Indigenous Film Series: The People's Protectors
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What does it mean to serve your country while carrying the history, strength and warrior traditions of your people? Find out through the powerful stories featured in The People’s Protectors, a Twin Cities PBS original from acclaimed Native filmmaker Leya Hale (Dakota/Diné).
The free screening brings together the stories of Native American veterans who served during the divisive Vietnam War and explores the complicated relationship between Native communities and the United States government. Despite generations of government oppression and harmful policies, Dakota, Lakota and Ojibwe warriors continued to honor their duty to their people as Akichita | Ogichidaag | Warriors and protectors.
Through personal memories and reflections, Marine Corps, Navy and U.S. Army veterans Valerie Barber, Art Owen, Sandy White Hawk and Vince Beyl share what it meant to serve during one of the most controversial periods in U.S. history and how their communities helped them carry their warrior legacy with pride.
Civilian eyapaha (announcer) Jerry Dearly also helps bring these stories to life.
- Free event.
- All ages welcome.
- NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Director's Q&A
Following the screening, attendees are invited to stay for a Director’s Q&A with Leya Hale and Sandy White Hawk, offering an opportunity to hear more about the making of the film and the stories behind it.
Leya Hale comes from the Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota and Din? Nations. In 2020, Leya was awarded the Sundance Institute Merata Mita Fellowship for Indigenous Artists and attended the 2020 Berlinale European Film Market as a NATIVE Fellow. When not producing feature films, Leya works on a variety of short form content in efforts to create social change within the upper Midwest region.
This FREE screening is part of the 2026 Indigenous Film Series presented by the City of Bloomington's Human Rights Commission and Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with Bloomington Public Schools' American Indian Education Program.
Questions? Email Amanda Crombie, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager, at acrombie@bloomingtonmn.gov.
