We are thrilled to announce our 2001 film, In the Light of Reverence, the prequel to Standing on Sacred Ground, is streaming on the POV website starting May 7 and continuing for 90 days.Ten years in the making, In the Light of Reverence explores American culture’s relationship to nature in three places considered sacred by native peoples: the Colorado Plateau in the Southwest, Mount Shasta in California and Devils Tower in Wyoming. Rich in minerals and beloved by recreational users, these “holy lands” exert a spiritual gravity, which pulls Native Americans into conflicts with mining companies, New Age practitioners and rock climbers. Ironically, all sides see themselves as besieged.These battles tell a new story of culture clashes in an ancient landscape.
In the Light of Reverence juxtaposes reflections of Hopi, Wintu and Lakota elders on the spiritual meaning of place with views of non-Indians who have their own ideas about how best to use the land. The film captures the spiritual yearning and materialistic frenzy of our time.
Now’s your chance to learn about these American Indian sacred site battles on POV before we take you around the world to learn of global indigenous sacred site struggles in the Standing on Sacred Ground WORLD channel broadcast beginning Sunday, May 17 at 9pm ET. Check out our full broadcast schedule.
And don’t miss four new Vine Deloria, Jr. extended interview film clips, which we will post on YouTube on May 7.