Yellowstone's 'Indian Relay' Episode: A Glimpse into Native American Culture
The popular TV series Yellowstone has been making waves for its portrayal of Native American culture, and the recent 'Indian Relay' episode is no exception. While some may argue that the show doesn't get every detail right, it does offer a quick but authentic glimpse into Native American traditions. In this episode, we see Monica (KelseyAsbille) and her students joining her physical therapist Martin (Martin Sensmeier) at an Indian Relay practice, which pays homage to native coming-of-age traditions.
Martin explains that becoming a man requires bravery witnessed by others, and this is not just a fictional concept. The Indian Relay is an actual event held by several tribes across the Rocky Mountain West, and it's not just a show of bravery but also a celebration of Native American heritage. Teams from reservations in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Washington, Oregon, and the Dakotas, as well as Canada, participate in this tradition, where riders mount their horses bareback, take a lap, and then lunge off their steeds, only to hop onto another one and do it all again, without protective gear.
The modern Indian Relay began in the early 20th century, and it was initially confined to reservations. However, it eventually became a large-scale event to unite Native American competitors, all aiming for the 'Indian Relay National Champion' title. The sport has gotten so popular that it was the subject of a 2013 documentary, aptly titled 'Indian Relay'. As Martin notes, the relay has only gotten bigger over time, with multi-day competitions now held annually in Wyoming.
Yellowstone has helped thrust Native American customs into the spotlight, and this is not the first neo-Western to shed a strong light on Native American customs. However, Yellowstone has been praised for its efforts to portray Native Americans more realistically than other shows. Co-creator Taylor Sheridan aimed for authenticity, and while the BrokenRock Indian Reservation is not a real place, Sheridan made every effort to film on an actual Montana-based rez.
Former Crow Nation tribal chairman Alvin 'A.J.' Not Afraid, Jr. told Variety that Yellowstone's portrayal of Native Americans is a lot more realistic than other shows. The best episodes of Yellowstone further pushed Native culture into the forefront, from battles over ancestral land to shedding light on the socio-economics of reservation life. However, the show wasn't without its controversies, such as when Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) went on his 'vision quest' in Season 4, inspired by a real Lakota ceremony called the 'Hanbleceya'.
In my opinion, Yellowstone's portrayal of Native American culture is a step in the right direction, and it's refreshing to see a show that takes the time to get it right. While there may be controversies and inaccuracies, the show's efforts to shed light on Native American customs and traditions are commendable. Personally, I think that Yellowstone has helped to bridge the gap between the mainstream and Native American culture, and it's a show that deserves recognition for its efforts to promote cultural understanding and appreciation.
