"We Shall Remain" is a five-part series by Ric Burns (Ken's brother) on the history of the American Indians from "The American Experience". However, it should be understood that it is NOT a comprehensive history. There are many gaps, omissions and most tribes are not discussed in the shows. This is simply because with five parts, there just wasn't enough time to do the subject justice.
Part 1 ended with the end of King Philip's War in the 1670s and now picks up again in the years following the American Revolution--a gap of well over a hundred years. In some ways this is rather strange, as I really would have thought that the French-Indian War would have been the subject of an episode and it's only mentioned briefly in this episode. Odd...especially since so many tribes were involved (on both sides) and it did so much to shape the future of life in the Eastern and Midwestern United States for the various tribes.
Part 2 is about Tecumseh, a Shawnee Indian tribesman who had something previous tribal leaders lacked...a vision of unity. Instead of continuing to fight the white spread of settlers one tribe at a time, he worked hard to unify the various native nations into a unified force. Then, with the aid of the British, they would establish a free and independent homeland...or that was his plan. Unfortunately, his brother, 'the prophet', was useful in spreading Tecumseh's visions but his visions of white bullets NOT harming his people was a BAD miscalculation. Additionally, the British showed little willingness to really engage the United States....plus the Americans were simply too great in number, too strong and with better technology...and ultimately he and his people were doomed.
Again, like the first episode, this is a quality production throughout. Engaging, fascinating and exquisitely made...this is well worth seeing and a part of history often barely discussed.