Oyate Woyaka

documentary i bryant high horse

OYATE WOYAKA tells the story of the Lakota language history, loss and revitalization. The film touches on the deep history and spirituality of the language, the shocking history that caused Lakota to be on the verge of extinction and the modern efforts being made to bring language back to life and the immense challenges this effort faces.

TRT: 60 Minutes

Release: November 2, 2024

Expiration: November 1, 2027

Distributor: NETA 

NOLA: OYWY

Rights: Unlimited rights over three (3) years beginning 11/2/24. One (1) year school rerecord, Noncommercial

Cable rights.

BRYANT HIGH HORSE

Producer/Director
Bryant High Horse Jr., "Oyate Tawanawuchapi tejupi" or "Defends People," belongs to the Pute Oyate of the Lakota. High Horse Jr. identifies himself as a veteran and defender of American and Indian rights. He is also a relative of Crazy Horse. High Horse believes that racism comes from a lack of understanding about other cultures, stating, "If you do understand each other's cultures, you can have a beautiful journey together." Urban travel and military service have provided him with a sense of the importance of journeys. Following his travels, he returned to South Dakota and began working in K-12 and higher education. High Horse has been described as a teacher, guidance counselor, KILI radio host, veteran and Lakota culture bearer. He has received a Master's degree and previously taught at Black Hills State University and in Rapid City, SD, for nineteen years. High Horse Jr. is currently an adjunct professor at Oglala Lakota College and he has no plans to retire from teaching.

George McAuliffe

Producer/Director
George has a 20 year career writing, directing and performing in critically acclaimed and award winning plays, films and television shows in Chicago and Los Angeles featured in The Sundance and South By Southwest Film Festivals. George is currently developing television shows with emmy winning documentary and television director, Judd Apatow in Los Angeles. Oyate Woyaka is a family project he is supporting by combining his expertise, empathy and craft to amplify the voices of his Lakota family members.

Walt Pourier

Vice Chair

Walt is Oglala Lakota and created the logo for Urban Rez. He is Creative Director, owner of Nakota Designs Advertising Designs and Graphics. Executive Director of the Stronghold Society nonprofit dedicated to instilling hope and supporting youth movements through Live Life Call To Action Campaigns.

lynn palmanteer-holder

Lynn Palmanteer-Holder, an Indigenous plateau woman of North Central Washington and member of eight of twelve Tribes of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. Lynn recently retired as inaugural Director of Tribal Government Affairs for Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, the state’s oversight agency of 34 CTCs.  She is a highly accomplished professional that spans over 40 years. She is an experienced educator that has a demonstrated history across K12, post-secondary & higher education as a teacher, school counselor, superintendent, researcher, and professor. Also, she has diverse experience as an entrepreneur, Tribal leader and administrator. She is skilled in curriculum and program development, facilitating government to government relationships that led to formal partnerships between state institutions and Tribes developing custom programs. Lynn has served on many boards and has been recognized for various statewide, and national awards. She has several scholarly publications and has done various conference presentations and speaking engagements, at the local, national and international level. Lynn holds a Ph.C. (ABD) in Social Welfare Policy from University of Washington. She earned her M.Ed., with a concentration in counseling psychology from Washington State University and B.Ed., in K12 Education from Eastern Washington University. Lynn is a wife of 49 years, a mother of three adult professional children, granny of 10 and great granny to two. Lynn and her husband are high school sweethearts, and together enjoy time with their 15+ two-legged blessings.