Urban Elder 1997
Distributed by National Film Board of Canada, 1123 Broadway, Suite 307, New York, NY 10010; 800-542-2164
Produced by Four Directions Studio Ltd. and National Film Board of Canada
Director n/a
VHS, color, 28 min.
Adult
Native American Studies, Multicultural Studies
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Jill Hackenberg, Coordinator, Reference and Electronic Services, Science and Engineering Library, SUNY-BuffaloThis program features the story of Vern Harper, a Cree spiritual elder who lives in Toronto. Vern assists the Aboriginal peoples of Canada who live in cities (urban Indians). His daily schedule is observed and the many visits he makes are recorded. The program states that now 65,000 aboriginal people live in Toronto, and 73% of the total population live off a reserve, many in Canada's cities (Toronto, Vancouver, Regina, Edmonton, etc.) Urban Elder explores the effect city life has on urban Indians. Traditional ceremonies and other aspects of tribal life cannot be adequately practiced within most cities. Vern Harper helps city dwelling Native peoples adjust to their environment yet still belong to their Nation. This act of living an honorable Native life is called following the Red Road. To be on the Red Road automatically means a person is free from drugs and alcohol.
Mr. Harper is shown conducting a healing ceremony, building a sweat lodge in the countryside, and visiting a maximum-security prison to counsel inmates. During each of these visits, explanations of Native life and lore are given. Parts of traditional ceremonies are also shown.
Urban Elder is a fascinating look at the urban Native community. It would be a helpful teaching aid for middle school through college level classes. It addresses psychological, spiritual, sociological and historical themes. The focus may be on Native peoples in Canada, but the content is equally applicable to the United States.
Recommended for school, public, and academic libraries.