In the Light of Reverence

The film, in the light of Reverence, is about two places are sacred to indigenous people. The film explores American culture’s relationship to nature in two places with Native American: the Colorado Plateau in the Southwest and Devils Tower in Wyoming. There are rich minerals and timber in those places and even beloved by recreational users, these scared lands pulls Native Americans into conflicts with mining companies and rock climbers. Ironically, In the Light of Reverence juxtaposes reflections of Hopi, Lakota elders on the spiritual meaning of place with views of non-Indians who have their own ideas about how best to use the land.

The first sacred space shown in the film is Devils Tower in Wyoming. It is a mountain. This is an attraction where many adventurers like to hike. However, several climbers in alliance with the conservative Mountain States Legal Foundation have sued the Park Service, claiming an inappropriate government entanglement with religion because the National Park Service has tried to find common ground by proposing a compromise, asking climbers not to climb during the month of June. It is sacred to the Lakota people for its healing power. The Lakota people feel that it is extremely disrespectful to climb this mountain given its sacred and powerful nature. If someone climbs the rock when Indian ceremonies are at their site, it just shows really unrespect to the culture of Native American. The Lakota people in the film explain that June is special because everything is being regenerated and reborn. During this time, they feel it is especially important for to have devils tower to themselves.

In Arizona, Hopitutskwa is sacred to the Hopi people that live there, because they believe that it is where the bringers of rain are. Unfortunately this site also often is used for mining by its Dale McKinnon. McKinnon uses it for concrete, and argues that this culture couldn't exist without this mining. A Native America tells an old story of his...