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Premiere DateApril 1, 2013
Kind Hearted Woman is a powerful, two-part documentary series that aired on PBS in 2013 as part of the POV series. The show chronicles the life of Robin Charboneau, a Native American mother of two who is fighting to overcome a legacy of abuse, addiction, and poverty on the Spirit Lake Nation reservation in North Dakota.
The series is directed by David Sutherland, an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, known for his intimate and observational documentaries. Sutherland spent three years following Robin as she attempts to regain custody of her children and confronts the painful past that has haunted her for decades.
Part one of the series, titled "Miss Navajo," introduces us to Robin and her family. Growing up, Robin was subjected to physical and sexual abuse by her stepfather and other members of her extended family. She became pregnant at the age of 15 and married Dwayne, a man from a neighboring reservation. After years of alcoholism and abuse, Robin left Dwayne and moved to Spirit Lake Nation, where she began to rebuild her life.
However, Robin's past catches up with her when her two children are taken away by child protective services. Robin is determined to get her kids back and begins a long and emotional battle with the courts and her ex-husband.
Part two of the series, "A Different War," follows Robin as she struggles to keep her family together while dealing with her own personal demons. She begins to confront the abuse and trauma from her childhood and the impact it has had on her relationships and her parenting. She also becomes involved in local politics, running for tribal council and fighting to bring attention to the issue of child abuse and neglect on the reservation.
Throughout the series, we see Robin's resilience and strength as she faces numerous obstacles and setbacks. We also see the impact of intergenerational trauma and poverty on the Spirit Lake Nation community and the struggle to provide resources and support for those in need.
The documentary is a deeply personal and emotional journey that explores themes of trauma, resilience, and hope. Through Robin's story, we get a glimpse into the complex issues facing Native American communities and the ongoing struggle for justice and healing.
The series has been praised for its unflinching honesty and its powerful portrayal of one woman's fight for her family and her community. It has also been cited for its important contribution to public awareness of issues facing Native American populations.
Overall, Kind Hearted Woman is a moving and thought-provoking documentary series that illuminates the challenges faced by Native American communities and the resilience of the human spirit.
Kind Hearted Woman is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between April 1, 2013 and on WGBH Educational Foundation