Lost Nation: The Ioway

This is a captivating film that tells the story of the Ioway Tribe's initial arrival into the area that would eventually be named for them, the State of Iowa, and their consequent split over the selling of their Tribal land to the government. The story is very intriguing and told by the filmmakers with much honor and respect for the Ioway. This educational documentary explores the origins of the Ioway Tribe. It was fascinating to learn how they lived their everyday lives, building their homes out of tree bark; hunting for food and for animal hide to make their clothing. The split of the Ioway over the eventual selling of their land was sad enough; even more distressing was the fact that thousands of them died during forced relocation after the institution of the Indian Removal Act in 1830.

The photography was stunning. I've never been to Iowa, but this film really showed the beauty of the State.

I highly recommend this compelling documentary, not just to the general public, but it should also be used as an educational tool to make people aware of the long-forgotten Ioway and other Indian Tribes who were forced off their land so long ago, and the tribulations they had to endure as a result.

I possess "Villisca: Living with a mystery. I expected a professional treatment of their newest documentary and was not disappointed.

There can not be a revelation of the plot of this documentary because, by intent, there is not a plot. The viewer is offered a visual trip and a confrontation with the participants of the movie.

The questions implied after viewing is, or might be, the purpose of the movie. Are Native Americans viewed by themselves and others as a foreigner in their own country? What will be the legacy fifty or one-hundred years from now? Lacking a specific "trail of tears" are the results the same for the Ioway and other tribes similar? One travels with some members of the tribe the same areas and suggests the environment of the past as well as today. The continuity of the film and comments by the Indians as well as historians are interjected trough out to further illustrate the past and connect to the future.

One can be assured that they are treated with the respect and dignity you should expect from a serious visual historian. Adding this film to your library can only enhance your appreciation of the various people that are part of our lives and our history.

David H. Tharp