100 Years documents the David vs. Goliath story of Elouise Cobell's courageous fight for justice for hundreds of thousands of Native Americans who were cheated out of billions of dollars by the United States Government.
Over 100 years ago, the United States Government broke up numerous Indian reservations and allotted millions of acres to 300,000 individual Indians. They promised to manage their land and send lease payments for oil, gas, timber, and grazing to the Indian Trust Fund, but instead the Department of the Interior grossly mismanaged the money owed them. As the Treasurer of the Blackfeet tribe, Elouise Cobell noticed issues with the trust account and raised questions about the missing money which lead her into a 30-year fight that resulted in the largest class action suit ever filed against the federal government.
After filing in 1996, Elouise Cobell's indomitable spirit persisted for 15 years and three Presidential administrations until she finally prevailed and made history with a $3.4 billion settlement. The film not only details her long fight but serves as a fitting tribute to a warrior unlike any other.
"A compelling portrait of an indefatigable heroine fighting for the disenfranchised, this is highly recommended." — Video Librarian
"HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all libraries, 100 Years is an excellent resource for courses in ethics, history, and political science." — Educational Media Reviews Online
"If you think we're having a hard time, imagine one woman fighting for Native American rights against the entire U.S. government. Go see 100 Years to find out how she won!" — Gloria Steinem, Writer/Lecturer/Political Activist
"Equally inspiring and enraging...Director Melinda Janko efficiently communicates both the endless legal battle and the frustrating bureaucratic red tape...Illustrates Cobell's motivation in her dedication to this cause, and the urgency with which she fought her battle against the government. A maddening but ultimately uplifting tale about a fearless woman who fought tirelessly for her people." — Los Angeles Times
"100 years is a powerful tribute to a legendary hero. A must see film!" — Jane Fonda, Actress/Political Activist
"100 Years exposes how Elouise Cobell, a Blackfeet Indian and treasurer of her tribe, noticed the numbers didn't add up and in 1996 filed a class-action lawsuit...Director Melinda Janko offers powerful details." — Village Voice
"100 years is the inspiring story of how one fearless Native American woman, Elouise Cobell, held the United States Government accountable for a century of injustice." — Robert Redford, Actor/Director/Producer
"100 Years focuses on one especially outrageous failure of U.S. policy, showing the fight over billions of dollars owed for oil drilled on reservations...An eye-opening [...] tribute to a crusader for justice." — The Hollywood Reporter
"What emerges watching 100 Years is Cobell's indomitable spirit and passion, her conviction in pursuing a case that seemed impossible to win...Captures indelible images of the harsh conditions on Indian reservations. 100 Years is especially valuable for its portrait of Elouise Cobell, someone who succeeded in countering centuries of oppression. She is an inspiration for everyone." — Film Journal International
"Profile of a zealous and gifted Native American heroine." — Spirituality and Practice
"'100 Years' does a very good job of maintaining audience interest and delivering a film that is both touching and illuminating." — Washington Square News
"Unforgettable and extremely current...Provides a clear and cogent backstory of Cobell's life...The film is a wake up call to American citizens." — Blogcritics
