(What did I Learn) The word genocide refers to the murder or killing of an entire group of people or tribe. It further entails the systematic and deliberate extermination of a national or ethnic group which was the situation the Native Americans faced according to the film Dakota 38 and Dr. Mato Nunpa’s article. The two resources capture the horrendous experiences of the indigenous tribe in the hands of the White men and their social implications then and centuries later. The White race was determined to bring an end to the Native Indian people because it considered them inferior and was driven by the greed to acquire their fertile lands. Native Americans have yet to recover from the racial discrimination inflicted by the White race (Nunpa 103).
(Riders’ accomplishments) The ride dedicated to the Dakota 38 is a symbolic and crucial healing initiative conducted by various members of the Native American tribe. They uncover the steps taken by the men who were marched to Dakota to be hanged for leading the uprising against the White Americans. Jim Miller, the proprietor of the ride, says that the vision to conduct the healing process and calm the spirits of the Indian ancestors who fought to restore their independence came to him at night. He believed it to be calling for him and the Native Americans to go back and retrace their roots to have a clear picture of where they came from (SmoothFeather Productions “Dakota 38”).
The long journey explores the exact events and the true nature of the encounters of the Dakota 38. Much of the information regarding the occurrences and feuds between the indigenous people and the Whites have remained hidden to conceal the vivid nature of the world’s largest genocide. The U.S. settlers carried out centuries-long of colonial and genocidal regimes that have immensely been omitted in the history of the nation. The heroic men otherwise known as the Dakota 38 were driven by the urge to regain the lands and freedom which had been taken away by the Whites. Though a short war, it had a significant impact on the Native Americans who descend along the lines of the great men (SmoothFeather Productions “Dakota 38”).
(Dr. Mato Nunpa) Dr. Mato Nunpa is amongst the few authors who manage to develop a concise picture of the hidden destruction and genocide of the indigenous tribes. Being a proud Dakota, Nunpa (96) reveals the truth from the side of the people whose fields were stolen, who were killed, and whose treaties were not honored by none other than the Founding Fathers of the great country of America. Since the first White man set foot on the shores of the U.S., the Native Indians have encountered centuries of tremendous destruction, oppression, genocide, exploitation, and suffering. The White settlers were driven by four primary motives: to impose their beliefs on another tribe, acquire great financial wealth, spread their terror, and eliminate the people whom they considered a threat to them (Nunpa 97).
(Importance) The entire analysis discloses hidden facts that can provide concrete explanations as to why Native Americans receive differential treatment and obtain differential outcomes from other ethnicities in the United States. Right from the low levels of education attainment amongst indigenous children to the high rates of infant mortality, the prevalence of plagues and communicable illnesses, low per capita earnings, and high unemployment levels. The film and Nunpa’s article enable me to learn and appreciate the indigenous culture and history which is essential in today’s diverse educational surrounding. It helps to know more about a certain tribe or group of individuals to relate to them and assist in attaining better academic outcomes.
Works Cited
Nunpa, Mato. Historical Amnesia. Power, Knowledge, 2014.
SmoothFeather Productions. Dakota 38. YouTube. Web. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pX6FBSUyQI>
