FARGO (KFGO) – Producers say filming will begin this summer on a television series that explores the lives of Native Americans in a way that’s never been seen before.
“Virtues of the Dakota” will focus on the culture and lifestyle on American Indian Reservations in the Dakotas and Minnesota. Executive Producer Dean Price says he plans to do “whatever it takes” to present the most accurate portrayal possible.
“We’re going to be actually, for lack of a better term, living with these natives, on their own property, their own culture, their passions, their dreams” Price said. “We’re going to cover everything from the chronic alcoholism, the spirituality, everything else.”
Price, a member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe, promises there will be “no politics” involved in the production of the series. “These words are going to be coming straight from the people. No political input here. That was one of the stipulations” Price said. “I don’t do politics well, but I do have a love for the people,”
Producers say television stations in Fargo, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, San Francisco, Salt Lake City and Minneapolis/St. Paul are among those expressing interest.
Price says tribal elders who’ve been told about the series have given their “blessing” and support to the project. He says tribal members are excited and looking forward to participating. “This is something that has to be done.”
The first on-site interviews will take place on the Lake Traverse Indian Reservation as early as spring. Plans are also in the works to visit the Standing Rock Reservation and other reservations across the Dakotas and Minnesota.
