In the Land of the Totem Poles

Director Michel Viotte's In the Land of the Totem Poles takes us into the world of several Native American tribes living in British Columbia. Interviewing a number of well-known and terrifically talented sculptors who are members of tribes such as the Haida, the program illustrates how these artists have revived the traditional totemic styles that their people had practiced for thousands of years prior to the arrival of Europeans. The documentary does an outstanding job of presenting and exploring the artwork (which also includes carved masks and other ceremonial objects), while also addressing the social concerns these men share with Native Americans throughout Canada and the United States, particularly regarding governmental attempts to destroy their native cultures and languages. The film fails, however, to explain pertinent Canadian governmental legislation that is alluded to repeatedly by the commentators (making this much less attractive to non-Canadian audiences). Also, although female artists are mentioned, I recall only one woman in the entire video. On balance, the poignant and lucid commentary combined with lots of wonderful Red Cedar art work tip this into the recommended category. Aud: H, C, P. (P. Van Vleck)