Native America Issues
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Elder Video Recording Project
The loss of Native languages, culture, and identity in tribal communities across the Colorado Plateau are the greatest challenges confronting indigenous communities. Gathering participants have recognized the potential of capturing traditional teachings and elder knowledge through media tools and see this as a bridge to communicate with youth. To this end, consultant Gabriel Yaiva and tribal participants of the Gathering process initiated the Elder Video Recording Project in 2011. The project seeks to address the question so aptly raised by Rex Tilousi of the Havasupai Tribe at a recent Gathering:
“I see my grandchildren texting, playing video games, surfing the Internet. How can I get what is in my heart and mind into those devices so maybe they could hear me?”
With the technological exploitation of Native tribes in the past and present, Yaiva established a steering committee comprised of knowledgeable tribal members from different parts the region to guide the work of the project in the most honorable manner. The board currently consists of Theresa Pasqual, an Acoma tribal member and historic preservation officer; Peter Bungart, Hualapai preservation officer and archivist; and Casper Lomayesva, a Hopi tribal member and esteemed musician. Yaiva is in the process of identifying additional individuals to serve on the committee and anticipates a full board of five members in 2012.
To date, Yaiva has recorded and interviewed elders from the Havasupai, Ute Mountain Ute, and Zuni tribes, all with permission from tribal governments and well-respected elders. In addition, he has also been invited to interview Plateau elders within the Hopi, Navajo, and Acoma tribes. All recordings have been shared with the families of interviewed elders, tribal councils, and cultural preservation offices of documented tribes. He is in the process of creating an online forum to share five-minute videos in a manner to honor and respect the tribe and elders. With permission from interviewed individuals, very few recordings have been selected to be posted on the internet.
View the short video clips
Havasupai Elder on Cultural Continuation
Havasupai Elders on Uranium Issues
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