The contemporary Native American Sobriety Movement is flourishing throughout the Indian communities of North America. This vital social movement combines ancient spiritual traditions with modern medical approaches to substance abuse recovery.
One of these traditions is the "talking circle." In a talking circle, a participant holds a sacred eagle feather while talking about whatever is on his or her mind. During this time, the other participants listen respectfully, encouraging the speaker to open his or her mind and heart, to share stories, feelings, and prayers. When finished, the speaker passes the feather to the next person in the circle and becomes a listener; and so on around the circle.
This remarkable documentary features many noted Native American therapists and healers. Consisting of eight 15-minute segments, it is designed to be used as a prevention and recovery tool by individuals, clinics, recovery programs, schools, and youth groups. Segments include:
Introduction to the Talking Circle
Wisdom of the Elders
Women of the Circle
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Healing the Youth
Men of the Circle
Native Ways of Treatment
The Red Road Approach
The menus of the DVD version of the film enable fast access to each particular segment.
This is the companion video to the award-winning documentary, The Red Road to Sobriety. It was produced by Gary Rhine for Kifaru Productions and co-directed by Gary Rhine and Chante Pierce (Cheyenne/Cherokee).
Reviews for this film:
"Nothing short of remarkable, both in scope and content. It is a powerful journey into alcoholism within Native American communities and the modern attempts to combat the disease using traditional approaches. The film is honest and sensitive, sometimes painful, yet filled with hope." - MULTICULTURAL REVIEW
"The Video Talking Circle segments offer a unique perspective on clinical issues with native Americans in treatment for alcoholism. Native voices are used to weave a treatment and prevention modality that is both meaningful and healing." - DR. EDUARDO DURAN (Apache/Tewa), Director of Behavioral Services, Urban Indian health and Human Services, Albuquerque, NM
