Hiawatha (1952)

[bunniefuu]

(male narrator)

Should you ask me,

whence these stories?

Whence these

legends and traditions

with the odors of the forest

with the dew

and damp of meadows

with the curling smoke

of wigwams

with the rushing

of great rivers

with their frequent repetitions

and their wild reverberations

as of thunder in the mountains?

I should answer,

I should tell you

from the forests

and the prairies

from the great lakes

of the Northland

from the land of the Ojibwes,

from the land of the Dakotas

there they sang of Hiawatha.

Sang the song of Hiawatha.

Sang his wondrous

birth and being.

How he prayed

and how he fasted.

How he lived

and toiled and suffered

that the tribes of men

might prosper.

That he might

advance his people.

Hiawatha,

we found tracks already.

Look at these.

Deer tracks not more than

two hours old.

There'll be fresh venison

in our lodges tonight.

Not a very large one

from the size of the hoofmark.

Good.

Then, he will be more tender.

Here's another set,

these are bigger.

- Here are more.

- It's a whole family of deer.

Let's spread out.

They're Illinois.

Maybe a w*r party.

They're Illinois alright,

but they're not painted for w*r.

They're just a peaceful

hunting party like us.

What are they doing

in our territory?

Maybe they're lost.

What are you going to do?

- Talk to them.

- Be careful. They're Illinois.

[dramatic music]

Pau PukKeewis!

You fool. They were willing

to be friends.

They're friends no longer.

Put them to flight.

Follow them.

Wait. Step aside.

Are you mad?

Going into their territory?

He's right.

There are too few of us.

Fine warriors all of you.

We did not come here

as warriors.

We came here to hunt.

And that's what they were doing

until you lost your head.

Lost my head?

I saved your life.

'That Illinois was reaching

for an arrow--'

He was not.

He was unslinging his quiver

as I did so we could talk.

An Illinois? Our enemy for years

wanting to talk instead of k*ll?

It's only a flesh wound.

Can you make it

with Kwasind's help

or shall we build you a litter?

I'll be alright.

We better return to the village.

If there were any deer nearby,

they are long gone by now.

We'll take the deer they k*lled.

At least, we'll have something

to show for our trip.

And then the enemy turned

and fled before our arrows.

We did not follow them

because we did not want

to enter their territory.

You acted wisely, Pau PukKeewis.

He acted wisely!

If we had listened to him,

we'd still be pursuing them.

Tell them, Hiawatha.

Never mind, Chibiabos. Listen.

My brothers,

obviously the Illinois

are planning another w*r

against us.

'Scouting party so close to our

borders can mean only one thing'

they're looking for the best

approach to our village.

I say let us strike first.

Before they can organize

an attack against our people.

I would speak, Megissogwon.

The group of Illinois

we encountered today

was not a scouting party.

They were hunting

just as we were.

The deer Pau PukKeewis brought

was shot by them, not us.

'You saw the Illinois arrow

in its breast.'

(Megissogwon)

'If they were hunters,

why did they attack?'

I went to talk

to their leader.

He reached up to remove

his quiver, and Pau PukKeewis

'thinking he meant harm,

k*lled him.'

That's how it started.

Perhaps he saved my life.

If so, I'm very grateful.

Regardless of whether

our young braves encountered

a scouting party

or merely a group of hunters

we have learned

one thing my brothers

we have learned that shutting

ourselves from our neighbors

for so long has not been wise.

I would speak, Megissogwon.

My brothers, Megissogwon

has put into words

a fear that has long been

in my own heart.

That because our w*r drums

have remained silent

for so many moons

we grow complacent and soft.

While our enemies,

the Illinois

and the Dakotas

make plans for w*r.

We have no proof of this.

Nor do we have assurance

that it is not so.

I would speak, Megissogwon.

Fear of our neighbors

or of things unknown

and strange is understandable.

There is but one way to conquer

such doubts and fears.

Through knowledge.

I propose that we send our

bravest young men to explore

and scout the Illinois

and the Dakota territories.

I agree with Iagoo.

We grow old, we Ojibwe chiefs

and the young men

who will succeed us

how many of them

have been outside

our own tribal boundaries?

[indistinct chattering]

It is agreed then

that the exploration

as Iagoo wisely suggests

will be undertaken immediately.

[whispering indistinctly]

For leader of an expedition

into the land of our enemies

the Illinois,

we have selected Pau PukKeewis.

'And to accompany him,

Chunung...and Hiawatha.'

Are there any in the council who

disapprove of this selection?

Wait.

- 'You object, Pau PukKeewis?'

- I do.

Since I have been selected

to lead this party

I must have full confidence

in my men.

'Therefore, I ask for another

in place of Hiawatha.'

What is your reason,

Pau PukKeewis?

He isn't experienced in battle.

I prefer Neyadji

whose deeds I know

and is of pure Ojibwe blood.

[indistinct chattering]

We are all Ojibwe here, my son.

'However, since you

will be leader of the mission'

'it is right you be granted

your choice of men.'

Wait, Hiawatha.

With the approval

of the council

I select you to lead

a scouting party

into the territory

of the Dakotas.

I need not ask

if you're willing, my son.

'You may chose two companions.'

I select Chibiabos and Kwasind.

Pau PukKeewis,

I wish to speak with you.

Yes.

I demand to know the meaning of

the word you spoke in council?

Demand is a strong word from one

who claims to be so peaceful.

What did you mean

by pure Ojibwe blood?

I was speaking

of my friend, Neyadji.

- I know, but you meant me.

- Yes.

That's exactly who I meant.

- I'm warning you Pau--

- It is I who warn you.

I say what I believe.

If you think that you can

stop me, you're free to try

any place, any time.

What is troubling you,

Pau PukKeewis?

What is the cause

of this hatred you bear me?

We have never seen things

through the same eyes, Hiawatha.

We never will.

We will fight one day,

Pau PukKeewis.

I will be ready.

I still would like to know

what Pau PukKeewis

meant by pure Ojibwe blood.

He said it,

and in open council too.

Strange. Everybody seemed

to know what he meant by it

but nothing more

was said about it.

Grandmother, what did he mean?

It grows late.

You should rest

for your journey tomorrow.

Nokomis, I must know.

I had hoped that time

would erase certain memories

but it has not.

Yes, grandson..

...I think the time has come

when you should know.

Wenonah, who was your mother

and my daughter

was the most beautiful

and gentlest of our tribe.

She could've chosen

any young man for her husband

any brave in the village.

But there came into our midst

a stranger from another tribe.

And when she saw him

Wenonah became as one bewitched.

She married him.

Were they happy?

They seemed but to live

and breathe for one another

until a messenger

from his tribe came one day

to say that his father

had died and he was now chief.

He left Wenonah.

Who was then carrying you

and could not travel easily.

He promised to return for her.

Wenonah waited..

...and waited.

He never returned.

Day and night,

she yearned for him

until finally she died of grief.

He k*lled her.

As if he'd done it

with his own hands.

Who is my father?

Tell me.

I'll find him and destroy him.

I've often dreamed of such.

Wenonah's son growing up

to avenge her death.

Tell me who is he?

No. You might be k*lled,

and this I could not have.

Tell me where is he.

He lives in a distant land.

Forget your thoughts

of vengeance.

It is better now

to prove yourself worthy

of being called an Ojibwe.

Be careful. I will not be with

you this time to protect you.

[instrumental music]

You know, I don't think

we will find much excitement.

Don't be too sure.

We still have a lot

of ground to cover.

Speaking of that, I think..

It's a Dakota.

No, Kwasind.

It's just a peaceful hunter.

The Illinois planned

a w*r against us.

Why k*ll a Dakota

and stir up more trouble?

As I started to say before

instead of traveling together

we should separate and cover

three times as much ground

'and we can meet here

two dawns from now.'

- You mean each one of us alone?

- Why not?

Are you afraid? There's nothing

here, but Dakotas.

They would only cut your throat.

There are other things

around here besides Dakotas.

If you would use your eyes more

instead of your mouth

you would've seen

the bear tracks.

We will draw to decide

our directions.

The longest goes north

the shortest, south

and the next, west.

- North.

- South

West.

Remember. Two dawns

from now. Here.

[dramatic music]

[growling]

[growling]

[growling]

Father, what has happened?

Who is he?

'An Ojibwe brave.

A bear attacked him.'

Ojibwe, our enemies.

- We must send word.

- First, we tend his wounds.

Get ointments.

Start making poultices.

Bring water.

Help me carry him inside.

He's sleeping soundly.

- His head feels cool.

- He's a spy.

Sooner you send word to

Mudjekeewis of his capture.

the safer Iwill feel.

Perhaps he wandered

into our lands accidently.

We have no proof of his spying.

That's for Mudjekeewis and his

council to decide, not us.

You know what would happen

if we sent word to the chiefs.

He'd be put to death.

Seems wrong somehow.

'He's already been

so close to death'

and he's very young.

And may be very evil.

[water splashing]

Oh! You're awake.

What is this place?

Who brought me here?

You're a prisoner

captured by my father.

Your father?

Where is your father?

Lie still and open your mouth.

- I'm not hungry.

- Eat!

[coughs]

But I'm really not

very hung--

Father said if you woke up,

you were to be fed.

I went through

trouble to make this

and now you're

going to eat it.

It's really very good.

Father, he's waking up.

You feeling better?

Yes. You and your daughter

have been very good to me.

Your wounds heal quickly.

You're healthy and strong

but nobody is strong enough

to wrestle a bear that size.

The wrestling was not my idea.

I owe you my life.

I suppose that's true.

'You were unwise to hunt

so far from your own lands.'

'My daughter believes that

you were not hunting at all.'

She thinks you're a spy.

Your daughter's right.

I am a spy.

I see.

Then your people are planning

w*r upon the Dakotas?

No. My mission was to learn

what preparations for w*r

you were making against us.

And what did you learn?

Not very much.

I saw one Dakota hunter

and one bear.

That's as far as I got.

What is your name?

Hiawatha.

I am Lakku, the arrow maker.

Hiawatha, if I were to tell you

we make no plans for w*r

would you believe me?

Yes. I would.

Then, should you be allowed

to return to your own people

what would you tell them?

I would tell them how Lakku,

maker of arrows

rescued me from certain death

and how he and his lovely

daughter cared for my wounds.

And I'd tell them

it would be impossible

for people like

that to want w*r.

You think he speaks

the truth, my daughter?

He talks with a fast tongue

but then c*ptive spies

always do.

You, of course, have listened

to a great many c*ptive spies

so you know what

you're talking about.

Alright.

Do whatever you want with him

but don't be surprised

if he tells

a completely different story

when he gets home.

What else could he tell?

Why do you keep

asking me questions?

Who's the spy?

He or I?

You will learn

if you haven't already

that women, even when they

know they're wrong

seldom admit it.

My daughter is no exception.

It's a beautiful day.

- It is.

- 'Really a wonderful day.'

There's just enough breeze

to make it pleasant.

You know, I think this is the

most beautiful time of year

and you're the most beautiful

girl I've ever seen.

Looks like this has been washed

a little too long in one place

Let us hope it is not going

to be a cold winter.

It's your fault.

You should be inside

recovering from your wounds

instead of annoying busy women.

You're not that busy.

Talk to me for a while.

That is unless you're

still afraid of me.

Hiawatha, are the other

Ojibwe people like you?

Of course. Why?

I've always thought your people

to be fierce and very evil.

And for as long

as I can remember

I thought the same

of the Dakotas.

I know better now.

I do too. I'm glad.

Coming here and meeting you has

been the most wonderful thing

that ever happened to me.

I wish I could find

words to tell you.

Please. Don't try.

But we're friends now,

you and I.

I find that being friends

with you isn't enough.

I love you.

No, you're just grateful

to me for what I've done.

You haven't known me

long enough.

Besides, I'm betrothed.

Oh, who is he?

His name is Ogeema.

He's a very brave and kind man.

I'm sure he is.

Please ask your chief to accept

these arrows as a gift from me.

I've made them with great care.

With the hope of peace

in my heart.

I will be very proud to, Lakku.

There's nothing more

to say except thank you

and may the great spirit

go with you always.

And with you, Hiawatha.

I tried not to see you again

but I couldn't let you go

without telling you.

Without telling me what?

I want you to stay.

I can't do that,

but I can come back.

- When?

- When the leaves fall.

- Will you be waiting?

- Yes.

- What will you tell Ogeema?

- The truth.

That I love Hiawatha.

[flute music]

Why don't you stop making

those foolish noises?

Don't be so nervous.

Hiawatha will be here.

What makes you so sure?

He's already a day late.

I know.

If he's not here by dark,

we'll search for him.

In the meantime, one of us

better do a little hunting.

You've eaten every bit of this

huge beast of bear you k*lled.

Well, he was a very fierce

animal for its size.

He probably chased you until

he dropped from exhaustion.

(Hiawatha)

'Chibiabos, Kwasind.'

Hiawatha.

What happened to you?

A great deal.

First, I encountered a bear.

Look.

Look at the size

of those claw marks.

That was a bear.

Did you k*ll him?

No. He almost k*lled me.

If it hadn't been for Lakku,

I wouldn't be here.

Lakku? That's a strange name.

- Who is he?

- Maker of arrows.

He gave me these to present

to Megissogwon.

Those are Dakota arrows.

Right. But let us head for home.

I'll tell you

about it on the way.

[flute music]

I've come to a decision I ought

to tell you about, my friends.

I'm going to take a wife.

Don't feel too bad about it.

It happens to us all.

Who is she?

I've told you about

the arrow-maker's daughter.

A Dakota woman?

Wait till you meet her.

She's beautiful and good.

Perhaps she is

but you know what our people

think of outsiders.

Especially the Dakotas.

All the more reason.

When they know her,

they'll realize the Dakotas

are the same as we are.

Did you see anything?

No. Everything seems quiet.

Yes. Too quite.

I still don't trust them.

- What did you find?

- Nothing.

I saw no preparations for w*r.

It would be better if you had.

Our people are growing soft.

Let's start back.

Illinois.

They're just hunters.

They're in their own territory.

They are now, yes

but they're coming from our

country with all that game.

k*lled within our boundaries.

Make ready, both of you.

[dramatic music]

That one will not go far.

I'll report that we k*lled them

within our own boundaries

because that's where their

bodies will be found.

This might really

start a w*r.

It'll have to start sometime.

We all know that.

We can defeat the Illinois.

And after we do, we'll move

against Mudjekeewis

and his Dakotas.

I'm hungry.

Why don't we camp for the night?

With an early start,

we can reach home by noon.

To shore.

We are heroes, my friends.

Just as I said we would be.

- Did the chiefs believe you?

- Of course they did.

Did you tell them

of the Illinois who escaped?

No, he didn't escape us.

How far could he have gone?

Maybe as far as

his own village.

If he did,

you know what that means.

I tell you he couldn't have.

And even so,

do we fear the Illinois?

- No.

- Well, then stop worrying.

We all now there'll be w*r

between us someday.

The council of chiefs listened

when I advised

making preparations.

There'll be a w*r council

in the village tomorrow.

[dramatic music]

[whispering]

Chibiabos, Kwasind.

- What is it?

- Illinois.

A w*r party.

The canoe will get us

to the village first.

[dramatic music]

They will attack at dawn.

We'll never reach

the village before that.

I might get there first

if I cut across the river.

- Yes.

- You follow the Illinois.

You may find a way

to get past them.

[dramatic music]

Are you alright?

[dramatic music]

Megissogwon, Megissogwon.

The Illinois have surrounded

the village.

They're waiting

to attack at dawn.

The Illinois have surrounded

the village. Wake the others.

[screaming]

[dramatic music]

[screaming]

[dramatic music]

Hiawatha.

Iagoo, why didn't you stay

where you'd be safe.

- I had to do my part.

- We'll take you home.

No. No, while I still

have breath, let me speak.

I am a stubborn old man.

I burdened you

with my endless words

even in the face of death.

Do not speak such words, Iagoo.

It is my time now,

and I'm ready.

In my youth,

I was a great warrior.

In battle, I was first. Always.

And this was my pride.

But I have seen the snows

of many winters.

And they have brought me

a wisdom I..

...did not have in my youth.

I have learned to grieve at the

suffering and waste of our wars.

Perhaps if we did not make our

tribe feared by others

'we in turn would not

need to fear.'

Now, you, Hiawatha,

will lead our clan.

Remember my...words.

[women humming]

Oh, Iagoo, your feet

are now upon a different path.

The old trail leading

you homeward.

For four days and four nights

you will journey to the

land of the hereafter

where the spirits

of our ancestors dwell.

Here's food to sustain

you on that journey.

And here, a fire which

shall light your night.

When your spirit reaches

that distant land

speak to the great Manitou

for us, his children.

That our tribe

may dwell in peace.

And men may meet his friends.

Speak with naked

hearts together.

Spirit of Iagoo, farewell.

[humming continues]

My brothers, we have honored

the dead who gave their lives

in our defense.

The period of mourning is over.

Tonight, we meet

to honor the living

whose courage and bravery

won victory over the Illinois.

Ajawac will speak.

[indistinct murmuring]

You know who saved our people.

Who warned us in time

to destroy the enemy

who sought to destroy us.

We owe much to Hiawatha.

(Ajawac)

'Tonight, following after Iagoo

as chief of his clan'

we welcome him to his place

among the chieftains.

And to honor you

for the great deed

you have done for your people

the council of chiefs

give you the feather of Kaneu.

A mighty eagle.

You have the right

to wear it as a mark

of your courage and daring.

My brothers, you've heard.

Are there any who think

this should not be?

[indistinct chattering]

Ajawac will continue.

Another we honor

is Pau PukKeewis.

We have long known Pau PukKeewis

bravery and daring.

'Always he's been among

the tribes leading warriors.'

He slew many of the Illinois

and was foremost in pursuing

those who sought to escape.

It is thought good he'd take

his place in the w*r council.

You have heard. Are there anyone

who think this should not be?

Hold. I would speak.

I would not have it so.

That Pau PukKeewis has

great courage, no one doubts.

'It is his judgment

I question.'

Had he not k*lled

the Illinois hunters

there would've been no attack

on our people.

'And my son would not

have been k*lled.'

I fear you speak hastily

out of grief.

As you know I've been

in many battles.

I brought honor

to my clan and to my tribe.

What our brother said is true.

Pau PukKeewis did not stop to

think what was good for us all.

He should've avoided k*lling

the Illinois hunters.

Since when among our people

has it been wrong

to slay one of an enemy tribe?

Was I to run and hide

from the Illinois?

I come from burying Iagoo,

best loved of our chiefs.

He died in my arms.

His last words were

"He who does not want to fear

must not live to be feared."

Iagoo was an old man.

With the wisdom

of many winters.

In his youth, he was always

in the forefront of battle.

In his age,

he would've undone it all.

He died praying to

the great Manitou

that Ojibwe might learn

the wisdom of peace.

And did he think he could ever

tread a friendly trail

to the campfire of the Illinois?

- Or the Dakotas?

- He did.

- And you agree?

- More than that.

I've already done so.

I've waited for this opportunity

to announce something

to the council.

'I intend marrying

a Dakota maiden.'

A Dakota maiden?

The daughter of Lakku,

the arrow maker.

Are you not aware this may cause

trouble between the tribes?

Why should it?

Megissogwon, a gift from Lakku,

the arrow maker.

'He said he made them with peace

in his heart.'

Love has made fools

out of men before.

The council has the right to ban

you from the tribe for this.

I know.

It is a decision

not to be made in open council

but among the chiefs alone.

If you withhold your consent,

I will still marry her.

Even if we have to live alone

in the woods. Outcasts.

Without a tribe.

[dramatic music]

Oh, daughter,

bring me the arrow heads.

Your unhappiness grieves me.

I do not like to see you

clinging to a dream.

He promised

he would return, father.

Promises are lightly made

and soon forgotten.

Do not waste

your nights in tears.

Would it not be better to accept

the love of Ogeema

rather then to yearn in vain?

I do not love Ogeema, father.

How long will you wait?

Moons have passed

and still you crave.

For your own sake and mine

will you name a time

when you'll put away this hope?

And make contentment

for yourself.

Hiawatha said he'd be back

when the leaves began to fall.

If he isn't,

then I will marry Ogeema.

[dramatic music]

Chiefs haven't given

their consent to my marriage.

But they haven't

withheld it either.

Are there no women among us that

you must seek this stranger?

I love her.

And promised her I'd return.

I won't have her wait in vain

as you for my father.

The Dakotas keep no promises.

Why should you?

Then I don't have

your consent either?

You're a chief now.

You don't need my consent.

Once I agreed

to such a marriage.

It brought only

heartbreak and despair.

Like the Illinois

Mudjekeewis and all

his Dakotas are devils.

I wish your heart were not

so set against her.

I shall accept her as your wife.

But I can never give her love.

[dramatic music]

You sent for me, Megissogwon?

Yes, my son.

Seat yourself.

The council of chiefs has given

its consent your marriage.

Thank you, Megissogwon.

Thank you.

The discussions have taken

several moons, as you know

and there was much disagreement.

I can understand this.

I am grateful to those that have

decided in my favor.

I have been one of those

from the beginning.

I believe in your dream of peace

between us and the Dakotas.

It need no longer be a dream.

I've seen these people,

and I know they're good.

It was mentioned

often in the council

that the judgment of a young man

in love was not to be trusted.

But it was also mentioned..

...perhaps the eyes of love

see more clearly

than do the eyes of hate.

Go then, my son. To the land of

the Dakotas with my blessings.

And return here with your bride.

[instrumental music]

I think it'd be better

if we went with you.

In case of trouble,

you wouldn't be alone.

I wont' have any trouble.

And I don't expect to be

alone for long.

[instrumental music]

'Good luck.'

Come home soon.

Come, let us start

to build that..

[instrumental music]

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

It's Hiawatha!

'Hiawatha!'

'It's Hiawatha!'

This is Kwasind and Chibiabos.

I've told you about them.

And this is Nokomis,

my grandmother.

I'll take you to meet

our chief, Megissogwon.

[pleasant music]

You're welcome, my daughter.

When is the marriage feast?

In two suns.

If the hunting is good.

[pleasant orchestral music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

Good. Did Kwasind get his deer?

I don't know. He was still

trailing it when I left him.

They will be enough.

[tribal music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

Why isn't Kwasind here?

Not like him

to miss a feast.

[music continues]

(PukKeewis)

'Megissogwon!'

What is it?

What happened?

It is Kwasind, he's dead.

Kwasind!

He was found near

the west boundaries.

- k*lled.

- By the Dakotas.

(Pau)

'By the cursed men

of Mudjekeewis'

'An evil deed but no surprise'

'to those who do not

forget Dakota treachery.'

You're the chief

of Kwasind's clan.

When do you plan

to lead a party in revenge?

I love Kwasind as a brother.

If I knew who k*lled him,

I'd hunt him down.

But to charge the entire Dakota

nation with this crime

would only fill both our lands

with suffering and death.

The Dakota woman makes you

forget your duties.

This is the way of weaklings.

Not of men.

This is a matter for my clan.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

You notice how much easy it is

to feed me now

than it was the first time?

Remember the broth you forced me

to eat when I was wounded?

I remember. Those were happy

days in my fathers lodge.

Are not these happy days

in your husband's lodge?

Oh, you know I'm happy

with you, Hiawatha.

But during the day when you're

not by my side..

I know.

The women, the men,

even the children turn from me

when I approach them.

What must I do, Hiawatha?

You must be patient, my wife.

And believe as I believe that

one day my people will love you.

For yourself, as I do.

Hope that day comes soon.

It will.

I know it will.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

Why do you fetch me water?

Your basket was empty.

Why are you always doing things

for me? I have never asked it.

I don't know. Maybe it's because

we both love Hiawatha.

(Nokomis)

Wait here.

- You like these?

- They're beautiful.

Wear them.

- Oh, Nokomis--

- Go now. I have things to do.

[pleasant music]

[music continues]

Did I spoil your fishing?

I have plenty.

Something's made you happy.

Nokomis gave me these.

- Nokomis?

- Yes.

She made this necklace

for Wenonah, my mother

but she died before

it was finished.

This means Nokomis thinks

of you as her daughter.

[slow-paced tribal drums]

Another bad one.

This one is bad too.

- Crop is blighted.

- What should we do?

Summon the men.

Call the chiefs.

[faced-paced tribal drums]

[drumming continues]

[drumming stops]

Not one ear in five is good.

And winter's almost upon us.

There will be hunger.

Any luck?

- What should we do?

- I'll try again tomorrow.

He's back.

We had to beyond the swamp

for this one.

Cold is driving them south.

It will not last long when

divided with others who need.

- Greetings. May I enter?

- Welcome.

Some deer meat.

We had better luck today.

A fine gift these days.

Daughter, put this away.

Bring tobacco for our guest.

Evil days are upon us.

Our people suffer much

from the lack of grain.

What else can we expect?

Wasn't Kwasind slain

why the Dakotas?

Doesn't his death

remain unavenged?

And still some accept

the Dakota woman among us.

Too many listen to Hiawatha.

Forget the ways of our fathers.

We're guilty of many sins.

'This is our punishment.'

Our fathers did not sit around

and wait for starvation.

I know the Dakotas have many

buffalos in their territory.

And keep much dried meat.

We ought to raid their village.

Not only avenge our dead

we'd be acting as men

and warriors.

Once when I was young,

there was hunger.

We made such a raid, and our

people ate well after that

and won much glory.

That's why I came to you,

Wabeek.

Since the trouble

with the Illinois

Megissogwon listens to Hiawatha.

Not to me.

But you're respected

by everybody.

'If you spoke,

it might do some good.'

There is a better way.

First, enlist the men

who would follow you.

Megissogwon will have

to listen to you.

Then my words will have weight.

You are right, Wabeek.

Why should we wait here

until we're starving?

Game is scarce now.

It'll be scarce after

the first big storm.

I've spoken to many,

and everyone agrees.

By doing this,

we avenge Kwasind's death.

Spirits of our fathers

will be appeased.

There'll be no more

hunger among us.

So I speak to you

as Ojibwes and warriors.

Will you join me?

- I'm for it.

- I will join.

Why should the Dakotas

live in plenty

while your child hungers?

Hiawatha..

Pau PukKeewis is gathering men

to make up a w*r party.

Are you sure?

He's going to see Megissogwon,

to seek his consent.

Is there any way

to stop them?

Our people are hungry.

He's promised them that a raid

would provide food.

(Hiawatha)

'It's only an excuse.'

It's w*r he wants

and glory for himself.

My people have

always had plenty.

I'm sure they'd give us

food if they knew our need.

I think so too.

I know they would.

If only we could meet together,

not as tribes but as people..

'Then we might understand

each other.'

Chibiabos, you must

leave at once.

- Go to the Dakotas.

- Find Lakku, my father.

He will take you

to Mudjekeewis, our great chief.

Tell them that my life

with Hiawatha's been good.

But tell them

also of our need.

And I ask that there be

friendship between our tribes.

Hurry, if you succeed, you'll

stop Pau PukKeewis and the w*r.

- I'll leave right now.

- And I'll go to Megissogwon.

Already more than a 100 warriors

have agreed to follow me.

With your consent,

there'll be more.

Many of our men will die.

What do you think, Wabeek?

I agree with those who prefer

to die bravely than starve.

(Hiawatha)

'I would speak, Megissogwon.'

It's true there is

not much food.

But if our entire tribe

hunted together

we might get enough

so no one would starve.

That can only last

a short while.

After that,

there'll be heavy snows.

It'll be difficult, maybe

impossible to raid the Dakotas.

It would be too late,

the sooner it's done the better.

Can it be you're speaking

for your Dakota wife?

That you'd rather see

your own people starve

than make w*r against hers?

I don't w*r for anybody.

If we go to them

as friends

'I know they'll give us food

out of their stores.'

- I'd rather die than beg.

- It would not be begging.

It'd be asking as friends..

...willing to repay

when we have plenty.

I ask one thing.

Chibiabos has gone to Lakku

to speak for this.

'Please wait until he returns.'

When will that be?

Seven suns, no longer.

If Chibiabos succeeds,

there need be no w*r.

If he fails, you have

my consent to make the raid.

Your mind is not in

what we're doing.

I'm impatient

for Chibiabos' return.

- You think he'll succeed?

- He must.

With Lakku's help,

he will.

You think of it too much.

Let's finish with

this honeycomb.

Do not be so troubled, Hiawatha.

Chibiabos will be successful,

I know he will.

You think I'm wrong

to worry about him?

Of course.

Now eat..

...or must I feed you again?

With food as scarce as it is,

no one can waste a morsel of it.

I hope there will soon

be plenty.

Chanung, come,

let's prepare our canoe.

There's another day yet.

There may not be a raid.

Pau PukKeewis said to be ready.

I'll be ready.

Pau PukKeewis, I wish

to talk with you.

I have no words to say

to a Dakota woman.

I'm a Dakota woman

no longer.

I'm the wife of an

Ojibwe brave, you know that.

Besides, the Dakotas are not

your enemies, you know that too.

- We shall see.

- Yes, we shall see.

As soon as Chibiabos returns

with provisions.

Pau PukKeewis, I wanted to talk

to you about my husband.

- He sent you?

- 'No, of course not.'

I want to know what it is

that makes you hate him so.

Because he is weak..

...traitor and a coward.

[birds chirping]

[dramatic music]

- Any word of Chibiabos?

- No.

Don't be impatient,

there's still time.

This is the seventh sun.

I see Pau PukKeewis' followers

getting their canoes ready.

They won't use them.

I know my father prevailed upon

Mudjekeewis to give us food.

I would not put my trust

in Mudjekeewis.

[women singing softly]

Chibiabos..

My son.

The Dakotas

have k*lled my son.

[fast-paced drumming]

[drumming continues]

My son has been k*lled

by the Dakotas.

The men of all the clans are

gathering to avenge his death.

All the clans but his own.

'Still you have not given

your consent.'

When Kwasind died,

what you said seemed fair.

But how can we disregard

the m*rder of Chibiabos

who went to them

on an errand of peace?

By this, they challenge

us to w*r.

What you say is true.

Those who wish to join may go.

And you, Hiawatha?

You were like brothers.

'In our lodge, you were

like a second son.'

'It was on a journey for you

that he gave his life.'

'Will you not seek

to avenge his death?'

Chibiabos and I both believed

there could be peace.

Not while Mudjekeewis

is their chief.

He has evil in his heart, a man

of deceit and false promises.

Long ago when I told you of

who caused your mother's death

'I told you he lived

in a distant land.'

I thought you'd seek revenge

and might be k*lled.

But I withheld the truth.

He is Mudjekeewis,

chief of the Dakotas.

He must have sanctioned

Chibiabos' death.

He must be

what you say he is..

I know what I have

to do now.

I'm going,

not to k*ll Dakotas

but to bring death

to Mudjekeewis.

What did you find?

Their village is beyond

the next hill.

Everything is quiet.

We better rest here,

move in just before dawn.

Tell the men.

Mudjekeewis!

Who calls my name?

One who has come

to take your life.

You are Ojibwe?

Yes.

[knife clatters]

I'll k*ll you with my

bare hands, Mudjekeewis.

It's better that way.

For Wenonah, my mother..

You are my son.

No! I'm Wenonah's son.

Wenonah whom you k*lled.

My son..

[exhales sharply]

You are still my son.

When I came back here,

they made me chief.

I wanted to return to your

village for Wenonah, my wife.

But the council of my chiefs

would not permit it.

I was determined to find

a way in spite of this.

Then I learned that

your mother was dead.

Because of my love for her,

I never had hatred for Ojibwe.

I always fought to discourage

warlike acts against them.

Your people k*lled Kwasind,

whom I loved

and m*rder*d Chibiabos

who was like a brother to me

and whom I sent

as a friend.

That is not true.

I would've learned

of Kwasind's death

had the Dakotas k*lled him.

As for Chibiabos,

I heard his words

and sent him back with a promise

that we'd willingly give food

if he would return with men

to carry it away.

If he was slain,

it was not by Dakota hands.

Then it must've been done

by someone

who'd like to see w*r

between our tribes.

We have little time.

A big w*r party of my people

are outside your village

waiting for dawn.

It's time we move up.

Wake up.

We move.

(male #1)

'Wake up.'

It's Hiawatha.

Wait here.

Megissogwon, there is

no need for bloodshed.

The Dakotas are willing to help

us, give us the food we need.

Can this be true?

As proof of friendship,

Mudjekeewis, their great chief

and members of his council have

come unarmed to welcome you.

Wait.

How can we forget the deaths

of Kwasind and Chibiabos?

Are we going to accept

their gifts

as bribe for their punishment?

Time to strike is now.

They're unarmed.

'Capture them,

the village will be easy.'

They're unarmed because

they have no fear.

Or no sense of guilt.

Chibiabos and Kwasind

were not k*lled by Dakotas.

Chibiabos was returning home

with promise of aid

when he was k*lled.

m*rder*d by one of our tribe.

You're defending

the Dakotas again.

This time by accusing

one of our own tribe.

But you forget, in the bodies

of Kwasind and Chibiabos

were Dakota arrows.

Megissogwon, as a gift I once

brought three Dakota arrows.

Where are they?

Pau PukKeewis asked

to try them.

Where are the arrows?

I lost two of them hunting.

I still have one left.

Useo, did you not say you have

the arrow that k*lled Chibiabos?

Yes, I saved it to return

to the Dakotas myself.

Lakku made only three of these

as a gift for our chief.

They are the same.

Pau PukKeewis, our brother's

blood is on your hands.

[dramatic music]

Go forth now to the Fox,

the Ottoway, and the Illinois

bearing the gifts

we send them.

Let them,

with their own eyes

behold that the Ojibwe

and the Dakota

come together in peace.

And that they therefore too

can meet in friendly council.

And may the great spirit

guide you on your way.

[instrumental music]

(male narrator)

Thus departed Hiawatha,

in the glory of the sunset

in the purple mist of evening..

Summoning the tribes together

saying..

"All your strength

is in your union..

"...all your danger

is in discord."

"Therefore, be at peace

hence forward..

"...and as brothers,

live together."

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]