In this second part of our 1997 interview with legendary lawyer, theologian and scholar, Vine Deloria Jr., the renowned author breaks down national policy in relation to native people, discusses his cultural identity, and makes predictions about the future of technology.
Our 1997 interview with Standing Rock Sioux author Vine Deloria, Jr. (1933-2005) provided a solid intellectual framework for viewers of In the Light of Reverence. Vine offers timeless wisdom about Mato Tipila (Lodge of the Bear, aka Devils Tower) and other sites sacred to the Lakota in and around the Black Hills. The author of more than 25 books, including the classics, Custer Died for Your Sins and God is Red, Vine rarely sat for film interviews.
In one of the key moments of In the Light of Reverence, Vine Deloria comments on the conflict between rock climbers and Native Americans at Devils Tower: “It’s not that Indians should have exclusive rights there. It’s that that location is sacred enough it should have time of it’s own.”
Deloria talks about Native American struggles to safeguard spiritual practices from outsiders. He’s noticed “a desperate need to appropriate from somebody—not necessarily from Indians—an emotional feeling of authenticity,” especially among whites
Vine Deloria Jr. discusses the difference between the materialism of Western religion and the spiritual insights of indigenous religions that are connected to place.
Speaking before the explosion of smartphones, Deloria predicts an age where humans can no longer separate themselves from their machines. “I don’t think people are built for that psychologically,” he says. “I think it’s gonna blow.”
As we prepared to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Sacred Land Film Project, we reflected on the generosity and wisdom of four indigenous elders, now revered ancestors, who trusted us to tell their story. Thomas Banyacya (Hopi), Vine Deloria, Jr. (Lakota), Florence Jones (Winnemem Wintu) and Dr. Noa Emmett Aluli (Kānaka Maoli) shared their thoughts, values and stories with us and we thank them with this short film of remembrance to honor our collaboration.
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