Tell us what you think.
Selected submissions will be posted here, so check back regularly.
4/24/03
Janelle
W/R, AZ
The film was cool. It showed the Native perspective and it was about the love of a Native community
--> BASKETBALL <-- I watched with some friends and all they kept saying was "that guys fine!" They loved the strength protrayed and it was the true life of any Native American. The rez's cool but there's a time for everyone to leave. Home will always be there and dreams can only last so long. I wish the guys of CHIEFS the best!
4/24/03
I watched this documentary the other night with my neice from Wyoming. I enjoyed watching it, yet I was saddened by it. I work at a native school here in Washington. Here at the school, the students have to deal with the EXACT same issues. The tribe here pays for their college. Although not all of the students here leave. My neice told me that it is harder to watch the movie then it is to deal with it in real life. In the movie you see the hatred on the opposing teams faces. I loved it when the boys didn't hold their hands over thier hearts, and when they were in Lander during the National Anthem. How are they supposed to show pride for a country when they aren't even respected themselves?? I wish the SoundingSides brothers the best of luck. To Gerry Redman, keep your head up and good luck in all you do. To Beaver C'Bearing, your a good man for sticking with your son. It takes a little boy to make a baby, but a man to raise one. To Al C'bearing, Good luck in Chadron, believe in yoursel
f and all that you do, and you'll make it. To Tim Robinson, stay strong, and may God be with you all.
4/21/03
W.I.H.S Lady Chiefs K.K.O.T and C.L.G
Hi3et'ti', Wyo
Teamwork, persistance, willingness, communication, self-confidence, these are just some of things that make a team out to be great! Wyoming NDN boys and girls basketball teams are so good because like everyone said, we basically grow up together and we start playin ball at an early age...everyone who's ever played on the Chief's and Lady Chief's teams have probably played together since the 5th grade.....college is big, scary and exciting at the same time, yet their is alot of diversity....which sometimes native americans aren't used to. Somebody will do it though.......get off the "rezz" and go out there and do something with their life....maybe not in basketball but....something else...."Ko'okonee" Lady Chiefs and Chiefs.......~1~
4/21/03
windy
Utah
Hey whad up! I myself watched tha film, I thought it was awsome. Its always interesting to watch our people on tv. I also found myself glued to tha tv beyond my bed time. It was all worth it tho, fo real! I wish our school here had an all ndn team like that. I grew up with where tha majority of tha kids in school/town are anglo. I was 1 of a few native s to be on tha H.S. bball team, and we often found ourselves on tha bench, even tho we could tear tha other s up on tha court. So all in all, it was a great film. I am goin to buy this video so my two boys can watch and learn a few things.. cuz I want them to also be some bball hoop stars, maybe some day they will have a doc. film on them...hahaha. Well i would like to say good luck to tha future chief bball players, keep it real and god bless ya'll!
4/21/03
Tricia McInroy
Tucson, Arizona
I grew up in Wyoming and went to high school at NCHS in Casper. I have to say that I am embarassed by the way the students at NC as well as Kelly Walsh behaved in the movie. I'm gladed you showed it though, because it is important to see. My mom grew up in the Lander area and always told me what a great coach Redman always was. This was a very refreshing film to see. Thanks for making it.
4/21/03
Kayla M
San Diego Ca
I was flippen through tv last night and came across the movie, 1/2 over already, I thought the WIHS Gym looked familiar, I was like whoa, that's the Chiefs. I grew up I Hanna, Wyoming, we started playing the Chiefs in High School, my last two years. I remember watching them at regionals, they kicked a$$, this was before we played them. But I remember them just like constant full speed sprint up and down, they never seem to tire out. The Chiefs posses alot of talent, their girls team was pretty good too. Our games with the girls seemed to be more hostile for some reason one of our starters came home with a few bite marks. But I have to say that they are a great time, I like the pride and dedication that the movie showed, well the 1/2 I saw, I would just like to say whether your on a rez or not, keep your head up and follow your dreams, make the best of your life, for yourself. Godbless
4/21/03
Ana Janis
ethete, wyoming
I (Ana Janis)live on the wind river indian reservation and i know for a fact that it's hard to grow up in a community that is so small especially if your trying to work hard at getting off the rez and into a better community but seeing these boys work twards their goals is just amazing, i mean when you put alot of effort in to your goals as much as these boys did then you get really far and it's inspiring. it makes you feel that indians have not lost hope and that we came along way and we're going to keep on going as long as we believe in our selves and have people who support and have faith in us we'll go far. As a teenager I am greatly inspired by how far my brothers and sisters have come to reaching their childhood dreams and really hope that they go even further when i was young that's all i wanted to do was be a lady chief and represent my community and people and now i finnaly get that chance all because of the lady chiefs and the chiefs. Thanks.
4/21/03
Casper, Wyoming
I also enjoyed the documentary. Living in Casper and a Native American, I can relate to the racism at the 2 High Schools (KW NC). However I have had experience at both H.S.'s and the bogotry that was shown at NC is more the norm than not. KW has more of a diverse and tolerant Student Body, which I suppose is directly related to the faculty. The film depicts our culture and many aspects of the trials our children go thru, but don't kid yourself....if a documentary was done on other H.S. basketball teams, there is also drug use..as well as alcohol.
4/21/03
Lady bobcat #11
Hot Springs Wyoming
The chiefs are so good thanx in large part to my grampa Alfred Redman...he's a really good coach and knows how to coach a winning team!!!
The Chiefs are a good team and now they are losing alot of seniors that were a big part of the team... but my brother doug brown is a sophomore and i know he will step up and play well for the chiefs in upcoming years...lol...
I would also like to add a big congradulations to the Lady Chiefs tean this year for there state championship...(go ladys)(and good job aleta) and i'll see you around next year to help you get another one
good job tovah and kerrisa we will miss you lots...lata~1~
4/21/03
I really enjoyed the program.Living on the "rez" must be quite diificult.I espeicially enjoyed the part when they were singing the national anthem, and the players kept their arms folded. It's a shame what happened to Indians. Everyone screams of the horrors of other minorities, but don't Indians get a say?! Wern't they here first? This film moved me in many ways. Thank you.
4/21/03
gail morris
phoenix
Saw a trailer of Chiefs at a trade show expo and listened to the two men. I was impressed with their perseverance but when they mentioned an academy award winning producer ended up paying for the film and then they won Tribeca, I lost respect for their struggle to complete the film and for the fact they sold out to someone who obviously had connections to the film industry.
I doubt it ended up being their film in the end.
4/21/03
Well I'm from the WindRiver rez and I've grown up watching all my relations playing basketball and I think the reason they're good is because they give their 110% and then some,It's for the love of the game. I know how hard it is getting off the "rez", it's all we know. When kids leave off the rez they usually go back and have to live off the monthly checks. For most people to leave for over a year form the rez is a great accomplishment. I have much love for the little warriors, because they are the keepers of the next generation.
4/21/03
Forever a Chiefs Fan
Wind River REZ, Wyoming
I really liked this movie cause it showed how REAL life is on the rez. It isn't fake like the Hollywood movies that, LiteFoot plays in. Daniel kept it real. He showed what young natives have to put up with everyday.
A young native can be walking around Wal-Mart and be followed by some workers because they think they are about to steal something. They are so wrapped up in stereotypes it scares them what a young native is capable of on the court and in life.
When I asked my nephew what he wanted to be when he grew up, he looked me in the eyes and said, "I WANT TO BE A CHIEF."
Basketball is a way of life on the rez. Forever will it be. Basketball helps heal the pain that most have to endure EVERYDAY! This movie was just a beginning, life on a reservation is the middle and the end. Because no matter where we go, how far we go, the rez will always be home.
To all the young natives who say, "I can't wait to get off this reservation." or "When I leave the rez, I am not coming back."
You will be back, in your memories. When you think about your family and friends you left behind, you'll be thinking about your rez. And on the rez, is a young persons hopes and dreams, ON THE COURT.
I give mad props to all those who are trying hard in life right now to succeed...
FOREVER A CHIEFS FAN!
4/21/03
Why didn't I get a chance to see "Chiefs"? It was not on either of my local PBS choices. I am a bit put out with you guys!
And NBC didn't show the powwow dancing show they had promised either! I guess shows about Natives are cancellable!
4/21/03
I AM FROM THE REZ AND I AM MAKING A 4.0 IN COLLEGE WITH 2 LITTLE BOYS. YOU JUST HAVE TO WANT IT BAD ENOUGH!! IF YOU'RE SCARED OF "COLLEGE" TRY HASKELL. THEY TRY TO SEE ALL INDIANS MAKE IT AND THEY KNOW WHERE YOU'RE COMING FROM.
4/21/03
I recently watched the filmn Chiefs on PBS the other
day. i thought it was a very good film. I know the
feeling of rez life. but what i want to know is what
happened to the other guy Brian Sounding Sides. Is he
in College some where? Is he still alive? if you
still have contact with any of them please let them
know that a fellow Native is praying for them. My
name is Jamie Poor Thunder- Wallux. I'm an Oglala
Lakota Sioux from the Pine Ridge Reservation. Please
tell them to stay strong. thank you
4/14/03
Clina LTS
Ethete, Wyoming
A successful basketball team consists of team work and practice and for
this particular team growing up and playing together since they could
walk. That what makes this team so great. Al Redman "Doesn't reload he
rebuilds"!
A majority of native kids don't make it after high school because they
are either pushed to hard or not enough to go to college or they have not
seen anyone succeed after high school. If the successful ones would come
back and tell the younger ones they too can succeed that would be great.
But it is entirely up to the individual what they want out of life.
For the last question, there is no connection between these two.
Impoverished communities are just that, impoverished and successful team
sports are just that, successful.
One more thing Gladys Grant if your out there. Iam going to be in
Anchorage April 27 - May 3, at the Hotel Captain Cook.
4/14/03
Wad up my natives i juss wanted to say i thought this team waz ight and
every thing they have a really cute guy on there team umm tim lol i think
lol well i go to a school wit the name chiefs and our basketball team
sucks like it makes the name sound all shot but until i watched this film
they made the name sound reall cool.. i would really like to see the
chiefs to play the cheiftans our best team on the rez well im out so ladaz
peeps
4/14/03
Gail Morris
Phoenix, Arizona
Saw a trailer of Chiefs at a trade show expo and listened to the two men.
I was impressed with their perseverance but when they mentioned an academy
award winning producer ended up paying for the film and then they won
Tribeca, I lost respect for their struggle to complete the film and for
the fact they sold out to someone who obviously had connections to the
film industry.
I doubt it ended up being their film in the end.
4/11/03
Wyoming Indian High School assistant basketball coach Owen St Claire will
be a guest on ESPN Radio Weekend Allnight with Jon Chelesnik. The
interview will be nationally broadcast Sunday morning, April 20th, at
2:27AM EDT, then again at 5:27 AM EDT.
Coach will talk with Jon about the same issues that were portrayed in the
PBS documentary.
4/10/03
Tricia McInroy
Tucson, Arizona
I grew up in Wyoming and went to high school at NCHS in Casper. I have to say that I am embarassed by the way the students at NC as well as Kelly Walsh behaved in the movie. I'm gladed you showed it though, because it is important to see. My mom grew up in the Lander area and always told me what a great coach Redman always was. This was a very refreshing film to see. Thanks for making it.
4/10/03
E-Town
hey i would like to tell everyone who reads this that the Chiefs and Lady Chiefs are THE BEST TEAM on the rez! that can really do good and win their games if they really put their minds to it. And the boys playing basketball during there season I know how much Ball means to them! its like if they dont win they fill like there heart has been torn because they dont have another victory to cary! And the movie was really good and excting to see them in action on t.v for a documentary. Oh and yes the Girls this year who played on the team I have to give all of you Girlies MADD PROPS for kicking some *** on the court anywhere and everywhere anytime of the day! but yeah I know that Kerissa and Tovah are going to be graduating this year but both of them were great ball players they were like the Female Gods ....HEHEHE LOL* of the game! But yes I know Diana SoundgingSides is a very good Ball Player Also she tears her shyt up on the court! MADD PROPS to her for just being a Madd BALLER! and the
BOYS Stevie SunRhodes that Little Balla he is Relo Ferris that big tall Guy he is Ben Sidez That big tall guy he is also Jordan that Guy who you all seen when he was in his days with the MASCOT person he was From then to the STARTING 5....All of you Boys keep it up for being your self and never change and just remember to the LADYZ AND BOYZ~:~ BALL IS EVERYTHING IN THE WORLD IF YOUR A TRU BALLA NEVER LET IT GO HOLD.. IT KEEP IT ...ITS A DREAM BE IT~:~
4/10/03
Al Redman's comments in the little discussion afterword the Chiefs documentary were WAY TOO NEGATIVE! I wonder what he was thinking, I mean what did he expect the documentary to be like? An intense glorification of each and every chief as well as footage of every single minute of every single basketball game? That must have been the image in his mind if he was as disappointed in it as he said he was (repeatedly). Personally, and behalf of many I can say it was an excellent documentary that did little to distort the reality of the life of a Chief. Of course basketball plays a major role in every Chief's life, but it obviously isn't everything. Everyone knows there's more to life than that. If Alfred wanted to watch a documentary that was solely basketball he should just watch the video tapes of the games instead.
Chiefs...Chiefs...Chiefs...Chiefs...Chiefs...Chiefs...Chiefs
4/9/03
Steve White Jr.and Myron Chavez Jr.
E-town wyoming
The movie was good. I got the chills the first time i saw it when ben caught the alley hooop from his bro. Should of shown more of brian he was pretty good.It was pretty good to see my self and cousins plaing ball outside it was cool. Im out like the fire on a windy day.
Latarz
Chiefs #1
4/9/03
Matt Roberts
Pawhuska, Oklahoma
Great Documentary...I really enjoyed it. The relationship between the team and the reservation is amazing. This is a special piece of Native American history, just as the films "Jim Thorpe, All American" and "Running Brave" (over gold medal winner Billy Mills) are. I hope all the student athletes continue to chase their dreams in life as they did on the basketball court.
4/9/03
Michael Trippiedi
Rolling Meadows, IL
I saw the documentary and in some ways I sort of identify with the team. No, I am not Indian and am white of mixed European blood, but know a few who have partial Indian blood. I am deaf, born deaf, to be exact. Many times the deaf people deal with discrimination simply because they are deaf. In the North American deaf community, there are deaf Indians of various tribes. For me, the documentary brought a few memories of playing volleyball. I have played in volleyball tournaments, secular and church on various teams mainly as substitute. A 1999 car accident that fractured my left hip has kept me from playing volleyball. No,I am not that good of a player,I admit. I wonder if the Chiefs would play against the Wyoming school for the deaf. It would be interesting to hear of them against a deaf team. Like Indian tribes, the deaf have their own general culture and language, namely American Sign Language. Yes, that was even taught to Koko the signing gorilla. Some deaf people use Signed English, a sign language similar to ASL but more rooted to English words and grammar. In the past, the deaf were oppressed by people who believed sign language was not the way to use. Nowdays, deaf children are educated in schools for the deaf or hearing schools with deaf programs. I was educated in the latter setting. Funny, I never been to a school for the deaf! It would be like an Indian being in white schools and never been to an Indian reservation school! In my church, I have met deaf people who were from the Illinois School for the Deaf. In a way, the deaf is its own tribe complete with black, white, Asian, Hispanic, Indian, and others as well mixed race members. It did bother me that one of the Indian players used marijuana and I saw the effects of marijuana use after he used it. I know that many Indians struggle with alcoholism. My father, even in other ways was good to me, was an alcoholic and died one. Please, for the love of God, help the alcoholics, Indian and non-Indian so a child will not see a parent die an a!
lcoholic! Have the Indian tribes, including the one the players of the Chiefs are in, considered adding volleyball? It would be interesting to see an Indian volleyball team play against a deaf team. I think "Chiefs" is one of the best documentaries I have seen. Teamwork and having a goal reminds me of 1 Corinthians 1:10 which the true Christians are admonished by the apostle Paul to be of one mind and judgement. Thank you very much.
4/9/03
Stat Gurl Yo!
WindRiverRez...
Overall it was ok..could have focused on alot more players though..it was pretty kool...umm and yeah...keep up the good work guys..oh yeah congratulations on this yrs 3rd place FINISH..next year!!! LOL...always the number one stat gurl..~me~
oh yah..good job job lady chiefs..state champs...wooopdeeedoo..uh huh.........
4/9/03
Ugonwa
Melrose Park, IL
Hey i'm 18 years old and I watched the independent lens film "Chiefs" on this past Sunday night. I was just flipping through the channels and came upon this film. It really amazed me to see how much Native Americans have to endure in order to make a proper living here. A unique trait this film had, was it portrayed the lives of the youth in the rez not the adults. It showed this teenagers trying to make through high school and deciding on their future. I found myself in the same shoes as they were, in such that I'm about to start college and deciding what type of future I want. I really enjoyed the show and it didn't matter that I was awake till 12:30am watching the show because it was worth it. I hope to see other films such as "Chiefs".
I hope all the people featured in "Chiefs" are having a good lives and that their community continues to remain unitied.
4/8/03
Lady Chiefs State Champ
Ethete, Wy
Oh hell yeah...the show was the bomb..my boyz finally got the recognition that they deserve...but the ladies still didn't. It's all good though cause were STATE CHAMPS and all. But the film was very inspiring to everybody who watched it and I would just like to tell the fellas keep up the good work and stay true.
4/8/03
I thought that the movie gave a portion of the reality of living on the WRIR. I thought that it was a good idea to put the racism in, simply because wyoming isn't the tru equality state. I however, wished that the film maker couldv'e found some non-native fans that just liked to watch basketball. I have met only a hand full but they seem to like the excitment that the chiefs bring to the court.
I also feel that there should have been more interviews with Al C'Bearing and Brian SSides. It seemed that they were kind of put to the side. I also am wondering were is Brian's profile of what he is doing now. Well any way i thought that it could have been a little bit better. They should have got the schools footage of Jerry making the Half court basket. that wouldv'e been cool to see again.
4/8/03
E+TOWN GYRL
Ethete, WY
I thought the "Chiefs" Documentary was very good. I Loved everything about it because it showed people out there what life is like on the reservation and all the challenges that the people on the reservation. I just wanna give my love to Jerry "Fur" Redman and to Al C'bearing. U Guys are doing a good Job and I'm so proud of your guyz. We Luv U! And to all the Chiefs now and the "upcoming" Chiefs, reach for the starz and show our rez what you all are made of!
4/8/03
Levi Duca
Upton, WY
I know Al C'Bearing personally and I played the Cheifs when i was a Jr. in high school. We played them in the state tournament...where we were one of the teams they beat by thirty or more...haha i laugh..but i respected each and everyone of them...I hate racism, and i know what they have to go through somewhat being of Latino decent. When I played with them I loved how they knew where eachother were on the court...and that reflected what their head coach Redman was saying about them being a family...family knows best and they seemed to know family best. I admire all of the featured players in the film because through adversity they overcome in their own way. I am a personal friend of Al C'Bearing and he is just an awesome guy and friend. Loyalty is high with him. He teaches me about things when he doesnt even know. Through knowing Al i met Gerry Redman too. Another great young man. Has a head on his shoulders and is a great individual as well. The film is an inspiring film and should be seen by everyone that can see it...its that great...i borrowed the movie from Al and watched it numerous times. Its an inpiration to me and i play football at college with Al on the basket ball court. Its kind of nice to see him gives you a sense of home and friendship. I love how there is soo much respect within the tribe and the Chief team...I consider it a privilage to have played against the Chiefs...thank you for the film too:)
4/8/03
Enchantress
Tuba City, AZ
I watched this documentary Sunday afternoon. I liked it, I thought it really protrayed the hardships that most of Natives go through on a day to day basis. We really support our teams here on Navajo too, and I would wonder if other tribes were like that also.
I am thinking up a program to help our young people in the transition stages of post high school life. It is really hard when one goes out of his comfort zone, and doesn't know what to expect or what he/she really wants out of life. I hope to help in this particular area.
I just what to say to everyone out there, to keep your heads up high, and play hard at life.
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