"It's November, let's bring on the Indians", my friend comedian Charlie Hill always says. So it's November and here is one story that brings on the Indians and the White people and yet takes us to another level in the Thanksgiving stories. I found this program a refreshing change from the angry "un-Thanksgiving", retro pieces that often surface during November. It also introduces many listeners to Maine's living Indian population. Few people, Indian and non-Indian, realize how many Eastern Indians still survive today.
This is a modern story that gets beyond the anger as a few people in Maine, Indian and non-Indian, share a camp, a fire, and a talking circle and confront their internal prejudices about each other. The individual experiences are compelling to listen to although they sometimes have a 'touchy-feely' modulated tone. Important lessons are learned on both sides as one participant put it, 'what was more important was our committment to each other and not coming together over the 'plight of the Indians'.
Another person says that 'they weren't there to deal with each other as Indian or White but as friends and family.' And like all families there were some angry confrontations, interacial relationships was an issue for some of the Indians, for example.
Beyond the campfire there was an look at the reality of Indian life today.The on-going battle over fishing rights was explored briefly.
I think this program bears listening to; it is well produced and the ambiance of the fire is wonderful. With the fire crackling in the background you can understand why everyone is speaking so reflectively. What's missing for me, however, is the humor and laughter that is always present when Indians gather. But this review isn't aobut what was missing in the program, I still liked it more than the political rhetoric that comes out during November.
Review of The Gathering - A Modern Thanksgiving Story
Peggy Berryhill
Posted on October 27, 2004 at 02:27 PM
"It's November, let's bring on the Indians", my friend comedian Charlie Hill always says. So it's November and here is one story that brings on the Indians and the White people and yet takes us to another level in the Thanksgiving stories. I found this program a refreshing change from the angry "un-Thanksgiving", retro pieces that often surface during November. It also introduces many listeners to Maine's living Indian population. Few people, Indian and non-Indian, realize how many Eastern Indians still survive today.
This is a modern story that gets beyond the anger as a few people in Maine, Indian and non-Indian, share a camp, a fire, and a talking circle and confront their internal prejudices about each other. The individual experiences are compelling to listen to although they sometimes have a 'touchy-feely' modulated tone. Important lessons are learned on both sides as one participant put it, 'what was more important was our committment to each other and not coming together over the 'plight of the Indians'.
Another person says that 'they weren't there to deal with each other as Indian or White but as friends and family.' And like all families there were some angry confrontations, interacial relationships was an issue for some of the Indians, for example.
Beyond the campfire there was an look at the reality of Indian life today.The on-going battle over fishing rights was explored briefly.
I think this program bears listening to; it is well produced and the ambiance of the fire is wonderful. With the fire crackling in the background you can understand why everyone is speaking so reflectively. What's missing for me, however, is the humor and laughter that is always present when Indians gather. But this review isn't aobut what was missing in the program, I still liked it more than the political rhetoric that comes out during November.