False Promises: The Lost Land of the Wenatchi 2002
Distributed by Filmakers Library, 124 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016; 202-808-4980
Produced by White Noise Productions
Directed by Rustin Thompson
VHS, color, 57 min.
Jr. High - Adult
American Studies, Anthropology, Crime, Criminal Justice, Ethics, Eugenics, Geography, History, Human Rights, International Relations, Law, Multicultural Studies, Native American Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by David Liberty, StreamNet Library, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish CommissionThe Wenatshapum Tribe of Central Washington was subject to a shameless theft of its homeland by the hands of the U.S. Government. The filmmaker clearly presents a succinct history of the events relating to the Yakima Treaty of 1855. His convincing style shows why the Wenatchi (as they are now known) Tribe is entitled to thousands of acres of their former home. The excellent use of personal narratives by tribal members and non-Indian historians lead to one conclusion: give them back their land.
Watching this documentary was both shocking and sad. An entire section of a treaty ratified by congress was never enforced but rather, ignored. When the time came to follow through on promises made to the Wenatshapum people, the result was lies and deceit at every level of federal agency involved. Only the most calloused federal official could watch this film and not feel a deep sense of shame. This reviewer has never seen a clearer case of fraud perpetuated upon a tribe, and I have seen many.
The hardest thing about writing this review was trying to control my outrage. I highly recommend this film to anyone. It should be shown in the halls of congress and at every level of government that has anything to do with Native American Tribes.