How Lakota Culture and Collaboration Shaped Oyate Woyaka: Bryant High Horse and George McAuliffe

Bryant High Horse and George McAuliffe, co-directors of the documentary Oyate Woyaka (The People Speak), bring together decades of experience and diverse perspectives to create a film that amplifies Indigenous voices and fosters cross-cultural understanding. High Horse, a Lakota culture bearer, veteran, and educator, and McAuliffe, a writer, performer, and advocate for diversity, share a deep commitment to storytelling as a tool for healing and connection.

“I was lucky to be born with the Lakota language and to have many relatives who instilled a more positive way of viewing the world.”

Born into the rich traditions of Lakota culture, Bryant High Horse attributes much of his strength and vision to his upbringing. “Growing up with my Lakota language, I experienced negativity outside my Tiospaya,” he shares. However, his cultural foundation brought healing, allowing him to pursue a master’s degree and dedicate over 30 years to teaching the Lakota language and culture. For High Horse, language is more than communication; it’s a source of humor, therapy, and empowerment.

“The language gave me the energy to move forward in a positive way and begin speaking my language openly in public again.”

Overcoming Racism Through Storytelling

High Horse emphasizes the transformative power of understanding other cultures. He hopes Oyate Woyaka will help bridge divides by sharing authentic Lakota stories.

“By telling our stories and experiences as a tribe and as a person, we can reveal the truth about what we had to deal with as a people, how we dealt with it, and how we overcame it.”

High Horse also highlights the importance of reconnecting with one’s roots to combat racism and internalized negativity:

“When people lose their language and culture, they start to have animosity, hatred, gossip, and jealousy. Without this deep cultural identity, a person needs status and money to identify themselves.”

This philosophy underpins the documentary’s message, encouraging viewers of all backgrounds to explore their own languages and cultures for greater compassion and understanding.

Connection to Crazy Horse and Beyond

While High Horse acknowledges his familial connection to Crazy Horse, he emphasizes the broader legacy of Lakota ancestors:

“We come from warriors but also philosophers, educators, artists, astrologers, and spiritual leaders. Each of us carries knowledge passed down from different chiefs and relatives.”

This inclusive perspective ensures that Oyate Woyaka honors not just famous figures but the collective wisdom of the Lakota people. Women’s voices, often overlooked in historical narratives, are also given prominence, reflecting their crucial role as decision-makers in Lakota culture.

McAuliffe’s Role: Listening and Collaborating

George McAuliffe’s journey to co-directing Oyate Woyaka was shaped by his background in improv, film, and diversity advocacy. For McAuliffe, listening was paramount:

“To enter a culture with such educated and wise people as a white man who has benefited from policies that oppressed them, it was essential to listen without judgment and lead with respect and compassion.”

Drawing on his experience in ensemble work, McAuliffe embraced collaboration. He worked closely with High Horse and Lakota elders, adapting his creative process to honor the film’s cultural significance.

“Sometimes the best thing I could do as a director was to leave the room so people were more comfortable.”

Challenges and Opportunities

Transitioning from comedy and narrative projects to culturally significant documentaries presented unique challenges. McAuliffe reflects:

“Every step had challenges, but they pale in comparison to what the Lakota people have overcome. With teamwork, courage, spirituality, humor, and creativity, we overcame them all.”

This collaboration was also deeply personal for McAuliffe, who credits High Horse and Lakota elders for elevating his craft and perspective. The process was life-changing, forging lasting relationships and inspiring new projects.

The Vision for Oyate Woyaka

Oyate Woyaka is not just a film but a call to action. It encourages audiences to reconnect with their own languages and cultures, fostering a world rooted in compassion, knowledge, and respect. High Horse concludes:

“If all cultures and languages are strengthened, compassion, knowledge, and respect will increase. This will lead to a peaceful world.”

The film also serves as a testament to the resilience and positivity of Lakota culture, challenging stereotypes and offering a spiritual, humorous, and philosophical perspective often missing in mainstream narratives.

Follow on Instagram: @oyatewoyakaEverything you need to know: Vision Maker Media