How The Trail of Tears Impacted the Ancestors of Wes Studi | Finding Your Roots

How The Trail of Tears Impacted the Ancestors of Wes Studi | Finding Your Roots | PBS

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@Shamunt 10 ай бұрын

Our ancestors could not talk about these things because they were trying to survive. They are the reason we are still here. Now we return the favor by sharing their story and remembering them.

@HvacGuy76 10 ай бұрын

I consider myself unclaimed freight. My DNA says I'm native, but no government ID. I'm a member of a lost heritage.

@KILLCOLONIALISM 10 ай бұрын

What Nation?@@HvacGuy76

@srezzy1326 10 ай бұрын

Brilliantly said!

@RedEdgedSavage 10 ай бұрын

@@HvacGuy76. If the Spirit knows then that is what is the only important thing

@RedEdgedSavage 10 ай бұрын

@@HvacGuy76. I don't need any government I.D. in order to be looked at as family by my actual relatives..that I.D. is of a unique agreement between them and the government for the government's designations and categories as well as the tribe. My Miccosukee relatives wouldn't except me as a card carrier ..which I agree with..only they would accept ne as a family member outside and with no connection to any government because well..family is family regardless of any special agreement with an entity that oversees who is family of a family..I never want benefits or a card to show anyone..others should ..for certain reasons..but I'm not having it in my wants..my wants include family recognition more than some recognition with a big foreign nose that comes with the recognition. I would be ineligible because only being half is required..my Dad could if he wanted to I suppose. Another thing..people on the rez need that card ..I'm from a city..i was born in a city of this country and i don't need any benefits like people on any reservation needs them..especially any way out in the middle of nowhere like the plains..or some places in desert areas with no water, heat..food

@AbraAlahouzos 10 ай бұрын

Please do more of these for the First Nations People.

@einroselweiss120 10 ай бұрын

I hope they might think about researching Green Beret and Medal of Honor Recipient, MSGT Roy Benavides. He was was Latino and Native DNA. Also, many finding the descendants of Geronimo, or Cochise, that would be wonderful.

@lindafrazier8092 10 ай бұрын

Yes!!!!

@hectorsmommy1717 10 ай бұрын

He did Louise Erdrich for a previous show, Faces of America. She was the only person to refuse a DNA test because she felt the actual paper connections and family stories told her of her family so DNA wasn't needed. Eva Longoria was also interesting because she has a lot of Indigenous Mexican family (and is also a DNA cousin to Yo Yo Ma who is 100% Chinese)

@johnwebb2442 10 ай бұрын

Most Definitely. Native/Indigenous stories are important to be told.

@keetahbrough 10 ай бұрын

no fkn thank you. These guys still want to tell us we walked over a LAND BRIDGE lolol.. and you think they're going to tell us anything we don't already know or have within our stored bank of memory!?! psh.

@deedeewinfrey3181 10 ай бұрын

I purchased a piece of land in the last known native town in Hiawassee, Tennessee, my parce isl in the area called Chestue, which means Rabbit town in Cherokee. I knew my family had been removed during the trail of tears because my father told me the oral history of the Cherokee. One day, while looking through old land deeds, I found my ancestors' names on the list to be removed. They actually lived on the very land that I purchased. I BOUGHT OUR LAND BACK !!! I had no clue. I told my family to bury me at Chestue. Then, no one could ever take it away from us again. I miss you, Daddy

@gretafields4706 10 ай бұрын

Make a forever home and garden on that land!

@Mrstigger747 10 ай бұрын

It was meant to be❣️ 👋🇨🇦

@brendabrownen6684 10 ай бұрын

Amen🙏

@dawnbrown5331 10 ай бұрын

Incredible

@isarose3136 10 ай бұрын

That's wild, but then again, I totally believe it! Your ancestors led you back there! I lived a long time in Georgia not knowing I was close to where my Cherokee ancestors removed from, but it always DEEPLY felt like home-like I had a soul connection there. Now I know where they came from and it makes sense.

@jpoh4398 9 ай бұрын

The donation of $150 made by the Choctaw nation to Famine relief in the 1840's in Ireland while the tribe were forced to complete the trail of tears is an amazing story. The Choctaw's generosity during their tribulations has never been forgotten in Ireland. Today a scholarship is run in UCC for Choctaw students and also a most beautiful sculpture named Kindred Spirit which consists of a circle of steel Eagle feathers was erected in the town of Midleton County Cork a number of years ago as a thank you to the tribe for what they did all those years ago.

@AtheneHolder 8 ай бұрын

I read of this years ago, what a thing .... people who don't have are usually the ones willing to give the most

@joewelsh8979 8 ай бұрын

I'm glad that you know this! The flag of the Choctaw Nation is in the Dail

@MISNM0 6 ай бұрын

Incredible share!

@jonerton67 6 ай бұрын

The Choctaw brought their black slaves on the trail of tears. They probably sold 1 to pay for that. Nobody wants to hear that history though.

@lizab.stough9396 5 ай бұрын

And Ireland's return of the favor when COVID was taking its harshest toll on their "kindred spirits" still brings tears to my eyes.

@laman8914 10 ай бұрын

One of the most underrated actors in the US. If he was of the same ethnicity as Daniel Day Lewis in 'The Last Mohicans', he might have won the Oscar for Male Supporting Role.

@michaeldukes4108 10 ай бұрын

Then he wouldn’t have been able to *play* the role of Magua.

@evelinaanville 10 ай бұрын

Lest we forget, most of the Indigenous roles played in Hollywood historically were by white people.

@joseywales148 10 ай бұрын

He really was great in that role… he crushed the role

@m.l.b.2908 10 ай бұрын

He's one if the few actors on my "I'll watch anything they're in" list.

@JdeeGeekyGao 10 ай бұрын

I only figured out who Daniel Day Lewis was today, but Wes I knew he was the reason I clicked on this, and I am from New Zealand. My mother was Maori when she was alive and I didn't understand as a child why I was the one that had to go with her to view houses to buy, but as a white-passing Maori with red hair I understand today, she was playing them using me as a child of privilege to help her get a home to keep a roof over our heads. Eventually, it worked so when she got sick I told her the biggest thank you for doing everything she could too keep a roof over our heads, to keep us fed and for all the love she gave me and my brother. One day I wanna find our Maori ancestors. I got so far back on my dad's side but both my mother's parents were adopted so I can only trace that line of Scots and not the Maori side, but I know my people are with me. So one day.

@oyinade84 10 ай бұрын

Mr. Wes Studi is one of my favorite actors of all times. I am so happy to see him on here. An underrated and phenomenal actor and such a kind gentleman . This is so emotional❤🥺

@RobertSlover 10 ай бұрын

joe leaphorn lives!

@lindafrazier8092 10 ай бұрын

I agree

@cherylharewood6125 10 ай бұрын

We are more powerful than we are made to believe 🙏 ✨️ ❤️ 🙌. Knowledge is POWER. Until we people of every Ethnicity are repaid, we MUST NEVER, EVER STOP FIGHTING FOR REPARATIONS EVEN TO THE COMING AGAIN OF JESUS CHRIST ❤ 🙏 🤲!

@RobertSlover 10 ай бұрын

@@cherylharewood6125 reparations are even less likely than "jesus return" its about class not race in the end.

@rhonaharker6358 27 күн бұрын

He should’ve had an Oscar for his portrayal of Magwa

@ishetrying 10 ай бұрын

"We've lived with that pain for a long time." He says so much right there. Then he goes on to say, "So, it's not something that stabs at the heart right now, you know?" Thanks for doing this episode and thank you to Wes Studi for being willing to appear on the show. It helps fellow Natives on our own healing journeys.

@heleenemerson7931 10 ай бұрын

Other Tribe had the same thing done to them (The Long Walk. To Fort Sumer) and other among other tribes. I am glad that Wes Studi is shedding lights on those. Maria

@av1421 10 ай бұрын

inter-generational trauma.

@lhpeterson51 10 ай бұрын

“Might be worth a trip.” Bless his heart for real, have always loved his acting but this right here, just wow …

@cherylharewood6125 10 ай бұрын

@lavernemoreno7168 10 ай бұрын

The footprints of our Ancestors are still there...they survived ...so we can be HERE! LET US CELEBRATE THAT EVERDAY... their strength, strong mind set... I do, I don't put too much on ...lack of strength. I CELEBRATE life...moving forward,

@cherylharewood6125 10 ай бұрын

@boomfyer89 10 ай бұрын

@5:32 when he says "we've lived with that pain for a long time, huh" he's including the host in that response too

@jamiegallier2106 10 ай бұрын

💙

@pumamanta1771 10 ай бұрын

✊🏽

@RedEdgedSavage 10 ай бұрын

Because in truth..it's pain that all have to share on one level..if you're not lying to yourself then you know humans have to know they can never not be apart of one another..at least for sure on some ways..most ways in fact

@RedEdgedSavage 10 ай бұрын

On my opinion

@chadparsons50 10 ай бұрын

The human condition.

@maggiep3129 10 ай бұрын

The elders didn’t talk about this because of the pain…..and just the need to survive.

@cherylharewood6125 10 ай бұрын

@skeezix8156 9 ай бұрын

Yes, it just conjures up a bad place for the mind to settle. Though grandma did like to make light of the Great Depression years. “They had a depression and we didn’t know because nothing changed out here on the reservation”. She was the pillar of our family.

@nesianhoney94 9 ай бұрын

I understood when I'd heard some of my grandmother's and great-grandmother's experiences from wartime. The pain. 😢

@jordanperry8487 10 ай бұрын

This leaves such a weight on my chest and hurts my heart. As a descendant of John Mason, I know that my ancestors were involved in the colonization of the eastern US and the deaths of Indigenous people, specifically the Pequot people. That shame that Wes says he feels, saying, "How could we let this happen?" I feel like the shame should be on the colonizers. I'm sure his people did the best that they could. It should be people like my ancestors saying, "How could we let this happen?" Just a true stain on this country's history. I think we don't talk enough about Indigenous people's stories. I'm glad we had a chance to hear his.

@ruthie8785 26 күн бұрын

For sure. It’s okay to feel guilty too, it’s part of healing. That’s why it’s so important to talk about it, and be honest about it. And just say…yeah. This was wrong.

@rsutton06 10 ай бұрын

My great grandmother made a similar trip in 1876 across Canada after Canada took Métis land. I didn’t learn about it until I was in high school too. My mother has few details too. In my family’s case I think after being forced from home like that, the elders went silent. They tried to hide their identity for safety.

@KILLCOLONIALISM 10 ай бұрын

Hey cousin.

@clarissagafoor5222 10 ай бұрын

Is your family Metis? I ask because we here in Hong Kong owe Canadians especially Metis a lot due to their fighting for us in WW2

@rsutton06 10 ай бұрын

Yes, we're Metis. My uncles fought in WW2 though I think they both fought in Europe. I didn't know the Metis had a connection to Hong Kong I will have to look into this@@clarissagafoor5222

@einroselweiss120 10 ай бұрын

Wood Mountain.

@cherylharewood6125 10 ай бұрын

@patkelley5147 9 ай бұрын

Wes Studi is leaving a helluva legacy..., total respect;

@BlueHooloovoo 10 ай бұрын

I can fully understand why Native Americans have such distrust of the American government after going through such tragedies. There's still a lot of animosity to this day. I've spoken with Natives Americans in South Dakota and there is a lot pain and anger that still lingers.

@kellydiaz 10 ай бұрын

While doing research on my own family tree, I discovered that my ancestors actually got land from the land lottery in Georgia. Really upset me to know but very eye opening at the same time. Led me to do a lot of research and to a lot of reflection on how my ancestors benefitted from the suffering and displacement of others. :(

@KILLCOLONIALISM 10 ай бұрын

How your ancestors benefited is less important then how you currently benefit from our ongoing suffering and displacement.

@RedEdgedSavage 10 ай бұрын

@@KILLCOLONIALISM. Hopefully we all can have better things together in time

@stevenbaker7025 10 ай бұрын

We're all benefitting from land stolen from Natives. Whether a tribe was forced to move or outright killed off, the outcome remains the same.

@hectorsmommy1717 10 ай бұрын

You can't change the past and shouldn't feel guilty about something you, personally, had nothing to do with. I found out that some of my ancestors were rich landowners on Long Island in the 1600's and 1700's and were slaveowners (no southern ancestors so figured I dodged that). All we can do is make sure the truth about how this country treated indigenous and African people does not get buried and do better than our ancestors in how we treat people. Tell your story even if it makes you uncomfortable. Some in this country are trying to hide the bad things done to others and it is up to all of us to not let them.

@dawnbrown5331 10 ай бұрын

Well said. We have to own it AND do something about it

@LicardoDeBousee 10 ай бұрын

Studi in my view is the greatest Native American actor in US History. Last of the Mohicans, Dances with Wolves, Heat, Geronimo, and Hostiles to name a few. I also never knew until recently he served in the US Army during the Vietnam War as a Rifleman and saw combat. He’s an American hero and a great testament to how important a legacy and role Indians have played in our country.

@JCPJCPJCP 10 ай бұрын

He has great screen presence. He was great in "Heat" and "Last of the Mohegans."

@stephanieyee9784 10 ай бұрын

Mohicans.

@JCPJCPJCP 10 ай бұрын

You're right. Mohegan and Mohican are two different tribes. I was given the wrong spelling when I sent the text, and I didn't check it. Mohican is the one from the movie and the novel.

@gmonorail 10 ай бұрын

very compelling in geronimo too

@RobertSlover 10 ай бұрын

joe leaphorn lives!

@This.Handle.Is.Taken.Already 10 ай бұрын

I also liked his performance in Mystery Men, Streets of Laredo, and Hostiles.

@abdulrahmanraheem423 10 ай бұрын

AMERICA owes more to these Honorable people!

@Jahn_Pah_Jonz 9 ай бұрын

Who the Cherokee? The people who still owned people of certain color even AFTER the Civil War? 😆

@Dana_inc 9 ай бұрын

So what you saying?!

@Meyokko-q5u 7 ай бұрын

And black Americans as well

@ZelbeQahi 2 ай бұрын

I met Wes at The University of Oklahoma in Norman during the late 1990's. He is a Vietnam veteran, speaks fluent Cherokee and plays bass guitar. Things I didn't know before. We got to sit down and talk to Wes. He's very down to earth, calm and intelligent. I was honored to spend that little time with him.

@AmethystTravis 10 ай бұрын

My deepest respect for this amazing actor

@philippbobkaufmann4004 10 ай бұрын

I love how down to earth this bloke is, in spite of the "how does that make you feel?" mantras being lobbed at him. He's smart, reflected, and entirely doesn't rise to the bait. I love him.

@Dano.book-em24 10 ай бұрын

The Trail Of Tears is a very sad part of our country's history in how it adversely affected the Native American people like Wes's family and ancestors. When he said "how did we allow this to even happen?" That was exactly the point; it never should have happened. Wes is an incredible actor, and he always embodies his characters so well, like in Road To Paloma as Jason Mamoa's father Numé. I commend his honesty and respect his courage for doing this PBS show.

@mikebryant614 3 ай бұрын

The SCOTUS actually issued a Ruling that the Fedl Govt did not have the Authority to order or enforce the Cherokee Removal , to which Andrew Jackson infamously replied " They have made their Ruling, now let us see them enforce it" ., and went ahead with the Removal anyway.It was indeed a shameful time for the U.S. Govt., and a stain on Andrew Jackson for mocking the Supreme Court.

@ruthie8785 26 күн бұрын

Yeah, there’s often a weird inverse guilt that crops up in survivors of racial injustice-so many Jewish survivors of the Holocaust took on a similar thought pattern, how did we let that happen? It’s a psychological pattern common in survivors of abuse, and part of what leads to generational trauma. And it’s so easy for abusive people to exploit. One of many reasons we need to all look out for one another. No, it wasn’t their fault, of course not-it’s just like you said, it should NEVER have happened.

@Dano.book-em24 26 күн бұрын

@ruthie8785 Couldn't agree more. This is the sad truth and reality of racial injustice and historical abuse. However, knowledge is power, and we must never forget and not allow this to happen again.

@torijohnston8540 10 ай бұрын

I wonder how they both feel sitting across from each other thinking about there family’s past histories… I’m sure they both can relate.

@IlGattonero13 10 ай бұрын

“That’s gotta be painful.” Dr. Gates keeps digging for the emotional payoff, but Mr. Studi’s response is admirable, and true. First Nations people have lived with this pain for generations, as well as the “ultimate urge” just to survive. I’m glad the show provided Wes with more details to add to the trove of precious information his family is gathering about his ancestors. And I’m sure that as a Black American Dr. Gates can relate to the ongoing effects of hundreds of years of injustice and the struggle to carry on.

@cherylharewood6125 10 ай бұрын

@SuperRobertoClemente 9 ай бұрын

I noticed this too. His response respected the importance of the new information, but was essentially like, sorry bro, we're all out of tears on this one. This was a crime against humanity and one of the original sins of the United States. There's nothing redeeming about it, no cathartic weeping. A powerful expression of dignity from a leading figure in the Native community.

@TrulyJefferson 8 ай бұрын

As a fellow citizen of the Cherokee Nation and apparently a distant cousin of Wes Studi, and whose family traveled in the same detachment on the Trail of Tears as his family, I was proud of Wes for not taking the emotional bait ... and for remaining stoic with dignity and thoughtfulness.

@kathiereilly1 6 ай бұрын

As well as appreciating his dignity, I appreciate that he values this new information as something to bring to his people as a whole, not just for himself as an individual.

@mikebryant614 3 ай бұрын

It is an old pain, but a pain we still feel. I can't even begin to explain what it is like as a Native American to know that everywhere you go, you are walking on the lands and bones of your ancestors who once lived free , but their homelands are now all gone and there is not a single free Tribe left in the entirety of what is now America.,Canada, and Mexico .Even the Reservations are not "free"., as the BIA dictates what style and type of Govt can be practised on them, along with a host of other restrictions. It is a sadness that is deep and profound and always there .

@BoJangles42 4 ай бұрын

Wes Studi is a legendary actor and a true gentleman

@auntkami 10 ай бұрын

Thank you @PBS for telling a variety of stories. Hearing about individuals who lived these histories makes them more real. Thank you!

@tinjadog 10 ай бұрын

This beautiful man.

@meganh7526 9 ай бұрын

I felt quite emotional watching this one in a way I haven't felt for others, even if their stories were also very sad. So much of the suffering that has been experienced by Indigenous peoples all around the world has never really been properly acknowledged and honoured. You can see in how Wes responds that he is accustomed to having to endure that pain quietly. And we are still a very, very long ways away from truth and reconciliation.

@bens9275 10 ай бұрын

Magua captured me and never let go. The kind of performance that means something beyond a movie

@danielle38134 10 ай бұрын

He’s a wonderful actor and highly underrated. He’s so versatile too. I got a real kick out of him in Mystery Men. 😊

@richardmorrison2686 8 ай бұрын

Wow , please do more Wes Studi a GREAT actor

@Luv-x8k 9 ай бұрын

Strange I had a dream about this actor last night and wake up to this in KZbin today. Wonderful people in Oklahoma. I hope to make a trip back there. Outstanding actor. I am so happy he had this opportunity to explore his personal history.

@mjinba07 10 ай бұрын

Mad respect to Wes Studi. Especially for his avoidance of any maudlin emotional display in this clip, which Gates, Jr. was clearly digging at. But also for emphasizing that the awful history of his people - for all of us everywhere, tbh - is what's lead to our current presence and our potential. In other words, tragedy is what you make of it.

@cherylharewood6125 10 ай бұрын

@mjinba07 10 ай бұрын

@@cherylharewood6125 Reparations reward victimhood. They mess up healthy social achievement and enhance the resentment and the divides between entire classes of citizens. There isn't a culture on earth that hasn't at some time enslaved, exploited, denigrated or refused full rights to some part of their population. And there is no amount of reparation that can make up for the suffering it caused. There are ways to fix current inequalities and right past wrongs. But they require effort and a long, consistent set of actions. It's always harder to put effort towards real and substantive action than fantasy.

@marklittle8805 9 ай бұрын

I think Wes is just a stoic guy and he isn't shocked. He is a Cherokee so he knew his ancestors went through it. He isn't surprised nor should he be.

@TrulyJefferson 8 ай бұрын

As a fellow Cherokee Nation citizen whose family was in that last detachment on the Trail of Tears with Wes Studi's family, I agree with what you said, completely. He didn't take the bait but stayed true and honorable.

@ReadMoreHistory-v9u 9 ай бұрын

Hoping to hear more stories of Indigenous people on this program. This was remarkable. Wes Studi is an incredible actor, and clearly an even better man.

@keithridge197 9 ай бұрын

Thank you PBS for always making and presenting wonderful publications for we the people

@brushwolf 9 ай бұрын

Wes, what a class act.

@goeshen4359 10 ай бұрын

An amazing man. So much love for him, his family and ancestors….

@robertmcamis389 10 ай бұрын

Much respect, Mr. Studi. Godspeed.

@mariannebonner2280 10 ай бұрын

I’ve been working on my family roots for many years. It’s a mixed bag - sadness for why people had to emigrate and deep pride in how far we’ve come. I’m Irish. My great-great grandparents were poor and illiterate. My immigrant great-grandparents had barely any education and minimal skills. They toiled as domestics, laundresses, hostlers and laborers. But they built a life and instilled values that have been passed down through the generations. I can only hope they would be proud of their descendants today- all of whom - men and women- are college graduates and succeeding in fields that would have been beyond their wildest dreams. For them and, I hope, for all Americans, this is truly a land of endless opportunity.

@billrivenbark8983 10 ай бұрын

I love his movies. He is a great actor.

@jolynnhill8502 10 ай бұрын

I love this show and I agree they need to show more of the first people. It was heartbreaking and wonderful at the same time.

@Fiawordweaver 10 ай бұрын

One of my fav actors. 71 here.

@Wyrmwould 10 ай бұрын

He's a living legend. I know a lot of people will be shocked by what I am about to say, but I think his performance in Mystery Men underscores his talent. I have heard it said that comedy is more difficult than drama and his comedic performance in Mystery Men was wonderful. He made me laugh.

@kathyhansen4849 10 ай бұрын

One of my ancestors was a survivor of the Trail of Tears. She never spoke of her experience. I do wish she would have written it down though. 💔

@cherylharewood6125 10 ай бұрын

@ReadMoreHistory-v9u 9 ай бұрын

We all need to know these stories.

@jericox2980 8 ай бұрын

Beautiful, strong and courageous people. Wes Studi is a remarkable actor

@MrHDE-ex6xl 5 ай бұрын

I enjoyed watching him roles like Last of the Mohicans, Dances with Wolves, and Geronimo: An American Legend.

@theodorafyn 10 ай бұрын

I’m loving how I am seeing more representation and voices from and by First Nations peoples ❤

@justaguy2365 9 ай бұрын

I love Wes!!! His characters in Last of the Mohicans and Dances with wolves were badass!

@anitasnyder2396 10 ай бұрын

I had instant love for Wes in a movie when I was young, a feeling of connect, in my house we had similar traditions, turns out I'm 49% Native American, very proud of that!❤ Thanks Wes for always being someone for us to be very proud of, also a beautiful man, so have a crush on you!❤

@tula_tracey 10 ай бұрын

He is an amazing actor.

@BansheeMilk 9 ай бұрын

Wes Studi is awesome. So glad he was on the show

@CorndancerHawkeyes91254 10 ай бұрын

Wes Studi an Indigenous man of wisdom and great honor A'ho!

@loreedavis5988 8 ай бұрын

His magnificent face. He’s an amazing actor. Love him!

@Chris-t7q4n Ай бұрын

Hello my lady, how is it going over there with you

@OloRishaCreole504 10 ай бұрын

Part of my family aswell..the trail cutting thru upper louisians heading to Oklahoma..they broke off and hid in No mans land..some kept to themselves others mixed in with creole society and other ethic groups..they were Choctaw coming from Mississippi..today we are State recognized,pushing for federal recognition..1 luv everyone🎭🎭🎊🎉

@cherylharewood6125 10 ай бұрын

@emeraldfox7175 Ай бұрын

@@cherylharewood6125😂😂😂

@shesemerald2011 10 ай бұрын

Him and Russell Means were amazing in 'Last of the Mohicans'

@latto333 10 ай бұрын

To know this man is such an honor!!

@medinadan 9 ай бұрын

This definitely sheds light on the strength of Native American Women and courage it took to survive the atrocities that they had to endure...

@bahiras 10 ай бұрын

I hope Mr. Studi visits his ancestral home and visits the people who took the land away from his family.

@melindadurchholz3738 10 ай бұрын

He played such a formidable character, I am impressed by his response of strength not weakness in a real life situation of learning about his ancestors' devastating journey. He plays close to the vest with his emotions. Impressive man!

@JohnDPagan 10 ай бұрын

He is grateful for his past because that is why he is here today, while understanding that he did not have any control over what his ancestors did or what happened to them. That is something that many of us need to understand about life. Now that you are here try to make the best of it no matter hard hard it may seem to be. We each only have one chance at it.

@QueenBDreamwalker 10 ай бұрын

Awakening the stories put to sleep helps to excavate deep wounds for Healing ~ Resilience will sustain us 🙏🏾💜🌎

@isarose3136 10 ай бұрын

I'm so grateful to see the Cherokee Nation represented on a genealogy show! What we remember lives, and our ancestors guide us in all we do. More Indigenous folks please!

@cherylharewood6125 10 ай бұрын

@VanaTheStormBringer 9 ай бұрын

Crazy to find a video about the Trail of Tears, because I just visited there last week. My family and I live less than an hour away in Cape Girardeau. I'm quite spiritual and feel sensitive to certain things. While at the Trail of Tears, I experienced a sense of calm mixed with unease. It felt like I was being watched, but not in a threatening way. It was as if there was a presence ensuring we were respectful of the place.

@hamacaboy 8 ай бұрын

He is so calm and controls his emotions, not the typical criers we see on this show

@donelmore2540 10 ай бұрын

I’m the oldest of my family’s California cousins and I’m 77 years old. I was told as a young child that we had Cherokee ancestors. I actually recounted it in a school report back in the 1950s. My mother’s family came from Texas and my maternal grandmother (and it turns out, my grandfather too) came from Bosque County, Texas. A couple of years ago, I was playing around on the internet and looking for information about Bosque County. I found excerpts from a book “Bosque County Land & People”. It mentioned my grandmother, born 1880, by name and it also mentioned my grandfather, born 1875, by name. I had idea that he had come from Bosque County. It also had a picture of my grandfather standing with all his brothers in front of a barn. It told a little family history on each of them and mentioned a Cherokee connection-at least proving that the story of a Cherokee connection went back to the 19th century!

@bakk98 7 ай бұрын

Saw Wes Studi in a play in Minneapolis, Minnesota last fall, and he did not disappoint. Great actor and great representative of the Cherokee Nation, Wado Sir!

@margaretellis4164 10 ай бұрын

One if the most interesting reactions to the ancestors' stories.

@karrierobertson1209 3 ай бұрын

I’m from Waterloo Alabama at the end of the trail of tears ever year in September 21st my great grandmother is from the trail and my great granddaddy married her! They lived in dry creek Tennessee Hardin co. I love to go there they are buried way back in the woods on top of a huge hill by the river!! We celebrate the trail ever year!! We live in a small town!!

@wendysargent3855 8 ай бұрын

I am part Cherokee and my family ended up in Oklahoma. This is amazing information

@Chris-t7q4n Ай бұрын

Hello my lady, how is it going over there with you

@KevinMiddemdorf 9 ай бұрын

Hes one of the most talened actors in Hollywood.

@audielowe2700 7 ай бұрын

I’m a huge fan of Wes Studi..I’m so glad he was able to find this piece of his families puzzle…

@rangerranger5222 9 ай бұрын

Wes Studi is one of my favorite actor. He has portrayed his Heritage very well in my opinion.

@jamezguard 10 ай бұрын

Thank you sir for being an amazing actor most of my life.

@mrpatrickdelgado 10 ай бұрын

Hard to tell the story when you’re still feeling the trauma🙏🏽

@patriciajrs46 10 ай бұрын

Bless his heart. It was an absolute shame. What we did to all Native Americans was just awful. History was just mean.

@RedEdgedSavage 10 ай бұрын

Better things are always possible with the coming around again on the circle that grows ever onward into the future. I was told were all here to learn how to treat each other good..I think it's a truth

@btcrazee1 9 ай бұрын

My family wound up there in Ok. I traced it back after finding my paternal family. My grandma was registered with the Eastern Band. I have her paperwork. I was very fortunate, years ago, to meet up the Commemorative Trail of Tears wagon train near Nashville. I met a storyteller and she told us a lot. Many died in the march near the Smyrna, Tn airport, sick and exhausted and freezing, and were buried there.

@marlenemanion9776 9 ай бұрын

To this day , the movie Last of the Mohicans is one of my all time favorite movies. This man was in that movie and was a wonderful actor in it! Need more movies like it😉

@joannnelson9847 9 ай бұрын

Please know, Wes, you are loved!!!!

@hughjaass3787 10 ай бұрын

I had family on the Trail, including 2 who died, & one who walked back from Oklahoma to Alabama. Barefoot. Alone. At 17yrs old.

@cherylharewood6125 10 ай бұрын

@lwilson123 9 ай бұрын

hope you are very very proud of your family have always thought native americans a fascinating people we scots were also treated very badly lands taken language banned also national dress and playing traditional music was banned from linda in scotland

@ReadMoreHistory-v9u 9 ай бұрын

Unbelievable ❤

@anthonyfuqua6988 8 ай бұрын

We still have a few Cherokee in Jackson County. Most signed the Treaty of Turkeytown and went west.

@FloatingThroughTheRealm 8 ай бұрын

Can you imagine…

@laurencaulton103 10 ай бұрын

Wes Studi, I've loved your performances in film and on TV.

@missourimongoose8858 7 ай бұрын

She went through my town in missouri, cant imagine having to walk that far in winter for real

@neilsyres8147 3 ай бұрын

Wes is a beacon of hope for alĺ indigenous peoples. Where is the indigenous nations month. I'm in the UK but know we are one with all over the earth!

@tracinelson8181 6 ай бұрын

My Grandparents were divorced and my Grandfather didn’t share about his family until much later in life, but we have always known our Creek Indian heritage. He was a Marine in WWII and came home to live life. My Mother began to share memories that lead us to research our roots. There’s a lot of history in eastern Oklahoma and we are planning to travel to Georgia.

@checle4499 10 ай бұрын

FYR and Ancestry and many other geneology sites have done so very much to help us humanze each other. In the stories found in each and every family tree are branchs of courage in the face of tyranny, endurance in the face of oppression and the reality that we are all imperfect, from other imperfect people. The one thing we all hold in common is the spirit that created us. Embracing that spirit is the only way foward to peace.

@michaelvincent4280 7 ай бұрын

I was watching another program on PBS that was about WW2 American solders recounting the march to Batan, after surrendering to Japanese forces, at the beginning of hostilities. Their details of what happened and how the suffered reminded me of the stories from the Trail of Tears exacting. What goes around comes around, like it was our turn to feel what the peoples went through by our own people. I was a very thoughtful evening of watching. Everyone takes a turn depending how one party treated another will be, in turn, treated as well.

@bradduffield9603 8 ай бұрын

A tremendous actor. I've all the movies he's been in. I hope you find out all of your heritage.

@judit1783 10 ай бұрын

What a lovely man.

@zaccaryjohn 9 ай бұрын

This is so interesting for me to see on a personal level. I am related to Wes maternally and you can see my family’s name “Nofire” on the document.

@coyotedust 10 ай бұрын

This is why he's such a great actor. You can see the pain and passion in his roles.

@JackParrott-d9j 9 ай бұрын

Wes Studi is one of my favorite actors but more than that, one of my favorite Oklahoman’s..

@brendabrownen6684 10 ай бұрын

Wonderful Actor! I’am proud to now know that we share Nanyehi ( Nancy Ward), Beloved Woman of The Cherokee as our grandmother. Mr. Studi seems to be a 7th cousin!

@HeatherEvans-p1i 3 ай бұрын

This has me crying to the depths of my soul

@keithparker7031 10 ай бұрын

As a white man, I am ashamed of what my race did to the native Americans back then. It is a complete disgrace that we stole their lands, their homes, and their honor. I wish I could offer an apology to Wes Studi face-to-face for the crimes that the white race committed to the native Americans. - - I have seen 'Last of the Mohicans' many times. Wes Studi portrayed the role of Magua brilliantly. Another native American whom I respect (who was also in the movie) is Russell Means. He penned a book called 'Where White Men Fear To Tread'. I have read the book many times and it is a great book which I highly recommend.

@jddII 10 ай бұрын

Sounds awesome but what would he do with an apology?

@devonways1657 10 ай бұрын

He’d know that this white man cares enough about him to say sorry for what happened to his ancestors that affect his tribal people today. This man then becomes his ally.

@JCPJCPJCP 10 ай бұрын

And America is currently supporting a genocide--an ethnic cleansing--in Palestine.

@JCPJCPJCP 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the recommendation of the book. Pay little or no attention to the skeptics. Knowing about and feeling these historical crimes against humanity is valuable, too. We do whatever we can.

@JCPJCPJCP 10 ай бұрын

America is currently participating in a genocide in Palestine, supporting it with weapons and money while pretending to try to restrain the Israelis now that it's just about too late. It isn't difficult to see this as an extension of destructive racial policies in the past.

@2wahineandadog 9 ай бұрын

I respect Mr Studi so much as an amazing actor. But seeing him here and hearing the eloquent way he speaks is wonderful. I apologise that I didn't have much knowledge about the trail of tears and most programs seem to have centred on other ethnicities - as a 1st nation native of New Zealand, this was very uplifting and I am glad that they were able to give you more information!

@JohnRoberts-nm3zb 9 ай бұрын

Hey wes your the one of the best people ever in the business far better than the ones that are giving out awards

@williamdavis8161 10 ай бұрын

An important episode. I really can't imagine how Mr Studi must feel learning this. A year ago, my partner and i spent a couple days in a southern IL state park. On the way home I took a different route. The hwy had some signs marking it as the Trail of Tears highway. She asked, what is that about? I was stunned that someone in their mid 60's had never heard of this. We had a long lunch talking of Andrew Jackson and forced removal of the people. She was horrified. This should be taught more. Just because it's uncomfortable doesn't mean it should be hushed up.

@SeanRCope 7 ай бұрын

Such an iconic actor. Always a joy to watch him work.

@maribellemontero6119 10 ай бұрын

I was visiting my son and granddaughter last November ( 2023 ) and she started telling me what the Trail of tears was. I was surprised because she was very angry about what happened.. she's only 8....I can't imagine how painful was for native americans to be displaced that way. It's a shame.