Behind the Scenes

The documentary, Sober Indian | Dangerous Indian, provides an opportunity to discuss Whiteclay’s history, the business ethics behind Whiteclay’s beer sales, and the grassroots activism that led to the closure of Whiteclay’s beer stores.

History

The Whiteclay Extension, a 50-square-mile buffer zone created by Presidential Executive Order in 1882, prohibited the sale of alcoholic beverages south of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, until its repeal in 1904.

Business ethics

Anheuser-Busch InBev and its distributors were responsible for 70% of the beer sold annually in Whiteclay, a town of 12 residents, despite knowing these beer sales could cause harm to residents of nearby Pine Ridge.

Grassroots activism

Current and former Nebraska residents used Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) inquiries, prayer vigils, and frequent visits to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission to raise awareness of the harm caused by Whiteclay beer sales.