Wabanaki: A New Dawn

The Wabanaki people of Maine were known as the People of the Dawn Land. But during the first years of European contact, from 1616-1619, 90% of their population died. Generations later, members of the Micmac, Passamaquoddy and Penobscot tribes are interviewed to discuss what it means to survive both as a Native American and as a human in this modern world. One interviewee defines survival as being "able to be independent and...practice what you believe in, and to pursue it." Most of the people speak of whites not recognizing the validity of their traditional values and beliefs or not regarding these as valuable to society. One man suggests that all non-Indians pack up and leave the country, while yet another speaks of the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in the rebirth of their culture. One way the modern and the ancient have been blended is the 100 mile run to Mt. Katahdin, the sacred mountain whose name literally means "Our Father." At the conclusion of the modern pilgrimage, musicians and spiritual leaders welcome each group of arrivals with music and a ceremonial blessing. This title features gorgeous videography, original Native flute music, and prayers and poems interspersed between interviews. With its message of both pride and spirituality, it would be equally at home in either ethnology or religion sections of a library video collection. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (R. Reagan)