A key focus of Firelight Media is our “Voices” concept of capturing the stories and personalities of tribal elders in a manner that will preserve them for future generations. The medium of video is the ideal compliment to traditional Native American storytelling methods. It has the power to effectively convey wisdom, knowledge, social and political customs. Firelight Media captures the stories and then preserves them on DVD, where they can be easily accessed either in their entirety or by specific subject matter. In this form, these crucial stories will survive the generations and maintain their vitality forever.

The value of securing these significant autobiographical accounts is immeasurable. Now is the time to record their knowledge and experiences, before their voices and memories pass on. Through these recordings, both voices and images of the elders will accurately communicate their wisdom while revealing their unique and individual personalities and perspectives.

Examples of information commonly gleaned from interviews include:

• Genealogy of family
• Vital statistics - date, place and circumstances of birth, clan, Indian name, etc.
• Seasonal cycle of hunting, fishing and gathering activities practiced
• Social and political changes and insights
• Most remarkable events in their lifetime
• History of - or involvement with - the Tribal Government
• Language
• General way of life
• Childhood experiences/School years
• Crafts
• Cultural traditions
• Natural remedies used at home
• Traditional family recipes
• Legends, stories or teachings
• Spiritual practices and customs
• Significance of their clan affiliation
• Their definition of “sovereignty”
• Military service
• Educational experiences
• Effects of Federal and state policy on their life
• Changes and trends witnessed on the reservation
• Why the interviewee left or returned to the reservation
• Advice and council to future generations

The potential uses of these interviews are nearly limitless. They can be utilized in homes, schools, community libraries, local intranets, and other community facilities. Perhaps the greatest realization will occur generations from now when historians and descendents are allowed to discover the wealth of information, insights, stories, traditions and observations offered by today’s tribal Elders.

Converting videotaped interviews to the DVD format will ensure that these valuable chronicles remain protected from obsolescence and guarantee their vitality for future generations. Additionally, the DVD’s will be edited to include “chapter points” – like rented DVD movies – enabling viewers to select topics of interest. This project is designed to allow future generations, including offspring, relatives, students, researchers and tribal agencies, the pleasure of listening to and learning from the stories and experiences of today’s elders.