Killers of the Flower Moon

(Bonus Scene)

So, how was it?

The movie was great. I know a lot of Natives might not agree with that. Especially based on the racism, killing and overall disregard for Osage lives that the film depicted, but it was great.

May I let you in on a little secret?

Tragedies are supposed to be sad, and injustices are supposed to make you angry.

If you’re lucky enough to possess a soul of a decent human being. (which most of us do) The true story of what happened to our people is never an easy thing to hear, but without honest portrayals such as these, many injustices continue to remain unknown.

It’s like that old saying goes, “those who do not know their history are doomed to repeat it.” Let’s hope we do not do that.

The Book or the Movie?

I loved both.

The book. I loved how they made us wait to find out who was committing these crimes, whereas in the movie you follow along with the killers as they plot and murder. I also loved how they explained the origin of getting the headrights( rights to oil) as well as John Palmer’s role in that. He was one of my favorite characters in the book that was completely left out of the movie. Hale mentions how the Osage outsmarted everyone, but the book actually explains it.

The Movie. I loved the scene in which Lily’s character confronts Leo about poisoning her and calls him Coyote (sho-me-kah-see, Osage pronunciation) just like the moment they first met. In the book she simply looked at him and looked away. This ending was a lot better in my opinion. For me, I immediately thought of the handsome devil line, which was completely improv. I also really loved the Live Radio Show ending. This actually took place in 1932 on “The Lucky Strike Hour.

Instead of simply writing in bold fonts what happened to the people in the story, Scorsese opted to play it out in a live theatre version. (The Cameo by the Director was amazing). You can tell Mollie’s story meant alot to him, as he chose to insert himself in that part about her. The whole scene was a bit surreal.

Final Take

Lily, Leo and Robert all killed it in this movie.

Lily’s performance was so good, you couldn’t tell the difference between her and two Academy Awarding winning actors. Their skill sets were virtually on an even playing field in this movie.

The fact the DeNiro and DiCaprio both learned the Osage language and used it throughout the movie, was amazing and great to see. If two Hollywood A-listers can learn a Native language, then so can all us Natives. It inspired me to learn mine a bit more.

As i said in the beginning, I know this is hard to watch and heartbreaking to hear. I don’t expect anyone to leave the movie smiling (if you did, you have issues), but it’s the truth about what happened.

In my opinion, I owe it to the Osage people to experience their stories in their truest forms. As seeker of truth and as fellow Native, I believe I have done that.

Native Arts Expo 

This past weekend, I attended the Native Arts Expo in Mendocino, California. This is an annual event hosted by local Native artist Eric Wilder. I sat down for a quick chat with Eric, below is the transcript of that interaction.

Louis Joseph: So Eric, first off, thank you for the invitation. How would rate the turnout for this event versus those in prior years?

Eric Wilder: It’s great. Based on the previous years, I would say that we’re about 50% larger in regards to attendance. This is the first time we’ve had an event in the town of Mendocino, so it’s nice to see how successful it is.

LJ: I love how free flowing the event schedule is. It’s not like any event I’ve attended before, is that by design?

EW: Yes it is. I wanted this Expo to be about the Artists, and really be centered around them. We really wanted to expose the emerging Native artists to our children. I want the youth to see that you can make a living at doing something you love. I wanted the kids to hear from the artists directly, which is why we had all the panels and demonstrations.

LJ: Going into next year, what is something you want to improve on or add to the Expo?

EW: I really want to highlight Native artists that have made their journey,(passed on). I want people to see their art and know their stories. I also have an idea to identify each tribe and tribal business’s logos. To hear the story behind it, the thought process on the design, and the artist that created it.

LJ: I absolutely love that idea. Speaking of the Tribes and their businesses, how can these Tribes in Northern California support what you’ve created in this Native Art Expo Project?

EW: I would love to have a bigger venue with bigger rooms for breakout sessions and demonstrations. I would also like to be able to cover the room costs for our Artists to stay the night. Above all else, I never want any artist to have to pay to showcase their art and talent. 

This concludes my enlightening conversation with Eric Wilder. Thank you Eric. To follow Eric on his artistic journey, you can find him on Instagram @wildereric . If you, or your organization would like to donate your time or resources to the next Native Art Expo, please send all inquiries to [email protected] 

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Maria Tallchief - Osage

Maria Tallchief, born Elizabeth Marie Tall Chief on January 24, 1925, in Fairfax, Oklahoma, was a ballet dancer whose artistry and talent transcended boundaries and became a source of inspiration for generations of aspiring dancers. Her journey from the heartland of Oklahoma to the international stages of ballet is a testament to her dedication, grace, and indomitable spirit.

Growing up in a family of Osage and Scotch-Irish heritage, Tallchief's early life was influenced by her Native heritage and a deep connection to her roots. Her journey into the world of ballet began with her mother, a former ballet student, who recognized her daughter's talent and enrolled her in dance classes. From these early beginnings, her destiny as a ballet star was set in motion.

Her talent and dedication to her craft quickly propelled her into the world of ballet. She trained at prestigious institutions, including the School of American Ballet in New York City, under the guidance of legendary choreographer George Balanchine. George recognized her exceptional abilities and soon became both her mentor and collaborator, leading to a prolific partnership that would leave an unforgettable mark on American ballet.

In 1942, Maria made her debut as a principal dancer with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, setting the stage for a remarkable career. Her performances were marked by technical brilliance, exquisite artistry, and a stage presence that left audiences in awe. She was celebrated for her roles in iconic ballets such as "The Nutcracker," "Swan Lake," and "Firebird."

One of her most iconic roles came in Igor Stravinsky's "Firebird," a ballet choreographed by George Balanchine specifically for Maria. Her portrayal of the mythical Firebird showcased her interpretive depth and athleticism, earning her international acclaim and establishing her as a true Prima Ballerina.

Her career was marked by numerous accolades, including being the first American to become a Prima Ballerina with the Paris Opera Ballet. Her influence extended beyond the stage, as she became a symbol of American ballet excellence and helped establish ballet as a prominent art form in the United States.

Tallchief's dedication to her heritage and her advocacy for diversity in ballet paved the way for future generations of dancers from all backgrounds. She broke barriers and challenged norms, becoming an inspiration for those who aspired to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.

Her contributions to American ballet continue to resonate, enriching the world of dance and inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams.

This section as always is brought to you by the Kossin Brand. The purpose of the Kossin brand is to connect our people through inclusivity and commonalities. Many other brands and companies aim to divide and conquer, however at Kossin they do not. If you enjoy this section and being introduced to a new Native every week please click the “Shop Here” button below and support them by picking up a piece of Kossin Merch.

If you enjoy our memes don’t forget to follow on Twitter now known as X.com, Instagram and Tik Tok for more exclusive content. The profile links are listed below. @LouistheNative on all platforms. 

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