Over four decades of filmmaking, we’ve had the honor of interviewing visionary Indigenous leaders, scholars and activists who offer soulful words on the kinship of humans and nature, the profound importance of protecting sacred places, and pathways toward global healing and reconciliation. In the editing process, we used many 30-second gems but left most of those interviews on the cutting room floor—until now! The Sacred Land Audio Archive brings you extended interviews with some of our world’s most insightful thinkers.

Barry Lopez – Part One

Barry Lopez left us with so many gifts—messages from the road, stories that help—written beautifully by a cultural bridge, a runner who risked his life out there on the edge and returned over and over to craft a stirring tale. Barry alarmed us and gave us hope. Join project director Toby McLeod for our first Audio Archive, a 2011 conversation on deep listening, the meaning of sacred lands, and the importance of maintaining an ongoing conversation with the Earth—with our good friend and advisor, the late Barry Lopez (1945-2020).

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Barry Lopez – Part Two

Our 2011 film interview with author Barry Lopez for the Standing on Sacred Ground series yielded an embarrassment of riches. Listen to part two of the discussion between project director Toby McLeod and his friend Barry Lopez as they reflect on the future of sacred sites, the role of technology in our lives, and the importance of following the leadership of the elders.

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Vine Deloria Jr. – Part One

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.

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Vine Deloria Jr. – Part Two

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.

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Oren Lyons – Part One

Onondaga elder Oren Lyons is one of the “big thinkers” we interviewed for our four-part series, Standing on Sacred Ground. Now in his 90s, Oren Lyons is a chief, a faithkeeper, and a long-time messenger for the Haudenosaunee people. Throughout our interview, Oren shared life lessons and insights through long stories that we could never include in their entirety in the film. We are thrilled to finally have the opportunity to share Oren’s insights.

In Part One of this two-part podcast, Oren tells the story of the Peacemaker and provides a pathway forward to protect sacred places.

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Oren Lyons – Part Two

Onondaga elder Oren Lyons is one of the “big thinkers” we interviewed for our four-part series, Standing on Sacred Ground.

In Part Two of this two-part podcast, Oren explains the Haudenosaunee influence on the creation of the American government, shares a unique interpretation of The Wizard of Oz, and offers guidance toward a way out of our current predicament.

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