In Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” the chilling line, “They won’t remember,” serves as a stark reminder of the deliberate erasure of a dark chapter in American history. The real-life events portrayed in the film and David Grann’s meticulously researched book, “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI,” shed light on the systematic killing of Osage Nation members in the 1920s for their oil wealth. Despite the subsequent notoriety the story gained, it highlights a forgotten narrative in American history, reflecting the broader prejudice against Native American communities.
Osage Murders and Cultural Prejudice
The heart of “Killers of the Flower Moon” revolves around Mollie Burkhart, a modest but oil-rich Osage woman whose family became primary targets in a series of ruthless murders. The portrayal of Mollie’s story in both the book and the film vividly captures the cultural atmosphere that allowed the so-called “Reign of Terror” to transpire, only to be overshadowed and dismissed from historical records.
The dispossession and mistreatment of Native American tribes, beginning with Columbus and persisting through the 19th and 20th centuries, form the foundation of the atrocities witnessed in Osage County. The Osage, relocated from their lands in Kansas, found newfound wealth through oil in Oklahoma, becoming some of the wealthiest per capita individuals globally. However, the government’s labeling of Indigenous people as “incompetent” based on their Native blood and the appointment of often corrupt guardians to oversee their finances exemplified the deep-seated prejudice against the Osage.
Cultural Prejudice and Exploitation: The Diabolical Plots
The book and film unravel the devious schemes that involved marrying into Osage families for financial gain, revealing the darker side of human nature. The marriage for inheritance led to numerous instances of betrayal, as individuals married into the Osage community while secretly plotting their demise. William Hale, a powerful and prejudiced figure, symbolized the culture of white supremacy, embodying the belief that the Osage were undeserving of their wealth and ultimately, their lives.
The involvement of various professionals, including doctors administering poison and morticians concealing evidence, underscores the deep-rooted culture of complicity in these crimes. Moreover, the film alludes to the broader spectrum of racial violence prevalent in the society of that time, referencing the Tulsa Race Massacre and the Ku Klux Klan’s presence, highlighting the systemic nature of white supremacy.
National Attention and Subsequent Erasure
The gravity of the Osage murders prompted an FBI investigation, gaining national attention. However, the subsequent erasure of these events from historical narratives points to a broader issue of indigenous history being sidelined and silenced. The lack of comprehensive coverage and the manner in which the news focused on the white perpetrators rather than the Native victims perpetuated the erasure.
The deliberate omission of these events from historical records reflects a larger pattern of silencing Native American voices and excluding their history from mainstream education. Tara Damron, a member of the Osage Nation, emphasizes the importance of integrating indigenous history into the broader narrative of American history.
Cultural Reclamation and Ongoing Challenges
The “Killers of the Flower Moon,” in both its book and film adaptations, serves as a part of the broader cultural reclamation aiming to restore the stories of the oppressed and historically marginalized communities. Recent governmental actions, including settlements and the appointment of the first Native American cabinet secretary, mark significant strides towards reconciliation and acknowledgment of past injustices.
However, the magnitude of the crimes and the lack of proper investigation means that many of the Osage murders remain unsolved, leaving a profound impact that might never be fully rectified. David Grann’s research reveals the difficulties in seeking justice for these heinous crimes due to the lack of evidence and the passing of time.
The Evolving Landscape in Native American Empowerment
The adaptation of “Killers of the Flower Moon” stands as a pivotal element in a broader movement for cultural restoration. In 2011, the US government settled a prolonged $380 million lawsuit brought by the Osage Nation concerning the mishandling of tribal funds. The Department of the Interior’s announcement of this settlement emphasized President Obama’s dedication to fostering reconciliation and empowerment for American Indian nations. Notably, the current Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, holds the distinction of being the first Native American to serve in a cabinet-level position, reflecting a significant stride toward transformation and recognition within the US government.
Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Lawrence S. “Larry” Roberts have revealed that the Obama Administration has surpassed its objective of placing more than five hundred thousand acres of tribal homelands into trust for federally recognized tribes. “Restoring tribal homelands has been a pillar of President Obama’s commitment to support tribal self-determination and self-governance, empowering tribal leaders to build stronger, more resilient communities,” Secretary Jewell continued, “The Administration broke the logjam on trust land applications in 2009 and has worked steadily, collaboratively and effectively to restore Native lands that will help strengthen tribal economies and make their nations whole again.”
As reported on 12th October, 2016, the attainment of the 500,000-acre goal occurred as President Obama enacted the bipartisan Nevada Native Nations Lands Act. This legislation transfers over 71,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service lands to the U.S. Department of the Interior, designated for federal trust status, benefitting six Nevada tribes.
Final Word
The tale of the Osage murders, depicted in “Killers of the Flower Moon,” stands as a testament to the overlooked injustices against Native American communities and serves as a call to acknowledge and remember this historical chapter. The growing public awareness and increased efforts towards a more inclusive narrative of American history reflect a positive step forward. Yet, the impact of these efforts on cultural attitudes and the true extent of the change remain to be seen. The story of the Osage people is not just a part of Native American history but an integral component of American history that demands recognition and inclusion. Through remembrance and acknowledgment, there’s hope for a more comprehensive understanding and healing from these past atrocities.
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