Reservation Dogs, the hit FX comedy series, has gained critical acclaim for its portrayal of Native American youth living on a reservation in rural Oklahoma. In its third and final season, the show delves into the dark history of residential boarding schools in the United States, shedding light on the violence and abuse suffered by Native children at these institutions. This exploration of the past comes at a crucial time, as the U.S. Department of the Interior released the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative Investigative Report in May 2022, revealing the extent of the government’s involvement in funding over 400 reservation schools across 37 states.
The episode “Deer Lady” focuses on the character of Deer Lady, played by actress Kaniehtiio Horn, who made her debut in the first season of Reservation Dogs. The mysterious Deer Lady is portrayed as a hooved hitchhiker, and her dark origins are finally revealed in this episode. Director Danis Goulet explains that the episode not only tells the story of this intriguing character but also opens a window into the world of residential schools.
The episode is stylized as a horror film, with scenes alternating between Deer Lady’s past and the present day. The main character, Bear, played by D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, finds himself stranded on his return journey from California to Oklahoma and encounters Deer Lady at a general store-like establishment. She offers to give him a ride home but first embarks on a bloody mission to eliminate bad people. Goulet praises Horn’s performance as Deer Lady, noting her ability to convey both rage and humor in the character.
When asked about the challenges of directing an episode that delves into the violent history of residential schools, Goulet emphasizes the importance of grounding the portrayal in reality while also incorporating elements of the horror genre. She likens the horrors of residential schools to a horror movie, describing them as a system dedicated to the eradication of Native people through abuse and strategic means. She also notes the significance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Canada, which has helped bring national awareness and acknowledgement of the residential school system.
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One notable aspect of the episode is the visual style used to depict the residential school timeline. Goulet drew inspiration from ’70s horror movies and specifically references the updated version of “Suspiria” as a touchstone. The aim was to create a dark and shadowy world with a gritty aesthetic that conveys the harsh reality of the residential school experience.
Another unique storytelling decision in the episode is the use of language. The young children at the school only understand isolated words in English, and the rest of the time, when the nuns or boarding school staff speak, it comes across as gibberish or a made-up language. This decision serves multiple purposes. It reflects the experiences of the children, who are alienated from their language and culture, and it also challenges the inaccurate and inauthentic portrayal of Indigenous languages onscreen. Goulet explains that the intention was to immerse the audience in the perspective of the children and make them feel the confusion and disconnection that comes with being forcibly removed from their families and forced to assimilate.
In conclusion, “Deer Lady” is a standout episode of Reservation Dogs that tackles the disturbing history of residential boarding schools in the U.S. It combines elements of horror and reality to shed light on the violence and abuse suffered by Native children in these institutions. The episode’s visual style and use of language further enhance the storytelling and provide a unique and powerful viewing experience. Reservation Dogs continues to showcase the talent and vision of its creators and serves as an important platform for Native American voices and stories.
