10 Must-Watch Westerns Featuring Indigenous Peoples

Description: A satirical take on the Western genre, this film follows the life of Jack Crabb, who is raised by the Cheyenne and experiences both sides of the American frontier, offering a critique on the treatment of Native Americans.

Fact: Dustin Hoffman's character, Jack Crabb, claims to be 121 years old, making him the oldest man in the world at the time the film is set.

Description: This epic tale follows a Union Army lieutenant who befriends a group of Lakota Sioux, offering a rare and respectful portrayal of Native American culture. It's a film that changed the narrative around indigenous representation in cinema.

Fact: Kevin Costner, who also directed, won the Best Director Oscar for this film. The Lakota language spoken in the movie was taught to the actors by Doris Leader Charge, a Lakota language expert.

Description: Set during the French and Indian War, this film follows the adventures of Hawkeye and his Mohican companions, offering a glimpse into the complexities of colonial America and Native American alliances.

Fact: The film's score by Trevor Jones and Randy Edelman has become iconic, particularly the theme "Promentory." The movie was shot on location in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains to capture the authentic feel of the wilderness.

Description: An FBI agent of part-Sioux descent investigates a murder on a reservation, uncovering corruption and rediscovering his heritage, blending mystery with cultural exploration.

Fact: The film was inspired by real events involving the FBI's investigation into the American Indian Movement.

Description: This film tells the story of the Apache leader Geronimo, focusing on his last days of freedom and his eventual surrender, providing a sympathetic portrayal of his resistance against encroaching settlers.

Fact: The film was shot on location in the American Southwest, including parts of New Mexico and Arizona, to authentically depict the Apache homeland.

Description: A road trip movie that delves into the lives of two young Coeur d'Alene Indian men, exploring themes of friendship, identity, and the legacy of the past. It's a film that blends humor with poignant storytelling.

Fact: This was the first feature film to be written, directed, co-produced, and acted by Native Americans. It was based on Sherman Alexie's short story collection "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven."

Description: While not strictly a Western, this WWII film highlights the Navajo code talkers, showcasing the crucial role Native Americans played in the war effort, blending historical drama with action.

Fact: The film was criticized for its portrayal of the Navajo characters, but it did bring attention to the largely unknown contribution of the Navajo code talkers.

Description: Terrence Malick's poetic exploration of the Jamestown settlement, focusing on the relationship between Pocahontas and John Smith, offering a nuanced view of Native American-European interactions.

Fact: The film was shot in Virginia, where the actual Jamestown settlement was located, and features a score by James Horner that was critically acclaimed.

Description: Based on Dee Brown's book, this HBO film recounts the events leading up to the Wounded Knee Massacre, focusing on the lives of Charles Eastman and Sitting Bull, providing a poignant look at Native American history.

Fact: The film was nominated for 17 Emmy Awards, winning one for Outstanding Made for Television Movie.

Description: While not directly about Native Americans, this film features a Native American character prominently and explores themes of loyalty, justice, and the legacy of the Old West.

Fact: The film was shot in Montana, providing a rugged and authentic backdrop to the story.