This November, Arkansas PBS honors Native American Heritage Month with powerful stories that celebrate resilience, family, language and tradition. Through moving documentaries, heartfelt dramas and insightful specials, we explore the diverse voices and experiences of Indigenous peoples – past and present. From Ken Burns’ sweeping chronicle “The American Buffalo” to the deeply personal journey of “Little Bird,” from the language keepers of “Native America” to “Lidia Celebrates America: Changemakers,” these programs illuminate how history, culture and identity continue to shape our shared story.
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Resilience and Identity
“The American Buffalo” – The dramatic story of America’s national mammal, which sustained the lives of Native people for untold generations, is being driven to the brink of extinction, before an unlikely collection of people rescued it from disappearing forever. Ken Burns recounts the tragic collision of two opposing views of the natural world – and the unforgettable characters who pointed the nation in a different direction.
Only on Passport:
“The American Buffalo: A Story of Resilience”
“Bring Them Home”
“Kanenon:we - Original Seeds”
“Battle Over Bears Ears”
“Native Ball: Legacy of a Trailblazer”
“NOVA: Sea Change: Survival in The Gulf of Maine"
“POV: Twice Colonized”
“The Warrior Tradition”
“Without A Whisper: Konnon:kwe”
Family and Healing
“Little Bird” – In 1968, 5-year-old Bezhig Little Bird was forcibly removed from Long Pine Reserve and adopted into a Jewish family in Montreal, and renamed Esther Rosenblum. Eighteen years later, she embarks on a journey to unravel her history. Through this epic journey of connection and self-discovery, Bezhig Little Bird begins to find her lost family and put the pieces of her fragmented past back together.
Only on Passport:
“Local, USA: Generations Stolen”
“Independent Lens: One With the Whale”
“Independent Lens: Without Arrows”
“Roots of Comedy with Jesus Trejo: Tatanka Means”
“Without A Whisper: Konnon:kwe”
Heritage, Language and the Power of Storytelling
“Native America” – Celebrate the power of Native languages and the inspirational people who are saving them. From secret recordings to "Star Wars" films dubbed in Navajo, follow the revolutionary steps transforming Native America.
Only on Passport:
“Antiques Roadshow: Celebrating Native American Heritage”
“Art of Home: A Wind River Story”
“Local, USA: Generations Stolen”
“Independent Lens: One With the Whale”
“Independent Lens: Without Arrows”
“Next at the Kennedy Center: Embracing Duality: Modern Indigenous Culture”
“Poetry in America: Rabbits and Fire and Bear Fat”
Journeys of Connection
“Lidia Celebrates America: Changemakers” – This program follows Lidia across America as meeting chefs, farmers and entrepreneurs hard at work trying to change, not only what’s available, but the way Americans think about food in the future. “It’s also critical to remember the energy and water it takes to grow, transport and package the foods we eat,” says Lidia, “We all have the ability to be Changemakers.
Only on Passport:
“America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston: Death Valley: Life in Bloom”
“America Outdoors: with Baratunde Thurston Oregon: New Heights”
“America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston Utah: Choose Your Path”
“Awakening in Taos: The Mabel Dodge Luhan Story”
“Finding Your Roots: Father and Sons”
“Finding Your Roots: Family Recipes”
“Iconic America: Our Symbols and Stories with David Rubenstein: The American Bald Eagle”
“Local, USA: In Their Element”
“My Music with Rhiannon Giddens”
“Pati Jinich Explores Panamericana”
“Playing Like a Girl: The House That Rob Built”
HOW TO WATCH
Members who contribute a tax-deductible gift of at least $5 per month, or an annual gift of $60 or more, are eligible for Arkansas PBS Passport – an extended, on-demand library of your favorite PBS shows, films and specials.
As a reminder, you can watch anywhere, anytime on myarkansaspbs.org, or by using the PBS app, available on your TV, phone or tablet.