Keepers of the Water

A stirring account of how grassroots America took on the big boys, bringing their cause to the shareholders and emerging victorious. Since 1970, Exxon has been eyeing the wilderness of northern Wisconsin as a mining site. It has recently renewed its efforts, zeroing in on the pristine waters of the Wolf River, whose headwaters lie in the springs and wetland resources of the Sokaogon Chippewas, creating a direct threat to the waters that sustain this tribe. But this is not an ethnic issue--as we learn from a cross section of people who speak out: tribal leaders, fishermen, politicians, religious leaders and ordinary citizens all bear witness to the need to preserve these waters. Most eloquent of all is the silent testimony of nature delivered via the exquisite scenic photography which links the various spoken segments of the program. Exxon is given its day in court but comes off badly, both through the words of their executives and their track record in incidents such as the Valdez oil spill, thus making the conclusion--in which the Exxon plan is defeated by the shareholders--all the more gratifying. A powerful, engrossing document of what it means for each of us to be keepers of the water. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Reed)