalo is a significant part - of the ceremonies.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46- Where once they roamed free - on the prairie...
0:38:46 > 0:38:48- ..they are now fenced in.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50- Tribe wise man John Buckley...
0:38:51 > 0:38:55- ..explains more about their - relationship with the buffalo.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58- My Indian name - is Walking With Buffalo.
0:38:58 > 0:39:04- I see the buffalo as my family and - I'll follow them as long as I live.
0:39:08 > 0:39:13- Sometimes I watch them - and marvel at how sacred they are.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15- The Buffalo people...
0:39:16 > 0:39:19- ..and the Lakota people, - Dakota people...
0:39:20 > 0:39:22- ..they're one people.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27- We all come from the same place.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29- We come from under the ground.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32- According to the legend - of the Creator...
0:39:32 > 0:39:36- ..the tribe's soul - ascended from the underworld.
0:39:36 > 0:39:40- Some took the form of people, - others the form of buffalo...
0:39:40 > 0:39:43- ..as sacrificial food - for the tribe.
0:39:44 > 0:39:51- # Our buffalo - are standing strong here
0:39:51 > 0:40:01- # Listen to their wisdom and obey
0:40:01 > 0:40:10- # Sacred are our brothers' souls #
0:40:10 > 0:40:11- Was that good?
0:40:11 > 0:40:14- Was that good?- - Good voice, yeah. Very good voice.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21- I didn't understand this love...
0:40:21 > 0:40:25- ..that the Lakota/Dakota - had for the buffalo until now.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28- I always thought that it was...
0:40:28 > 0:40:32- ..because they had lived - alongside them for centuries...
0:40:32 > 0:40:36- ..and the fact that they were - wholly dependent on the buffalo...
0:40:36 > 0:40:41- ..for food, clothes - and materials for the tepees.
0:40:41 > 0:40:45- But I now realize - that it goes much deeper than that.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48- They truly believe...
0:40:48 > 0:40:52- ..that the buffalo and the people - have come from the same place.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56- That they are more or less - the same entity.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59- I can only imagine - what they must have felt...
0:40:59 > 0:41:03- ..when the white man came - and decimated the buffalo...
0:41:03 > 0:41:05- ..in their millions.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08- It must have hurt much more...
0:41:08 > 0:41:12- ..than merely losing - their food supply or their clothes.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15- It was something far more spiritual.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19- They were losing their brothers - and sisters.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22- It's tragic. It really is.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36- The tribe needs to kill a buffalo.
0:41:39 > 0:41:44- Today, instead of protecting them, - warden Mike will hunt them.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48- If I hit him good enough, - it'll hit him right in the brain.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50- It'll be an instant death.
0:41:50 > 0:41:55- Mike's knowledge and expertise - are essential...
0:41:55 > 0:41:57- ..when it comes to shooting.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01- It's important that the animal - doesn't suffer needlessly.
0:42:01 > 0:42:06- Because the animals are so sacred, - when it's necessary to hunt...
0:42:07 > 0:42:09- ..a ceremony is performed...
0:42:09 > 0:42:13- ..to release the animal's soul - back to the Creator.
0:42:13 > 0:42:17- A local teacher called Curtis - joins us to perform the ceremony.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20- If they shoot a buffalo today...
0:42:21 > 0:42:24- ..what kind of ceremony - will you perform?
0:42:24 > 0:42:26- Once the animal has been shot...
0:42:27 > 0:42:32- ..I'll put sage in its mouth - and cover its body in tobacco.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35- The buffalo dies - so that we may live...
0:42:35 > 0:42:39- ..so hunting for fun - is abhorrent to us.
0:42:39 > 0:42:46- Trophy hunters are deeply sinful - because they murder our brothers.
0:42:55 > 0:42:59- This must be a difficult thing - for them to do.
0:42:59 > 0:43:03- But they're also - very professional men.
0:43:03 > 0:43:08- Once they're given the order - to kill the buffalo...
0:43:08 > 0:43:12- ..they realize - that they have to do it.
0:43:12 > 0:43:16- But they're spiritual people.
0:43:16 > 0:43:21- They must feel an element - of sadness, if that's the word...
0:43:21 > 0:43:25- ..when their brother or sister - is killed.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28- It must be odd for them.
0:43:37 > 0:43:41- There are the buffalo. - Can you see them on that hilltop?
0:43:42 > 0:43:45- I'd say there are more - on the other side.
0:43:45 > 0:43:49- Mike's looking - through his binoculars...
0:43:49 > 0:43:52- ..to find a suitable one.
0:43:53 > 0:43:55- They have to choose - the right animal.
0:43:55 > 0:43:59- They don't want a bull in his prime.
0:43:59 > 0:44:05- Neither do they want a female - because they have small calves.
0:44:06 > 0:44:09- If they can't find a suitable one, - they won't kill.
0:44:09 > 0:44:12- They have to be very selective.
0:44:19 > 0:44:22- Mike's aiming his rifle over there.
0:44:23 > 0:44:25- I don't know if he's just focusing.
0:44:25 > 0:44:27- We'll soon see.
0:44:27 > 0:44:29- He's going to shoot.
0:44:50 > 0:44:52- Nothing suitable there, Mike?
0:44:53 > 0:44:55- All I really got - is this big bull here.
0:44:55 > 0:44:57- I don't want to take him.
0:44:58 > 0:45:00- It's got to be the right one.
0:45:00 > 0:45:02- Yes, the right size and age.
0:45:02 > 0:45:08- They've decided that there's nothing - suitable here for them today.
0:45:08 > 0:45:13- Instead, they're taking me up - to that hill in the distance...
0:45:13 > 0:45:16- ..for me to see the view from there.
0:45:16 > 0:45:20- I don't mind seeing animals killed - for the right reasons...
0:45:21 > 0:45:25- ..but I'm glad - because they're splendid creatures.
0:45:25 > 0:45:28- I wouldn't want to see - any of them killed.
0:45:50 > 0:45:53- As I take in - the breathtaking views...
0:45:53 > 0:45:56- ..I can see why the men - have brought me here.
0:45:57 > 0:45:59- I look out over the Great Plains...
0:45:59 > 0:46:01- ..in all their glory.
0:46:02 > 0:46:04- Is it fair to say...
0:46:05 > 0:46:10- ..that the Lakota/Dakota's fate - and the buffalo's fate is entwined?
0:46:11 > 0:46:19- Though our special relationship - continues, our future is uncertain.
0:46:19 > 0:46:25- Nobody knows whether we'll survive.
0:46:26 > 0:46:31- An old man once told me...
0:46:33 > 0:46:36- .."You worry about today, - you live for today...
0:46:36 > 0:46:39- "..and tomorrow, if you wake up...
0:46:39 > 0:46:43- "..then you appreciate that day - and you live for that day."
0:46:48 > 0:46:53- He has encapsulated everything - that I've learnt about the people.
0:46:54 > 0:47:00- They still perform ceremonies - such as the sun dance and so on...
0:47:00 > 0:47:03- ..but the language is disappearing.
0:47:03 > 0:47:06- Nobody under the age of 50 - is fluent.
0:47:06 > 0:47:09- So what's going to happen - in the future?
0:47:09 > 0:47:12- As Curtis said, we just don't know.
0:47:12 > 0:47:15- But it's nice to dream sometimes.
0:47:15 > 0:47:19- Imagine looking out - over the plains...
0:47:19 > 0:47:22- ..and seeing tepees in the distance.
0:47:22 > 0:47:24- More than that...
0:47:24 > 0:47:28- ..from this rock here - as far as the horizon...
0:47:28 > 0:47:31- ..seeing the place - overrun with buffalo.
0:47:31 > 0:47:33- That would be amazing.
0:47:56 > 0:47:59- S4C Subtitles by Eirlys A Jones
0:47:59 > 0:47:59- .