100 Years: One Woman's Fight for Justice
Film
Review by Kam Williams
NOW ON NETFLIX
Bittersweet
Biopic Chronicles Native-American Crusader's Class Action Suit vs.
U.S.
"They
made us many promises... more than I can remember, but they never
kept but one. They promised to take our land... and they took it."
That observation was made by Chief Red Cloud (1822-1909) towards the
end of his life, after he'd witnessed the white man break treaty
after treaty made with Native American tribes.
President
Andrew Jackson was a staunch advocate of Indian removal in favor of
European settlers. He famously ignored a U.S. Supreme Court decision
recognizing the Cherokee nation's right to the State of Georgia.
Jackson
even had the temerity to challenge Chief Justice John Marshall to try
to enforce the ruling, before ordering an Indian mass exodus West on
a decimating death march known as the Trail of Tears.
So,
it goes without saying that Native Americans have had a woeful record
when it comes to having America honor any treaties. That's what makes
the accomplishment of Elouise Cobell (1945-2011) all the more
remarkable.
For,
while serving as treasurer of the Blackfeet tribe, she uncovered
massive mismanagement of billions of dollars that should have been
held in trust for Indian people. Following years of frustration, in
1996 she filed the biggest class action suit ever brought against the
U.S. government, seeking billions of dollars due 300,000 members from
many tribes for the lease of assorted land and mineral rights.
Exhibiting
an unwavering determination, Elouise did ultimately prevail after a
three-decade battle with the Department of the Interior. That
selfless, indefatigable effort is at the heart 100 Years: One Woman's
Fight for Justice.
The
eye-opening documentary was directed by Melinda Janko, who skillfully
chronicled the landmark legal case in rather riveting fashion.
Overall, a very moving tribute to an intrepid crusader who not only
spoke truth to power but miraculously emerged victorious.
Excellent
(4 stars)
Unrated
Running time: 75
minutes
Production Studios:
Fire in the Belly Productions / Kavana Entertainment
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