'New Indians' tells story of fifth generation

Folks, I know you want to get out in all this beautiful spring weather we are having but I have a suggestion for you.

Cinematographer Erik Daarstad is showing two of his films at the Panida’s Little Theater today at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. That gives you enough time to soak up some sun and still have, “A Visit with Erik.”

The first film, “The New Indians” discusses the efforts of the younger generation of various North American Indian tribes to preserve their cultures and traditional values. Amid the destruction and despair of his people a century ago, the great Oglala Sioux holy man, Black Elk, had a vision. The fifth generation, he prophesied, would bring back the strength and the pride of Indian people.

It is now the era of the fifth generation and in the film the present generation revives their ancient heritage. Leaving Chicago to join the intertribal encampment in Canada, nine youths set out to find themselves.

More than two thousand natives, from more than 50 tribes gather to share the “old ways,” the stories, the myths, and the culture of North American natives.

These youth people set out to find the thing that made their people great; their connectedness with the earth, the ability to survive inside. Like their ancestors, they cook meat from animals they watched die. They sense the connectedness of the animals and themselves. They learn that thanking the animal for its life is essential to the harmonious co-existence of both themselves and other lives.

The elders are helping to show them the path, the way to “right living.” In the documentary the viewer sees these young people come alive to something new to them - all things are connected.

“The New Indians” introduces other Native Americans who come from different tribes enthusiastic about reclaiming their ancient heritage:

Steven Tiger is a musician and an artist. He uses his talents to connect his Miccosukee people with the world of the white man. His young family lives in the white man’s world, while his father’s family retains their connection to the earth. The film portrays his attempt to integrate his life into both worlds.

Steven is striving to live in both worlds. The Miccosukee are educating their children to survive in the white man’s world, while teaching them to speak the native language. They are integrating themselves into the white man’s ways, while finding themselves. Everything is becoming connected. This is the fifth generation

Claudine Arthur fights for her people. A white-man trained attorney, she uses the white man’s laws to protect her people’s way of life. As a Navajo in New Mexico, she deals with all kinds of problems.

The Four Corners power plant is located on land leased from the Navajo Tribal Council. The council leased the land from Emma Yazzie, a Navajo sheepherder living a traditional life; she had no electricity, and honored the land.

With no idea of what would happen to her land, Emma agreed with the Tribal Council to lease it in 1957. Soon ash coated her sheep. The water became polluted. Sulfur dioxide filled the air. Coal was strip-mined and the land lost its shape. The connection to the earth was disappearing. The power plant provided millions of white people power, while less than one-in-three Navajo had lights. Less than one-in-five had indoor plumbing.

Emma has been paid $327.97 for this lease over the last 20 years and she has lost her way of life. Claudine came to her aid, fought for her people and she won. There was no lease extension granted. The right of the Navajo to decide life for themselves was protected. Their connection to the earth was saved for another day.

“The New Indians” is an inspirational tribute to the Native Americans involved in the revival of their culture. The film is directed by Terry Sanders and narrated by Robert Redford.

The second documentary follows the same theme of finding ones roots and relates to African Americans.