SCLT Offers Special Screening of ‘Before Wyoming: The West in 1776’

What was happening in Wyoming when America’s founders signed the Declaration of Independence? Sheridan Community Land Trust (SCLT) and Sheridan College invite the community to discover a different perspective on America’s founding during a free screening of Before Wyoming: The West in 1776 on Monday, November 23, at 7 p.m. in Kinnison Hall at the Whitney Center for the Arts, Sheridan College.

The approximately one-hour program will feature a 28-minute film followed by a discussion and Q&A with Donovin Sprague, a Minnicoujou Lakota historian, Sheridan College faculty member and featured participant in the film, and Kevin Knapp, SCLT Director of History.

“When we think about 1776, we tend to focus on the Declaration of Independence and the events unfolding in the eastern colonies. But history was happening across the continent, too,” said Knapp. “Exploring this history helps us understand that the story of America is much bigger and more complex than the one we often learn in school.”

The film looks at American Indian life, cultures and history in the West during a time when Indigenous nations maintained extensive networks of trade, political relationships and cultural traditions. Horses, firearms and European trade goods had already reached many Plains communities, connecting them to changes taking place far beyond the region.

Sprague believes understanding this earlier history is essential to appreciating the experiences of American Indian peoples and how events of the past continue to shape the present.

“It is important to understand the rich early Wyoming history pertaining to archaeology along with the American Indian life here at that time,” Sprague said. “Events happening back then would affect Wyoming history and its peoples later.”

He hopes the film encourages viewers to consider how tribes made their livelihoods from the land and how their histories extend well beyond the establishment of reservations.

“When reservations were created in various states, history kind of revolved around whatever tribes were placed on those reservations and others may have been overlooked,” Sprague explained.

He added that understanding the beginnings of federal Indian policy can help people better understand the events and legislation that shaped American Indian history and the lives of Indigenous peoples.

The screening also takes place during American Indian Heritage Month, which Sprague helped establish as an annual observance at Sheridan College six years ago. He sees the month as an important opportunity for people to learn, exchange perspectives and engage with histories they might not otherwise encounter.

“If not for American Indian Heritage Month, a lot of people would not have the opportunity to pick up more of this history, by participating, interaction, and communicating their thoughts,” Sprague said.

For Knapp, having Sprague participate in the discussion is especially meaningful for Sheridan County, where the region’s history is closely tied to the Indigenous peoples who have called the Northern Plains home for generations.

“Having Donovin Sprague, who is featured in the film, join us for a conversation gives our community an opportunity to hear these histories and perspectives directly from someone who carries that knowledge and experience,” Knapp said.

Both historians hope the program encourages curiosity, understanding and an appreciation for the different cultures and experiences that have shaped the region.

“Through the movie, they may understand cultures also had different values, but we are all one people,” Sprague said.

“When we make space for different perspectives and listen to one another, we build a more complete understanding of our shared history,” Knapp added. “I believe that kind of understanding is an important foundation for stronger relationships and a more connected community.”

Presented in partnership with Sheridan College as part of By the People: Conversations Beyond 250, the screening invites the community to consider the many stories that make up America’s history as the nation marks its 250th anniversary.

The event is free and open to all. Let us know you’re coming by signing up at https://sheridanclt.org/events/sclt-explore-history-before-wyoming-the-west-in-1776/.