In the vast expanses of the Oklahoma Hills, where the blooming flowers succumb to the shadows of taller plants in May, a grim chapter of American history unfolds in the 2023 epic Western crime drama, “Killers of the Flower Moon.” The film meticulously chronicles the chilling series of murders that plagued the Osage Tribe during the Osage “Reign of Terror” in May 1921.
The narrative roots itself in the aftermath of the Osage Allotment Act of 1906 and the Burke Act of 1906, both responses to the discovery of a colossal oil reservoir beneath the Osage Nation Reservation in 1894. As the Osage people, not yet recognized as U.S. citizens, reaped substantial revenue, envy swirled, leading to legislative acts that would have far-reaching consequences.
The Burke Act, spearheaded by the derogatory Congressman Charles Burke, aimed to withhold Indian citizenship until the end of a 25-year trust period or until the allottee demonstrated “civilized” habits. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, led by Burke, appointed white “guardians” to Osage individuals, questioning their competence to manage newfound wealth. Subsequently, a 1921 law compelled Osage members to prove their financial “competency” or face the imposition of a financial guardian, perpetuating a system that favored white interests.
The film masterfully depicts how Osage royalties, distributed equally through “headrights,” attracted opportunistic lawyers and fortune hunters. Some sought to exploit Osage families through intermarriage, while others manipulated legal systems to insert themselves into wills and insurance policies. The corruption embedded in the assigning of guardians, as noted in a 1924 report by the Indian Rights Association, further marginalized the Osage people.
The decrees stripped the Osage of autonomy, rendering them prey to voracious white fortune hunters. The film poignantly portrays the murders of Osage individuals by their white spouses and guardians, crimes often neglected or blamed on the victims by local authorities. The pervading injustice becomes a stark commentary on the deep-seated prejudices and cruelty directed at indigenous populations.
While “Killers of the Flower Moon” attempts to tell the history of this period, some critics argue that the narrative disproportionately centers on the white perspective. The absence of a more comprehensive indigenous portrayal has drawn scrutiny. Nevertheless, the film’s core message and its historical exposé take precedence, shedding light on a harrowing chapter in American history.
The film underscores a broader narrative of violence experienced by numerous indigenous tribes, a tale that extends far beyond the 1920s and resonates in the present day. The Osage Nation’s assertion that “trauma is not the end of the story” emphasizes their resilience and ongoing struggle for control over their land and lives.
As National American Indian Heritage Month unfolds in November, “Killers of the Flower Moon” serves as a poignant reminder to delve into the histories of indigenous peoples. Learning, acknowledging, and spreading awareness contribute to dismantling ignorance and fostering respect—a small yet crucial step toward rectifying historical injustices.
