STARRED REVIEW *

"Finally, an historical perspective of American Indian history that tells the story without glorifying European-influenced conquest of the continent! In eight half-hour segments, two per disc, viewers are given a chronological look at tribes, their cultural complexities, leaders, and achievements. The first disc spans the years before European contact, including much debated questions of Native peoples' origins. Creation stories from the tribes themselves are not discounted as mere myth, but placed in balance with various 'scientific' theories. It comes to light that much technology, architecture, spirituality, transportation and achievement in North America predated that of Europe. The second disc details introduction to and contact with European invaders. While it is true that Indians initially assisted the new arrivals by teaching them essential survival skills, the deception and greed of the whites led to aggressions on both sides. Agreements were routinely broken, storehouses plundered, lands taken, families murdered, even intellectual property was stolen as our founding fathers built the U. S. Constitution on many of the Indians' long-established governing policies. Disc 3 centers on biographies of Indian leaders in the 1800s and the wars waged against tribes. Each biography serves as a useful stand-alone unit, for adequate historical background is provided. Again, the tribal lens tells the story. Manifest Destiny is shown as the murder and plunder that it was, rather than as an honorable crusade. Disc 4 brings contemporary heroes into view including military heroes, athletes, artists and great statesmen. Two narrators are employed; the female voice retelling women's achievements, and the male voice comprising the rest. Historical film footage works well, interspersed with artwork, photography, and modern film recreations to illustrate the program. Host Tyler Christopher, a Choctaw/Seneca actor, lends credence to the presentation.... Teacher materials, including multiple choice test pages are available online from the producers. Superb Native American content for middle and high school history students."