Littlefeather, who is Apache and Yaqui, attended the ceremony at the young age of 26.
Just a few minutes prior, a producerthreatenedher with arrest if she talked for more than 60 seconds.
Brando had also given Littlefeather the instruction to not touch the idolized bronze statuette.
Littlefeather continued, saying that Brando very regretfully cannot accept this very generous award.
Littlefeathers mere 60 seconds were devoted to calling out these issues to viewers.
Even though her speech was short and polite, Littlefeather was heckled offstage with mock ululations.
John Wayne even had to berestrainedby six men from running onstage and attacking her.
Since that night, Littlefeather has faced insurmountable ridicule and mockery.
I was very naive.
I told people about oppression.
They said, You’re ruining our evening.'
She said the federal government threatened to cancel any shows or productions that put her on the air.
Yes, there’s an apology that’s due, Littlefeather says.
As my friends in the Native community said, it’s long overdue.
The activist now lives with metastasized breast cancer, and adds, I could have been dead by now.
She was also given a framed letter written by the then-president David Ruben.
The emotional burden you have lived through and the cost to your own career in our industry are irreparable.
For too long the courage you showed has been unacknowledged.
For this, we offer both our deepest apologies and our sincere admiration.
And Im so very happy this is happeningeven though I dont swear like they do onReservation Dogs.
Also, Littlefeather will have a conversation with Bird Runningwater, the co-chair of the Academys Indigenous Alliance.
Littlefeather remains positive and leads her life with daily love, gratitude, and forgiveness.
Shesays, Regarding the Academys apology to me, we Indians are very patient peopleits only been 50 years!
We need to keep our sense of humor about this at all times.
Its our method of survival.
Read the Academys full statementhere.
