Killers of the Flower Moon star Lily Gladstone shared a message of support and warning for Indigenous viewers considering watching Martin Scorsese’s film.
The actress took to social media Thursday evening to offer comfort and resources, especially to youth and women, about the film that covers a brutal part of Indigenous history. “See it when and only when you feel ready, and see it with people you feel safe with,” Gladstone wrote. ‘You will probably have to deal with a lot of generational sadness. You are not alone.”
In Killers of the Flower MoonScorsese is unrelenting in his portrayal of the horrific violence suffered by the Osage. “The seriousness of the killings is amplified by the disregard shown for the humanity of a deeply spiritual Native American people, but also by the hypocrisy of the main orchestrator of the precisely targeted, one-by-one genocide,” said The Hollywood Reporter‘s review of the film.
In her message, Gladstone offered the public a range of support resources and helplines. Explaining why the film was important, she wrote: “Never forget that this story is recent history with a lasting impact on the breathing and feeling of people today. It is theirs, and we can all learn so much from it.”
She added, “Remember that the Osage continue to exist during this process of learning about the horrific reign of terror. Indigenous people stay. And this story is a lot to take in. Be kind and be kind to each other. There is a lot to process and a lot to heal.”
Gladstone’s full message is below.
The most urgent thing I wanted to say about Killers of the Flower Moon, especially for Indigenous women and youth: See it when and only when you feel ready, and see it with people you feel safe with. You will probably have to deal with a lot of generational sadness. You are not alone.
If you need to unpack and don’t have a community to do so, there are safe, culturally specific, and anonymous resources available 24/7.
@weRnative If you need advice from a trained counselor, text “NATIVE” to 741741. You will be immediately connected to a crisis counselor. All shared support and resources remain confidential. Moreover, there are no costs involved for you.
StrongHearts Indigenous Helpline is a 24/7 secure, confidential and anonymous domestic/sexual violence hotline for Native Americans and Alaska Natives, providing culturally appropriate support and advocacy. 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) @strongheartsdv
SAMHSA‘s National Helpline is a toll-free, confidential, 24/7, 365 days a year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families dealing with mental health and/or substance use disorders. 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
988 The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for those in need, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Call or text 988.
These organizations also provide incredible resources and support. The National Resource Center for Indigenous Women @niwrc
Coalition to End Violence Against Indigenous Women @CSVANW
Tribal health: Reaching Everyone (THRIVE) for the North Portland Indian Health Board @NPAIHB
I am so proud of the film we made with so many Osage Nation leaders, artists, educators and community activists. Never forget that this story is recent history with a lasting impact on the breathing and feeling of people today. It’s theirs, and we can all learn so much from it.
As you go through this process of learning about the horrific Reign of Terror, remember that the Osage continue to exist. Indigenous people stay. And this story is a lot to take in. Be kind and be kind to each other. There is a lot to process and a lot to heal.
With love, Lily❤️
