Ohiyesa: The Soul of an Indian

Documentary | Syd Beane

This documentary follows Kate Beane, a young Dakota woman, as she examines the extraordinary life of her celebrated relative, Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa). Biography and journey come together as Kate traces Eastman’s path—from traditional Dakota boyhood, through education at Dartmouth College, and in later roles as physician, author, lecturer, and Native American advocate.

57 minutes

Release: June 2, 2018

Expiration: June 1, 2022

Distributor: NETA

NOLA: OHIY 0000 H1

Rights: Unlimited releases over four (4) years beginning 6/2/2018;

SCH/1YR (for K‐12); and non‐commercial cable rights.

Syd Beane

Executive Producer

Syd Beane (Flandreau Santee Sioux) is an educator, community organizer, and documentary filmmaker. His great-grandfather was Rev. John Eastman, the older brother and mentor of Charles Alexander Eastman (Ohiyesa). Syd served as Project Manager of The Dakota Land Study in Minnesota Before 1862 Research/Book Project which was completed with the publishing of the book “Mni Sota Makoce: The Land of the Dakota.”

Kate Beane

Featured and Narrator

Kate Beane (Flandreau Santee Sioux and Muskogee Creek) holds a BA in American Indian Studies and a PhD in American Studies at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. With an employment history rooted in education, she has worked in the Twin Cities as an after school mentor for American Indian youth, an early childhood Dakota language immersion teacher, a local public history consultant, and as a community college instructor.