Killers of the Flower Moon star Lily Gladstone shared a message of support and a trigger warning for Native viewers considering watching Martin Scorsese’s film.
The actress took to social media Thursday night to offer comfort and resources, particularly to young people and women, about the film that covers a brutal part of Native history. “See it when and only if you feel ready, and see it with people you feel safe with,” wrote Gladstone. “You’ll likely have a lot of generational grief to process. You’re not alone.”
In Killers of the Flower Moon, Scorsese is unsparing in his depiction of the horrific violence suffered by the Osage. “The severity of the killings is amplified by the contempt shown for the humanity of a deeply spiritual Indigenous American people, but also by the hypocrisy of the chief orchestrator of the precision-targeted, one-by-one genocide,” said The Hollywood Reporter‘s review of the film.
In her message, Gladstone offered audiences a raft of support resources and helplines. In explaining why the film was important, she wrote, “Never forget this story is recent history with a lasting impact on breathing, feeling people today. It belongs to them, & we all have so much to learn from it.”
She added, “In this process of learning about the horrific Reign of Terror, remember that the Osage remain. Native People remain. And this story is a lot to take in. Be kind, and please be gentle with each other. There is much to process, and much to heal.”
Gladstone’s full message is below.
The most pressing thing I’ve wanted to say about Killers of the Flower Moon, especially to Native Women & Youth: See it when and only if you feel ready, and see it with people you feel safe with. You’ll likely have a lot of generational grief to process. You’re not alone.
If you need to unpack and are without [a] community to do so, there are safe, culturally specific and anonymous 24/7 resources available.
@weRnative If you need advice from a trained counselor, text “NATIVE” to 741741. You will be immediately connected with a crisis counselor. All support and resources shared will remain confidential. Plus, there is no cost to you.
StrongHearts Native Helpline is a 24/7 safe, confidential & anonymous domestic/sexual violence helpline for Native Americans and Alaska Natives, offering culturally-appropriate support and advocacy. 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) @strongheartsdv
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
988 The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Call or text 988.
These organizations also provide incredible resources and support. The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center @niwrc
Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women @CSVANW
Tribal Health: Reaching out InVolves Everyone (THRIVE) for North Portland Indian Health Board @NPAIHB
In this process of learning about the horrific Reign of Terror, remember that the Osage remain. Native People remain. And this story is a lot to take in. Be kind, and please be gentle with each other. There is much to process, and much to heal.
With love, Lily
