Native Americans

Streaming video - 2015

What does it mean to be a Native American? Perhaps Native American model Stormy Hollingsworth (Ute) says it best, "to be proud, to know that our past and our whole history is a circle of life." This program introduces us to members of the Ute, Lakota, Northern Cheyenne and Omaha nations, who reveal that Indians' lives are based on a circle which incorporates their beliefs in respecting their heritage, preserving their traditions and educating their young. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (Northern Cheyenne), a U.S. Senator from Colorado from 1993 until 2005, explains how the Grass or Omaha Dance has evolved over time to be commonly known as the Pow Wow; Nico Strange Owl-Hunt (Northern Cheyenne), Twyla LaFleshe Blackbird(Souther...n Ute), Cleatus and Clifford Cayou (Omaha) andWalter Fremont (Omaha) reflect on the significance of the Pow Wow, which allows Indian people to come in contact with their roots again; to help preserve their traditions.Alden Naranjo and Norman Lopez, whose heritage is the Southern Ute tribe, explain the importance of the eagle to Native Americans; then we view the tribe's "Sneak Dance"; we meet artist Frank Howell (Lakota), who tells of his personal evolution as an artist; then at the Eagle Plume and Mudhill Galleries we view a variety of Native American art, pottery and jewelry. Appropriately going full circle, Gene Poor Bear (Lakota) explains that he founded the Chipeta Park Pow Wow to help his son stay rooted in family values; then we learn the importance of the drum, how its shape and its beating have symbolic significance to all Native Americans. more