The Last Yahi

“Ishi - the Last Yahi” is not the only movie about Ishi, but it is by far the best. Ishi was the last survivor of a Northern California tribe that was slaughtered by Euro-American settlers in the late 19th and early 20th century. The story of how the Yahi were exterminated stands in for so many other stories; few white Americans realize just how brutal their ancestors - and our government - were. At the same time, Ishi is not merely a tragic figure. He surrendered himself in 1911, three years after the rest of his family were killed or died in hiding, and ultimately came under the protection of one of the "fathers" of American anthropology, Alfred Kroeber. He became a newspaper sensation, "the last wild Indian," etc., but the film makes it clear that Ishi was strong and resilient, not merely a tragic figure; he adapted to his new life and ultimately taught those who saw him as an object of study much about their own humanity. I wholeheartedly recommend this film. Ishi, the Last Yahi

This video was engaging from start to finish. It appears to have been well-researched and the creators mix both "story" and information in ways that keep the viewer interested. I knew a little of Ishi's story beforehand, enough to trigger excitement when I came across this video, and I wasn't disappointed. I like the different facets that are touched on: the fundamental, human interest story of the "last wild Indian" who joins European-derived civilization; society's perceptions of Native Americans and the irony of how and when those perceptions changed, anthropology in its early days, and so on. I think the producers did a good job of presenting Ishi's story in a balanced way. I don't think they romanticized Native American culture, nor did they demean it.I'm glad I watched it.

I mostly use this film in teaching introductory anthropology because it does several things well. First, it provides comprehensive coverage of a story about an individual who lived through some of the horrible things that happened to California natives. That works well at putting a human face on historic events. In addition, it does a good job of weaving in the story of the early days of anthropology in this country through Ishi's relationship with Alfred Kroeber. Along the way, implicit questions are raised about the sorts of ethical dilemmas faced by Kroeber. Finally, the historic photographs and recordings are well utilized. Visually, the film is well made and elicits sympathy for Ishi while also documenting his resilience and strength of character. That makes him a real three-dimensional being, as opposed to a mere stereotypical victim. One comes away with a real appreciation for who he was, in all his complexity.

I first learned about Ishi when I went to a museum exhibit in San Francisco at age 10. My mother saw that I was fascinated (and saddened) by his story and bought me the book "Ishi, Last of his Tribe", which I cherish. I have watched and read all I can find about this poor man who only wanted to live in peace and watched as members of his tribe were murdered. How sad that he would die from a white man's disease, TB. How sad that he was, indeed, the last member of his tribe.

A great film that had my attention from beginning to end. So informative and so heart wrenching at the same time ... a story about a man with a history forgotten by all making his way in a new world. What others saw in him was described in such a way that I could not stop watching and will I'm sure see this again. I have seen the movie about this true story, The Last of His Tribe, with Jon Voight and Graham Greene which I thought was great.This documentary was better. Highly recommend.

It was hard hearing about the massacres the whites committed against the Yahi people. How could someone be so savage yet call these people savage just because they didn't live by their pathetic standards!! Standards that cause people stress, illness or rendered thousands of people living on the streets homeless.While I enjoyed the documentary, it was painful. What a dirty history America has and how evil of certain Americans to deem people inferior because of the color of their skin!

I wished it was longer. I know there simply isn't enough info to make it longer. I regret the fact that we destroyed so much culture before we ever knew the value and the fact that we didn't see ourselves in the people who were here when we showed up. So I'm not dissing the movie..not really...

Ishi, The last Yahi is a compelling film concerning the efforts of anthropologists to study and protect the culture of different Native American groups after their horrific decimation. The film reports the life of an individual who survived the dreadful massacre of his people who were native to the land. This film itself is very significant as it provides core information and data collected throughout time by various anthropologists, which delivers better understanding and acknowledgment of Native American individuals, culture and society.