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CM . . . .
Volume VI Number 3 . . . . October 1, 1999
Totem Talk opens with a computer-animated raven flying across
British Columbian landscapes, both urban and natural. Landing in the city,
the raven befriends three urban Native teens and takes them away to an
imaginary land where totemic figures (the raven, frog, and bear) are more
than merely silent carvings. Each of these figures has an important
metaphorical presence in traditional Northwest Native story and art; and,
in this video, the figures talk about these roles and how they enact them.
Storytelling is important in traditional native culture, and artifacts,
such as totem poles, provide a concrete element to the oral tradition.
While the video provides interesting information about the symbolism of
various animals in traditional Northwest Native art and stories, the
combination of computer animated figures and human actors isn't always
successful. A segment in which J. Bradley Hunt, a Native carver, describes
his art seems to be an "add-on," rather than a natural element of the
story. While the three teens are utterly cool now, they and their speech
may seem hopelessly out-of-date in a couple of years. In some respects,
the "Background Notes" on the video jacket provide more useful content
than the video itself. Still, middle school audiences might find some
aspects interesting and entertaining, and, for units on Native mythology
or culture, Totem Talk might have a place.
Recommended with Reservations.
Joanne Peters is the teacher-librarian at Kelvin High School in Winnipeg, MB.
To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.
Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association.
Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice
is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without
permission.
Published by
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - October 1,
1999.
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