Lakota Woman: Siege at Wounded Knee

A Lakota woman from a poor Rosebud family who endures boarding school suppression and personal hardship, she grows into a determined activist. Her experiences with racism, hunger, and dislocation test her loyalty to her people, while her awakening is sparked by a newspaper and the injustices she witnesses. She becomes a central figure in the Wounded Knee occupation, navigating pregnancy, risk, and arrest.

Mary’s grandfather passes down memory of the 1890 Wounded Knee massacre, anchoring her sense of history and the importance of memory. His stories connect the past to the present struggle for dignity and sovereignty. He serves as a guiding voice that frames the family’s resilience.

A young white girl who presents Mary with a newspaper titled AMERICANS BEFORE COLUMBUS, sparking her political awakening. She acts as a catalyst, illuminating cross-cultural tensions and the power of information to provoke change. Her interactions reveal the broader societal context of Native activism in the era.

Mary's aunt who stays connected to Lakota traditions and supports the family during hardship. She represents community resilience and becomes part of Mary’s search for roots and belonging. Her presence anchors the sense of kinship within the Lakota community.

A Lakota woman who embodies the pull between white society and Lakota life, illustrating the personal costs of assimilation. Her choices contrast with Mary’s later path, highlighting generational differences in navigating cultural identity. Her portrayal contributes to the film’s exploration of family dynamics under pressure.

A member of the group Mary joins, he embodies the complexities of community members navigating poverty and rebellion. His presence underscores the social dynamics and camaraderie within activist circles. He illustrates how individual histories merge in collective action.

A law enforcement officer who targets the AIM members, representing the federal pressure and surveillance faced by activists. The character embodies the authorities' coercive stance and the risks of political dissent during the period. His actions contribute to the film's tension and sense of peril.