Fifty years later, the Academy Motion Picture Museum is apologizing for its treatment that night, in addition to holding a special program and conversation titled “An Evening with Sacheen Littlefeather” on September 17. Now 75, Littlefeather, who programs with Amy Homma, vice president of education and public engagement at the Academy Museum, will offer a reflection aimed at healing. Littlefeather became the first Native American woman to take the stage at any Academy Awards ceremony in 1973. Her famous 60-second speech is on display in the Academy Museum’s Academy Awards History gallery, echoing in the room with other historic moments such as Halle Berry the first black Best Actress winner and “Parasite” winning Best Picture. Her words gained attention at the 1973 Wounded Knee protest in South Dakota and resulted in her being subjected to professional boycotts, assault, harassment and discrimination over the past 50 years. “We are delighted and humbled that Sacheen has so generously chosen to engage with the museum and the Academy to reflect on her experience at the 1973 Academy Awards,” said Jacqueline Stewart, director and president of the Academy Museum. “Thanks to Bird Runningwater and Heather Rae for helping us cultivate our beloved relationship with Sacheen.” At the event, the Academy will read the letter of apology that former president David Rubin sent in June. Here is a copy of the letter: DECLARATION OF RECONCILIATION June 18, 2022 Dear Sacheen Littlefeather, I am writing to you today a long overdue letter from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, in humble recognition of your experience at the 45th Academy Awards. As you stood on the Oscars stage in 1973 to not accept the Oscar on behalf of Marlon Brando, in recognition of the film industry’s misrepresentation and mistreatment of Native Americans, you made a powerful statement that continues to remind us of the need for respect and the importance of human dignity. The abuse you endured because of this statement was unwarranted and unwarranted. The emotional toll you have experienced and the cost to your own career in our industry is irreparable. For too long the courage you have shown has gone unrecognized. For this, we offer both our deepest apologies and our sincere admiration. We cannot realize the Academy’s mission to “inspire the imagination and connect the world through film” without a commitment to facilitate broader representation and inclusion that reflects our diverse global population. Today, nearly 50 years later, and with the guidance of the Academy’s Indigenous Alliance, we stand firm in our commitment to ensuring that Indigenous voices—the authentic storytellers—are visible, respected contributors to the global film community. We are dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and respectful industry that leverages the balance of art and activism to be a driving force for progress. We hope you receive this letter in a spirit of reconciliation and in recognition of your essential role in our journey as an organization. You are forever written with respect in our history. With warmest regards, David Rubin President, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
