Thunderheart (1992) is a contemporary western, police procedural starring Val Kilmer, Graham Greene, and Sam Shepard. The film is a loosely based fictional portrayal of events during the occupation of Wounded Knee.
Here’s the premise: The FBI dispatches a novice agent to investigate a string of murders on a small Native American reservation. His bosses are optimistic that his one quarter Sioux background will help him get information from the locals. The young agent partners with a skeptical seasoned detective and a Native reservation police officer.
This was my first time seeing Thunderheart. If you decide to watch it, please note some may take offense to the portrayal of the FBI during the movie’s conclusion.
While watching, I noted the relationship established between the novice FBI agent and the local tribal police is vital to the success of his assignment. Because Val Kilmer’s character is unfamiliar with the geography, customs, and people on the reservation, he must rely on the knowledge and resources of his tribal police partner. This law enforcement partnership, the FBI’s jurisdiction in Indian Country, and how the Bureau works with tribal, federal, state, and local agencies, are what I selected as teachable moments about the FBI highlighted from the film.
According to the FBI website, agents assigned to Indian Country worked closely with agents from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), tribal law enforcement and other agencies to investigate criminal matters and enforce laws on tribal lands, focusing on major crimes like homicides, missing persons, and drug trafficking.
The FBI has special jurisdiction to investigate crimes committed on about 200 reservations nationwide and has over 150 agents serving as the primary law enforcement agency on the reserves.
The FBI derives its jurisdiction primarily from two federal laws: the General Crimes Act and the Major Crimes Act. Three conditions must be met for the FBI to investigate an alleged crime on a reservation:
- The investigation must be predicated on a criminal act for which the FBI has jurisdiction—this includes crimes that would not fall under FBI jurisdiction if they occurred outside of a reservation.
- The crime must have occurred on a reservation where the FBI has jurisdiction.
- The subject, victim, or both, must be American Indian and Alaska Natives (AIAN).
Tribal police also handle matters related to tribal codes and regulations. (Credit FBI.gov)
A recent article posted on the FBI website, Longtime Indian Country Special Agent Reflects on Essential FBI Mission, further explains the challenges of working in Indian Country due to the lack of infrastructure and resources in very remote environments.
I also watched a video, Indian Country Onboarding Program, about a specialized training program that prepares agents to operate in Native American communities. The training provides information about autopsies, crime scene investigation, and also cultural awareness.
Listen to this FBI Retired Case File Review Episode
189: Michael Harrigan – Crime in Indian Country, FBI National Academy to learn more.
I would love to review more cases about what it’s like to work in Indian Country. Email me if you know of a retired agent or former FBI victim specialist with a case to review.
