1168103
1168103

Baptiste Garnier and the Indian Wars

"Torn between his Sioux heritage and duty to the U.S. Army, Baptiste "Little Bat" Garnier navigates the brutal Indian wars. As allegiances blur, he confronts the heartrending costs of loyalty, identity, and a divided America."

2023-09-01 en 6m
Documentary
In 1866, as the U.S. modernized its military, the Army Reorganization Act allowed Native Americans to enlist as scouts, heralding a profound era of change. Amidst this backdrop, the film unfolds the story of Baptiste Garnier, a half Oglala Sioux, half French-Canadian scout known as "Little Bat." Torn between his Sioux roots and his U.S. allegiances, he navigated the brutal Indian wars and was at the heart of pivotal battles, including the tragic Wounded Knee massacre. Although perceived as a bridge between two worlds, Baptiste's duality often led him to make heartbreaking decisions. By the time of his untimely death in 1900, shot by a white bartender over a bar tab dispute, he epitomized the complex weave of identity and legacy, raising questions about the cost of serving two peoples in a divided America.

Sound Mixer

Dan Olmsted

Director

Sean Restivo

Producer

Daniel L. Bernardi

Colorist

Joshua Cardenas

Sound Designer

Dan Olmsted

Post Production Supervisor

Jesse Collier Sutterley

veterans african american in the military

Status

Released

Budget

$22,000

Countries

  • United States of America

Companies

  • Veteran Documentary Corps
  • El Dorado Films