Watch What Was Ours

What Was Ours is a 2016 documentary film that explores the struggles of the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone tribes to reclaim their cultural artifacts and reconnect with their heritage. The film follows two Arapaho elders, Philbert McLeod and Darwin St. Clair, and a young Northern Arapaho journalist, Jordan Dresser, as they embark on a journey to find and repatriate sacred objects that were taken from their tribes in the late 19th century and have been held in museums and private collections ever since.

The film begins with a powerful opening sequence that sets the tone for the emotional journey that lies ahead. We see Philbert McLeod standing before a display case at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, where two sacred Arapaho objects are on display. McLeod expresses his deep sadness and frustration at seeing these objects taken from his people and put on display for strangers to gawk at. This sets the stage for the film's exploration of the pain and loss that the Arapaho and Shoshone have experienced as a result of the theft of their cultural heritage.

From there, the film takes us on a journey through the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming, where the Arapaho and Shoshone continue to struggle to maintain their traditional way of life in the face of modern challenges. We meet Jordan Dresser, a young Arapaho journalist who is passionate about preserving his people's culture and history. Jordan is particularly interested in the repatriation of the Chief Black Coal robe, a sacred Arapaho object that was taken from his tribe in 1890 and has been held at the Museum of the American Indian in New York ever since.

Jordan's search for the Chief Black Coal robe leads him to the Field Museum in Chicago, where he meets Philbert McLeod and Darwin St. Clair, two Arapaho elders who have been working for decades to repatriate sacred objects to their tribe. Together, the three men embark on a journey to find and repatriate the robe, and in the process, they discover a wealth of information about their people's history and culture.

What Was Ours is a deeply moving film that highlights the ongoing struggles of Native American tribes to reclaim their cultural heritage. The film offers a powerful commentary on the impact of colonialism and cultural genocide, and it shows how modern society has failed to understand and appreciate the spiritual significance of Native American objects and traditions. The film is also a celebration of the resilience and tenacity of the Arapaho and Shoshone people, who continue to fight for their culture and heritage in the face of overwhelming odds.

One of the most striking aspects of What Was Ours is its beautiful cinematography. The film's sweeping landscapes and intimate close-ups capture the majesty and beauty of the Wind River Reservation and the sacred objects that are so important to the Arapaho and Shoshone. The film's arresting visuals are complemented by a haunting score that captures the emotional weight of the story.

Ultimately, What Was Ours is a powerful and poignant film that sheds light on an important and often-overlooked issue. It offers a rare glimpse into the ongoing struggles of Native American tribes to reclaim their cultural heritage, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and preserving cultural traditions. The film is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Arapaho and Shoshone people, and it is sure to leave a profound impression on all who see it.

What Was Ours is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.