American Indian Elders Speak on Their Traditions and Challenges

00:11 Government Oppression and Cultural Preservation 13:21 Tribal and Spiritual Life 18:10 Advice for Living in Two Worlds These are excerpts from the World Wisdom 2-DVD set “Native Spirit and The Sun Dance Way.” The content is divided into three sections: “Government Oppression and Cultural Preservation,” “Tribal and Spiritual Life,” and “Advice for Living in Two Worlds.” Throughout the video, American Indian elders share their thoughts on the oppression that has faced Native American for centuries, and how their peoples have kept many of their cultural and spiritual traditions alive despite the tremendous challenges that continue to this day. The numerous participants in the project come from many different tribes and professional backgrounds — some are educators and authors, others engage in social work, and others are ranchers. This is one of the most concise and comprehensive treatments of the central issue of the presentation: how current-day First Peoples must manage to live in two worlds for their precious lifeways to survive.