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Teachings of the Tree People: The Work of Bruce Miller
by Katie Jennings"The trees were our first teachers."
Watch TrailerNationally acclaimed artist and Skokomish tribal leader Gerald Bruce Miller (subiyay) interpreted the sacred teachings of the natural world for anyone who wanted to learn. A passionate student of traditional culture, Bruce became the bearer of the language, oral history, art, and spirituality of the tuwaduq (Twana) and Southern Coast Salish peoples. This gentle and generous film documents his race against time and ailing health to pass the knowledge of his ancestors on to those who would listen.
Well researched and superbly produced, this documentary is truly successful in sharing native reality and environmental knowledge with many people.
Professor Donald L. Fixico, Distinguished Foundation Professor of History, Arizona State University
This inspiring film will help young Native American students understand their culture's contributions to the larger society and develop a positive sense of identity.
Professor William Demmert, CREDE Center for Research on Education, Diversity & Excellence; Western Washington University, Woodring College of Education
AWARDS & SCREENINGS:
- National Geographic All Roads Film Festival
- "Best Feature Documentary" nominee American Indian Film Festival
- United Nations special presentation
- National Museum of the American Indian (Smithsonian Institution)
- PBS National broadcast
- Big Sky Documentary Film Festival
- Palm Springs Native American Film Festival
Resource Web Sites
Curriculum for Engaged Learning Through Film
IslandWood's Media for Education Curriculum Guides bring learning to life through film. Visit this webpage to see all our National Geographic-funded resources.
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Visit the official website for Teachings of the Tree People: The Work of Bruce Miller
