A Different American Dream

A Different American Dream

Year: 2017

Runtime: 84 min

Language: English

Director: Simon Brook

Documentary

On the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, the discovery of a massive shale oil field brought both industry and unexpected hardship. While wealth flowed in, it came at a significant cost, including toxic waste contamination and a rise in illness. The community faces a plummeting life expectancy, and as the social fabric begins to fray, tribal leaders struggle to protect their land, traditions, and way of life amidst the changing landscape.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen A Different American Dream yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – A Different American Dream (2017)

Trace every key event in A Different American Dream (2017) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Establishment of Fort Berthold Indian Reservation

The Fort Berthold Indian Reservation was established as the home for the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara (MHA) tribes. This area was chosen to provide a space for the tribes to preserve their culture and heritage.

Fort Berthold Indian Reservation
2

Discovery of Bakken Formation

The Bakken Formation was discovered to be the largest shale oil field in North America, located beneath the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. This discovery sparked a rush of interest from oil companies and changed the landscape of the reservation forever.

Bakken Formation
3

Rise of Oil Exploration

Oil exploration and fracking operations began rapidly encroaching on the reservation. The area transformed dramatically, filled with oil wells, fracking towers, and infrastructure to support the booming industry.

Fort Berthold Indian Reservation
4

Environmental Impact of Oil Industry

The oil industry brought substantial economic opportunity but at the cost of severe environmental degradation. The land became littered with toxic waste dumps and the threat of contamination loomed over the community.

Fort Berthold Indian Reservation
5

Economic Disparities and Wealth Influx

Despite the economic boom from oil, the majority of the tribal members experienced widespread poverty. Less than 15% of the tribal population benefitted from the oil wealth, leading to a stark contrast between a sudden influx of money and ongoing economic struggles.

Fort Berthold Indian Reservation
6

Health Crisis in the Community

The average life expectancy on the reservation plummeted to 57 years, significantly lower than the state average of 79. This decline signifies the deteriorating health conditions fostered by the environmental and social challenges faced by the community.

Fort Berthold Indian Reservation
7

Social Fabric Disruption

The sudden arrival of outside money and the chaotic changes in the community led to increased social issues. Rates of suicide, drug abuse, and violent crime rose alarmingly, fracturing the once tight-knit community.

Fort Berthold Indian Reservation
8

Tribal Leadership's Response

Amidst the turmoil, tribal leaders like Chairman Mark Fox began efforts to protect their land and the future of their people. Their focus was on balancing economic opportunities with the preservation of their cultural and ecological heritage.

Fort Berthold Indian Reservation
9

Historical Context of Exploitation

Many tribal members reflected on the historical exploitation of their land by Euro-Americans, seeing the oil boom as a continuation of this disturbing legacy. This perspective highlighted a long-lasting struggle for sovereignty and respect.

Fort Berthold Indian Reservation
10

Impact of the Garrison Dam

In the late 1940s, the construction of the Garrison Dam flooded substantial tribal lands, displacing many community members. This event compounded the existing issues of poverty and land loss for the MHA Nation.

Late 1940s Lake Sakakawea
11

Becoming the Second Largest Oil Producer

As the oil boom surged, North Dakota emerged as the second-largest oil-producing state in the U.S. This unprecedented growth resulted in peak production levels of approximately 1.3 million barrels per day from nearly 9,000 wells.

North Dakota
12

Shift in Land Use

Many tribal members began selling off mineral rights, leading to further development of sovereign land. This shift in land use worried many about the long-term ecological and cultural ramifications for the MHA tribes.

Fort Berthold Indian Reservation
13

Future of the MHA Nation

Tribal leaders continue to navigate the complex challenges posed by the oil industry while striving to secure a sustainable future for their people. Their efforts spotlight the broader conflict between economic gain and cultural preservation.

Fort Berthold Indian Reservation

Last Updated: May 12, 2025 at 07:04

Unlock the Full Story of A Different American Dream

Don't stop at just watching — explore A Different American Dream in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what A Different American Dream is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

A Different American Dream Summary

Read a complete plot summary of A Different American Dream, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

A Different American Dream Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in A Different American Dream

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape A Different American Dream. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in A Different American Dream

More About A Different American Dream

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about A Different American Dream: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About A Different American Dream

Similar Movies to A Different American Dream

Discover movies like A Different American Dream that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.