Smoky Hills PBS
BUNKER HILL, KS – Smoky Hills PBS is proud to present The Moccasin Speaks, a powerful new documentary that reexamines one of the most enduring and misunderstood stories of the High Plains: The German Family Massacre.
For more than a century, the events surrounding the attack on the German family and the capture of four young sisters have been retold through legend. The Moccasin Speaks moves beyond myth to uncover a story that is tragic, poignant, and far more complex than history has often portrayed.
Directed by author and historian Deb Goodrich, with assistance from Ed Lowry, producer of Cottonwood Connections, the film presents the nuanced story of the pioneering German family alongside the Cheyennes who were being forced from their land. Based on the book The Moccasin Speaks: Living as Captives of the Dog Soldier Warriors, Red River War, 1874–1875 by Arlene Feldmann Jauken, the documentary offers an honest and balanced examination of the killing of the settlers, the capture and eventual rescue of the daughters, and the Cheyenne perspective often absent from earlier accounts.
“Ultimately, the story of the German Family is one of humanity's triumph over tragedy,” said Deb Goodrich, Writer of The Moccasin Speaks. “It reminds us that we can call upon the better angels of ourselves no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in. It is a story that needs to be heard now more than ever.”
Through careful historical research and thoughtful storytelling, the film also explores how, over time, descendants of both the captives and the captors have come together in reconciliation, acknowledging the tragedy and complexity of their shared history.
The Moccasin Speaks will air on Smoky Hills PBS on January 8 at 9 PM and an encore presentation will air January 17 at 8 PM.
For more information on broadcast times and additional coverage details, please visit our website at SmokyHillsPBS.org.
Love to read deeper into the stories you see on screen?
Viewers are encouraged to explore the books connected to this documentary, Girl Captives of the Cheyenne and Captured: The True Account of Sarah White and the Cheyenne, available at local libraries and bookstores. These works offer additional perspectives and insight into this documentary.
Moccasin Speaks was made possible with the support from Fort Wallace County Museum and their Memorial Association and these current sponsors: Northwest Kansas Travel Council, Smoky Hill Museum, Russell Specialty Books and Gifts, The Sternberg Museum of Natural History, Hodgden House Museum Complex and Fort Harker Guardhouse Museum, Coronado Quivira Museum.
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Smoky Hills PBS serves 71 counties in Central and Western Kansas. Smoky Hills PBS is available over the air with an antenna, on many cable systems, DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, and Dish Network, HULU + LIVE TV, YouTube TV, and Amazon Prime. You can also access Smoky Hills PBS via the FREE mobile app for Android and iPhone devices and is also available to stream by clicking here: video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream. More information on Smoky Hills PBS and its programs and projects are available at SmokyHillsPBS.org or by calling 1-800-337-4788.