The Walk

Director: Peter Spirer

Institute History

  • 2001 Sundance Film Festival

Description

California has the largest Native American population in the United States with 278 tribal nations, more than any other state in the country. The history of California Indians is brutal and devastating, but few Americans, including Californians, know anything about these tribes.

The Walk tells the moving story of the traditional walk of several California tribal communities and their supporters. Led by Native spiritual leader, Robert John, and beginning at the Pala reservation in Southern California, the group makes the 768-mile journey to Sacramento, the state's political seat. There they hope to bring light to issues threatening Native American sovereignty, preservation of culture and language, and intertribal unity. Academy award nominated documentary filmmaker Peter Spirer takes on a theme of grave importance, working collaboratively with people of California's original heritage.

— Heather Rae

Screening Details

Credits

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