Film documents life of Native American veteran, highlights service of his community
Courtesy of Louis Vasseur and Phil Bergman Courtesy of Louis Vasseur and Phil Bergman
William Smith grew up in South Dakota, on the Pine Ridge Reservation. He was Lakota. Eventually, his family moved to Chicago.Inspired by his father’s service, Smith decided to join the army. This was during the Vietnam War, and he served there and in the Philippines. Back home, Smith ultimately became a treasured part of Chicago’s Native American community.
He died in 2020. But just a few weeks before his death, Smith was interviewed by students from Harlem High School in Machesney Park, Illinois for a documentary about his life. The film is called “William Smith — A Warrior in Time."
It was first released several years ago, but it’s being screened this Saturday, November 15 at 3 p.m., at the American Indian Center of Chicago. The free event is a collaboration with the Goodman Theatre. A producer and a teacher from the school that was involved in the project join the program today.
GUESTS
Louis Vasseur
Native producer and consultant; Producer, “William Smith - A Warrior in Time”
Nicholas Stange
Teacher, Harlem High School, Sponsor, Harlem Documentary Project
