Today, Dallas County is home to more than 75,000 individuals who identify as fully or partially Native American. This was not always the case. In this episode of KERA’s history series, “Reclaiming Stories: Exploring History and Resilience in Dallas Communities,” viewers are taken on a journey through the complexities of the Indian Resettlement Act of 1956. Originally marketed as an opportunity for prosperity and a fresh Start, the reality for many families was much more difficult.

As the narrative unfolds, we hear from the likes of Laquito “Lucky” Johnson, who recounts his family’s relocation to West Dallas, a historically neglected area plagued by pollution and crime. Through personal stories and expert commentary, the documentary reveals the intertribal unity forged in the face of cultural erasure and systemic obstacles, highlighting the resilience of a community that remains largely invisible.