All language subtitles for Te Ata.

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My name is Te Ata,

bearer of the morning.

I am Chickasaw and storyteller

and this is my story.

There are horses of many colors,

brown, black, yellow, white,

yet they're all one horse.

There are birds of many colors,

red, blue, green, yellow,

yet they are all one bird.

So with cattle, so with all
living things,

so with men, and this land,
where one was only Indians,

are men of every color, yet
they're all one people.

That this should come to
pass was at the heart of

the great mystery.

And I solemnly promise,

as a duly elected governor
of the Chickasaw Nation,

that each man, woman, and child

will have a homestead
of 320 acres.

It is my pride...

Hi, Uncle Doug!

And ambition of my
life to aid in securing

the happiness and
prosperity of our people

and to receive the
plaudits, congratulations,

and goodwill of our guardians,

the United States government.

Eugene, run ahead and get
the wagon situated, okay?

Now, Mary Frances,
your daddy and I have

a party in honor of
your Uncle Doug.

But I want to go!

It's for grown ups, and I
know you think you are,

but you are not.

Now, you go on with your
brother,

and he and Celina are in charge.

You hear me?

And you need to be helping your
sister put baby Gladys down,

and I don't want you back
talking or running off.

You hear me?

Where?

Mary Frances!

Now I've been meaning to ask...

How you doing?

What do you think about
treasurer?

But I don't know anything
about politics.

Exactly.

An honest man.

Hey, whoa, whoa!

Not so fast.

Now, who's this little
whirlwind?

Hi, Uncle Doug.

Mary Frances, don't be
bothering the governor.

No, it's all right.

Uncle Doug, can't you pass a
law so I can come tonight?

Hard to say no to such a
charming constituent.

But you'd be bored silly in
there.

Now let's go find your brother,

and no more running.

No!

That's a special little
girl you got there, TB.

Yeah.

What we're doing in this
building most of all

is protecting their future.

Then you're going to need a
good treasurer.

Your office is upstairs.

It's the one with your name
on the door.

In the beginning, everything
was covered with water.

The only living were a few
small animals,

afloat on a raft.

Not knowing what to do,
the crayfish volunteered

and dove off the raft
into the great ocean.

He tried every day to
reach the bottom,

and on the fourth day, he did.

He built a great mud
chimney that stuck up

above the surface of the water.

The mud spread out and created
a newly formed Earth.

It is from this mud chimney
that the Chickasaw

and the Choctaw people were
allowed to come and live upon

the new surface with
all the animals.

Oh!

Would you mind putting her down?

I got dinner boiling.

Avis.

What's a matter, sugarplum?

Oh.

Where's Gladys?

Is she still sleeping?

Yeah.

You seen Mary?

She not back from school?

No.

What's them eggs about?

Mrs. Bernstein paid with
them.

Again?

Thomas, you hear that
cackling outside?

We got our own chickens.

We got plenty of eggs.

She's got a new mouth
to feed, Bertie.

It's tough on her.

How was work?

Cash strapped.

The store or the nation?

Both.

Johnson wants to start
charging ranchers a fee

for grazing on our land.

It's about time.

He's going to go to Washington,

get our funds released for
the school.

That's good.

Schooling's the only way
our kids are going to

make something of themselves.

Hope them funds included
interest.

Atornado's a-coming.

Where were you?

Uh, listening to the corn grow.

Look at you.

You are filthy.

And where are your school books?

I can't run with them books,
Mama.

Well, you can't study
without them,

and now you're making me and
your daddy late.

Can I come?

No, you're going to your
sister's house.

Celina's house is boring.

I want to go with you.

Well, you're too young.

But I'm two hands old!

You're how old?

Two hands.

Thumbs included?

Yep.

Okay, then.

You get yourself cleaned up.

Okay!

She's ready.

We are all sparks
from Ababinili.

He scatters us out here and
there to make light.

And when we die, he gathers
us up,

so as to make one big blaze

to show us the house
of Ababinili.

No one's allowed between the
elder and the fire, ever.

Ishnaakoot
shikonno'pa'ishanooli.

I'm sorry.

What'd he say, Daddy?

Ishnaakoot
shikonno'pa'ishanooli.

What can we do for
you, Johnston?

Our funds that you hold in
trust,

I need them released to
the Chickasaw people

so we can invest in education.

Ah, and so that's what this
is all about,

wanting more money from
the U.S. government?

I am trying to help my people.

And we are trying to build a
nation,

which we hope will include
your people,

after they assimilate, of
course.

If you can't beat 'em, might
as well join 'em.

Which brings me to another
matter,

the code of Indian offenses.

And what of the Indians,
Senator,

do you find so offensive?

We can't have
Americans engaging in

unsavory activities that
the U.S. deems illegal.

Unsavory activities?

Pagan dances, witch doctor
rituals.

No tribal mumbo-jumbo.

Come on now, Johnston, don't
you want to pull your people

up out of the dark ages?

Imagine, one day, with
proper governing,

the Indian acting, looking
just like the white man,

one nation under God,

not several nations
under numerous gods.

Senator Judd, we have
dealt with the white man

for over 350 years.

We dress like the white man,
attend church,

educate our children in
schools as good,

if not better, than any
state in the union.

We have done all that
the U.S. government

has asked of us.

In return, we only ask that
our funds be released

so we can continue to
provide for our people.

We will have a committee
look into that matter.

Oh, yes, just as soon as
we're back in session.

We are a patient people.

We will get what is ours,
even if it takes 100 years.

Good day, gentlemen.

My advice to you, Governor,

join the American spirit
of entrepreneurship.

Don't look for handouts.

No, no, let your people
pull themselves up

by their bootstraps
and join the future,

like the rest of us have.

I assure you, sir, my people do
not need lessons in hard work,

grit, or making a
living off the land.

Good day.

Well, went about the way we
expected.

By all that is sacred, what
do they want of us?

Not to exist.

We've got a history of that.

I'm afraid it looks like
we might have to move

out of the Capitol Building, TB.

I don't know what we're
going to do now.

It's not just us, Governor.

A lot of people have been

bet on that life.

We'll figure something out.

My daddy told stories of our
trail of tears,

how in 1837, we arrived in new
lands called Indian Territory.

It was hard times.

But like my daddy says,

the Chickasaws will
never be conquered.

But to live is to change,

and that is what
happened in 1906.

We now faced maybe our
biggest challenge.

They were breaking
up our government

for one of their own,

a state called Oklahoma.

When the world was still young,

there was but one man upon it.

Seeing that he was lonesome,
the Great Spirit sent a son.

They walked upon the Earth
and found it good,

but it was too cold.

There were no trees
and no flowers

to make the world beautiful.

One night the young brave
had a dream,

and he told his father it
would be through sacrifice

that beauty will walk upon
the Earth.

"I'll give myself to the
Great Spirit," said the son,

and from his grave sprung
the first pine tree,

and from that came all
the other beautiful trees.

Mary!

Mary!

Mary, where are you?

There she is!

Mary Frances, where were you?

Mama's looking for you!

Readin'.

Better hurry.

Mama says cook's going
to throw it all away

if it gets cold.

They're really trying
to crack down now

with Senator Judd as the
committee chairman.

Indian offenses.

People are afraid of what
they don't know.

Go on.

Wash up, you three!

Yes, Daddy!

Wash up, now.

Yes, yes, Mama!

Gladys, go to the kitchen
and get the rolls.

Yes, Mama.

Come sit down.

Cook said if you don't come
in here...

Yes, cook said he's going
to throw it all away

if it gets cold.

Yes, we know.

And Lord, we ask for protection

and provision over this
family and over our people.

Amen.

Amen.

So, Mary, when do you leave
for college?

Well, um...

Still going to Oklahoma
College for Women

over in Chickasha?

Well, we was concerned
about tuition,

but, uh, she's going on a
grant now,

arts grant.

I'd prefer she
stick around here,

like her older brothers
and sister,

nice and normal.

You hear that there was, uh,
more bodies found in Lusitania?

Unfortunately, there are
still over 1,200 passengers

unaccounted for.

Including Charles Frohman.

And for those who hear my soul
sobbing in its darkest hour,

I leave you the legacy
of my uncharted future,

flung far among
a field of stars.

Mary, where did you learn that?

She learned it from
when the Frohman play

came through town.

She can say the whole
thing, can't you, Mary?

Yep.

Is this what we have in store
for after meal entertainment?

Unthrifty loveliness, why
dost thou spend?

Upon thyselves...

She'll get over it.

She lends to those who are free.

Mary?

Yeah.

Take this here basket on up
to the Brewster's place.

How come I have to go?

Because they got
eight mouths to feed

and they as poor as church mice.

That's why.

Well, if they have eight mouths,

then seems to me like they
have 16 feet.

Mary.

Get off this property.

No, I'm tired of you
drinking my water

and eating my grass.

Look at me.

Akakostini'cho.

This is the last time

I'm going to tell you.

Speak English!

You know what I'm saying.

Oka', Oka', Oka'

I want you to stay off this
property.

All you Indians are the same.

You think this is your land.

You look at me when I'm
talking to you!

Akakostini'cho

I want you to stay off this
property!

Mom, somebody's coming!

Hey.

Your mother home?

You speak English?

Ah!

What wilt thou do?

Thou wilt not murder me!

Ah!

Here.

Tell Bertie we appreciate it.

Mm-hmm.

Could I offer you some coffee?

Uh, thank you, ma'am, I best
be on my way.

It weren't always like this.

Just hard times is all.

It'll get better.

Come on, boys.

Let's go eat.

Come on.

Daddy!

What in the world's going on?

What's going on?

Thomas!

What happened?

They were just talking.

Who?

Who?

Mary?

The elder...

The elder?

The elder and the white man.

Where?

Mary?

Where is he?

At the...

It's okay.

The mule road, right before
the fort.

No, TB, no!

Not now, Bertie.

TB, don't!

You keep her inside!

She needs to stay inside!

Are you bleeding?

Are you...?

Sheriff says he was trespassing.

So they shot him?

Any time an Indian tangos
with a white man,

white man always...

he always wins, every time.

She shouldn't have been
out there alone, Bertie.

She shouldn't...

she shouldn't be going
anywhere alone.

She should stay right here,
where I can keep her safe.

I can keep her safe.

Now you'll see that
she gets a taxicab

as soon as she gets
to Chickasha?

She'll be fine.

First train ride by herself.

I understand, sir.

Oklahoma College for Women?

So you're going to college,
are you?

Don't believe I've
ever seen an Indian

up at the school before.

You are Indian, aren't you?

Didn't have those kind
of opportunities

when I was your age.

One quarter Choctaw, just
enough to make it tough

in a white man's world.

Young lady, you make the
most of this.

You're doing it for all of us.

Hello.

Hi.

Uh, well, welcome.

I'm Carla Bennett, your
roommate.

Mary Frances Thompson.

Um, this...

these are my friends.

I'm Margaret.

Hi, I'm Mary, Mary Thompson.

This is my roommate.

It's so nice to see
OCW accepting all types.

Yes, we Indians are very
grateful.

Well, I'm sure glad that
you're here.

If... if you need
anything at all,

our room's just down
the hall on the right.

Why don't we go see if Wendy
came in yet?

Thank you for all
your letters, Mama.

With all the exciting things
college has to offer,

I can barely find time to reply.

Everybody here is so, uh,
accepting and welcoming.

I've been learning so much.

Between my studies, all my
new friends,

and all the social events,

I barely have any
time to myself.

Give Daddy my love.

I'm so glad things is
going good for you, Mary.

Things are great at home too and
it's the good Lord's timing

because another
baby's on its way.

If it's a boy, we're
naming him after your father,

Thomas Benjamin Jr.

Don't wear yourself
outwith parties.

You're there for your education.

Go ahead and have your fun
but keep them grades up too.

Love, Mama.

You speak sparrow

Um, my accent's a little rough.

And what did our little
friend have to say?

She was wondering why she
left the nest.

Because it's the only way to
learn to soar.

I'm Ms. Davis.

Mary Frances.

And I'm wondering, Mary, why you
didn't sign up for my class.

What's your fifth period?

My only free time.

Was your only free time.

Theatre room, tomorrow.

The theatre room?

It's in the basement.

You'll find it.

And what class is it'?

Expression.

Good afternoon, girls.

Good afternoon, Ms. Davis.

So I take it everyone is
working on their monologues

to razzle and dazzle us?

So how many of you
are actually serious

about a career on the
stage after graduation?

Ah.

Well, I feel it is my
duty to inform you

that only a small
percentage of people

actually make a
living performing.

So today we are going to talk
about those who made it.

Who's your favorite actress?

Sarah Bernhardt.

Yes, Sarah Bernhardt
has been called

the most famous actress
that ever lived.

And I think that's a...

an accurate statement.

But did you also know that
she lost a leg mid-career?

And yet, she went on to
have a brilliant career

without the aid of
an artificial limb.

Fate took her leg, but it
didn't take what's inside,

the passion and the ability
to say something.

That's what will separate
you from the masses.

Charm will deceive.

Beauty will fade.

But a woman with conviction
will last forever.

So what do you have to say?

What stories do you have to
tell?

That's what I want to know.

That's what this class is
all about.

You can do it, all of you.

Welcome.

And now, um, we're
going to talk about

Sarah Bernhardt's most
controversial role, Hamlet,

where she played the lead.

Yes, a woman can play a
man's role,

a whole lot more
convincingly than

a man can play a woman's
role, I assure you.

Why would I dare to think
that you would understand?

Yes, you, who hears my soul
weeping in its darkest hour,

I offer you a legacy of
my uncharted future

flung far among the
field of stars.

That was terrific!

Frohman, isn't it?

Is that what you're doing
for the class monologue?

Probably Shakespeare.

You?

Shakespeare.

Does everyone need to do a
monologue?

Oh, yeah, no escaping it.

I could accompany you if you
want,

some music, maybe piano?

Really?

Sure, it might boost the
dramatic impact of it.

So where are you from?

I was born in Emet.

It's a little town.

You probably never even
heard of it.

My folks live in Tishomingo now.

I know Tishomingo.

Are you Chickasaw then?

You got any Indian stories, like
the myths and the legends?

I'm serious.

I know nothing, nothing
about your people.

I mean other than my dad
always saying stupid things.

Oh, come on.

You gotta give me something.

Please?

Pretty please?

My father used to tell me
this one.

The stage is yours.

Old Earth maker made everything

the way that he wanted.

But one day, he looked
down and he saw Rabbit

shivering in the cold.

Rabbit did not want
to be this way so

he began to make a little
song and a little dance

so that he could try to tell
Earth maker

how he wanted to be.

Happy as Hernia, wheresoe'er' er
she “es,

for she hath blessed and
attractive eyes.

How came her eyes so bright?

Not with salt tears.

If so, my eyes are oftener
washed than hers.

No, I am as ugly as a bear,

for beasts, when they see
me, they run away in fear!

Oh, pardon my interruption.

Hi, Ms. Davis.

Please, do continue.

Uh, I was just going over
what to do for class,

and I was looking at...

Midsummer Night's Dream?

You were very good.

Thank you.

You know, Mary, uh, I've
been giving these monologues

for years and years, and
everyone does Shakespeare,

everyone.

Did you know you're
the first Indian

that ever enrolled at OCW?

And that's not a crutch.

It's an advantage.

What could you show me that
I haven't seen before?

What can you offer
that all these

little sugar cookies can't?

That's what I want to see.

See you in class.

Thank you, Ms. Davis.

Should you ask me when these
legends and traditions,

I should answer, I should
tell you,

in the bird's nest of the
forest,

in the hoof print of the bison,

in the airy of the eagle.

Listen to these Indian legends.

Like a death web spun
twixt the setting moon

and the rising sun, our glory
sinks like the sinking moon.

The red man's race shall
perish soon,

for feet shall trip where
the web is spun,

for no dawn shall be ours,
and no rising sun.

No dawn is ours and no
rising sun!

So tell me, what will you do
next?

Um, continue my studies, and
then maybe New York?

Broadway?

Wow.

I think I might have just
the launching pad for you.

Carnegie?

Carnegie Tech, my old alma
mater,

the best theatre company in
the country.

Yes, I know.

But they would never accept
me in it.

I couldn't afford it.

Well, no, no, no, one thing
at a time.

I just mailed my recommendation

along with your application.

Now, it includes a few
embellishments,

ones that I hope that you will
fulfill for me this summer.

When does your train leave?

2130.

Perfect.

Just enough time to meet a
very dear friend of mine.

♪ This little light of mine,
I'm going to let it shine. ♪

♪ This little light of mine,
I'm going to let it shine. ♪

♪ This little light of mine,
I'm going to let it shine. ♪

♪ This little light of mine,
I'm going to let it shine. ♪

♪ This little light
of mine... ♪

Take a break.

You must be Mary Frances.

I'm Thurow Lieurance, and
this is the Chautauqua Tour.

32 towns in 40 nights.

It's education, it's
entertainment,

it's fun to the entire family,

and it is the most American
thing in all of America.

But, as I told Ms. Davis, I
must have an Indian act.

I must have you.

Knock on wood?

That would be wonderful.

When is it?

Now.

This summer?

Ah, my dear, there is no
time like the present,

or the immediate future, right?

Have a seat.

My leg?

Some years ago, I was
traveling by wagon out west,

on a music-gathering
expedition,

when a blizzard sprung up
and turned the world white.

You couldn't even see your
hand in front of your face.

And before long, we had
plunged into a crevasse.

My leg was smashed.

I was trapped beneath the wagon.

I couldn't move and I had
been left for dead.

I lay there, drifting in and
out of consciousness.

When suddenly, I began to
hear music.

It was strange music, drums
and rattles and gongs,

and these marvelous rhythms
that I had never heard before.

The music seemed to grow
stronger and stronger

and stronger, and then silence.

I woke in a sea of warm
blankets.

The room was lit by fire

and an Indian doctor
was wiping my brow.

He had done what he had to do.

He amputated my leg.

But in taking it, he saved
my life.

The music, was it real?

As real as life itself.

To me, the music that I heard
was the music of the spirits

come to save my life.

And ever since that day, I
have made it my life's work

to bring the music of the
Indians to people everywhere.

So what do you say?

Do I have my Indian act?

May I bring my piano player
with me?

Deal.

Welcome aboard.

Welcome aboard.

There she is.

Mama!

Daddy!

Look at you, all educated.

Hi, Mama.

So I know you're just back
and all,

but I have spoken to the
local school,

and they're looking for a
teacher there.

That's great, Daddy.

Uh, let's talk about it at home.

Okay.

Say what?

The Carnegie's across the
whole country.

I mean aren't you educated
enough?

Let's discuss this once
she's accepted.

I'm going to get accepted.

I just don't want you
getting your hopes up.

Things are more challenging
for people in our situation.

You mean being Indian?

That's not a crutch, Mama.

It's an advantage.

Well, I can't afford it.

Well, maybe I can.

Touring with some freak show.

Mama, talk to him.

He hasn't been just right
lately.

And the idea of you out there
in the big wide world...

He wants me to stay here
and become a teacher

and behave like a
nice, normal person.

There's nothing wrong with
nice or normal.

But we brung you up to
know your own mind

and to follow where
God leads you,

and if that means
going cross-country

and getting up on a stage,

well, then you best
get up on it.

Okay?

Okay?

Centuries ago, before the
white man,

our people, restless and tired,

searched desperately for a
place to call home.

And every night, at the end
of the long journey,

they stuck a sacred
pole on the ground

so that it pointed straight
toward the heavens.

And every morning, whichever
way it leaned, they traveled,

until finally,
it leaned no more.

The pole did not bring us here.

The white man forced us here.

But now, this is our home,

and we don't have to wander
anymore, and neither do you.

I love that story, Daddy.

And that's why I have to go, so
that I can tell our stories.

What's your stage name?

Mary Frances Thompson is for
the name of my daughter,

not a performer.

What about what Uncle Doug
used to call her,

Aiukla Ohoyo?

Oh, no, Mama.

People have to be able to
pronounce it.

What was it Aunt Mary called
her when she was a baby?

Te Ata.

Te Ata?

I love it.

What...

what does it mean?

Bearer of the morning.

That's perfect.

That's because you
started crying every day

at the crack of dawn for hours,

and nobody could shut you up.

I mean she was like
a dang rooster,

wasn't she, Bertie?

The moon, the sun, the wind,
the rainbow,

the thunder, all
came to visit Ababinili

Listen to my story that
came from my father

and from his father before him.

The next story I am
going to tell you

is a very ancient story.

The summer's been exhausting,

but I never felt more alive.

I met with this Seminole woman
after my last performance,

and she asked me if I could tell

the stories of her people.

Now word is spreading

and I'm meeting with various
tribes wherever I go.

They share their stories with me

so that I may share them
with the whole world.

How big was Kansas City?

How big was Kansas City?

Massive.

Crowds everywhere.

I'm definitely going to
travel too.

Um, that man, when is he
going to stop?

Wait.

All forms of Indian rituals
are prohibited?

Can't sell traditional items?

Is...

is this true?

In theory, not in practice.

That's what they say.

Carnegie.

Did you get in, Mary?

Rejected.

Hmm.

Hmm.

Don't you dare take joy in this.

I wouldn't even dream of it.

But I think it's a sign.

Fate has spoken.

Mama?

Yeah, honey.

Can you take me to the train
station?

Wait, no, Mary!

Mary Frances, where you
going now?

Can I go too, Daddy?

No!

You ain't going anywhere,
young lady.

Fine!

Oh, Thomas, when are you
going to learn?

You can't keep a Thompson
girl down.

Bertie!

Come on, honey.

Come on.

See you later, Daddy!

You hold on!

I'm the man of the house here!

Mr. Stevens, please.

Do you have an appointment?

I'm sure I do.

I...

I sent a telegram...

Your name?

Te Ata Thompson.

Please have a seat.

Thank you.

Miss Thompson?

Yes, Te Ata Thompson.

Yes, well, I believe you've
gotten our letter.

Yes, and I thought I'd get a
chance to audition.

Audition.

Yes, well, enrollment
is closed, dear.

You try again in the spring,
all right?

Which way is the theatre?

That a way.

Now, now hold on a second.

Just what do you think
you're doing?

Miss, stop!

Stop!

Miss, stop.

Stop!

We are getting ready for a
production here!

Mr. Stevens, I just traveled
1,117 miles to get here.

I would really love a chance
to audition for you.

I can't accept you alone.

There is a committee.

Well, how long would it take
to get them all here?

Give me ten minutes.

Thank you, sir!

The circle of the Earth is
the head of a great drum.

With the day, it grows
upward, booming.

I think they're in the theatre.

Who is the drummer who beats
upon the Earth's drum?

Who is the drummer who makes
me dance to this song?

I think we can find a place
for you.

Another postcard from Mary.

Oh, it's been a year?

Tell me she's coming home.

New York City.

Tell Daddy not to worry.

Ms. Davis has me staying
at the Three Arts Club.

It's for actresses starting out.

And she's going to set up
some private performances

so I can earn my keep.

Take this, pretty lady?

Oh, no, no thank you.

Papers!

Papers!

Um, sorry.

Do you know where
West End Avenue is?

It's, uh, ten blocks this way.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Hi.

Hi.

Um, I'm here to check in, uh...

It's about time you got here.

Margaret?

What are you doing here?

I live here.

And when Ms. Davis told me
you were coming,

I traded out my roommate
for you.

I'll show her up.

Thank you!

Ta-da!

Oh, my!

This is so perfect.

Oh.

Oh, wow.

So, uh, so what are we going
to do HOW?

Rest.

Tomorrow you hit the ground
running.

Ta Atay?

Te Ata.

Whatever.

My heart can't take it any
longer

You were like the...

Next.

Next.

Slave, soulless villain, dog!

Oh, rarely base!

Good.

Thanks.

We'll contact you.

Do you have my address and...?

Next.

When sorrows come, they come
not single...

Next.

Oh, hi.

Hi, yeah, yeah, come on in.

Come on in.

Take your mark.

Pocahontas.

Before we get started, are
you okay wearing that?

You first.

Hey, how'd it go?

Uh, wardrobe didn't fit.

Uh, how was your play?

Oh, best non-paying gig
ever.

Gotta get to my paying gig now,

at the theatre.

I've been here for almost a
year and nothing.

I'm running out of money.

I can see if they have an
opening at the theatre.

Thanks anyways.

Ms. Davis has scheduled
four private performances

next week.

Well, you're going to
make some good scratch.

But I'm in New York for
Broadway.

Hey.

Keep pounding.

Something eventually is
going to break.

What if it's me?

Unbreakable.

Bye.

Bye.

Once there was a young maiden,

and she lived by a beautiful
stream.

One day, she looked into the
stream at her reflection.

"Oh, my," she said.

"I'm beautiful enough for
any man."

So she walked down to the
riverbank.

"Anybody 'round here want a
wife?"

And somebody answered, "I
want a wife.

I want a wife."

"Well, what shall we live on
if we live together?"

"We will live on grass."

"Oh, I couldn't live on grass.

"Grass is much too coarse for
a good looking girl like me."

So she walked on down the banks
of the river and sang again.

"Anybody 'round here want a
wife?"

Someone answered, "I want a
wife."

"What shall we live on if we
live together?"

"We will live on seeds."

"Oh, I love seeds."

She was so pleased with him and
he was so pleased with her,

and together they flew down
the banks of the river,

because they were the first
birds of spring.

Te Ata, would you take
questions?

Of course.

What tribe are you from, dear?

I am Chickasaw.

My father is Chickasaw.

My mother is of German descent

Then you are half Chickasaw.

No, ma'am.

My heart and soul are 100%
Chickasaw.

Hmm.

With the Indian Offenses Act,

are songs and dances
like this illegal?

The Bible says God's words
brought the world to being.

We Chickasaw believe his
words came as a song,

and if sharing this song is
illegal,

well, there's not much else
to sing about then.

As this is a private
event, I assure you it is

well within the law.

But I remind each
of you to support

Governor Roosevelt in
his upcoming election.

Mrs. Roosevelt and he are
big supporter of the arts

and will make events like
this legal for all.

Is there anything that
the white man does

that you would deem offensive?

I think the only thing that
upsets Indians the most

is to find that the white man
grows perfectly good corn

and never sings over it.

If you'll excuse me, uh,
remarkable.

Why, thank you.

Uh, Clyde Fisher.

Te Ata.

Yes, of course.

Uh, uh, something to do with,

uh, the day break, yes?

Bearer of the morning.

Oh, yes, beautiful, beautiful.

How did you know?

Oh, uh, well, though I'm a
professor,

I am always a student of
Indian culture.

And what do you teach?

Well, my...

my first love is astronomy, uh,

but I also teach, uh, zoology,

uh, paleontology, anthropology,

uh, geolo...

Gee, am I boring you?

No.

No, it's, uh, it's quite
remarkable.

What got you interested in
Indian culture?

Well, I...

I was on an expedition out west,

and I was adopted by the
Sioux tribe.

My Indian name, though lacking
in the imagery of Te Ata,

certainly was fitting.

They called me Afraid of Bear.

You were tremendous.

Here, here.

Thank you.

Dr. Fisher.

Ma'am.

I certainly hope to see
you and your husband

out at the Natural
History Museum tomorrow

for the planetarium's unveiling.

It's a small gathering.

Ifs open to the public as well.

Wouldn't miss it for the world.

Wonderful.

Wonderful.

Well, I'll leave you ladies
to it.

Your performance, my dear,
was absolutely breathtaking.

I have never experienced
that sense of spirit.

You absolutely glow, my clear.

A messenger dropped this off.

It's casting services.

Thank you.

Ah!

I got it!

I giot it!

Got what?

A role!

A real role on Broadway!

What?

It says The Red Poppy.

It says right here, it opens
December 19.

It's not the lead, but it...

it's fourth on the billing!

Who cares?

That's wonderful!

We have to celebrate!

What are you doing tomorrow?

Yeah, uh, uh, them...

the Museum of Natural History.

Do you want to come?

I'll pass.

But when I get off work tonight,

we are celebrating!

In creating the planetarium,
I had one simple task,

to take one of the most
difficult subjects,

one that we cannot reach out
and touch,

and make it understandable,
not only to a man or a woman,

but to a child.

And tonight I will explain our
approach to that conun...

drum.

Hmm.

But first I would like to
say how much it means

to see you here this evening.

Huh.

I was traveling in Germany
about two years ago,

and I had the good fortune
to meet with a man

named Carl Zeiss.

How do you know so much?

Huh, I have a love of learning.

Right now, we're walking between
600 and 700 miles per hour,

based on the constant
rotation of the Earth.

Why waste the momentum?

Dare I say?

I never thought of it that
way before.

It is imperative to open
people's minds to new things.

Ignorance breeds fear, and
the only way to conquer that

is to make the unknown known.

Hmm.

I think I would agree with that.

I would say more than agree.

Each time you take the stage,

you bring light to a dark world.

I give these, uh, small
outdoor talks to a...

a camp of young little
rascals at Bear Mountain,

up north.

They come from poor homes.

But...

but their minds are sponges.

This may be the only bit of
nature they ever get to see.

Would you...

would you consider
performing for them?

Well, it sounds lovely,

but I just landed
a Broadway role.

Congratulations!

Huh!

Wonderful!

Wonderful.

Well, it's my first role, so
I...

I need to stay focused.

No, of course.

Of course, of course.

Hey, uh, perhaps another time.

That's...

that's wonderful.

Could I offer you a
celebratory meal?

I'd love that.

Perfect.

♪ I'm fascinated by the likes
of you, ♪

♪ infatuated by the
things you do. ♪

♪ I'm enchanted by you more
each day. ♪

♪ The sun is shining in a
brighter way. ♪

♪ This feeling
washes over me ♪

♪ and I hum along with
the birds and bees. ♪

♪ Perhaps it's you, my
missing puzzle piece. ♪

♪ I'm fascinated by you. ♪

♪ And how the time does fly
when your hand touches mine; ♪

♪ and how my cheeks
turn rose from the ♪

♪ second you said hello ♪

♪ I hope you'll never go. ♪

♪ My heart beat skips at the
sight of you. ♪

♪ I wonder if... ♪

♪ if you're
wondering too. ♪

♪ Could it be love that's
come out of the blue? ♪

♪ I'm fascinated by you. ♪

♪ From the second
you said hello ♪

♪ I hope you'll never go. ♪

♪ My heartbeat skips at the
sight of you. ♪

♪ Oh, I wonder ff... ♪

♪ if you're
wondering too. ♪

♪ Could it be love that's
come out of the blue? ♪

♪ I'm fascinated by you. ♪

♪ I'm fascinated by you. ♪

You decent?

Yes.

It is still abuzz out there.

It's electric.

What a run!

You were wonderful.

How does it feel?

Um, I thought I'd be more
excited.

Hmm.

What do you mean?

I'm not sure.

I feel off is all, like...

like something's missing.

Must be the empty stomach.

Hmm, must be.

I have made us dinner
reservations.

That should help.

You think that we
can go somewhere

where I don't have to think
or talk or be somebody?

Yes, of course, love.

There's a...

a film playing across the
street,

a new film, darkened room,
moving pictures,

music, popcorn, I guess.

It's perfect.

I can't sufficiently
describe the feeling.

Those last few notes, like...

like a wave coming over the
audience,

and they are completely...

Whoa, watch your step.

Are you okay?

Yeah, I thought I saw something.

Oh, beat it.

There's a tree!

Hurry!

Helium chief say,

woo, woo!

Me want 'em chug chug with me.

Let's get out of here.

Um, I'm sorry.

No, no, no, no, no, it's not
you.

That's...

how they see me.

It was a cartoon.

It was a stupid cartoon.

About a stupid Indian.

Not about you.

I was so stupid
thinking that I could

come to Broadway and...

and make a difference.

Why did you pursue the
performing arts?

To pretend to be other people?

No.

Then why?

Do you know howl made astronomy
interesting to adults?

By making it interesting to
a child.

If a child could understand
it and enjoy it,

an adult could too.

And what are you getting at?

You need to get away.

You need to get away.

You remember the camp that I
told you about?

Let's do that.

Let's do that this weekend.

I don't know.

I will cancel my meeting on
Friday morning,

and I will drive you up
there myself.

If I can make time in my busy
schedule for a mountain trip,

then certainly, you can too.

It would be a wonderful
adventure.

I want to focus on Broadway.

Maybe it's not about what
you want to do.

Maybe it's about what you
were meant to do.

I'd need a canoe.

All set.

Oh, bon voyage!

Woo!

Woo!

Don't drown, oh, great explorer!

I'll see you on the other
side of the lake!

Oh wait, you all see that?

What is that?

Chokma.

My name is Te Ata, bearer of
the morning.

I am a Chickasaw Indian
from the state of Oklahoma

and also a storyteller.

Indians are the Natives of
this land.

They belong here.

Everything that they
learn, they learn from nature.

Hmm.

Thank you for today.

My soul really needed this.

So did mine.

Come look.

What are we looking at?

Oh, it is a heavenly sight.

Oh, really?

How did...

how did you get that in there?

That's not an answer.

My darling Indian princess,
will you marry me?

Yes.

I mean no.

No?

You have to ask my father.

Let's go.

Oh, you don't know my father.

My dear,

I have camped in sub-zero
temperatures in Lapland.

I have swam with crocodile
and piranha in Peru.

I have climbed into the
mouth of a boiling volcano.

I think I can...

You don't know my father.

I better go first and, um,
pave the way.

Mama!

Hey.

Where's Daddy?

Well, he's not feeling too good.

Somethings happened.

What?

I still can't believe three
men came into Daddy's store

and took wares away.

Just them things to do with
our culture.

Did you call the sheriff?

Honey, the government was
who took 'em,

agents enforcing the Code of
Indian Offenses.

It's about all his heart
could take.

But he's a Thompson.

He'll get through it.

I'm going to tell Clyde not
to come.

If you are serious about
this man,

then we need to meet him.

Way to kick him when he's down.

Hi, Daddy.

Shame on the government.

It's not right.

Well, it's nothing new, sweetie.

You need anything?

Uh, water, thanks.

Okay.

What's going to happen to
the store?

Oh, a small fine.

Trouble is those baskets
are made by locals

who need money to put
food on the table.

Any plans while you're home?

Uh, Ms. Davis setup
a small performance

at the local school.

I was actually hoping, uh,

Uncle Doug and Betty could come.

Oh, I bet they'd be delighted.

And maybe even Daddy too, if
he's...

he's feeling better?

Yeah.

Yeah.

We'll see about that.

Okay.

Is she crazy?

News not the time to be
promoting our culture.

She feels it's exactly the
right time.

Well, it'll just cause more
trouble.

Why can't she just get a
normal job?

Just thought I'd ask.

She's going to do it, so...

Well, I don't need to see it.

Okay.

Hi.

Hi.

Ever since I saw her perform,

I just knew.

It took a little while for
fate to agree with me.

Well, traveling here must be
nothing,

when you travel everywhere.

Mr. Thompson, I'm Clyde
Fisher.

Perhaps you shoulda gone
with Afraid of Bear.

Let me try man to...

boy.

Shh.

What's he saying?

Shh.

I...

I don't know.

And so, Mr. Thompson, I
would like your blessing

to marry you daughter,
Mary Frances.

How old are you?

I am 17 years her senior.

The white hair came early.

Hmm.

You want to marry my daughter?

Yes, sir.

Well, I want you to do
something for me.

Anything.

Bring her home.

Have her stop all of this
globe trotting business.

And if what you say is true
and you can provide,

then she can settle down,
nice and normal,

here, with her people.

Sir, I'm not sure we're
talking about the same woman.

To think that I would be able,

if willing, which I'm not,

to put a leash on her,

well, in my opinion, that's
a quite impossible task.

Yeah.

Sounds like the same woman.

Mr. Thompson, your daughter
has a gift.

She can open up the
eyes of the world

to the Chickasaw people,
to all Indians,

simply by telling stories.

I mean have you seen her
perform?

This is her home,

and she will always
come home to you.

If she can love me half as
much as she loves you,

that will make me the
happiest man in the world.

Mr. Thompson, I'm not asking
for an answer this instant,

and I will wait as long as
it takes,

and I will abide by your
decision.

Well?

No answer yet.

Well, I'm proud of you,
Afraid of Bear.

Why don't you two go for a drive

and let me work on
old Papa Bear?

I think I know just the place.

I think I know just the place.

It's beautiful.

It has been my cathedral
since I was a child.

Hmm.

Long ago, my people,

they were searching for
a place to call home.

Ahead of them was a great
white dog, Ofi Tohbi.

Ofi Tohbi?

Mm-hmm.

He traveled far ahead of them,

always on alert, and always
warned of any dangers.

He was their faithful
guardian, scout.

And then one day, they came
to a great river.

They called it Misha Sipokoni.

The Mississippi?

Hmm.

They knew home was across
the river.

They knew home was
somewhere on the other side

of the wide, wide
river before them.

So quickly, they assembled
rafts to cross.

The first raft carried
a group of men

and the beloved white dog.

But the raft, it broke apart.

All the men made it to shore,

but the beloved white dog,

standing proud on drifting wood,

vanished down the river.

Did they ever find out what
happened to the dog?

No.

But some say he can
still be seen,

guiding our people.

Deer.

I am sorry I had to kill
thee, little brother,

but I had need of thy meat.

I will do honor to thy courage,

to thy strength, and to thy
beauty.

Next I will tell you a story

my father told me
when I was young.

There are birds of many colors,

red, blue, green, and yellow,

yet it is all one bird.

There are horses of many colors,

black, brown, yellow, and white,

yet it is all one horse.

So with cattle.

So with men.

In this land, where
one was only Indian

is now men of every color.

All this came to pass in the
heart of the mystery.

My name is Te Ata, bearer of
the morning.

I am Chickasaw!

I am a storyteller.

Remember who you are, Te Ata.

Broadway will keep calling.

Hollywood too.

But you tell the story you
were meant to tell.

I won't let you down.

Oh, don't you worry about me.

You're doing it for them.

Hmm.

Thank you for everything.

Oh.

And thank you.

What for?

Helping me be me.

Wish your father well.

I will.

And once he's better,

I shall come back
to you, my love.

I look forward to both of
those things.

And write?

Sorry.

Write to me?

Every day.

Your letters mean the world.

Oh!

I almost forgot to give
these to you,

your mail from Margaret.

I love you, my princess.

And I love you, Afraid of Bear.

Oh.

All aboard!

Last call!

How is Daddy?

Wasn't doing so good last night.

I could swear he'd been crying.

But he's never cried before
a day in his life.

I know.

He's got me worried.

What is it?

The White House?

President Roosevelt?

Well, that's less than a week.

Come here!

Oh!

Oh!

I was invited to perform
at the White House

for President Roosevelt's
first day dinner.

But I won't go if you
promise not to die.

I'll stay right here with you.

When you went to college, I
didn't like it.

When you went on that summer
tour,

I didn't like.

Pittsburgh, no way.

New York, nope.

But I'll never forgive myself

if you don't go to
that White House.

I'm sorry.

You know that first stomp
dance I ever took you to?

That elder took you
aside and said

"Ishnaakoot
shikonno'pa'ishanooli."

I remember.

What he said was that some day

you would become
the storyteller.

I knew deep down
that he was right.

But I was scared.

I was selfish.

I didn't want to share you.

When you were just a little
girl,

your Uncle Doug
went to Washington

when they tried
to get rid of us...

and now you will return
and show them that

we are alive and well

and that the Chickasaw are
unconquered and unconquerable.

Then you come back home

because we've got a
wedding to plan.

Welcome, Te Ata.

So pleased you're going
to be spending the night

in the White House.

Here...

here to...

tonight?

Didn't they tell you?

Oh, in the Lincoln Bedroom.

We'll arrange for some things.

Pardon me, Mrs. Roosevelt.

My, you are looking ravishing.

Senator Judd.

Te Ata.

You are very well known to
my people.

Your people?

You'll find out soon enough,
senator.

Let me show you to your room.

This evening would not be
complete without you.

Do try to get a bit of rest

before your performance
tonight, my dear.

Mrs. Roosevelt, thank you
for everything.

To my friends, I am Eleanor.

Mr. Lincoln, there is an Indian
girl in the White House,

and it's right that
she should be here.

My name is Te Ata, bearer of
the morning.

I am Chickasaw and a
storyteller,

and this is the story of my
people.

Long ago, the Great Creator
brought together two brothers,

the Choctaw and the Chickasaw.

The brothers sought out
new lands and journeyed

with the protection of Ofi
Tohbi, the white dog.

They brought with them
the sacred leaning pole

that gave them direction.

Finally, they found new lands

and the one brother, Chickasaw,
went in one direction

and Choctaw in the other.

And by doing this, they
created two powerful nations.

And they sang a song.

Ababinili walks in good ways.

He reminds us through
our ancestors

how all of this
beauty came to be.

Mi, yammak illa -

this is not the end of the
story.

♪ Stir my heart. ♪

♪ Show me the Way. ♪

♪ Let me feel love, oh, love,
at the end of the day. ♪

♪ Warm wind blow, carries me
home. ♪

♪ You help me see that I don't
walk alone. ♪

♪ No, I don't walk alone. ♪

♪ Toward the rising sun, ♪

♪ Walking, two worlds
to live as one. ♪

♪ Hear our voice. ♪

♪ Join our song. ♪

♪ A new dawn has come. ♪

♪ The rain pours down,
as feelings return. ♪

♪ Deep in my soul, I know the
fire still burns. ♪

♪ Toward the rising sun,
walking, ♪

♪ Two worlds
to live as one. ♪

♪ Hear our voice. ♪

♪ Join our song. ♪

♪ A new dawn has come. ♪

♪ When I sing my last song, ♪

♪ Lord, shine your
light down upon. ♪

♪ Take my hand. ♪

♪ Guide me toward
the rising sun. ♪

♪ Toward the rising sun,
walking, ♪

♪ Two worlds to
live as one. ♪

♪ Hear our voice. ♪

♪ Join our song. ♪

♪ A new dawn has come. ♪

♪ When I sing my last song,
Lord, ♪

♪ Shine your light
down upon. ♪

♪ Take my hand. ♪

♪ Guide me toward the rising
sun. ♪

♪ Take my hand. ♪

♪ Guide me toward the rising
sun. ♪

♪ Take my hand. ♪

♪ Guide me toward the rising
sun. ♪