Guest Author - Phyllis Doyle Burns
'Our Spirits Don't Speak English', from the "Circle Of Life" Series by Rich Heape Films, portrays the early days of the Indian Boarding schools. The content of the film is historically documented and the stories given by the Native Americans in the film are from personal experience, having attended the boarding schools themselves during their formidable years.
These people tell of the drastic changes made in their lives by being assimilated into the federally controlled educational system for American Indian children. They tell how their way of life, from the simplicity of daily childhood play to their spirituality and the teachings of their ancestors were torn away from them. Their language, which was the essence of their spirituality and who they were, was forbidden them.
They have memories of being subjected to strict discipline, punishment and abuse by those in charge at the boarding schools. They also tell how it affected their life and family relations when they were allowed to return home, having been fortunate enough to survive the confusing and tormented years, after graduating from the schools.
The title of the film, "Our Spirits Don't Speak English", personifies the entire aspect of this documentary. Personally, I feel that the spiritual world has but one language, and that is the language of the heart. I believe the peoples of today can communicate fully with their departed ancestors because they speak from the heart. And I would hope that the people who have been affected by the boarding schools in the past will understand this concept.
The film is very well presented with actual pictures of the student body, family portraits, tribal village scenes and beautiful landscape which adds to the depth and the reality of the film. The presentation by Gayle Ross is very well done in a pleasing setting. The story concept has been made appropriate for all age groups and the music is very complimentary and well planned. This is a very descriptive and historically documented film that reaches out to people of all ages, race and beliefs. Professors, Dr. Daniel Wildcat and Dr. Henrietta Mann, give very knowledgeable, interesting, informative and intelligent commentaries.
Boarding schools during the early years of our nation's history were extremely strict and punishment was dealt swiftly, regardless of which school it was or which race attended those schools. However, the enforced assimilation of the Native American children into a federally controlled atmosphere presented a totally different ramification on the lives of these children and their families and tribes.
Towards the end of the film I was reminded of a Native American poem I once read, where a young man, returning to his tribal home after a long absence, says, "Grandfather! Do you not know me?"
You can purchase this and other Rich Heape films by clicking on the Amazon links below.
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