Awake, a Dream from Standing Rock

Moving from summer 2016, when demonstrations over the Dakota Access Pipeline’s demolishing of sacred Native burial grounds began, to the current and disheartening pipeline status, “Awake” is a powerful visual poem, uncovering complex hidden truths with simplicity. The grand, sweeping plains at Standing Rock are a bittersweet backdrop for images of peaceful protesters barraged by water cannons and choked by tear gas that—until now—had reached the outside world only as jittery iPhone video. A shaky voice reports an attack on unarmed civilians. The 911 operator offers to send police, but the caller explains it’s the police doing the attacking. The operator can’t do anything if the police are already on the scene. “Who protects the people from the police?” the caller asks. Protester Floris White Bull narrates: “I am not dreaming. I’m awake. I have been woken by the spirit inside me that demanded I open my eyes and see the world.” Presented by the Grand Traverse Resort & Casinos, this annual festival event features a pre-screening drum circle, theater smudging, and address from the Tribal Council of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

SPONSORED BY
Grand Traverse Resort and Casinos (Sun)