It is entirely fitting that during the month we celebrate women's history, Deb Haaland was confirmed as this country's first Native American Cabinet secretary. As head of the Department of the Interior, Haaland has pledged to protect our public lands and create a more equitable energy economy.

Energy companies operate on Native soil, as well as public lands. The documentary "100 Years: A Woman's Fight for Justice" (2016) is a profile of Elouise Cobell (Blackfeet). She was the driving force behind the largest class action lawsuit in US history. The dispute involved money held in trust by the federal government - billions in oil and gas profits - that was owed to Native Americans, but never paid. It took over a decade for the case to wind its way through the courts, but the tenacious Cobell never lost hope. While the Obama administration finally settled the case in 2010, Cobell died from cancer before any of the money was distributed. A Republican politician from Oklahoma is quoted in the film as saying, "by fighting for justice for her people, she expands the rights of all."

"Once Upon a River" (2020) is a narrative feature in which the main character is also a Native American woman. The film is a coming-of-age story that dramatizes two tumultuous years in the lfe of teenager Margo Crane. Without mentioning Native American spirituality, "Once Upon a River" affirms the primacy of nature. Margo is seduced and betrayed by a family friend, her father is murdered, her mother is engaged and starting a new life without her, and she is left pregnant after a brief romance with a teacher. While every relationship with an adult is problematic, her mastery of the natural world, and her ability to seek solace in it, remains intact. Written and directed by Haroula Rose, "Once Upon a River" is a sensitive portrait of a young woman finding her place in the world.



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Alison Film Review
"Alison" is an astonishing story of one woman's strength and resilience in the aftermath of sexual violence. This documentary from South Africa is directed by Uga Carlini.

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