“The Snowbowl Effect,” a documentary exploring recent controversy over sacred land protection, will be shown in the UNM Student Union Building Ballroom B at 7 p.m. on April 12. The showing, sponsored by the UNM Kiva Club, will include a talk by director Klee Benally and a performance by the award-winning band Blackfire.
“The Snowbowl Effect” offers a compelling and moving view of contemporary conflicts between the National Forest Service, Native American sacred sites, the environment and business interests.
Despite opposition from 13 Native American tribes who hold the mountain sacred, the National Forest Service recently approved the Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort's plan to use reclaimed wastewater to make artificial snow on the San Francisco Peaks north of Flagstaff, Ariz. “[The] decision flies in the face of facts in their own Draft Environmental Impact Statement, respect for ancient traditions and sound ecological and economic judgment,” Benally said.
Through interviews with tribal officials, Forest Service officials, ski resort representatives, environmentalists and other experts and concerned citizens, “The Snowbowl Effect” explores concerns of sacred lands protection, pollution of Flagstaff's water supply, environmental threats and economic misconceptions.
Benally is a member of the Dine Nation, project director of Indigenous Action Media and guitarist/vocalist of Blackfire. Blackfire's music combines traditional Native American, punk rock and “Alter-Native” styles to convey sociopolitical messages about human rights, indigenous rights and environmental issues.
Contact: Sari Krosinsky, (505) 277-5813
Posted by scarr at March 30, 2005 11:12 AM