Keeping The Spirit Alive
Broadcast on PBS - Fall 1999
Selected by The Smithsonian’s National Museum Of The American Indian
Western Culture has neither displaced nor absorbed First Nations People. Despite devastating diseases, missionization, and the government’s persistent attempts to assimilate them, First Nations artists continue to create art for ceremonial use and continue to carry forward and evolve their traditions.
This documentary focuses on five talented Northwest Coast First Nations artists who are carrying forward and developing their rich traditions. These influential artists are part of the ongoing revitalization movement in the Northwest Coast.
Robert Davidson, Haida
"When a person is ready to start learning about art, their journey will take them there. The biggest thing is to keep your mind open to it."
Mask by Robert Davidson
Isabel Rorick, Haida
"I am very happy that I have learned to make hats, and do so in the old way. It’s especially nice to see my hats worn for dancing, or to see hats that my Mother or my Grandmothers made."
Joe David
Nuu-chah-nulth
"The culture and the art form is thousands of years old. So it’s that momentum shooting through you, that constant love force shooting through your spirit, creating reality."
Mask by Joe David
Clarissa Hudson
"Chilkat weaving carries history, information, knowledge of the land.
It’s a very highly sacred art form."
Connie Sterritt
"As a traditional West Coast designer, I have to be able to push the boundaries of my work, which comes from my heart."
Keeping the Spirit Alive
Narrated by Russell Means, Lakota
Original Song: Call To The Ancestors
Composed and Performed by: Terri Williams-Davidson & Mabel Williams
Reviews
"This well-produced film (video) provides rich documentation of the art, history, & culture of the Northwest Coast. Recommended for art & Native American collections in academic & public libraries." -- Library Journal
"I love this video! I think it should be universally fascinating to everyone from 8 to 80.
It relates the art objects to real people and you can begin to see what the art means in their lives and culture." -- Rita Falls, High School Teacher
"The remarks from the Indian artists are terrific and so relevant to all of us as we search for a way to live in the 21st century." -- Steve Elmore, Art Dealer, Sante Fe, NM
"The photography is beautiful and the commentary informative & respectful...a lovely testimony to the rich resurgence of Native artistic traditions." -- Booklist
