Watch Standing On Sacred Ground

Standing On Sacred Ground is a documentary series from Sacred Lands Film Project that explores the relationship between indigenous people and their land. Hosted by Graham Greene, an indigenous actor of the Oneida tribe, the series takes viewers on a journey around the world to witness the struggles and triumphs of indigenous communities as they fight to protect their sacred sites and preserve their cultural heritage.

The series is divided into four episodes, each telling a different story of indigenous resistance and resilience. The first episode, Islands of Sanctuary, takes us to Hawaii, where the Kanaka Maoli people are fighting to reclaim their ancestral lands from military and tourist development. The second episode, Profit and Loss, takes us to Papua New Guinea, where the indigenous communities living near a gold mine are battling to protect their land and water from toxic pollution. The third episode, Fire and Ice, takes us to the Arctic Circle, where the Gwich'in people are fighting to prevent oil drilling in their sacred caribou grounds. And the fourth episode, Pilgrims and Tourists, takes us to Peru, where the Quechua people are struggling to preserve their cultural heritage in the face of mass tourism.

Throughout the series, Greene interviews indigenous leaders, activists, and elders, who share their stories of resilience and resistance. We hear from Winona LaDuke, an Ojibwe activist fighting against pipelines in North America; Alberto Pizango, a leader of the Ashaninka people in Peru who led a historic indigenous uprising against mining companies; and Oren Lyons, a member of the Onondaga Nation who has been at the forefront of indigenous rights for over 50 years. These voices provide a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of indigenous people as they fight to protect their sacred lands.

What sets Standing On Sacred Ground apart from other documentaries about indigenous issues is its focus on sacred sites. The series emphasizes the spiritual and cultural significance of these lands to indigenous people, and shows how their destruction threatens not only the natural environment but also the cultural identity of entire communities. The cinematography is stunning, with sweeping shots of natural landscapes and close-ups of traditional ceremonies and rituals. The score is also exceptional, blending traditional indigenous music with contemporary compositions to create a haunting and powerful soundtrack.

Overall, Standing On Sacred Ground is a moving and insightful tribute to the resilience of indigenous people and their connection to the lands they call home. It is a must-see for anyone interested in environmental justice, indigenous rights, or the intersection of spirituality and ecology.

Standing On Sacred Ground is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between and on Sacred Lands Film Project