WORLD Channel Programming Celebrates Native American Heritage Month in November

BOSTON, Oct. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In honor of Native American Heritage Month this November, WORLD Channel will premiere six new films as it presents a rich collection of documentaries spotlighting the achievements, stories, and lives of Native Americans (check local listings).

"We're pleased to offer programming that honors the rich and vibrant history and culture of Native Americans in November," says Chris Hastings, executive producer, WORLD Channel. "The diverse perspectives provided through WORLD's Native American Heritage Month programming demonstrates the challenges overcome, contributions made, and those issues Native Americans still face in today's world to help inspire and drive action for social justice."

Air date information for six new Native American films are found below. For full listing information on WORLD Channel's Native American programming, visit www.worldchannel.org.

Thursday, November 6
Navajo veterans of Canyon de Chelly, Arizona, have served as Code Talkers in WWII, Army Rangers in Vietnam, and, most recently, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, their dedication and courage in battle has not protected them from the formidable challenges facing them when they return home. In Warriors Return, viewers will see how strong women, traditional healing, and "western talk therapy" are helping these warriors return home.

Monday, November 17
LaDonna Harris: Indian 101 profiles Comanche political and social activist, LaDonna Harris. During his Presidency, Lyndon Johnson requested her assistance to educate the executive and legislative branches on the unique role of American Indian tribes and their relationship to the U.S. government. The course, called "Indian 101," was taught to members of Congress and other agencies for more than 35 years. In addition to her work in civil rights, world peace, the environment, and women's rights, Harris is best known for introducing landmark legislation.

Our Fires Still Burn: The Native American Experience invites viewers into the lives of contemporary Native American role models living in the U.S. Midwest. It dispels the myth that American Indians have disappeared from the American horizon, and reveals how they continue to persist, heal from the past, confront the challenges of today, keep their culture alive, and make great contributions to society.

Tuesday, November 18
In Across the Creek, join a conversation among members of the Lakota, who are seeking ways to restore their culture after a legacy of colonialism. Offering a fresh perspective into the lives of the Sioux on the Rosebud and Pine Ridge Reservations, the film looks at how these Sioux communities struggle to maintain tradition, while confronting the challenges of broken families, abuse and poverty. By sharing their stories across generations, they hope to build a vision for the future.

Wednesday, November 19
Legendary as one of America's greatest horse tribes, the 21st century Nez Perce decided to bring horses back to their land and lives with the unlikely help of a charismatic Navajo horseman, Rudy Shebala. His mentorship guides at-risk teenagers toward the strong medicine of horses, and his equine skills bring historic Nez Perce horse culture to modern renown. However, his personal demons imperil both accomplishments. Horse Tribe tells the story about the connection of human to animal, history to life, individuals to community, grief to resolve, and values to action.

Friday, November 21
Spirit in Glass: Plateau Native Beadwork celebrates the spectacular beadwork of the Northwest Plateau People. The film provides a rare opportunity to experience Plateau culture through the eyes and hearts of artists, who share their history, motivation, and the beadwork that plays an important role in binding their culture together. Native Plateau beadwork is part of the rich tapestry of American culture. Plateau culture is unique and its story of survival a quintessentially American story.

Expand your views and perspectives on important social issues in November and year-round. Check your local listings and get more info about WORLD Channel programs at www.worldchannel.org. Viewers can also join the discussion on Facebook and Twitter. 

About WORLD Channel:
The WORLD Channel is a 24/7, multicast channel dedicated to delivering the best of public television's nonfiction, news and documentary programming as well as a growing schedule of original content from independent producers and communities of difference. The complementary website, www.WORLDchannel.org, expands on broadcast topics and fuels content across social media, providing opportunities for broad and diverse audience interaction. WORLD Channel is produced by WGBH/Boston, in partnership with American Public Television and WNET/New York, and in association with the Public Broadcasting Service and the National Educational Telecommunications Association. Funding for WORLD Channel is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the Ford Foundation. Additional funding for "America ReFramed" is provided by the MacArthur Foundation.

About Vision Maker Media:
Vision Maker Media shares Native stories with the world that represent the cultures, experiences, and values of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Founded in 1977, Vision Maker Media, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) which receives major funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, nurtures creativity for development of new projects, partnerships, and funding. Vision Maker Media is the premier source for quality Native American and Pacific Islander educational and home videos. All aspects of our programs encourage the involvement of young people to learn more about careers in the media—to be the next generation of storytellers. Located at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we offer student employment and internships. For more information, visit www.visionmakermedia.org.

Contact:   
Mandy Miller 
National Marketing, WGBH
617-300-5334
[email protected] 

SOURCE WORLD Channel

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