Huchoosedah: Traditions of the Heart

You could summarize this title by saying it is the story of Skagit tribal elder Vi Hilbert and her efforts to keep the native Lushootseed language alive. However, that simple description is like saying Chariots of Fire is about running--there's just a whole lot more to the story. The depth and complexity here come from Mrs. Hilbert's remarkably gentle, soft-spoken personality in contrast to her resolute determination to keep the language of her people alive. Today's high-tech, materialistic world seemingly appeals to Washington State's Skagit youth more than the old ways; Mrs. Hilbert, the only child of a tribal historian, agonizes over the near loss of the language and worries about the future of the culture itself. In addition to the Lushootseed language, traditional Skagit stories and the art of storytelling also appear to be in danger of extinction. This thought-provoking program raises many questions. When are a people ultimately conquered? Why is it that all cultures save some customs and discard others? If the traditional language of the Skagit dies, it will not be because of Mrs. Hilbert. A scholar and recorder of traditions, publisher of a bilingual edition of her great-aunt's memoirs, and storytelling festival organizer, this beautiful one-woman dynamo has dedicated her seventy-seven years to the furtherance of Skagit culture. She has done her part; it remains to be seen whether the present generation will do theirs. Moving, touching and highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: J, H, C, P (R. Reagan)