Bury My Heart with Tonawanda

2014 • 68 minutes

About this movie

A historical film about the Seneca culture featuring the Tonawanda Indian Reservation, Bury My Heart with Tonawanda tells the story of a developmentally disabled boy with Downs Syndrome who is rejected by his own family but is accepted and nurtured by the Tonawanda Seneca Nation.
The film is written, edited and produced by Adrian Esposito a young man who himself has an autism spectrum disorder and is directed by Gary Sundown from the Tonawanda Indian Reservation in western New York state.

Ratings and reviews

This film was hard to watch as it rips your heart to see a child mistreated like this little boy, but somehow through the kindness of others, he survives and heals. Particularly relevant in today's world where there is so much hatred and bigotry.

A great inspiring story about a boy trying to find his place in this world. Born with Down syndrome in 1800, John is rejected by his own family but finds acceptance in the Native American Seneca Nation. Very well executed, it is a film for the whole family and to teach our kids tolerance.

A remarkable period film that challenges historical stereotypes about Native Americans through the moving story of a child - affected by Down syndrome - rejected by his family and adopted by the Tonawanda Seneca Nation. An significant theme for the present day since intolerance is making everyday more and more the front page.