Story includes a sympathetic, if patronizing, profile of the family life of Navajo people in Northeastern Arizona in the mid-1950s. Focuses mainly on poverty.
Film features primarily Tom Burnsides' silversmithing of a buckle, trading at the post, and close-ups of his wares. Also, striking views of Monument Valley and family herding their flock across the landscape.
Film showcases three ceremonial dances performed at night: Great Feathered Arrow Dance, Feather Dance, and Fire Dance. Also features the arrivals of families to the event, making fry breads, and more.
Navajo activities depicted include silversmithing jewelry and bow guard, grinding corn meal and baking bread, eating a meal, ploughing and planting, family life, and wrapping a baby into a cradleboard. Views of Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly.
Episode of the TV show VAGABOND about Monument Valley and the Navajo people. Navajo-related activities include a cross-cultural exchange with YMCA/YWCA, selling rugs, weaving, sheepherding, cooking, doctor visit.
Overview of Navajo/Diné living conditions, amenities, boarding schools, women working in an Indian hospital, spinning wool and weaving, men building an irrigation system, silversmithing, sand painting, and more.
Brief history of the Navajo's relationship to the Canyon de Chelly and its formation over time; other topics: construction of hogans; sheep sheering; cliff dwellings; and prayer piles.
