What Was Ours, a documentary that uncovers the story of three Wyoming’s Wind River Indian Reservation residents and countless cultural artifacts, will play for Wyoming audiences this month.

Documentary About Artifacts of Wind River Indian Reservation to Air in Fremont

The film follows three residents of Wind River Country/Fremont County as they, “navigate the world of tribal identity, museums, and reclaiming [their] sacred items,” said Arapaho journalist Jordan Dresser, of Fort Washakie, who co-produced the film.

Over several years, the producer followed Dresser, Shoshone elder Philberg McLeod and powwow princess Mikala Sun Rhodes as they pursued the stories of artifacts that have been removed from the Reservation, returned to it, and even learned to create new ones to sustain tradition.

What Was Ours’ Wyoming premiere will ­be at the Peck Theater of Central Wyoming College in Riverton Friday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. and the Grand Theater in Lander Saturday, Sept. 10 at 2 p.m.

Both screenings are free and open to the public, making this a notable opportunity to view an award-winning documentary about local matters and discuss them with Dresser, producer/director Mat Hames, and executive producer Beth Hames.

What Was Ours played in the Vision Maker Film Festival in Nebraska and premiered at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in Missoula, Mont., then played at the USF Human Rights Film Festival in San Francisco and the  Thessaloniki Doc Market in Greece in March. Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian selected the film to screen at its film festival in August. Learn more about What Was Ours and the recognition it has already garnered at whatwasoursfilm.com.

*Don’t forget to use the hashtag #windrivercountry when you share your Wind River Country memories on social media.  

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 Related Links: Lander Chamber of CommerceRiverton Chamber of Commerce, Dubois Chamber of CommerceDestination Dubois

 For a complete calendar of events go to www.windriver.org/calendar.  To request a vacation packet, please visit us at Wind River Country or call 800-645-6233. Pioneer your own adventure in Wind River Country!

About Wind River Country/Fremont County

Wyoming’s Wind River Country is the authentic, untamed West. It holds the answers to your adventurous spirit. Come discover new things like the best route to Yellowstone, see an Indian powwow, ride a horse or holler at a rodeo, pan for real gold, and hike in country that will take your breath away. Find the room to breathe, slow your pace a bit, and discover uncontrived adventure that will rejuvenate your soul in Wind River Country.

Follow the Moments That Make Wind River Country


See Wind River Country as it happens, on the trail, in town and out on the land. Follow along for real moments from real people, and share your own journey by tagging @windrivercountry.

📍South Pass City, Wyoming 

While you can visit this historic gold mining town from the end of May - mid October, save the date for Gold Rush Days - July 11 & 12.

Photo: Wind River Country

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There's no place quite like old Wyo'. 

Photo: Journal of Lost Time

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When the mountains call, there’s only one thing to do. Go. 

Photo: Journal of Lost Time 

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Ready to learn more about the wild horses of the West? The Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary - which is located on the Wind River Indian Reservation - has a visitor center with an interpretive display, and also offers guided tours.
Plan your trip at the link in our bio. 

Photo: Melissa Hemkin

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This is what we like to call the perfect summer day in Wind River Country.

Photo: Wind River Country/Paula McCormick 

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Combine history and modern-day culture at the Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Powwow, June 19-21. Held in Fort Washakie, the event includes a parade, hand game tournament, drum contest, Indian rodeo and relay races and Grand Entries. 

Find more information at the link in our bio. 

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Plan a trip to Lander and Lander Brewfest to enjoy 80+ beers made all across the Mountain West on June 12-13. We hope to see you there - cheers! 

Photo: Wyoming Office of Tourism

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Spring storms and lush landscapes. 

Start planning your visit at the link in our bio. 

Photo: Scott Copeland 

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