Assessing the Accuracy of Native American Portrayals in the Longmire Series

The TV series Longmire, set in Wyoming’s Wind River Reservation, is often praised for its nuanced and multi-dimensional portrayal of Native American characters. However, opinions on the accuracy of these portrayals vary widely among viewers and scholars. In this article, we explore the various perspectives on the veracity and cultural sensitivity of the series' depiction of Native Americans.

The Perspective of Local Tribes and Scholars

One of the most critical voices on the accuracy of Longmire’s portrayal comes from a member of a Native American tribe, who provided a nuanced critique of the series. The individual noted that while the series attempts to depict Native American life and culture, it falls short in several aspects. They pointed out that while some elements might be accurate, the general portrayal is not as detailed or authentic as needed. It is emphasized that without a proper understanding of local traditions, customs, and historical contexts, such depictions can be misleading or even offensive.

Expanding the Understanding Through Academic Expertise

To gain a more informed perspective, it is recommended to contact Professor Emeritus David Edmunds, a scholar with extensive experience and knowledge in Native American history. He provides an invaluable bridge between academic research and contemporary tribal perspectives. Edmunds, who has lived in the region containing the Wind River Reservation where the series is set, offers a uniquely informed viewpoint. His work includes multiple books on the subject and frequent consultation with Native American tribes, making him an excellent resource for validating the representation of Native Americans in Longmire.

View from a Non-Native Perspective

A non-Native viewer also brought to light a significant discrepancy between the series and historical accounts. Noting that the portrayal of Native Americans in the series appears to focus more on an archaic, almost mythological representation, they pointed out that many tribes are quite diverse and vary significantly in their cultures and histories. The idea of Native Americans being "Copper skin people" or "black" reflects a broader cultural stereotype rather than an accurate depiction. This perspective challenges the notion that a single, unified cultural representation can encompass the vast diversity of Native American tribes.

Improvements in Characterization Over Time

While acknowledging the initial inaccuracies and stereotypes present in the series, especially during the first season, the non-Native viewer noted significant improvements over time. The relationship between Walt Longmire and his Native American friend, Henry Standing Bear, evolved from a traditional "Lone Ranger/Tonto" dynamic to a more complex and nuanced friendship based on shared experiences. The tracking ability of Henry, an outdated stereotype, was eventually removed from the show, indicating efforts to refine the portrayal. Additionally, the series increasingly focuses on the political and economic complexities of Native American communities, moving away from simplistic "white-hat/black-hat" dichotomies.

The Sun Dance Controversy

A notable controversy in the series revolves around the depiction of the sun dance, an important ceremonial practice in many Native American tribes. The scene where Walt Longmire performs a sun dance to save his daughter’s life has been heavily scrutinized. The non-Native viewer found this portrayal problematic, as it overshadowed the traditional spiritual and communal nature of the ceremony. The solo and immediate nature of Walt's attempt to perform the sun dance, without the required preparation and communal support, deemphasized the sacred and communal aspects of the practice, leading to a sense of disconnection and misrepresentation.

Conclusion and Future Prospects

While Longmire has made progress in depicting Native American characters in a more authentic and culturally sensitive manner, there remains room for further refinement. The series' evolution in character portrayal and its increasing focus on the political and economic realities of Native American communities indicate a commitment to improving representation. For viewers and scholars, engaging with experts like Professor Edmunds and staying informed about Native American cultures and histories can help better understand and appreciate the challenges and successes of such portrayals.