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4/3/03
Juan Vasquez
Missouri City Tx
WELL SEEING THE FILM WAS ONE OF THE BEST TRUE FEEELING I GOT TO SEE AND FEEL .IT GAVE ME THE MOTIVATION TO WRITE ONE OF MY BEST SONGS I HOPE WHAT I WENT TRU THE PAST CAN SOMEHOW TEACH ANY PERSON WHO FAIL IN THE PAST THERE IS ALWAYS A WAY OUT FOR HOPE AND FREEDOM. PS' I FAIL, I WATCH AND TOOK A STEP HIGHER NOW LOOK AT ME WORLD.
4/3/03
The CHIEFS was an excellent show!
The fine young men and coaches should be very proud of themselves for telling their stories.
Economic development issues:
Why not open camps so us
Western transplants could go
and stay on the reservations and
learn about the culture of
the Indian, the beliefs, significance
of the dancing, language, stories, foods?
Thank you so much!
4/3/03
The film was TOO AWESOME!!
I could relate to the film in so many ways growing up on a reservation in Montana. There were so many ball players on our rez that had so much potential to make it out in the 'big world' but didn't. I think alot of players don't make it out there due to 'culture shock' when they actually go out in the 'white man's world'. It's so hard to let go of so many things when you grow up on a isolated reservation (your family, friends, culture and etc.). It's like you come from a place that makes you feel big and when you actually go out there in the real world you actually feel alone and small.
Another reason why I think that kids don't make it off the rez is because we come from really close knit families, (our families are our security). I myself, go to college almost 200 hundred miles away from home but I talk to my mom or dad at least 2 or 3 times a day (over the phone) and actually drive home almost every weekend to see my family. So, I can kinda relate to how a kid fresh out of high school goes out to college with an enrollment of 10,000 (more or less) especially when you come from a community of a couple thousand.
I think the fact that reservations are so isolated is one of the factors that you can find successful Indian teams across the country. When driving through reservations you will see that most all houses have a basketball hoop in their yard or drive way. We really don't have any other source of entertainment in these areas but to play ball. It's almost like it's a part of our culture.
Anyway, it was good to see a Native American film that relates to 'real life on the rez'. Keep up the good work.
4/3/03
Crow Lady
Crow Agency, MT
I thought this was an awesome show and I'd like to see it again. I'm Crow and I also grew up on the rez. I know how it is to see a very talented basketball player who just ends up staying on the rez, but I don't think there is anything wrong with that if that is their choice. People are always saying, "I got to get off the rez", or "I can't wait to get out of here". We all get so caught up in the world and what the world expects of us, we try to please the world so much, when what we should really be doing is pleasing God and doing what he has planned for us. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with going away and getting an education, that is good if it is your choice but I don't see why people try to look down on others when they want to stay on the rez and be near their families or where they grew up. I love how I grew up and I love my people and I chose to stay on my rez hoping that some day I can help bring my people out of poverty. I just wanted to congratulate the chie
fs on their successful basketball seasons and how much more proud they made me be to be a Native American Indian. I would also like to let the producer know that Wind River, Wyoming isn't the only rez with Basketball skills. Over here we were born with basketballs in our hands. May God bless you all.
4/3/03
Lotus S
Salem Or
This documentary intrigued me from the start. It was honest and truthful and painful at times. I believe the Chiefs are so good because it is a time to shine: their 15 minutes of fame. It is where their hearts are, not only the players, but the fans as well. It seems to be their livelihood and a ticket off the rez. I really enjoyed this film. 4 stars!
4/2/03
I happened to surf past PBS last night and got snagged into the film about 1/4 of the way into it. Very engaging.
I think this was well put together. You seemed to focus on the facts without being sentimental, sappy or condescending, which can detract from the content on a documentary.
I grew up as a non-indian on a rez in MT. You took me back to my high school days.
Thank you for your work and insight.
4/2/03
Jason M Davies
Anchorage, Alaska
I lived in Phoenix, Arizona for about 5 years, and all around Phoenix or Maricopa County are allot of Reservations or called the rez with either affection or passionate hatred by the people who have lived there. I've been fortunate to become friends with various people who have family or friends that live on the rez. Northwest of Phoenix is the Navajo Reservation, which is the biggest reservation in the United States. It takes up the northern part of New Mexico, Arizona, and the southern part of Utah. I have visited Tuba city in the Navajo reservation with a friend of mine that I worked with. I got to meet his sister, various cousins and nephews and his mom. In fact I ended up working with his sister (she was my boss!) Me being of Caucasian decent I was very aware of my differences when I did visit sporadically. There was definitely a difference in the whole atmosphere compared to the villages in Alaska. I lived in the city but I have been to several small villages around Anchorage. The one thing that I notice right away was how almost everybody was related to each other in someway, either by marriage or by relations. Family is a big thing on the rez. My friend would drive 5 hours a day from Phoenix just to stay one night at home with his family and then drive the 5 hours back in time to go to work. Basketball I think is a big thing at all the rezzes and even up here in the villages, cause there is nothing else to do. Plus they are very good at it too. Most of the kids are natural athletes. When the basketball state championships are going on in Phoenix, everybody comes out. Cousins, aunts, uncles, nephews, mom, and dad, I mean everyone. They make that sacrifice to see their relatives play. So you can see, there is a strong family bond. I'm not saying that only Native Americans have strong family bonds and that no other race has. That's for another subject entirely. What I do see is that reservations are secluded, tucked away from the big cities o
f the States where most of the popula!
tions are. So different mentalities ensue between someone that lives in the city versus someone that lives on the rez, not only is there a divide between the city and the rez, there is the fact that they are also Native Americans. A whole different culture!! Also I saw a lot of racism on the documentary towards the Chief's basketball team. I was horribly sickened. Not one time that I was in Tuba city was someone racist to me, NOT ONE TIME!! So when someone does leave the rez how are they supposed to adapt to life outside the rez. I wouldn't want to leave a comfortable life on the rez and a free monthly check. I know that my friend couldn't just live in Phoenix. He had to go back as much as he could so the separation wouldn't be so bad. That's my opinion, he might say something different, but I might be closer that he thinks. I think that the documentary only just began to scratch the surface. There should be more searching on the whole to pic of Native Indians and their lives. Thank you.
4/2/03
Seth Martinez(beaver)
Campverde
I loved this movie,I worked with the kids here on this rez. I live on and I came from the rez with my mother that died from drinking.I watch the kids here on this rez just waiste there lives, coping with society but if we support our children with education then a paradox of pride will come back to help there comunity they and I live in.As Parent of four daughters they play ball, dance and do the traditional things they need to here.Thanks I wish I knew when it came on I missed the 1st half hour.
4/2/03
Dawn Howard
Sacaton, AZ
i watched the show and we'll it was great i mean it was the best movie i seen....im in the process of getting it... and i liked the way they played and i was wondering if they all still play together..keep it up wyoming....stay strong
4/2/03
a. william carter
pequot lakes, mn
I viewed the film or documentary "CHIEFS" the other day and was educated and informed about the phenomenon surrounding the accomplishments of the wind river basketball team. I thouroghly enjoyed watching the sights, sounds, and personsal accounts of a season with the chiefs. As one who is not directly involved with the ongoings or lifestyles of somebody who lives their life on the rez, i can speculate that their is a definate misconception on how some of us think and feel. I can see some of the obstacles facing the high school students in their future endeavors and it must be hard as the two worlds inevitably collide as a graduate on the rez goes off to take on new challenges else where. I can only hope the opportunities become more and more available as well as the desire from the students in their pursuit to enrich their lives.
4/2/03
VINCENT CANTU
EDINBURG, TEXAS
I THOUGHT THAT THE FILM WAS A GREAT PIECE OF WORK. I HAD FORGOT THAT WE HAD NATIVE AMERICANS LIVING AND FACING THE REAL WORLD JUST AS ALL OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISADVANTAGES. EDUCATION IS THE ANSWER TO THE DIFFICULTY BEING ABLE TO MAKE IT OUTSIDE THE REZ. NEED TO INSTILL IN THESE YOUNG KIDS THAT THEY ARE NORMAL JUST AS ALL PEOPLE OF ALL COLORS AND RACE. V.CANTU
4/2/03
Steve Canas
San Jose
I seen the show last night, it was done very well and I hope to see it again. I also will let people know to tune in and check it out.
I hope that Beaver,Tim Al C and Gerry are all doing well and are carring on well in life for them selfs their familys and for the people of the Rez.
Please pass along my that our thoughts and prayers are with you all,and I hope to someday make it out to visit the Rez and would hope to meet some of these great people myself. Best Regards, Steve
4/2/03
ginika
houston, texas
a succesful basketball team is one that can get along well together on and off the court. the chiefs are good because they have played w/ each other since birth. i think its difficult for them to make it off the rez because they hardly ever really leave it. they know nothing else. i really enjoyed this program it was very informative and entertaining.
4/2/03
Monica Martinez-Hamilton
McAllen, TX
I enjoyed every minute of the show. The Arapaho and Shoshone culture, I think, was presented tastefully. I am disappointed the boys chose to smoke marijuana and even while camera crews were around. These types of activities do not help the younger population watching. I understand there is pain in their lives but there are many different ways to handle pain, sorrow, depression, anxiety or whatever bothers them. I do not admire anyone who tries, uses and/or abuses any type of substances. Rather than looking towards the elders within their culture for guidance and comfort, they disgrace them and disappoint them. Yet, they don't know all they could be because they've never tried it in every aspect of their lives. When effort is genuinely made at 100% in every aspect, the results are astounding. I do wish them the best and hope they don't settle for complacency. I would enjoy more documentries on any Native American topics.
4/2/03
me
fort washakie
i think overall this movie was pretty good they should have focused on more players then they did they just mainly foucused on one player there should have been more chiefs involved and should have interviewd my brother more lol but yeah this was a good movie just make another one but with more chiefs if you know what i mean
4/2/03
sann
honolulu, hawaii
i am a frequent viewer of 'independent lens' , i am glad i caught this particular film, i enjoyed
it immensely!
first of all i can relate because i am also part native american, i am part hawaiian; we have our own language/culture also. you know, "we" have the best of "both worlds"-two cultures; secondly i like stories that feature ethnic minorities, their plight and overcoming/achieving whatever obstacles.
there is so much that "we hawaiians" can identify with "our native brothers" but of course we are all americans!
actually there's much more i could say; please let's have more features like this, i enjoy features that highlight our teens!!!
bravo!!! to the filmmakers and of course the Wyoming Indian High School Chiefs - you go guys!!!!!!!!
4/2/03
Mato Standing High
Denver, CO
Preface: I was born on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation and am enrolled. I currently hold a Juris Doctor (law degree) and a BS in business.
A successful basketball team comes from a common goal and belief in the team. Players must know their role but not be afraid to step up and take on new roles and responsiblity as needed. Also, and most important, is discipline and respect for your coach.
I think it is difficult for rez kids to "make it" off the reservation because of culture shock and a lack of aid in preparation for that. There is no pretending, the white world is different. Also, life perspective is huge. One must always remember that home will always be there and you can always go home. That is easy. As strong, proud Indian people we must want to venture out and gather the tools we need to come home and contribute to the advancement of our people. We must be educated and learn to stand against home sickness and taking the easy road home so soon. Again, get an education off the rez, then go home. Be doctors, lawyers, start businesses, be teachers... You can do none of those things without an education.
I think the connection between successful sports teams and impoverished communities is the want to show that we are not lesser people. And, that is easier to do in the arena of sports. We are all equipped with the same tools, whether we are red, black, white, yellow, etc., we all have two arms and legs. However, the playing field is not completely level. Look at the facilities available, funding, school support and it shows that impoverished communities have to work harder to be successful. While teams in Gillette, WY, for example, enjoy one of the richest school districts in the country with all the amenities and facilities that come with that, kids on the Wind River are practicing on dirt with broken down hoops.
All in all, this film makes me proud to be Indian. For I know how hard it is to compete not just against other schools bu t against racism. Its a tough battle! and the boys from Cheyenne Indian won. I hope this experience for them will open new doors for them and give them the strenght and courage to take advanatge of those opportunities.
Mitakuye Oyasin
4/2/03
A marvelous film in the tradition of one of the all time great documentaries, "Hoop Dreams". Although the comparisons are inevitable, "Chiefs" is about more than basketball as a vehicle for young men to find hope and success in an environment where those things do not come easily.
I was riveted from the start by the program primarily because I spent a year living and working on the Eastern Navajo Rez in New Mexico. Although I am a "Biligaana" as the Navajo used to call me (translation : "white guy") from Maine, the story touched home. The Eastern Navajo Rez shares alot in common with the Wind River rez in terms of problems like alcoholism, teen sucide, unemployment, etc. Watching "Chiefs " brought back all the questions I wrestled with while I lived on the Rez - What does it mean to be an American? How come that experience can be so very different for a white, middle class, college educated, liberal New Englander and the average kid who grows up on any one of the Indian reserva tions in the American West? Are we still living with the repurcussions of historical events that took place a century and more ago, or are there more recent factors at work? Must the solutions to problems so common on the Rez be driven from within, or must they come from Anglo culture and resources - or both? I couldn't pretend to begin to know the answers, and "Chiefs" does a fine job of not only portraying what a complex issue it is, but also of how it can seem hopeless to try to figure it out.
Yet, that is just what the Wind River Reservation community tries to do in the film. Although the focus is basketball, I could begin to see that basketball was just one means toward the larger end. Yes, it inspired and brought the community together. Yes, it gave everyone the opportunity to be proud of what they could accomplish. And yes, it became a vehicle for the players to expand their horizons and consider higher aspirations. But in all of that, I could see the start of a broader movement toward greater things;!
parents who could set and achieve the goal of sending a child to college, channeling the lessons of hard work and sacrifice learned on the basketball court into other things like rodeo, academics, job training, employment, and the effort to keep traditional cultural practices alive. That's really where the beauty in this film lies - not so much in its touching portrayal of the struggles of the young men on the court, but more in what that struggle has come to mean for their community. It was thrilling to watch Al C'Bearing pour in 39 points in the state championship game, but it was more thrilling to see him accept a collge scholarship. Even more inspiring was to watch as his former teammate Beaver didn't give in to despair even in the dark days immediately after his injury. He kept working, he kept reaching, he kept striving, in his own words, "to be somebody" even after it became clear that basketball would never be more than a hobby. It is these small portraits in courage - so sadly lacking in these days of major college sports scandals and overpaid prima donna professionals - that made viewing "Chiefs" a great film and an important piece of social commentary.
I hope my local station airs it again.
4/2/03
The film was well done with the camera always running in good times and bad. Getting off of the "rez" or staying on the "rez" is not important. What is important is that each individual has the courage to do what he/she wants and if that means staying there, that too is fine. Basketball is not sufficient enough to sustain an individual in college. Traditional education (reading, writing, and arithmetic)must be emphasized so that when one leaves the "rez" one can compete in all levels and not be forced to give up and go home. Highschool sports successes in general cause men of all races in America to constantly live out the glory days and be quite depressed for many years following highschool. Basketball is not a ticket to success, but merely an enabler to getting an education for 99.9% of college sports players. In any event, the film seemed more upbeat than typical reservation life probably is, but it was good. I wish all of the stars of "Chiefs" success in what they do in the future and hope that they will not let the outside world influence their decision to stay or leave the "rez" but follow their own dreams whatever they may be.
4/2/03
Minta Roper
Dallas TX
I thought this is one of the best documentaries I have ever seen on Native Americans. I am a Native American also, and therefore it was of even more interest to me. I think it's difficult for anyone from the rez, so to speak, to make it in "outside" jobs and schools. People have sterotyped the Indian people for too long and if they don't fit that then they have a problem. There is still much prejudice and bias against the Indian people because according to some, "we have it made". Please tell me how that is so. We've been slaughtered, beaten, starved, and on and on--we are the smallest minority and also the poorest, but yet we have it made. One other thing is an Indian community is just that and one always has those connections to the land, the people. I have lived in many citiesw across the USA, but I always return back to my home and I will never leave there again--I'd rather be poor and have that connection as opposed to being rich and alone. Thank You.
4/2/03
Deseree'
I think a successful basketball is a team who will work to together, who will put up with one another. Your team showed great sportsmanship when those other teams where bing rude. I wouldn't think it would be difficult to those kids, but I do think that it should be us who have the problems getting into college's, just because we took your land away from you. So people have the whole thing mixed up. The way I saw your boys play was amazing I have never seen another team play so well together and have so much comanion towards each other. I think that was the best program that I have saw and it really showed the truth about rez's. I hope this all amkes since to you. Thank you for listening.
4/2/03
Angela
Tolleson,Arizona
I thought the video was good but the video could have focused on the whole basketball team at different times not just two or four.
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