We Still Live Here

We Still Live Here

movie

PG, 2010, Documentary, Biography

WISE
78%

WISE Score

8.1

IMDb

The inspiring story of how the Wampanoag brought their language back from the dead—literally the first time this has happened in America.

IMDb8.1
Common Sense Media
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Screenwise Verdict

This is a genuinely remarkable story—the first successful revival of an extinct Indigenous language in the United States is objectively incredible. The documentary is well-crafted and emotionally resonant, with strong educational value about real Indigenous history, cultural resilience, and linguistics.

That said, let's be honest: this is a documentary for a specific audience. If your kid lights up at the idea of reconstructing grammar from 17th-century documents, great. If they're looking for entertainment, they'll be bored in ten minutes. The WISE score reflects that tension—excellent content that most kids won't voluntarily sit through.

Perfect for middle schoolers studying Native American history, kids interested in languages, or as a family watch if you're visiting Massachusetts and want context beyond Plymouth Rock tourist traps. Just know what you're getting into: this is PBS Independent Lens, not Pixar.

Age Fit

Best for ages 11-16 who have genuine interest in history, linguistics, or Indigenous cultures. The content is appropriate for younger kids, but the documentary format and pacing will lose most viewers under 10. Adults interested in language preservation or Native American history will also appreciate it.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88

Documentary about cultural preservation and language revival told through the lens of one woman's dream-inspired journey. Models perseverance, community cooperation, and respect for Indigenous heritage. No concerning content in parent guides—emotionally positive story about reclaiming identity.

Imaginative
76

The concept of reviving a dead language is inherently creative and unprecedented—this is the first time it's been done in the U.S. The documentary format limits interactive imagination, but the story itself invites curiosity about linguistics, cultural identity, and what it means to bring something back from extinction.

Safe
92

IMDb parent guide shows no flags for violence, gore, profanity, sex, nudity, or frightening scenes. Common Sense Media rates it for age 11+. Documentary format means no surprise content—straightforward educational storytelling about language and culture. Very predictable and appropriate.

Enriching
91

Exceptional educational value: Indigenous history, linguistics, cultural preservation, and the Wampanoag people's role in early American history. Kids learn about language structure, community resilience, and how cultures survive colonization. IMDb 8.0 rating reflects strong viewer appreciation. Builds empathy and historical understanding.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Tells the incredible true story of Jessie Little Doe Baird, who had dreams about her ancestors and used them to revive a language with no living speakers
  • Teaches real Indigenous history beyond the sanitized Thanksgiving narrative—the Wampanoag are actual people with a living culture
  • Shows kids that languages are living things that can be saved, and that one person's determination can change an entire community
  • Introduces linguistics concepts in an accessible way—how do you reconstruct a language from old documents and recordings?
  • IMDb 8.0 rating and described as 'incredibly beautiful, inspiring, and powerfully moving' by viewers
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What to Watch For

  • Documentary pacing means lots of talking heads and archival footage—not action-packed entertainment
  • Common Sense Media suggests age 11+, likely because younger kids may struggle with the format and historical complexity rather than content concerns
  • Only available on OVID streaming, which is a niche educational platform you probably don't already have
  • Some kids will find this fascinating; others will zone out—depends heavily on their interest in language, history, or Indigenous culture

Conversation Starters

  • "What would it be like if no one spoke English anymore and you had to learn it from old books? How would you even start?"
  • "Why do you think Jessie's ancestors came to her in dreams? What were they trying to tell her?"
  • "The Wampanoag helped the Pilgrims survive—but then what happened to their language and culture?"
  • "If you could bring back something that was lost from our family's history, what would it be?"
  • "How many people do you think need to speak a language for it to be 'alive' again?"

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