Mary Thompson makes dye. Photo by Melinka Kahn
By Hannah Van Vlack
The Cherokee Historical Association (CHA) has partnered with the Center for Cultural Preservation (CCP) to screen Nature’s Wisdom Thru Native Eyes, a film by David Weintraub. The screening, which will serve as a fundraiser for both organizations, will also feature an art market, Cherokee dance demonstrations and a question-and-answer panel with special guests. This event will take place at Mountainside Theatre in Cherokee on Monday, August 19.
Elder storytellers, from left, Davy Arch, Lloyd Arneach, Sr. and Robert RedHawk Eldridge. Photo by Melinka Kahn
The film looks at the two conflicting stories of life in America: the familiar Western view that the natural world is only for us to endlessly take from, and the Native belief that we are connected with nature, and what we do to one affects all. “I’ve been working with the Eastern Band of Cherokee, as well as half a dozen Southeastern tribes, for many years,” says Weintraub, an award-winning filmmaker and executive director of the CCP. “I have always found Native elders an important source of wisdom and understanding.
Many of us feel anxious and uncertain of the future and are appalled at the destruction of the living world. Instead of relying on technology that seems to be making things worse rather than better, I thought it would be wiser to go to those who have been here for tens of thousands of years.” Weintraub’s work with Cherokee elders changed how he sees nature and its relationship with humanity, and he hopes viewers feel as transformed by the film as he does.
The other activities that are part of this event continue the celebration and recognition of Cherokee culture. “Our staff members will perform Cherokee social dances which were traditionally done to honor and give thanks to an animal for what it provided,” says Chelsey Moore, CHA communications and development director. “Some you might see are the Bear Dance, Bison Dance or Quail Dance. The dances are sung in the Cherokee language and demonstrated by enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in traditional Cherokee attire.” Additionally, the art market will feature handmade items by local artists.
Artist Davy Arch carving a mask. Photo by Melinka Kahn
This event will not only be enjoyable for visitors but hopefully inspire them and allow for learning. “Many of us live here in this beautiful place because the mountains speak to our soul, the rivers connect us to Mother Earth and the forests call our name,” says Weintraub. “Yet we see the rampant destruction of nature at every turn through unmitigated growth. What we don’t need is another film to make us feel angry and sad. This is a film of hope, showing how we aren’t so far from getting it right. There are wonderful lessons to be learned in this film taught by Native elders as well as scientists who realize what Native people have been saying all along was right.”
Mountainside Theatre is located at 688 Drama Road in Cherokee. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at CherokeeHistorical.org or by calling 828.497.2111. The weather date for this event is Tuesday, August 20. Hannah Van Vlack is a senior at Western Carolina University studying Writing and Editing in Professional Environments and Music.
