Remembering the “Kind Hearted Woman” of Spirit Lake

A North Dakota woman at the center of a documentary on PBS has died.

“My Indian name is Cante Waste Win which means Kind Hearted Woman.”

Robin Poor Bear, 38, passed away at her rural Fort Totten home.

She was the subject of an Independent Lens documentary called Kind Hearted Woman.

Robin, who was then known by her married name Charboneau, was followed for three years.

The result was a five hour documentary on how she coped with a life of abuse.

Robin said the film helped her grow, listen to her spirit and become a better mother.

She leaves behind two children.