The documentary Oyate Woyaka by Bryant High Horse Jr. and George McAuliffe offers an extraordinary celebration of language preservation and its pivotal role in safeguarding the Lakota people’s cultural identity. Honored with the 2024 Global Impact Award at the Red Nation Film Festival, the film delves deep into how preserving the Lakota language strengthens the values, education, and spiritual connection of the community. Bryant High Horse Jr., with two decades of experience in K-12 and higher education, has been a staunch advocate for American Indian rights, ensuring the transmission of cultural heritage to younger generations. Meanwhile, George McAuliffe brings his expertise as a writer, director, and producer of award-winning plays, films, and TV, using his craft to amplify Indigenous voices and stories nationwide. Their collaborative work emphasizes language preservation in maintaining heritage but also its role in healing and empowering a community. With Oyate Woyaka , Bryant and George invite us to bear witness to the resilience of the Lakota people and their efforts to preserve their identity for future generations. Wash Your Spirit With Your Tears .
