>>NARRATOR: Tonight, a special presentation from "Frontline" and Independent Lens.

A new film from David Sutherland, the critically acclaimed director of "The Farmer's Wife" and "Country Boys."

>>ROBIN: I am a Dakota from the Spirit Lake Nation.

My Indian name is CantéWastéWin.

And that means kind-hearted woman.

>>NARRATOR: From a forgotten corner of the American landscape comes the story of a courageous woman fighting for a better life for her family.

>>ROBIN: I'm divorced and I have two kids.

No matter how much pressure I'm under, I'm going to keep this family together.

>>NARRATOR: Robin Charboneau grew up on a reservation, suffering at the hands of her foster family.

>>ROBIN: I was torn and ripped into pieces by people I called dad, uncles.

>>NARRATOR: Now, her worst fear has been realized.

>>ROBIN: She just started crying.

And then I knew that her dad was messing around with her.

I told her, "Darian, Mom's going to do whatever she has to to protect you."

>>NARRATOR: Tonight, filmed over three years, an intimate story of love and loss... >>ROBIN: I know that you want your dad, and I know that you miss him.

>>I can't live without him.

>>NARRATOR: ...hope and hard work... >>ROBIN: Helping other women on the reservation has always been my dream.

>>NARRATOR: ...and new beginnings.

>>Oh!

I love you, baby.

>>You are everything to me.

You're everything to my kids.

I'm going to come home, which is Spirit Lake, and I'm going to help my people.

As messed up as it may sound, I wouldn't change any of the abuse I suffered as a child.

Because it made me the woman I am.

>>NARRATOR: Tonight, "Kind Hearted Woman," a special "Frontline"/ Independent Lens presentation.

>>Hey, top of the afternoon, this is Hoksina.

You're tuned into KABU Radio 90.7 FM in Fort Totten, North Dakota, heartbeat of the Spirit Lake Nation.

Current temperature is eight below and wind chill's sitting at 27 below.

Hey folks, drive safely as you head to the casino.

>>ROBIN: I am a Dakota from the Spirit Lake Nation.

My Indian name is CantéWastéWin.

And that means kind-hearted woman.

(dog barking) (telephone dialing) Eugene, this is Robin.

Um, would you be able to bring some sage?

I wanna smudge my house, and... because we were drinking in here.

Mm-hmm.

Yeah.

With the feathers and stuff.

Oh!

My phone went dead.

Damn.

Eugene?

Sorry, um, but yeah, I need to smudge my house.

I was drinking a lot.

I went to treatment.

I asked for help.

So whenever you can come.

Now I'm sober, and really, really scared that I'm gonna start drinking again.

But my house is a mess so... Because the temptations are so strong here.

No, I didn't pick it up.

I could get a ride faster to the bar than I could to the grocery store.

Okay, thank you.

Bye.

I was in treatment for 20 days, and there's getting out and coming back home to this, and not knowing where to start with everything.

It just seems so overwhelming.

(knock on door) He's here.

>>Hello.

>>ROBIN: Hello.

Eugene Hale.

I look to him like he's my spiritual leader.

>>Thank you for it.

>>ROBIN: You can... that's tobacco.

Um, just if you could go through the house and, you know, smudge it for me.

>>Okay.

>>ROBIN: 'Cause we were drinking and stuff in here before I left from treatment.

>>All right, mm-hmm.

All right, okay.

You got a match?

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

>>I brought some sage, you know, to purify your home.

>>ROBIN: The road man, we call him in the ceremonies, he tries to help people stay on the path.

The road.

>>Clean your home.

Or whatever is in your home.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

Native Americans call it the red road.

The sacred road.

And that's somebody who is trying to live their life straight and sober.

And that's what he's done for me.

>>Things that go through our mind.

So I'll purify.

You want to purify it so I'm gonna do that.

I'm gonna ask you to bear along with me just a little bit.

I'm gonna say a short prayer and then I'll go through all the rooms here.

>>ROBIN: Okay.

>>So I'll say... (recites a native prayer) >>ROBIN: I know I have to leave the reservation.

I just don't feel safe here.

Because of the battering I went through here.

>>(continues native prayer) Smudge yourself.

And I'm gonna start... go this way, and you said you were using alcohol in here?

>>ROBIN: Yes.

>>And wipe away whatever that you want away from your home.

And that... it will protect your home and watch you, watch over you.

Like that, you know.

And the creator will watch over your children, too, wherever they may be at.

>>ROBIN: Uh-huh.

>>And that things will be okay, and that way you can start over brand new.

And I am glad that I can come over and do that.

And I've been told my... my grandmother, that, you know, always, when they ask you to do something like this, and humble yourself and try your best to do it.

So this is why, you asked me to come back and help you out that way.

And this is about the best way I can do it so... >>ROBIN: Thank you.

>>Yup.

>>ROBIN: Mmm, I just... >>All right.

>>ROBIN: Thank you.

>>See you again.

>>ROBIN: Ah, thank you.

>>Thank you.

Thank you.

I'll see you.

(dog barking) (train horn blaring) (mooing) >>ROBIN: Come on, you guys.

We need to talk.

>>Talk?

>>ROBIN: I'm so happy to see you guys, I missed you guys so much.

>>Are we just staying with you until Sunday?

>>ROBIN: I need to talk to your dad.

>>Mom, I don't want to leave you.

>>ROBIN: Anthony, what do you think Christmas is about?

>>Is God, is that when God was born?

>>ROBIN: Mm-mmm.

>>When was God born?

He was, he was... >>Was he born on Thanksgiving?

>>ROBIN: I'm really not sure.

No, Thanksgiving's something else.

>>Thanksgiving was... >>Thanksgiving is for, um, like, where they... 'cause, um, the Indians had Thanksgiving.

They're the one that invented Thanksgiving.

>>No.

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: We did invent it.

I'm divorced, and I have two kids.

Beautiful, beautiful kids.

>>Presents!

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: My son is Anthony.

He's nine.

He got his great-grandfather's Indian name: Mato Unsika.

>>Um, one of these days I want to go...

I mean I want to go take my last day of boxing.

>>ROBIN: My daughter, Darian, she is Mato Waun Sida Win.

She got her Indian name from her great-grandma.

I was really, really proud of you guys.

>>Mm-hmm.

>>ROBIN: Darian, she closes up because when I was drinking, we lost that communication.

I'm sorry.

I know what I did.

She told me this morning, "Mom, Mom I thought you were gonna drink last night."

We're gonna get past drinking.

I am proud that I didn't.

I love you very much.

You know that we're gonna be moving?

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

How do you feel about that?

>>I don't know.

Um, kind of bad.

>>ROBIN: Why?

>>I don't know.

>>ROBIN: 'Cause it's scary.

>>Sad, and 'cause I don't wanna leave my friends.

>>ROBIN: Leaving the reservation is scary because this is all my kids have known their whole lives.

>>Mom, is this gonna be our last meeting tomorrow?

>>ROBIN: No.

Everybody here is all the support that we have.

I don't know how often we're gonna come back to them.

It's such a big change.

I just hope I'm strong enough to get them through that.

>>Mom, do you know what day we're gonna be moving on?

>>ROBIN: No, not yet.

I haven't figured everything out yet.

>>Hopefully you can find... hopefully there's an apartment up there where they have dogs.

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

>>Where they... >>ROBIN: You know what?

When you go up there, I don't want you guys talking to anybody that you don't know, I don't want you telling anybody that you don't know things about us.

Not like... just don't talk to strangers.

>>Mm-hmm.

>>I know.

>>Mm-hmm.

>>ROBIN: Okay?

Uh, there's a lot that you guys have to watch out for up there, okay?

>>Mm-hmm.

>>ROBIN: But we're gonna... we have Grandpa and Grandma and everybody else there.

>>Why are we gonna move if we only know Grandpa and Grandma up there?

>>ROBIN: Because Mom has some...

I want to go back to school.

>>Go back to school down here.

>>ROBIN: It's not... they don't have what I want.

I already finished at Little Hoop.

I have to... >>How long?

>>ROBIN: ...go away to school.

>>How long do you... are we gonna stay up there?

>>ROBIN: I don't know.

>>You said three or two years?

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>Well, if you get done early, that would be very happy.

We could move back down here.

>>ROBIN: Oh, yeah.

Um, you know what, before we move?

>>Oh Mom, is this gonna be our last Indian ceremony tomorrow?

>>ROBIN: No, we're gonna come back to the ceremonies.

>>Good.

>>Awesome.

>>And good afternoon, you're sitting here with DJ Joey and you're tuned into KABU 90.7 FM, the heartbeat of the Spirit Lake Nation.

Coming up at 12:00, you're invited to come and eat with your elders and learn your Dakota language.

That will be at the Spirit Lake Casino and Resort.

(phone rings) >>Victim assistance.

Well, first of all you have to make a police report.

>>ROBIN: Linda?

>>Hi.

>>ROBIN: Hello.

>>How'd things go for you in there?

>>ROBIN: I quit drinking.

>>Beautiful.

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

>>I'm really glad you got this time to really straighten that stuff out and to just keep moving forward.

>>ROBIN: It just feels good.

>>Um, how are your kids?

>>ROBIN: Good.

>>Yeah, kids are pretty unconditional in their love for us.

>>ROBIN: Darian, my daughter, before I went into treatment she didn't want nothing to do with me.

>>Wow, mm-hmm.

>>ROBIN: You know what she said?

We were sitting on the couch and we were talking and I told her, "You know what, Dar?

"Mom's gotta go for awhile.

"I gotta go and get help.

I can't drink... stop drinking on my own."

And she said, "Mom," she said, "Even though I'm not with you, it doesn't mean that I don't love you."

My baby said that to me and she's only 12.

>>Wow.

>>ROBIN: You know?

>>Oh, my gosh.

>>ROBIN: And that's when she wasn't thinking of... or she was thinking she was just gonna not come with me and stay with her dad.

>>Oh boy.

For kids to move at that age is really full of tension.

>>ROBIN: I wanna go to Fargo with them... >>Mm-hmm.

>>ROBIN: ...on the 25th, so if we can have something set up in Fargo for us to stay at the Y?

>>Mm-hmm, yeah.

>>ROBIN: I'm just...

I'm excited but scared.

>>But your kids' dad, he's okay with you going to Fargo?

He's fine with that?

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>Good.

>>ROBIN: He wasn't, but there's nothing he can do about it, nope.

>>He's gonna voluntarily give the kids back?

>>ROBIN: It's... yeah.

I have physical cus... we both have joint custody.

I have physical custody of them until, um, Mar... or 'til May, unless he tries to put something in emergency again.

But I don't think he'll get it.

>>Well, that's good.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>You know what?

You could make a PSA reading your poetry.

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

>>Things that have happened and you're surviving it.

>>ROBIN: My "Standing Tall and Standing Proud" poem.

>>Your poetry is very moving.

So if you could be on the radio doing like a public service announcement?

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

>>Wow.

We can record with you.

Maybe this week sometime.

And even if you want some like background flute music or something... something like that, we can make it sound really cool.

>>ROBIN: Um, the background music, I want my kids to sing.

>>You do?

Do they sing?

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>What do they sing?

>>ROBIN: (sings a native song) ♪♪ >>Hey, this is Hoksina.

You're tuned into 90.7 FM, heartbeat of the Spirit Lake Nation.

And here's a little piece on domestic violence.

Here's Robin Charboneau.

>>ROBIN: At a very young age, I was told this man is your father.

But what kind of dad could rape and beat his own daughter?

My innocence was stolen throughout my childhood.

Dirty, disgusting men putting their hands where they could.

I grew up and I waited for that one day to come where I would remind them of what they had done.

One by one I told them off, I could see fear in their eyes.

They too denied it as they covered it with lies.

I faced every one of them, I felt my spirit grow stronger.

They could not control my life or my fears no longer.

Now, like you, they seem smaller, not like big scary men at all, while I'm walking away proud and tall.

>>Okay.

>>ROBIN: I don't remember the first time I got raped, but I remember the emergency room after the rape.

Everything that happened to me growing up as a kid-- the abuse, the molestations I went through-- all of that happened when I was put in foster homes.

My adopted dad and two of my adopted brothers raped and molested me throughout my childhood.

And since I've been on my own, I've always looked for that great big guy that would protect me.

I never ever in my life thought that they would hurt me, that they would try to destroy me, try to kill me.

But that's what happened.

(train horn blares) Well, a lot of things have changed in my life.

I was able to finally move off the reservation.

But my kids aren't gonna be here with me at the Y.

They're gonna be staying with their dad on the reservation.

So, I'm staying at the Y by myself.

The YWCA is a shelter for battered women.

I still am planning on going to the University of Minnesota, which is right across the river from Fargo.

But it seems like the harder I try to move forward, there's something that keeps holding me back.

What happened in my life is that when I got out of treatment, my daughter, Darian, she said, "I'm really proud that you're going to AA meetings, and that you're trying to stay sober."

So then I thought everything's going good, until I got a boyfriend who beat the hell out of me.

Well, Darian, she wanted me alone and to promise her I'm not gonna have a boyfriend.

Then I told her, "Darian, I just can't do that."

Three or four days later, she came to me and she had little cuts, little scrapes on her wrist.

And I ended up putting her in the hospital.

She told them that if I have to live with my mom, I'm gonna be here again.

That just crushed me.

So I decided that she could go live with her dad.

The social workers said Darian and Anthony have been together since the divorce.

They get their support from each other.

And I told them that my son could go live with their dad, too.

And I wasn't ready for that.

And they're all telling me, "Good job, Robin.

"I'm glad you're thinking about the kids.

"And I know how hard this is for you, but I'm really proud that you're thinking about the kids."

My son, he's not like Darian.

He's more fragile than Darian.

He's used to mom hugging and kissing and telling him, you know, "I love you," and building up his self-confidence, because he really, really struggles with that.

And he doesn't get that with his dad.

>>Robin C., can you please come to the office?

You have an appointment.

Robin C. to the office for an appointment.

>>Hi, Robin.

>>ROBIN: Hey.

>>Come on in.

I've been wanting to talk with you for just quite some time.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>And, for myself, I guess I'm just kind of curious.

I know that you wanted to start looking for employment?

>>ROBIN: The education and employment worker helped me do up my resume and stuff, which was great.

>>Okay.

>>ROBIN: Um, so I was able to forward that to a couple of places.

Um, well, I see in the paper that they have welding and I had two years of welding in high school.

>>Oh.

you did?

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

>>Okay.

>>ROBIN: So I could...

I could do that.

>>Mm-hmm.

What type of employment have you-- do you have experience?

>>ROBIN: Contracting, inventory, purchasing, worked for the federal government for, um, quite some time.

>>And what did you do when you were an employee at the federal government?

>>ROBIN: I worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs as a purchasing agent.

>>Okay.

>>ROBIN: I worked in contracting.

I was the travel liaison, which meant I just drew down the monies for the tribe, for the contracts that they had.

>>That's very good.

>>ROBIN: Um, and I assisted with writing the grants.

>>You have a lot of great work experience.

Your two-year degree is in... >>ROBIN: Liberal arts.

>>In liberal arts.

>>ROBIN: With emphasis in social work and psychology.

>>Good.

So if there's anything that I can do to help, let me know, Robin.

>>ROBIN: Okay.

I think the only thing would be just finding the resources that are available, that are... would assist with rent.

>>Okay.

And I just wanted to mention to you as well is that we have a hairdresser that's coming in tomorrow afternoon, if you'd be interested in getting your hair cut.

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

>>And I'll write you down for 3:00.

>>ROBIN: All right.

>>Very good.

And we'll see you then tomorrow in the afternoon.

>>ROBIN: Okay.

Thank you.

Getting my hair done!

(woman speaking on intercom) You know, when people help me, it's always a great surprise.

But my confidence is low, you know?

It's like I can't even get my own family to help me.

Why would these strangers help me?

Today I'm visiting the University of Minnesota in Moorhead, and I believe I'll be able to get in.

But it's just a matter of finding scholarships to help pay for it.

I like everything about it.

The size of it, smaller, it's cheaper.

I just love it.

>>Hi, Robin.

>>ROBIN: Hi.

>>Come on in.

Nice to see you again.

How are you doing?

>>ROBIN: Good.

>>Come on back.

>>ROBIN: I'm glad to be up here.

>>It's been a while since I've seen you.

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

So today I just wanted to make sure everything's in place.

>>Okay.

>>ROBIN: And make sure that my bases are covered before... >>We do have everything we need to consider you for admission.

It looks really good, 'cause we do have automatic admission for transfer students who have 24 credits of college level work and a 2.0 GPA or higher.

And it looks like you should meet those qualifications.

So, now it's kind of just a matter of us processing everything that we need to do, and then just kind of figuring out what you want to do.

We'll have to change you to starting in the fall, which is fine but... >>ROBIN: Okay.

>>Just thinking about what else.

We also set an appointment with you for social work.

Is that still what you're thinking about?

>>ROBIN: Yup.

Social work and psychology.

>>Oh, okay, and what are you thinking you wanna do with social work?

Are you gonna go on to grad school?

>>ROBIN: I wanna go back home and help other women.

>>Mm-hmm.

>>ROBIN: And, help out, you know... and work for, like, the victims of abuse program.

>>Oh, okay.

Okay.

>>ROBIN: Um, to be an advocate for that.

Or, you know, working with kids.

You know?

>>On the reservation?

>>ROBIN: It's gotta be... it's gonna be at home, on the reservation.

>>Okay.

>>ROBIN: 'Cause we need that there.

>>Yeah.

Sounds like it, you know?

It's... and it's certainly admirable that that's what you want to do, bring back your education and your knowledge, I think that's very impressive and... and I'm impressed.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>Well, you're really taking on the right steps and you're doing what you need to do.

And really, now, after today we'll get you a little more information, but you'll just kind of be hearing from us as far as what you need to do next.

And they'll give you your acceptance letter in probably ten days.

>>ROBIN: Oh, my God.

So I'm gonna be going back to college.

(laughter) I can't believe it.

(train horn blares) (woman singing native song) >>Hey to all of you Inaand and Kunsi on the Spirit Lake Nation, this is Hoksina.

You've tuned into KABU Radio 90.7 FM in Fort Totten, North Dakota.

Oh, it's sunny and 66 degrees and it's gonna be Mother's Day.

And there's a Kahomni dance over at the Candeska Cikana Community College.

(phone dialing) >>Hello?

>>ROBIN: Hey, it's Robin.

>>Yeah?

>>ROBIN: I need to borrow a car.

I'm gonna be back home for a couple days and... >>Oh.

>>ROBIN: I need to borrow a car so I can go visit my kids.

>>Yeah?

Okay.

>>ROBIN: All righty, thanks.

>>You're welcome.

>>ROBIN: Oh, my gosh.

>>Mom, I almost forgot.

Happy Mother's Day.

>>ROBIN: I was so lonesome with you guys gone.

>>Good.

>>ROBIN: Read your letter to me.

>>"I love you so, so much.

I hope you could understand "that you mean the world to me and, "and I wish that I could see you more often.

"I really miss you.

"I wish that I could see your apartment.

I hope Dad lets me..." >>Mom.

>>"...go to Fargo."

>>I don't have a letter for you.

>>I wish Dad would let me and Anthony stay for a week, at least a week.

I hope you don't forget me when you have a job or go to school.

♪You are so beautiful to me, can't you see?

♪You are so beautiful to me.

♪ Mom, I was just wondering when you were coming back home.

I hope you know you are a very strong, kind-hearted woman.

You are the bestest and only mother I could have."

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>"God wanted you to be my mother.

There is nothing in this world that could make me hate you.

I may be mad, or angry, but..." >>Oh, Mom, Mom.

>>"...every night I think of you."

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>"Sometimes I even dream of you.

Like in the hospital, I kept dreaming of you and I couldn't forget about you, even if I tried."

>>ROBIN: Mmm.

>>Then that's where I stopped.

>>ROBIN: Wow.

>>Mom, I don't have a letter for you cause Darian erased it yesterday.

>>You have a letter.

>>No, I don't!

>>Wanna see?

>>Mom... >>ROBIN: Thank you, baby.

Kiss?

>>You erased it yesterday.

>>ROBIN: You know what?

>>I don't have a letter.

>>Anthony, I'm sorry.

>>I'm not gonna talk till she doesn't, till she treats me good.

>>ROBIN: Anthony, come over here.

>>Oh, dang!

Mom, come here!

>>ROBIN: Ah!

He caught one!

>>Ah!

Come on, come on!

>>ROBIN: Oh, it broke!

That sucker was huge!

>>Oh, Darian, I caught a fish!

Oh, holy cow!

Oh, a good bobber on there, too.

That one there must've been good.

>>ROBIN: I want one now.

>>Yeah, Darian, you didn't catch nothing.

>>Whoa.

>>ROBIN: All right, guys.

>>No!

>>ROBIN: We're ready to go.

>>No, no, no, no, no!

>>ROBIN: Let's go.

If we're going, we better get.

>>Okay, good.

>>Mom, I love you, Mom.

>>ROBIN: I love you.

Did you guys have fun today?

>>Yeah.

>>I had lots of fun.

>>I had fun this weekend.

Mom?

>>ROBIN: What?

>>Promise you'll talk to Dad?

>>ROBIN: I promise.

>>About letting us go?

Huh?

>>ROBIN: I promise.

Not today, but when it gets closer to the time I will.

>>What time are you waiting for?

>>ROBIN: I don't know.

Until you guys are out of school, at least.

>>Okay.

>>ROBIN: Son?

Anthony?

>>What?

>>ROBIN: When your dad's girlfriend is treating you bad, I want you to let your dad know, okay?

>>Okay.

>>ROBIN: Do it when it's just the two of you alone.

All right?

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: Like when you're working on the trucks or something.

>>Okay.

>>ROBIN: I want you to say, "Dad, that there's... there's something bothering me that I want to talk to you about," okay?

>>Okay.

>>ROBIN: Darian, if you get tired of babysitting and taking care of those kids, then tell your dad.

All right?

>>Okay.

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: You need to find ways to talk to your dad about what goes on over there.

Okay?

>>All right.

>>ROBIN: 'Cause I can't do nothing about what goes on over there.

>>Okay.

>>ROBIN: It's gonna get better.

>>Okay.

>>ROBIN: And if you have a hard time telling him something that's really, really hard... >>Mmm.

>>ROBIN: Just close your eyes and spit it out.

>>Yes.

>>ROBIN: All right?

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: Because he's not gonna know unless you guys tell him.

I'm proud of both of you guys.

Sing Apayo.

>>Huh?

>>ROBIN: Sing Apayo.

(singing) (singing) My dear heavenly father Bless my mother, my father... ♪ (singing native song) My dear heavenly father Bless my mother, my father... Dar, you sing.

Son?

Anthony?

You all right?

Huh?

>>Yeah.

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: Anthony, son, come here.

I know what you need.

Come here.

I know what you need.

Come here.

(Anthony crying) Shh.

It's okay.

Come here, Dar.

(laughing) Over here, please.

Give me a kiss.

Thank you.

I am so proud of you guys.

>>Yeah.

>>Mom, I don't want to leave you.

>>ROBIN: Anthony, I know that you got hollered at a lot over there at your dad's.

It's okay to cry.

>>Yeah.

>>Mom, I love you.

>>ROBIN: I love you.

Bye.

>>I love you, Mom.

>>Bye!

>>ROBIN: Talk to you later.

>>Ew, Anthony, you farted again.

>>Time to go.

>>Hi, Dad.

(crying) (woman singing native song) >>ROBIN: Hey Mom, brought you some flowers for Mother's Day.

Just need your help right now, Ma.

I'm going through, you know, a lot right now.

Being away from home, moved to Fargo... Moorhead, I guess.

You know, being away from the kids.

They're living with their dad.

And it's just hard right now.

My mom was an alcoholic.

When we were taken from her, I was five, my brother Barney was just a baby.

Sometimes I just don't know if I'm doing the right thing or not.

Gets so hard and lonely.

Just keep going and hopefully it'll all turn out all right and...

I remember living at the neighbor's house and my mom pounding on the door.

She wanted to come and see us and it was so cold.

They'd tell her, "Go on, you're drunk.

Come back later when you're sober."

And I was standing by the bedroom door just crying.

I wanted to let her in, I wanted to see her.

But I never got the chance.

She was 30 when she froze to death.

So, Mom, I just really need your help right now, Ma.

Well, I'd stay longer but it's getting cold out here.

I'll come back next time I'm down.

I love you, I miss you.

Mmm.

I'm meeting my brother Barney in Grand Forks.

All I know from several phone calls is he's left his girlfriend and four kids again.

He's been hanging out with other Indians that are alcoholics and drug addicts.

I don't know where Barney sleeps at night.

It's scary to have your brother out like that.

>>Woman of the hour!

>>ROBIN: Hello.

>>Robin.

>>ROBIN: Oh, my God, I missed you.

How are you?

>>Pretty good.

You want a coffee?

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

>>Huh?

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

So?

>>Trying to find a job still.

You know, I'm still calling up on my applications.

>>ROBIN: A job?

Oh, my God I need one so fucking bad.

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: I have like 31st to get my rent in, which is like $550.

>>Wow.

>>ROBIN: And my employment... >>Mm-hmm.

>>ROBIN: ...is like nil right now, so... >>Mm-hmm.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>Yeah.

Mm-hmm.

>>ROBIN: You dyed your hair?

>>I got bored.

I was helping her dye her hair, there was like that much left over.

You know I got a lot of odds and ends against me right now.

>>ROBIN: Like what?

>>I tried to apply for help.

They shot me down 'cause I quit my job.

>>ROBIN: Well, Barney, you know what?

>>Yeah, sis?

>>ROBIN: You want to get away.

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: You can get away, you just won't.

>>My kids are hard ones to give up.

>>ROBIN: You're not giving them up!

>>I ain't gonna see them every day though.

>>ROBIN: If you end up back in jail are you gonna see them again every day?

>>Uh-uh.

I don't know.

>>ROBIN: Huh?

>>Hopefully she's nice enough to let me visit.

Bring them to the visit like she has been couple last times.

>>ROBIN: Well, have them come and stay with you every other weekend.

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: She's going after you for child support.

>>My kids, they're the only thing that's holding me to this state.

>>ROBIN: Well, you need to go to Fargo.

>>Yeah, I know I need to do it.

>>ROBIN: Before you up and go anywhere Barney you need to... my God, figure shit out.

>>I'm trying.

>>ROBIN: I know.

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: I'm scared and I'm worried about you.

>>Why?

>>ROBIN: Because I am.

>>But I'm still... >>ROBIN: I have been.

>>You know, I-I get in a little bit of trouble here and there but I'm trying to, I'm trying to get a job.

I'm trying to, I'm trying to stand up.

Look, I got so much pulling me down.

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

>>My last...

I got paid today.

They garnished my checks to $53.

What can you do with $53, sis?

>>ROBIN: You can get your ass to Fargo.

>>I don't want nobody to feel sorry for me.

People in general just kinda feel, like, sorry for an Indian.

>>ROBIN: Uh-huh.

>>Sis.

>>ROBIN: There is so many ways I could help you but I can't with that much space between us.

I can't.

Minnesota has a lot more programs to offer than North Dakota.

I don't know what they are yet.

>>Robin?

Taking handouts?

It's acting like I got a broken ankle or busted fingers.

I got... all my fingers work.

My back works just fine.

I can lift up to 150 pounds.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>I can work need be 12 hours.

I've wanted a job.

>>ROBIN: Well, then, why are you bouncing from job to job?

>>Hmm.

>>ROBIN: Why are you having such a hard time holding a job?

>>I don't know.

I get sidetracked.

Actually I just need...

I would like to get on some type of medication to keep my mind focused.

>>ROBIN: Well, exactly!

You think it was easy for me admitting, "Yeah, my name is Robin Charboneau, and I'm an alcoholic."

You think that was easy?

>>Nope.

>>ROBIN: I used to make fun of that shit.

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: All you can do is worry about yourself.

>>Mm-hmm.

>>ROBIN: You're an awesome dad.

You know that.

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: You know?

And Brenda knows that.

That's why she keeps having all these babies with you.

>>I know that.

>>ROBIN: But get yourself a place in Fargo.

I'll help you.

>>Mm-hmm.

>>ROBIN: Show Brenda that, you know what, "I can take care of myself."

>>I've been trying to get rid of this girl for about two years now.

Every time I try to get rid of her, she gets pregnant.

>>ROBIN: Well, cover the thing up and get it cut or something.

Get neutered and you don't have that problem.

>>There's too many bad influences.

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

>>You know, I can't get a job, child support... >>ROBIN: Uh-huh.

And... >>But I can take a bus to come to Fargo.

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

>>We can motivate each other and... You shove me and I shove you forward, and that's all we can do.

>>ROBIN: Uh-huh.

>>That's my whole plan of getting Fargo is, to get us... get me motivated to get a job, to get you motivated to get a job.

I finally got you off the reservation like I've been asking you for how long?

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

>>Come here, Barney.

>>And finally.

Thank you... >>Come on, Barney.

>>...for making that step.

Sherman, party on, bud.

I'll catch up with you in a little bit.

It's depressing on the reservation.

Time stopped over there.

>>Here I am.

Sioux Indian.

>>I'll get with you in a minute.

>>Disrespect.

Grand Forks, already had.

>>ROBIN: He's had too much to drink.

>>You're disrespecting me now.

>>Come on, Barney, why not?

Stand up for me.

>>You can leave.

>>ROBIN: Just let him go.

>>And here I am.

>>ROBIN: My brother Barney hangs around with the Indians that are lost in the cities.

>>Where's my tribe?

>>ROBIN: Drinking and drugging... >>I see disrespect every day.

>>ROBIN: Hanging out with other skins from the rez.

>>I face it every day amongst my people.

>>ROBIN: They think that once they've left the reservation, that it's gonna be easier in the city.

But the addiction follows you wherever you go.

>>You done?

>>Make my people stand up for me.

>>ROBIN: Oh, my God.

>>I'll catch you in a little bit then.

Go.

>>Barney, I'm just a Sioux Indian that has nowhere to go.

I face housing and everything every day.

>>Oh, he's gotten close to it.

After this.

>>ROBIN: You're close to it.

Close to that.

>>I won't get as bad as him though.

>>ROBIN: That's a sad representation of us, you know?

>>Mm-hmm.

>>ROBIN: You're close to that.

And I don't want to see that.

I can't handle that.

>>No?

>>ROBIN: I fucking worry about that all the time.

I'm no better, I'm just as close to you... >>But I want to get going.

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

Yeah.

>>Let's go get some more coffee.

Yeah, those two cappuccinos has got me jittery.

>>ROBIN: Barney, are you really gonna catch the bus to Fargo?

>>Yeah, I'm gonna be there, sis.

(train horn blaring) >>ROBIN: Hey.

How are you?

>>I'm good to go.

So what you been up to?

>>ROBIN: I found a great apartment.

>>Oh yeah?

>>ROBIN: And I just love it.

>>Good, good, good.

>>ROBIN: And I visited Barney.

>>Oh.

How's Barney doing then?

>>ROBIN: Uh, he's doing...

I don't know.

He needs to get into treatment.

You know, he's drinking and drugging again.

>>Does he want it?

>>ROBIN: He does.

>>Did he ask for it or did you just suggest it?

>>ROBIN: He needs help.

He's gonna have to come down here.

>>Oh.

>>ROBIN: Growing up, I never had a dad.

I always wanted to know who my real dad was.

...and he was in jail and stuff.

>>Yeah, jail's no fun.

>>ROBIN: I was in my early 20s when I was told that my dad was Arlen French.

>>Mmm.

>>ROBIN: So I called and he answered the phone.

...he's scared, you know?

I had asked him, "Do you know Emma Poor Bear?"

He said, "Yeah."

>>Well that's... that's one of the problems that I had too... >>ROBIN: I said, "I was told that you're my dad.

Is there any truth to that?"

And he said, "No, I'm not."

>>I couldn't even look at myself in the mirror anymore.

I knew Robin was my daughter.

I just...

I was scared, you know?

My wife Donna and I have three children.

When Robin called, boy, Donna was mad.

She says, "Uh, well how many more have we got?

How many more kids do you have?"

she asked.

I couldn't answer it 'cause I didn't know.

And Donna didn't talk to me for about three days.

It was that bad.

But after I had called and talked to Robin and told her I was her dad, and she could come down and visit.

>>ROBIN: Uh-huh.

>>I've been sober now for six years.

You know, I'm an alcoholic.

I mean, It's been like 23 years.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

Since we met, we've had an up-and-down relationship.

When things get intense between myself and my dad's family, he tends to... whatever Donna says goes.

Which is understandable, that's his wife.

And she's known him a lot longer than I have.

Um, but, he won't say nothing to me, you know?

Which is... makes it even that much more difficult.

>>I'll tell you, God's not gonna give me any more than he doesn't think I can handle.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>I mean I can multitask a lot of things.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>I wanna say it'll get better.

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

>>You've probably heard that a million times.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

Mmm.

>>So without working, how you surviving?

>>ROBIN: Um... >>Some money, you know, financial?

How are you doing on that?

>>ROBIN: Right now it's nil.

There's nothing.

I think I got like $20.

>>So how's your rent getting paid?

>>ROBIN: Um, I gotta call everywhere and try to find out.

I want to call like the Salvation Army.

>>Mm-hmm.

>>ROBIN: But, we'll get by.

Mmm, somehow.

>>Yeah, don't tell Donna.

>>ROBIN: Uh-huh.

Oh, my God, I need this so bad, Dad.

Oh, thank you.

>>Been a good day.

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

>>I'm trying to be a father.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>Trying to be a grandfather.

Unbelievable some of the things that have happened over the last few years.

(man singing native song) >>Ew, awesome.

Look at this, Mom.

>>ROBIN: I'm just so happy to see you.

>>Good.

>>ROBIN: I love you both so much.

>>Love you too, Mom.

>>ROBIN: The kids came up for a couple weeks.

What do you guys think of Fargo?

And I've been waiting, and waiting... >>It's ugly.

>>ROBIN: ...for that day.

>>Cool.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

Son?

>>It's okay.

>>What?

>>ROBIN: What do you think of Fargo?

>>I don't know.

>>ROBIN: The first thing that I noticed was my son.

>>I don't know.

>>ROBIN: You don't know?

It was so cute to see him smiling and happy.

>>Yeah, that's cool.

>>Whoa.

>>ROBIN: I don't understand why Darian has to call her dad every day.

>>We'll be with Dad.

>>ROBIN: And check in and tell him... >>We'll be with dad.

>>ROBIN: ...how her day was.

But not once did Anthony get a phone call from Dad, saying, "I miss you, son.

How's your day going?"

So I really am totally confused.

>>What do you think of college?

>>What's that?

Dorms?

>>What kind of classes are you in?

>>ROBIN: That's the dorms, yup.

>>What kind of classes are you in?

>>ROBIN: I'm in social work and psychology.

I have science and... >>Just like normal school?

Like math and everything?

>>ROBIN: Um, yup.

>>Do you have any social studies or whatever?

>>ROBIN: Um, I got to learn... this semester I'll be taking up Indian education.

>>Indian edu... Indian education.

>>ROBIN: Drug and alcohol abuse.

>>Mom, I bet you if you... >>Well, that's good since you stay sober now.

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

They have like a theater here that we can come to.

>>A theater?

>>Wow.

>>ROBIN: And watch plays and stuff.

>>Do we have to pay?

>>ROBIN: It's like a dollar.

>>Awesome.

>>Cool.

>>You chose a good school.

>>Mom, can we go swimming?

>>ROBIN: First me and Darian have to talk for a little bit.

>>Yup.

>>ROBIN: Darian, Mom's been sober for six months.

Pretty proud of it.

>>Mmm.

>>ROBIN: Were you scared I was gonna be drinking?

>>Yes.

>>ROBIN: And do you see a difference at all?

>>Mm-hmm.

>>ROBIN: Good one or a bad one?

>>Good one.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>Now we have to set another goal.

>>ROBIN: What's another one?

>>Okay.

Um, we have to ride... go for a nice, long horse ride.

>>ROBIN: Mmm.

Darian and I have always talked about everything that I've gone through as a kid.

>>That's what makes it a challenge.

>>ROBIN: I wanted her to always feel comfortable and safe telling me if anybody ever hurt her in any way.

>>Um, you... you said that you, talking on the phone, have to get used to being a mom again.

>>ROBIN: Mmm.

Mm-hmm.

I'd never had that talk with my kids of the good touch, bad touch type thing.

Mom wasn't ready for it.

I didn't think about her response.

I didn't think about how I was gonna deal with that.

I just thought about how I was gonna talk to her about it.

So when she said... when Darian told me, "Mom, what if it did happen, or does happen, what are you gonna do?"

I looked at her and I told her, "Darian," I said, "Mom's gonna do whatever she has to to protect you."

She just started crying.

What's wrong?

She said, "I don't want Dad to go to jail."

What's the matter?

And then I knew that her dad was messing around with her.

Darian, what's wrong?

What's going on?

Hmm?

>>Mmm.

>>ROBIN: I can't read your mind, honey.

>>Mmm.

>>ROBIN: Are you...?

>>It's just... mad at him.

>>ROBIN: I know that you want to be Daddy's little girl again but you can't right now, Darian.

It's gonna be all right.

>>Mmm.

>>ROBIN: All right?

>>Just as long as my dad gets help.

>>ROBIN: As long as what?

>>My dad gets help.

>>ROBIN: Your dad gets help?

>>Mmm.

>>ROBIN: I know that it's hard, honey.

But you didn't... you're not being punished.

You know that, right?

None of this, my girl, is your fault.

You did nothing wrong.

And this is not a punishment for you.

And your dad's not being punished.

You understand that?

I'm so proud of you, Darian, for everything.

All right?

And it's okay, honey.

I understand.

And we're gonna just keep praying for Daddy.

Okay?

We're gonna just keep praying for Daddy.

Listen to me.

God hears you.

He sees you.

And He's gonna answer your prayers all the time.

And you didn't do nothing wrong.

None of this is your fault, my girl, okay?

You are so brave.

And you're giving your daddy the best gift any little girl could give their daddy, and that is to get Daddy some help.

So you and Daddy can have a good, healthy relationship and you can have Daddy back again.

>>Robin told me what Darian had said, about her father touching her in places that he shouldn't be.

So, I talked to her and told her just to stay calm around Darian.

Not to drill her, ask her a lot of questions and that I would get a hold of, um, law enforcement.

So we got in touch with the victim witness specialist in Grand Forks who made an appointment in Fargo to interview Darian.

>>ROBIN: What's going on in your head, hmm?

>>And then I talked to the caseworker at Tribal Social Services.

She told me she wondered if Robin had coached Darian into saying things about her father so that she could get custody.

But the interview cleared it up.

Whatever Darian had said must have been powerful enough for Social Services to take Darian and Anthony from their father.

So now they're gonna be looking at whether or not to take Robin's ex-husband to court.

>>ROBIN: It's okay to get angry.

You know, like they say, like you have that good angel and that bad angel on you all the time?

>>Right here and here?

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>This is the good angel, this is the devil.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

And, you know, like, the good one, she's like... tells you, like, that's wrong.

Don't do that, that's right.

Or don't do that, that's wrong.

>>Don't do that, that's right, that's what this one says.

>>ROBIN: Oh, okay.

And this one's, like, telling you all the good stuff to do.

>>Yeah, and this one is telling you, "No, it's okay, you can do that.

No, no it's okay, you can do that."

>>ROBIN: And, you know, like how you... like, you felt, like, when you told Mom about what was going on?

It felt like it was the right thing.

But then now it feels like it's the wrong thing?

You know, this one's telling you it's the right thing to do.

And this one over here is saying, "No, you're getting punished now 'cause of it."

This one's wrong.

This is the right one over here.

>>I've been listening to the bad one.

>>ROBIN: That's the one that tells you, "It's your fault, you did something wrong."

He's wrong.

This is the one you need to listen to.

This one knows.

This is the one that's close to God.

>>No, this one is.

Which side is that one on?

>>ROBIN: This one.

You know, like, how you started crying?

Because you knew it was wrong.

It didn't feel right to you.

>>Oh.

>>ROBIN: And it's okay.

It's okay to say, "I'm angry, I'm hurt."

You know why you get angry?

Because somebody hurt you.

That's your body saying... that's your body telling you, "Somebody hurt me, so I'm gonna get angry.

Because nobody should hurt me.

I'm good."

And you are.

You're the best thing in the world.

You're Darian Patricia Charboneau.

Nobody can beat that.

>>Except for me.

>>ROBIN: Except for you.

You're the only one that can beat it.

>>Can we going swimming?

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

>>Can we go to the park?

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

Any other questions?

>>Do I have to clean my room after?

>>ROBIN: Yes, you do.

>>Okay.

(laughter) >>How you been?

>>ROBIN: Oh, I've been so busy.

I feel lost.

>>You're gonna have to do your program.

>>ROBIN: Uh-huh.

>>Uh-huh.

>>ROBIN: I really am happy you are my sponsor.

>>Good.

>>ROBIN: So, school started.

>>Mm-hmm.

>>ROBIN: There just really needs to be two of me to get all this stuff done.

>>So what you're gonna have to do, honey, is you're gonna have to do little steps.

Okay?

So you don't get overwhelmed.

>>ROBIN: It's been so hectic, you know?

Trying to get like the homework together and the books together and then, um, just figuring out, you know, what I have to do for each... both of the kids, so they'd be ready for school.

And I'm, like, completely unprepared.

>>No, you're not.

>>ROBIN: They have like no... they have some school supplies, but they have, like, no shoes.

Just clothes, you know, other than what we got from the Y, but Darian's just like, "Mom, what am I gonna wear?"

So we... >>I know there's some programs that'll help with that.

>>ROBIN: Uh-huh.

>>But I'll have to dig on it tomorrow.

Listen to me.

Listen.

I'm not leaving you alone.

And you know that we can do this, right?

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>I know the kids are going through stuff and I know you're going through stuff, right?

>>ROBIN: Uh-huh.

>>All right.

So, you're gonna have to go to the meetings.

>>ROBIN: I know, I so need them.

>>Well, you don't wanna start drinking again.

And the kids don't want that.

With all the stuff everybody's going through, you gotta remember all the goodness.

And part of the problem before was seeing Mom drunk.

>>ROBIN: Uh-huh.

>>And now, since you're being sober... and you know something, kids are kinda strange.

>>ROBIN: Uh-huh.

>>When we throw a wrench into their life and we go, "Hey, wait a minute, I'm not drinking anymore," you don't see that crazy behavior anymore.

They're going... >>ROBIN: Uh-huh.

>>They don't like it.

>>ROBIN: Okay.

>>Because they're not used to it, that's not what they've lived.

And you have to remember, you didn't just put the cork on the bottle.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>What you did is you're changing your lifestyle.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>And, Robin, you're an empowered woman.

And this is how you get to be more empowered.

True?

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

>>Aw, dang it.

I don't like this 'cause I don't get the stupid thing.

>>Ho-ho, look it, Anthony.

Look at how far I got.

>>Can you help me?

>>Let me fix mine up first, all right?

>>Yours is much easier, man.

Mine's stupid.

>>Oh, I see.

>>Yours is way easier than mine, man.

>>I'm not a man.

>>Geez, woman, then.

>>Much better.

>>Girl.

>>Robin, to get a decision with sexual abuse cases here, I-I couldn't even tell you.

I don't know how long it's gonna take.

>>ROBIN: I'm in court soon on the reservation.

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: Are you gonna be there with me?

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: We're going for custody.

>>Oh, okay.

Your ex-husband, does he know about the allegations?

>>ROBIN: I'm sure he does.

And the restraining order.

>>Okay.

>>ROBIN: Hopefully I can keep my cool.

>>Yeah.

There's a lot of pressure.

>>ROBIN: I've been holding like everything in so I'm just, like, please, God, don't let me flip out on him.

>>Oh, you need to maintain your composure.

>>ROBIN: I know.

That is... >>...the hardest thing to do when one of your kids has been hurt.

>>ROBIN: I'm just really scared.

>>Yeah?

>>ROBIN: I don't have legal custody of both my kids.

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: I just...

I don't know what's gonna happen to them.

>>Oh, I think you have a pretty good chance of bringing your kids back.

>>ROBIN: Hopefully, but it's gonna be dirty, it's gonna be rough.

>>Yeah.

Is Darian doing good?

>>ROBIN: Everything right now is just anger of not being able to see her dad.

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: She's saying it's my fault I can't see Dad.

>>Uh-huh.

>>ROBIN: You know how they had me explain, you know, that "your dad's sick right now ."

>>Yup?

>>ROBIN: "He needs help."

That's really, really helped.

I mean from the simplest words, from saying, "Your dad's sick."

>>Okay.

>>ROBIN: You know, other than from, "No, you can't see your dad right now, you're not going back to your dad," you know?

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: And just changing your words around to where she'll understand.

>>Makes all the difference.

>>ROBIN: Makes a big difference.

Mm-hmm.

And I've been so watching my tongue and trying not to say what I think of him.

>>It will be easier when she gets older.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>Okay, make sure anything you have, that you can use in court, bring that with you.

>>ROBIN: Okay.

Thank you for everything.

>>You're welcome.

>>ROBIN: Well I'll see you soon.

>>Okay.

>>Aw, I'm dumb.

>>You're not dumb.

Don't say that.

>>Mm-hmm.

>>You're not dumb, don't say it.

>>ROBIN: Hey... >>Mom!

>>ROBIN: What you making?

>>Nothing.

>>I can't get nothing.

>>Anthony, stop being a baby.

>>ROBIN: You guys are gonna have to clean up.

>>Why?

>>ROBIN: This house needs to be clean and I have class tomorrow.

>>Why you crabby?

>>ROBIN: I'm really crabby when I don't go to AA.

>>I don't care about AA.

>>ROBIN: AA is like time to myself.

>>I don't want to clean the house.

>>ROBIN: Darian, your turn to cook, so his turn to clean.

>>No, I don't want to.

>>Me neither.

>>ROBIN: Yup.

My dragon ID.

>>Which dragon ID?

>>ROBIN: MSUM.

>>Just so I know.

>>ROBIN: Yup.

>>Thank you.

>>ROBIN: I thought my first year here in college would be just me, and I could focus just on my classes.

But I wonder with everything else going on in my life, with Darian and Anthony, am I gonna be able to focus on college?

Or am I gonna fall back into drinking?

Is it gonna be too much for me?

I can't think about all of that.

Oh, my God.

I just gotta get through one class at a time.

>>Okay, okay.

Welcome to Psych 317, alcohol and drug abuse.

The first topic we'll deal with is the physical effect of drugs.

That includes the drug dosage, how much of a drug you take.

The root of administration, how a drug gets inside of you.

Orally, by injection, inhalation.

The second is a characteristic of a drug user.

That includes the genetic makeup of the individual and ethnicity.

>>ROBIN: The whole class is intimidating to me.

It's bigger, and all of these other students here are coming from high school.

It makes me feel old.

I know I'm doing everything so backwards.

I was married for eight years, I'm divorced.

I've got two kids at home.

I've owned two houses.

And I was a drunk.

>>It should not be surprising then that alcohol is the drug that has the highest correlation with antisocial behavior.

And, in particular, violence.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>Spousal abuse and even murders.

>>When we get to the chapter on alcohol, we'll see a little more why alcohol does the things it does.

Because, remember, alcohol is what?

A stimulant or a depressant?

Oh?

>>ROBIN: Depressant.

>>A depressant.

Since alcohol is a depressant, it shuts down your motor system.

And you can have... >>Cirrhosis.

>>Cirrhosis of the liver.

Now we'll see you on... >>See you later.

>>Friday.

No, not Friday, next Tuesday.

I forget this is not Monday, Wednesday.

>>Mom, what happened in school?

>>ROBIN: It was good until I went to one of my classes and the class was canceled.

>>Hmm.

>>ROBIN: So then I had to drop the class and figure out how I'm gonna get the money for that book.

And the study guide, which will probably be about $150.

>>Whoa.

>>That's a lot.

So you grabbed the book?

>>ROBIN: No, I don't have the book.

I'm gonna be starting the class without the book.

>>Mm-hmm.

>>ROBIN: I have to wait until I get the rest of my financial aid.

>>I'm gonna take that piece of hamburger and put it on here for now.

>>Mm-mmm.

>>Wow, this is starting... >>ROBIN: I worry about tribal court.

My ex-husband has a lot of connections on the reservation.

>>We have to put that seasoning in now.

>>ROBIN: So I'm afraid that my kids will have to go back to their dad.

Anthony, what do you think about starting counseling?

>>I don't know.

>>ROBIN: 'Cause you know how you're having, like, a hard time dealing with everything?

>>Mm-hmm.

>>Want me to do that?

>>No, I already got one hamburger down.

>>ROBIN: So what do you think about having your own counselor?

>>Huh?

>>ROBIN: You need to.

>>I need help.

>>ROBIN: You're gonna have to keep going to counseling.

>>But I don't want to.

>>ROBIN: Well, I'm not arguing any more.

>>I don't care.

>>ROBIN: 'Cause you're starting to piss me off.

Do what you're told.

>>Yes, ma'am.

>>ROBIN: Mommy Dearest.

I'm your mom, I know everything.

>>You don't know everything.

You don't even know what two plus two is.

>>ROBIN: Two twos.

>>It ain't, it's four.

You're wrong.

>>ROBIN: No, I just think differently.

>>Stop it.

I'm sick of you both teasing me.

(rain showers, thunder) >>Get out of here!

Get out of here, I don't want you in my life.

You tease me too much.

>>ROBIN: I'm sorry.

>>I just want my dad!

>>ROBIN: Look at me.

>>What do you want?

>>ROBIN: I know that you want your dad, and I know that you miss him.

>>I can't live without him.

>>ROBIN: You're not gonna.

>>Sorry I yelled at you.

>>ROBIN: You didn't do nothing wrong, okay?

>>I hate my life.

>>ROBIN: Anthony?

>>Don't... do not go to court.

I don't want you to go to court.

>>ROBIN: That's okay.

>>I want to live with you but I have to have Dad.

>>ROBIN: I know.

I know, and that's okay.

There's nothing wrong with that, son, okay?

Look at me, look at me.

Daddy misses you, too.

Okay?

Dad loves you, too, okay?

You know what?

It's gonna get better.

'Cause, remember, we went and talked with that counselor guy today?

And remember how he was telling you, you know, those things... >>I don't want to go there.

>>ROBIN: No, no, listen to me.

Remember how he was telling you that... >>He just... he just made me worse.

>>ROBIN: How?

>>He told me all that stuff and then I can't get it out of my head.

>>ROBIN: Like what?

>>All that stuff where, like, when you get your temper up, and I can't get it out of my head.

>>ROBIN: Do you think that's because he made you feel like, "Hey, this guy is talking about me.

How does he know all of this stuff about me?"

Hmm?

Is that how it made you feel?

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: You know what?

>>What?

>>ROBIN: The more we see the counselor, the better it's gonna get.

>>It's not gonna get any better.

>>ROBIN: It's just gonna take time.

You know what?

There's a whole bunch of other kids in the world that are like that.

That do that, not just you.

It's not you.

>>Everybody teases me.

I don't even have no friends, that's why I like smaller schools.

I hate huge schools.

>>ROBIN: Are you scared Darian is not gonna be there?

>>No, I'm not scared 'cause of that.

I don't want to get a detention.

>>ROBIN: I know.

>>I don't wanna go to see the principal.

>>ROBIN: You're not gonna, okay?

Time for bed.

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: Dar?

>>Mm-hmm?

>>ROBIN: It's time for bed, babe.

>>Coming.

Mom, I need to get a school assignment book.

>>ROBIN: Yup.

Do you have all your clothes ready?

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: Goodnight, I love you.

>>I love you, Mom.

>>You know Leann?

>>ROBIN: I just started here.

>>Oh, oh you just started working?

>>ROBIN: Yes.

I'm cleaning rooms part time three days a week.

I'm missing so much school 'cause I wasn't planning on having my kids with me right now.

Housekeeping.

Housekeeping.

Oh, it's too damn early.

As grateful as I am to be with my kids, I only budgeted for myself.

So we're living off of my student loans, and right now I just don't have any money.

(sighs) I asked the tribe for financial assistance with the kids.

They both see the psychologist and the doctor, so I'm running up medical bills.

I gotta figure out how to get them the things they need for school.

So I'm gonna have to find another job to support us all.

But no matter how much pressure I'm under, I'm not gonna drink.

I'm gonna keep this family together.

Today's gonna be a good day.

I can feel it.

>>Mommy, Mommy.

>>ROBIN: Hi.

>>Hello.

>>ROBIN: How was school?

>>Good.

>>ROBIN: Good?

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: Was it as bad as you thought it was gonna be?

>>I don't know.

>>ROBIN: Do you like it?

>>Yeah... scary.

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

Did you make any friends?

>>I don't know.

>>ROBIN: Did you talk to people?

>>Yes.

>>ROBIN: So, you... >>Yeah?

>>ROBIN: ...got any cute boys there?

>>Mmm, no.

I don't know, Mom.

Why do you ask me that?

>>Mom, I'm home.

>>ROBIN: Hi.

How was your day?

>>Good.

>>ROBIN: Wow.

>>Yup.

>>ROBIN: Do you like your school?

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: Do you?

>>Except for lunch, I don't.

>>ROBIN: Huh?

>>We just had pizza.

>>The only weird thing about it is that you can only get hot dogs and subs for the whole year.

>>No.

>>ROBIN: You get more than hot dogs.

>>That's what they said, I think.

Mom, guess what?

I need a pencil pouch and I need a coloring box.

>>He said he doesn't... >>ROBIN: You don't have a pencil pouch?

>>I have a pencil pouch, I just need a coloring box.

>>Maybe at Loopy's they have some.

>>ROBIN: Well, can we wait a couple more days?

When we get more money, we can get calculators and the rest of the stuff you need.

>>It's like $8, eight or ten.

>>I have five bucks.

>>ROBIN: All right, if you guys want to, you can sit down and make a list of the things that they said that you need, which would be great.

>>I have $8.

>>All I need is just two folders and a calculator and some pencils, and a padlock.

>>ROBIN: Okay.

>>We just need a calculator to check... >>ROBIN: Put it down on the list so I can go get it for you.

>>Mom, are you okay?

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

>>We don't have to get it if you don't want to.

>>ROBIN: I want to get it for you.

Um, guess what?

>>What?

>>ROBIN: You got to get up at 6:00.

>>I know.

>>Not me, I don't have to wake up early, ha ha.

>>ROBIN: Oh really?

>>School starts at 8:00.

>>ROBIN: That's fine.

Guess what else?

>>What?

>>ROBIN: I have AA tonight.

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: You have to put yourselves to bed.

>>It's okay.

Oh Mom, here's your necklace I made you.

>>ROBIN: Wow.

>>Stretchy.

>>ROBIN: Thanks.

>>Boing, boing, boing.

I love you.

>>ROBIN: I love you both so much.

>>Thanks, Mom.

I'm so happy to be back with you.

>>ROBIN: Hi, this message is for Aaron.

I'm calling in regards to the status of the investigation-- this is Robin Charboneau-- on my ex-husband, Anthony.

I went to court yesterday for my kids and the judge needs a report or something from the FBI as to where the status of the investigation is on my ex-husband.

And I'd like to know 'cause the tribe took my kids and I just wanted to know if there was anything else I can do to... to help the investigation.

Please give me a call at 351-3751.

Thanks.

The tribe came and took my kids.

They said I was an unfit mother because my kids missed two days of school for their counseling appointments and doctor's appointments.

But what the caseworker presented to the court was completely different from what she had told me.

Without providing any evidence, she said that I was sexually abusing my daughter.

She had made the same allegations of sexual abuse against me that were made by the FBI against my ex-husband.

My kids were crying.

They didn't know what was going on.

Nobody ever explained to them what was going on.

All that Social Services told them was, "You can't go live with your mom right now."

With everything my kids have gone through with their dad, since they had been here with me, they were starting to make progress.

They were starting to adjust to school.

Darian started to make friends, I was going to AA three times a week.

I went to therapy.

I have a home, but Tribal Social Services come and they take my kids.

So I'm going to my lawyer's today to ask him again, "What do I need to do to get my kids back?"

>>Good afternoon, Ackre Law Firm.

Yes, Robert Ackre is in but he's with somebody.

>>As far as I can tell, Robin... >>ROBIN: Yes.

>>You and your ex-husband are fighting for custody.

>>ROBIN: He molested our daughter.

>>So since he has those federal charges pending against him, you are fighting against the Spirit Lake Tribe.

>>ROBIN: Yes.

>>And the Social Services Child Welfare Department.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>Okay, the tribal court is asserting jurisdiction in this case because your children are enrolled members, okay?

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>You are an enrolled member.

Okay?

Now, just to make it clear, we did submit some paperwork to the tribal court indicating that I would represent you pro bono.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>Okay?

>>So the last time you spoke with Darian and Anthony, your children, was when?

>>ROBIN: September 13, about.

On the phone.

>>And the reason why you spoke to them on the phone was because of the no contact order.

>>ROBIN: Social Services.

Man, it's-it's really, really messed up 'cause the conflict of the director of Tribal Social Services and my ex-husband's personal relationship.

Also because the caseworker and my adopted sister are like childhood friends.

That's the family that raped and molested me growing up.

>>Mmm.

>>ROBIN: My adopted family.

>>Monique, the caseworker, is best friends with Robin's adopted sister.

And the adopted sister is mad at Robin for doing this film.

They don't want people to know about what had gone on in the family while they were growing up.

You know, there's gonna be... or they feel like there's going to be a lot of information given out to the public, and about the sexual abuse that had gone on while they were growing up.

And, you know, it's embarrassing for them.

But I think that may be contributing to the problems that Robin is having with Social Services.

>>And the allegations that they used to take the children away from you were what?

>>ROBIN: What she said was my mental instability and the kids were missing a lot of school.

But what she submitted to the court, to tribal court, was that... was based on the forensic interview done on July 30... >>Yes.

>>ROBIN: So she's using the same allegations against... that she's... against me that she's using against Anthony.

>>Which is your ex-husband.

So there was a forensic examination done on your... >>ROBIN: On my daughter.

>>On your daughter.

Okay, Dar.

>>ROBIN: From the FBI.

>>Okay, and now they claim that you're sexually abusing your children?

>>ROBIN: That's what she... that's what she states in her claim.

>>That's one month ago.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>On Friday they will be informing the court-- and this is Tribal Social Services-- why visitation should not occur between you and your children.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>And they have to most likely show to the court how you allegedly maltreated these children.

>>ROBIN: Uh-huh.

>>How you are allegedly are "a risk of being a sexual offender to the children."

If they don't show it, the judge is probably gonna send the children back.

>>ROBIN: To where?

>>To where they were before.

>>ROBIN: Me?

>>Well, the thing is... >>ROBIN: Their dad?

>>Their dad.

Because right now, his federal charges are not resolved.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>And could be dismissed.

Also, what raises a concern for me is they speak in their petition that you stipulated that your ex-husband could have custody.

>>ROBIN: Uh-huh.

>>And that was last year.

>>ROBIN: Uh-huh.

>>You remember that?

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

It was because my daughter ended up in Grand Forks Hospital because she was trying to commit suicide.

But one of the things was I didn't show up at court.

I had already agreed to give Anthony custody and I had... when Darian tried to do that it was the day after she came home from a visit to her dad's.

And it was with her dad's picture that she was trying to cut her wrists with.

And at that time I didn't realize it.

Now that she came out with... saying what her dad did to her, I'm able to see... well, I should have listened or seen it.

>>You gave him custody because she never told you anything was happening between her and him?

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>You assumed it was something you did?

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>Okay, we got court coming up here.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>It looks like everybody's going in there in the dark because we've not been provided any type of report.

Also I want you to tell the court how you've survived since the children were taken.

>>ROBIN: My retirement funds.

I withdrew my retirement from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

And that's how I got myself a vehicle.

And how I've been coming back and forth here, and... >>How much money do you have left?

>>ROBIN: It's down to the last cents.

>>Well, we'll have to point out to the court is you took your retirement out.

>>ROBIN: Mmm.

>>And your life's been turned upside down since the children have been removed from you.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>Well, let's show up in court on Friday and see what happens.

>>ROBIN: Okay.

All right, well, I'll see you the day before Thanksgiving.

>>Yes, well let's cross your fingers.

>>ROBIN: Yes.

>>Just hope for the best.

>>ROBIN: All right, thanks.

(train whistle blaring) >>I don't know what to tell you considering the petitioners did not show up.

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

So, what are we, what are we waiting for?

I mean, is it a long wait, is it... what's going on?

What?

>>The judge should issue her opinion in probably within the next week and half I'm guessing.

>>ROBIN: Mmm, okay.

>>She wants to take it under advisement.

She has to take into consideration that the petitioners did not show up, okay?

Tribal Social Services did not show up.

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

You know, it was... what I was scared of was not going home with my kids but I know that I'm gonna see them and stuff.

Eventually.

So, you know, um... >>Mmm.

>>ROBIN: It's all I can keep telling myself that it's not gonna be forever.

>>I think the court's going to let the children come back with you... >>ROBIN: Yeah.

>>Hopefully within a couple weeks.

The court's gonna have some conditions.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>For instance they're gonna put in place some counseling... >>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>You and Darian.

>>ROBIN: I'm for that.

>>Probably gonna put in some conditions regarding who you can and cannot hang around with in your home.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

Yeah, so, okay.

>>We should know something within a week and a half.

>>ROBIN: Thank you.

I could not have... that would have... it would have been really bad if I didn't have you here.

I'm just not that out to where I could put everything against, you know, calling Anthony out on his stuff.

There's no way I could have done that.

Me, it's like, I'm openly admitting, you know, what I... what I do wrong, but to point the finger at somebody else, it's...

I can't do that.

>>Mmm.

>>ROBIN: Most of the time at the other court hearings, that's exactly what I did, was just not say nothing, which I don't know why but I get so scared and nervous when he's there.

>>Well, you did very well testifying and you made it clear to the court how your household will be if the children are with you.

Okay?

>>ROBIN: Okay.

>>Well, hopefully we'll know something in a couple weeks.

>>ROBIN: All right, well, thanks.

>>Yes.

I'll see you.

>>ROBIN: Yup.

(crying) I always knew the tribal court system was bad but I didn't think it was this bad.

We came into the court in the dark, and we're leaving in the dark.

Not knowing nothing, other than the judge needs more time to think about everything.

Tribal Social Services didn't even show up to court to submit any evidence to the claims that they were making against me to take my children.

So I'm going home without my kids.

Oh, my God.

And I don't even know what to think anymore.

I just feel like I'm starting to lose hope.

Oh, damn.

Heavenly Father, please take care of my kids.

Just take care of them.

>>Happy Thanksgiving Day to everybody out there on the Spirit Lake Nation.

This is Hoksina, you've tuned into KABU radio 90.7 FM in Fort Totten, North Dakota.

Oh, it's 32 degrees out there and it's a beautiful, sunny day.

There's a Thanksgiving Day pow wow scheduled for 1:00 at the Saint Michael Rec Center.

This is Hoksina wishing you happy Thanksgiving Day.

(bells ringing) (man singing) >>Hmm, yeah.

(knock on door) >>ROBIN: Uh-huh?

>>Hello?

>>ROBIN: Coming.

Hey.

>>Hi, how are you?

>>ROBIN: Good, how are you?

>>I'm all right.

>>ROBIN: Sit down over there.

Joey is my old boyfriend from high school.

>>How is stuff?

>>ROBIN: Good.

And I treated him really bad.

You look the same as you did in high school.

>>Thanks.

You always have that comment.

>>ROBIN: It's been 14 years.

>>Yeah.

So, what exactly are we gonna do tonight?

>>ROBIN: Well, just catch up a little bit.

Go out.

>>Okay.

>>ROBIN: I want to go dancing.

>>Hmm.

Good luck with that.

>>ROBIN: Well, you can sit there and watch I guess.

>>Yeah?

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

I just ran all over Joey and threw him aside for my ex-husband.

>>Good, so... >>ROBIN: So, who do you live with?

>>Uh, I stay with a couple friends here and there.

>>ROBIN: Mmm.

>>Kind of waiting for child support to go through and stuff.

>>ROBIN: Oh.

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: Baby?

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: When we were talking on the phone, New Year's Eve came up.

Neither one of us had any plans, so Joey got me a room.

>>ROBIN: Oh, Monique, you remember her?

>>Mmm... >>ROBIN: She was living with us in the trailer.

>>Well, I don't remember her but, okay.

>>ROBIN: She's the one that I'm fighting against for my kids.

>>Oh really?

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

>>Wow, wow.

>>ROBIN: She's my... she's the caseworker.

She's the so-called child protection worker.

>>Mmm.

>>ROBIN: Protection's so good, Anthony can see my daughter whenever he wants.

>>Huh?

>>ROBIN: I'm on supervised visit.

>>Oh, lovely.

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

>>Isn't that... >>ROBIN: That's how we work over there.

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: Ass backwards.

>>That's kind of fucked up.

>>ROBIN: Yeah, yeah.

What made you want to get ahold of me after all these years?

>>I don't know.

There must be something wrong with me.

>>ROBIN: There has to be.

That's exactly what I said.

Who the heck holds on to that shit for 14 years?

You like the argument?

>>I guess I did.

>>ROBIN: I'm always right.

>>Yes, ma'am.

>>ROBIN: Yes, ma'am.

>>Yeah, okay.

Yeah.

>>ROBIN: So, we need to go.

>>Yes, ma'am.

>>ROBIN: I can't wait to dance.

>>So, where are we going?

>>ROBIN: Well, Buck's is a lot more hopping than any other one.

Can't wait to get in there.

>>That's great.

>>Hey, this is Hoksina, you're tuned into KABU radio station.

Current temperature is two above and it's New Year's Eve.

You never know where a New Year's Eve kiss could lead you.

So enjoy and have a happy and safe new year.

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: Good!

Good, good, good.

You're really in for it now.

>>Yeah?

>>ROBIN: What time is it?

>>It's 11:41.

>>ROBIN: Wow.

>>Like 19 minutes.

>>ROBIN: I quit drinking.

>>Oh.

>>ROBIN: So, I'm just gonna stick to 7-Up and cranberry juice.

>>Okay.

>>ROBIN: Take this.

>>All right.

It's kind of nice right now.

>>ROBIN: Okay, let's dance.

>>Yeah?

I forgot about that.

>>ROBIN: Come on.

>>It's been a long time since I danced.

>>ROBIN: Hurry up.

>>All right.

>>ROBIN: Oh, my God, you're really dancing.

It's pretty close to midnight and I hope he's not expecting a kiss.

>>Oh yeah.

>>ROBIN: That's just not happening tonight.

>>Yup.

>>ROBIN: I just love dancing.

>>That's always fun, right?

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>That's nice, huh?

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

>>Oh, yeah.

>>ROBIN: Wow.

(music playing) >>20 seconds!

>>Sure that's good.

All right.

>>ROBIN: Please hold my keys.

>>Okay.

>>All right we're gonna have a New Year's Eve countdown.

Are you ready to help me?

Ready?

Here we go.

>>Ten... nine... eight... seven... six... five... four... three... two... one... happy new year!

>>Happy new year.

>>ROBIN: Happy new year.

>>All right!

I like to play for people who like to have fun.

>>ROBIN: Did I give you my keys?

>>Mm-hmm.

>>ROBIN: Good.

>>So.

>>ROBIN: So I'm going to... getting on Demers?

>>Mm-hmm.

>>ROBIN: Okay.

Take you back to the hotel if you want.

>>I don't know.

Nah.

>>ROBIN: We can stay up all night and chat.

>>I know.

You're gonna do all the talking and I'll do all the nodding.

>>ROBIN: No, he doesn't expect anything out of tonight.

>>Okay now.

Slow down there, huh?

>>ROBIN: Joey is not even trying, thank God.

Just say, "You're right, Robin."

>>Happy new year.

>>ROBIN: All right.

>>All right.

>>ROBIN: Yeah, well.

>>It was nice seeing you.

>>ROBIN: It was good talking to you.

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: I'll see you.

>>Yeah.

>>ROBIN: Give me a call some time.

>>Okay.

Well, thanks for dinner.

>>ROBIN: Yeah, it was good.

>>It was nice.

>>ROBIN: Uh-huh.

>>You have a good night and... >>ROBIN: You too.

>>I'll see you later.

>>ROBIN: Yeah, well, give me a call or something some time.

>>All right, I'll do that.

Thank you and good night.

>>ROBIN: Yeah.

A couple days after New Year's Eve, I called Joey up to see how he was doing, and I found out he moved back home with his mom.

Although I am down right now, I have determined to continue my education at MSUM.

School isn't hard for me.

It's just life gets in the way.

I don't know, it looks like everyone's gone.

Today I am meeting with my financial aid advisor.

I'm on financial aid probation.

I hope that I can register.

>>So, 'cause you owe a bill, is that it?

Then why are you not registered for your spring classes?

Okay, unless you have a hold for registration for some reason.

Okay, great, bye bye.

>>ROBIN: Sumi?

>>Hi, Robin.

>>ROBIN: Hi.

>>How are you?

>>ROBIN: Good.

>>Good.

>>ROBIN: Say, since I withdrew from my classes last semester, what does this financial aid probation mean?

>>When you're on financial aid probation, it's saying that for fall semester you had attempted 12 credits, but you didn't complete any of the 12.

So you're at 0%.

Satisfactory academic progress standards stipulate that a student has to complete at least 67%.

You have 0% because you attempted 12 but you didn't complete any of them.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>Okay?

So, spring semester are you only taking the six credits or are you planning to register for more than six?

>>ROBIN: The full 12.

>>Okay, so while you are on probation you have to complete all the credits that you're enrolled in with a 2.0 GPA.

>>ROBIN: Okay.

>>Does that make sense?

>>ROBIN: Yup.

>>Okay.

However, if you fail and don't meet those requirements, then you will go on suspension and not be eligible to receive federal financial aid.

Okay?

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>You cannot register, you can't go to school at all.

>>ROBIN: Okay.

>>So the best thing to do is just get 100% completion and a 2.0 GPA each semester.

>>ROBIN: Okay.

>>You'll be off of the probation.

>>ROBIN: All right.

>>Okay.

>>ROBIN: Thanks.

>>Okay.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>Good luck.

>>ROBIN: Yup.

Robin Charboneau.

>>All right, welcome to Social Work 250.

I hope you're here because you want to find out about this profession.

It has been a challenging but very rewarding profession for me.

I think if you bring with you compassion, also a curiosity... you know, scientists like to study their bugs or their germs or whatever, I happen to like to study people, and then what happens when you bring groups of people together.

So that's always been very interesting to me and if you approach your work with sort of that professional inquiry, I think that takes you a long way.

So, this survey course introduces students to the broad arena of social welfare and to the profession of social work.

We're going to understand the nature and dynamics of populations at risk.

When you hear that term, "populations at risk," what kind of groups of people do you think about?

>>People losing their homes.

>>Low income.

Good.

Where do people go if you lose your home?

>>You go to a shelter.

>>There are many people who are homeless who have jobs in this community.

That blew me away.

I spent some of my volunteering time in the homeless shelter before I went to graduate school 'cause I really didn't feel like I had good understanding about that issue.

And I felt, you know, gosh, in my gut, it was like everybody in this country should have a roof over their head.

You know, we make choices about maybe which movie we're gonna go see, or which restaurant we're might get to go out to that week.

They sometimes have to make choices about whether they'll eat or pay their rent.

Can you imagine the stress of deciding whether or not you eat or pay your rent?

That's pretty tough.

All right, as a student in this course, you will have the opportunity to gain some experience as a volunteer in a human service agency.

Human service agency representatives are going to be coming to class here and they're going to talk about their agencies and what you specifically as students can do.

Now you will get from me a list of these agencies with phone numbers.

Yes?

>>ROBIN: Um, just something for you to consider.

Uh, Tribal Social Services, maybe White Earth?

>>Absolutely.

Tribal Social Services is a very basic social welfare program on the reservation, that would absolutely be a good idea.

>>ROBIN: Okay.

>>So, and then what I will have you do, you will write up a paragraph of what that particular agency does... >>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>And then I need a name of who will supervise you and a phone number just in case there's any concerns or problems, like you're not getting your hours in or you go there and nobody even knows why you're there.

You know, I want you to have a really good experience with this.

Okay, our last exam will be April 28.

There's no final exam in this class and no final paper.

So the gist of it is your three exams, and your 15 hours service learning with the journal that goes along with that, okay?

Then we'll call it a day.

Any questions?

>>Robin, you crack me up.

>>ROBIN: Glad that you came to visit.

>>I know.

>>ROBIN: So how was your trip?

>>Okay.

It's cold out.

I'm cold.

>>ROBIN: My cousin Jodie, who used to be my foster child, came today to visit.

>>Disability services?

>>ROBIN: Uh-huh.

>>Even handicapped people can come to school here?

>>ROBIN: Uh-huh.

Jodie's been having it rough.

Yup.

She's been drinking, drugging, so I'm gonna show her college.

This is the hair salon.

>>Really?

>>ROBIN: Tanning salon.

Give her a little bit of hope, possibilities.

>>Oh, oh, my God.

Are you serious?

>>ROBIN: Yup.

>>Tans here?

>>ROBIN: Yes.

>>This isn't school.

>>ROBIN: Yes, it is.

You need to go to school.

>>I know.

>>ROBIN: You have a lot to be proud of.

>>I've been doing all right and then everything just... falls out of track, you know.

>>ROBIN: Uh-huh.

>>I can't stop myself drinking, you know.

>>ROBIN: Yeah, well, we can talk about it, Jodie.

>>Oh, they have their own radio... >>ROBIN: Radio station here.

>>I've never seen the inside of a studio before.

(train horn blaring) >>ROBIN: Jodie, when you were living with me... >>Mm-hmm.

>>ROBIN: I want you to know that you did nothing wrong.

>>Mm-hmm.

>>ROBIN: And that I wasn't mad at you.

I was mad at Anthony, my ex-husband.

>>Mm-hmm.

>>ROBIN: Jodie, you were 12, 13 years old when my ex-husband molested you.

>>That stuff haunts me.

It scares me to death.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>I didn't know what to do with myself anymore.

I didn't want to be seen anywhere.

Like it even hurt to hear your name, like when somebody talked about you.

It hurt me a lot, 'cause you're my relative, and I didn't mean to do that to you and... >>ROBIN: Jodie... >>I blamed myself for it.

>>ROBIN: When Jodie lived with Anthony and I, I got suspicious about the time Anthony was spending with Jodie.

It took me a really, really long time and a lot of counseling.

I questioned him about it time and time again.

>>I know.

>>ROBIN: Anthony would tell me that it was all in my head.

>>And I let it happen.

>>ROBIN: All of that stuff that he was putting into your head, Jodie, he was putting in mine, too.

He was telling me it was all me.

I was just imagining everything.

I was just jealous.

Then one day I went upstairs to Jodie's room.

He came up with every excuse and every lie to...

I found a letter to Anthony.

Jodie was talking about their love affair.

I slapped that letter down on the table, called social services and told them, "I'm gonna drop Jodie off at the group home.

She needs to go."

And I have been carrying that guilt with me.

You did not break up my marriage.

My marriage was... wasn't worth being married to.

It wasn't worth the $30 I paid for it.

It was worth the $700 and some I paid to get out of it.

But, you know, you did not break up my marriage.

>>Mm-hmm.

>>ROBIN: Anthony did.

>>How is Darian?

>>ROBIN: She's a strong girl.

>>It hurts that it happened to her, too.

Darian's... she's such a pretty little girl.

It hurt a lot when I found out it happened to her.

>>ROBIN: Mm-hmm.

>>Then and there when I heard about it through the family and stuff, I wanted to come to you then, you know?

>>ROBIN: Mmm.

>>But I was scared.

>>ROBIN: Mmm.

>>I can remember sitting on that table.

Anthony, he'd come around the corner with you and always in my face like, "Why are you lying about me?

Why are you saying that to my wife?"

It haunted me for a long time.

>>ROBIN: No way to tell you that those feelings go away.

>>Mm-hmm.

>>ROBIN: But you know what?

The more you talk about it, you'll learn to deal with those feelings.

>>I don't know.

I'm not well.

Like I'm a sick person inside, I think.

>>ROBIN: What do you mean you're a sick person inside?

>>I think I'm depressed.

I know what depressed feels like, but I've been through so many stages of it, I've lost myself in depression.

>>ROBIN: Oh, what do I do to get my kids back?

I have to keep going.

I miss them so much.

Heavenly Father, give me the strength, the courage, the wisdom, the guidance to take care of my kids.

It's just hard.

(song plays on radio) >>(singin): Mama, I remember all the pain I caused you And the tears you cried over me Thank you, Mama, for praying for me If it wasn't for those prayers, Mama, where would I be?

They all gave up on me, but not you, Mama Thank you, Mama, for praying for me.

>>ROBIN (singing): Took control of my body and my soul I walked away from all you had taught me Through the shame and disgrace I could see your sweet face And Mama, you were praying for me Thank you, Mama, for praying for me If it wasn't for those prayers, Mama, where would I be?

They all gave up on me, but not you, Mama.

Thank you, Mama, for praying for me.

>>NARRATOR: Tomorrow night on "Kind Hearted Woman"... >>ROBIN: It's been five months since my kids were taken from me.

>>Your ex-husband might have to register as a sex offender.

>>NARRATOR: The battle for custody continues... >>ROBIN: After Anthony was indicted, I got the kids back.

>>NARRATOR: ...and for the truth.

>>ROBIN: I can't imagine how my kids were treated in foster homes.

>>NARRATOR: But for Robin, Darian, and Anthony, this is also the time for new beginnings... >>ROBIN: Auntie tell you who I hooked up with?

>>No.

>>ROBIN: Darren Spoon.

>>NARRATOR: ...new conflicts... >>It just hurts.

Just hurts to be with you.

>>ROBIN: I'm not the type of woman who is gonna let you talk like that to me anymore.

>>NARRATOR: ...new struggles... >>ROBIN: I found myself in the psych ward again.

>>I never knew she could get so depressed.

>>NARRATOR: ...and new triumphs.

>>ROBIN: Thank you, guys.

Thank you all for listening.

>>Do you, Robin, take Darren to be your husband from this day forward?

>>ROBIN: I do.

Darren, you are everything to me.

You're everything to my kids.

>>NARRATOR: "Kind Hearted Woman"-- a "Frontline"/Independent Lens special presentation.

Tomorrow night, only on PBS.

>>Visit the "Frontline" and Independent Lens websites, where you'll find more of Robin's poetry.

>>...while I'm walking away, proud and tall.

>>A portrait of filmmaker David Sutherland.

>>To me it's magic, it's what makes me tick.

>>A series of reports on tribal justice, and the problem of child abuse at Spirit Lake Reservation.

a list of resources for survivors of abuse.

Follow us on social media, or share your thoughts at pbs.org.

"Kind Hearted Woman" is available on DVD.

To order, visit shopPBS.org or call 1-800-play-PBS.

"Frontline" is also available for download on iTunes.

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