" THE LONG WALK " 1970 NAVAJO NATIVE AMERICAN / INDIAN PEOPLES DOCUMENTARY NEW MEXICO BF10285b

Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @periscopefilm   Want to learn more about Periscope Film and get access to exclusive swag? Join us on Patreon. Visit   / periscopefilm   Visit our website www.PeriscopeFilm.com Presented by KQED, "The Long Walk" (1970) provides a poignant overview of the Navajo experience, blending mythology, history, and personal narratives to explore themes of cultural loss, resilience, and the ongoing impact of colonial policies on Native American life. 00:00: The narrator speaks of a prophecy from their grandmother about the end of the world when Navajo children learn the white man’s ways, lose the old Navajo lifestyle, and face destruction by natural forces like wind, water, and fire. This prophecy seems to be coming true as children are taken away, livestock is lost, and wars involve Navajo sons. 1:25: The narrative continues with the impact of the white man's inventions like airplanes, suggesting that while these are products of education, the Navajo have not created similar modern inventions, and their traditional way of life is rapidly changing. 2:06: The narrator reflects on the prophecy becoming reality as children learn the white man’s ways, leading to the end of the traditional Navajo life. 2:31: The location shifts to Window Rock, Arizona, near the tribal cemetery, describing the "Navajo Inn" and Gallup, New Mexico, highlighting how these places mark the boundaries of the remaining Native American civilizations. 3:25: A list of various Native American tribes is provided, emphasizing the diversity and historical presence of these groups before the arrival of white settlers. 4:42: The script delves into Navajo cosmology, mentioning the sun, moon, stars, earth, living things, and Navajo ceremonies like the Beauty Way and Enemy Way, which are central to their culture and spiritual life. 6:52: The narrative describes the Enemy Way ceremony, its purpose, and how it promotes unity and healing within the community. 8:56: The script invokes Navajo mythology, particularly the story of Monster Slayer, emphasizing themes of protection, renewal, and restoration to harmony and beauty. 9:53: A legend is recounted about "the winner," a figure from whom the white man was supposed to come, foretelling subjugation and revenge by this figure, linking to the current state of Navajo society. 10:51: The script details the historical event known as the "Long Walk" where Navajos were forcibly relocated to Fort Sumner, New Mexico, in 1864, leading to significant loss and hardship, including death and the destruction of their traditional way of life. 13:52: Post-Civil War, the Navajo are allowed to return home but under new government oversight, with promises of guidance that would prevent poverty, highlighting the paternalistic approach of the U.S. government towards Native Americans. 15:35: The narrative touches on the broader impact of U.S. policy on Native Americans, including the transfer of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the breaking of treaties, and the cultural assimilation efforts through education and religion. 17:05: Discussion on the relocation program in the 1940s, aimed at assimilating Indians into urban areas, with personal stories reflecting the hardships and cultural disorientation experienced by those relocated. 20:24 : The film criticizes the educational system for causing cultural and identity conflicts among Navajo children, with historical references to reports on the failure of Indian education. 22:10: The narrative describes the daily life and cultural conflicts at Inter Mountain School, highlighting the struggle between maintaining Navajo culture and adopting Western values. 24:31: Personal stories from students at boarding schools illustrate the harsh treatment, runaways, and the attempt to forcibly assimilate Navajo children, causing significant emotional and cultural distress. 27:55: The film concludes with reflections on the generational and cultural disconnection between parents and children due to these educational and assimilation policies, signaling the fulfillment of the prophecy about the end of the traditional Navajo world. Motion picture films don't last forever; many have already been lost or destroyed. For almost two decades, we've worked to collect, scan and preserve the world as it was captured on 35mm, 16mm and 8mm movies -- including home movies, industrial films, and other non-fiction. If you have endangered films you'd like to have scanned, or wish to donate celluloid to Periscope Film so that we can share them with the world, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us via the weblink below. This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com