This short documentary features Indigenous community members and health professionals from across South Dakota sharing experiences with Indian Health Service and emphasize how Medicaid expansion would mean more Native Americans could access the health care they need. Since the creation of this film, South Dakotans voted to expand Medicaid! This was a big step forward for South Dakota but it is important that we continue the work to protect the win and ensure that every South Dakotan can keep their affordable, quality health insurance.
Watch the Trailer
Watch the Full Film
Meet the Storyteller: Cecelia ‘Biz’ Spotted Tail
After spending most of her adult life focused on her five children and advocating for children and young adults on the Rosebud reservation where she lives, Biz found she needed to focus that energy on her own well-being. When she discovered she had a fibroid that needed removal, Biz spent months advocating for herself with Indian Health Service (IHS) to get the surgery that was best for her health. Biz utilized IHS as her main source of health care, and ran into roadblocks in their ability to provide care due to limited funds. Had Medicaid already been expanded earlier in South Dakota, it would have brought additional funds to the Rosebud IHS and the surgery Biz needed would’ve been covered.
Host a screening
This film was made for a moment when health care was on the ballot in South Dakota. Medicaid expansion has happened in the state but there are still opportunities to raise awareness about the health care crisis for Indigenous communities. If you’re interested in hosting an independent screening of our short documentary Wicozani: Bridging Health Care Gaps with your networks, check out our screening guide. This guide includes promotional content, instructions to access the full film, and discussion guide and more.
Other film in this series: