This entry in the Growing Native series about the intersection of tradition and modernity for Native American peoples across the U.S. centers on Alaska, which is home to over 200 individual Native American nations. Directed by Charles "Boots" Kennedye, the film features the always engaging Cheyenne-Arapaho host Chris Eyre, who explores ongoing efforts to keep the ways and wisdom of the past alive in today’s tribal cultures. Toward that end, Eyre partly draws upon a vibrant program of Native American studies at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where historical performance and visual arts, as well as traditional crafts, are encouraged and celebrated. Eyre also pays a visit to a totem pole park in Hydaburg, where memories of the U.S. government’s shameful 30-year ban on pole-making (from the 1930s to the 1960s) are countered with a magnificent display of old and new poles. Viewers also watch a wood carver at work in Ketchikan, sit in on rehearsals at a Shakespeare theater for Native American actors in Fairbanks, and—perhaps most rewarding—witness young and old together hunting and gathering for community meals. Shooting seals (to eat), fishing for salmon (and tanning their skins), and plucking edible-medicinal plants in grassy fields are all reminders that tribal culture has not been forgotten. An engaging film, this is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (T. Keogh)
Alaska: People of the North
(2018) 57 min. DVD: $29.95 ($168.75 w/PPR). Vision Maker Media. Closed captioned. Volume 34, Issue 4
Alaska: People of the North
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
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