No, you haven't stepped on my toes :) I was just wondering what happened to the listing I posted. It seems to have disappeared..

"I do look forward to hearing about the films you get to see."

"Spirit Doctors" was a great movie. It's a documentary about Mary and Ed Louie who are a husband and wife medicine/healing team. They live very traditionally and pay great honor and respect to the gifts they have received from Creator. The entire film crew was indian. And in a weird twist of fate the sound man is diagnosed with cancer during the filming. Since he wasn't raised traditionally he opts for western medicine first. Then he realizes the importance of reconnecting with his ancestors and decides to get a healing from Ed Louie. They were extremely careful filming this movie, nothing was filmed without Mary and Ed's consent. Everyone and everything was prayed over before work began and they didn't film any sacred ceremonies. This movie speaks volumes about the need for us to reconnect with the old ways. Two thumbs up!!

"Hanta Po - All Of You Out Of My Way" was OK for it's historical aspects. But it was like watching old home movies, or your relatives summer vacation slide show. It was basically Vernon Bellencourt and the official AIM photographer (Dick Bancroft) talking about the pictures in a gallery showing. Basically two guys who wanted to talk a lot, especially Vernon, who couldn't remember where half the pictures came from. I would have rather gone to the gallery myself.

"Native Spirit - The Sundance Way" was good and even brought tears to my eyes. But I was uncomfortable seeing this ceremony (as done by the Crow-Shoshone) on film. It was especially hard for me to watch a close up of one man praying intently in his native language. To me it was an invasion of privacy. I only recommend this movie for people who have actually supported, or participated in, the Sun Dance ceremony. IMO It's not appropriate for anyone else...

"Starblanket: A Spirit Journey" was really good. It's the story (in documentary form) of Noel Starblanket who became a Chief at age 24. He then became the Chief of all Canadian Indians at age 29 (he now looks to be about 60). He tells his story in a very compelling and hearfelt way. He talks about how outspoken he was as a youngster, how he played the white mans game of politics, his drinking, his family life, and how he came full circle and went back to the old ways. A very good movie, I highly recommend it.