Incident at Oglala: The Leonard Peltier Story

Incident at Oglala: The Leonard Peltier Story is a 1992 documentary-style film that tells the story of Leonard Peltier, a member of the American Indian Movement (AIM) who was convicted of the murder of two FBI agents during a shootout on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in 1975.

The film, directed by Michael Apted and narrated by Robert Redford, uses archival footage and contemporary interviews with key players in the case to examine the events leading up to the shooting, the trial and conviction of Peltier, and the controversy surrounding his case.

The film begins by setting the historical context for the events at Oglala in the mid-1970s. The film explains that the Pine Ridge Reservation was in a state of near-warfare, with tensions between AIM activists and the tribal government on one side and the FBI and local law enforcement on the other. The film also addresses the longstanding grievances of Native Americans in the area, including the issue of treaty violations and broken promises by the U.S. government.

The main focus of the film, however, is the story of Leonard Peltier. The film interviews Peltier's friends and family, as well as several of his fellow AIM activists, who describe him as a dedicated and passionate leader who was committed to fighting for Native American rights. The film also includes extensive footage from the shootout at Oglala, including interviews with several eyewitnesses who provide conflicting accounts of what happened that day.

The film then shifts its attention to the trial and conviction of Peltier. The film argues that Peltier was the victim of a biased and unfair prosecution, and that the FBI and government officials had worked to secure his conviction at all costs. The film explores several key pieces of evidence that were used to convict Peltier, including ballistics evidence that was later discredited.

Throughout the film, the viewer is presented with a complex and nuanced picture of Peltier and the events at Oglala. The film does not shy away from the violence and chaos that characterized the confrontation between AIM and the FBI, but it also highlights the larger systemic issues that underlie the conflict.

Overall, Incident at Oglala: The Leonard Peltier Story is a gripping and thought-provoking film that raises important questions about justice, power, and inequality in America. Whether you are familiar with the case or coming to it for the first time, this film is sure to challenge your assumptions and leave you with a deeper understanding of this tragic chapter in American history.