Multimedia Collection
The Peyote Road: Ancient Religion in Contemporary Crisis
VHS
59 minutes
E98 .R3 P491 1993
Winner of documentary awards at The American Indian Film & Video Competition, The National Educational Film & Video Festival, and The Chicago International Film Festival, The Peyote Road addresses the United States Supreme Court "Smith" decision, which denied protection of 1st Amendment religious liberty to the sacramental use of Peyote for Indigenous people, one of the oldest tribal religions in the Western Hemisphere. Examining the European tradition of religious intolerance & documenting the centuries old sacramental use of the cactus Peyote, The Peyote Road explains how the "Smith" decision put religious freedom in jeopardy for all Americans. This program contributed to the successful efforts of The American Indian Religious Freedom Act Coalition, which resulted in the 1994 passage of protective legislation.
Out of respect, no ceremonies were recorded for this production.
English, Spanish & Navajo (English subtitles)
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