
More from Helen Borten
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Laugh Tracks Part One and Part Two
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Two parts, each 28:58 minutes. A one-hour celebration of ethnic humor.
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The life and work of a renegade composer who blazed a trail to the future by using an instrument that sounded like the past.
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One hundred years of mob rule in Youngstown, Ohio.
Love and War
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Professional soldiers in Fort Benning, Georgia talk of the challenges facing themselves and their families as they prepare to go to war. Produced in 2002 as these soldiers ...
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An ancient pastime explored in the lives, lore and literature of anglers.
The Silent Generation: From Saipan to Tokyo
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The final year of World War II in the Pacific, told by men who came back and kept silent about the harrowing ordeal that changed their lives.
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The history of a black church on an antebellum plantation and how it was saved from destruction.
Piece Description
For over a hundred years the Mohawks of Akwesasne, a reservation on the New York-Canada border, pursued the occupation of ironworkers, one of the most dangerous jobs in construction. Mohawks were on the high steel crews of every bridge and skyscraper in Manhattan, commuting between job and their 12-hour-distant home every weekend, and became famous for their skill, daring and major contribution to the skyline of New York. This is the story of men plying a difficult craft in the modern world while cleaving to tribal customs in an ancient world -- a balancing act that has taken its toll in lives and relationships. An honest, intimate and informative portrait of an unusual occupation and the Native Americans who made it their own.
2 Comments
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Review of Skywalkers of AkwesaneI found this to be a wonderful program -- I hung on every word. For me, it hits the right notes on all of the PRPD "Core Values" -- and leaves a lingering feeling of awe, respect and sympathy for the Skywalkers and their families. |





John Hingsbergen
Posted on November 18, 2006 at 06:57 AM | Permalink
Review of Skywalkers of Akwesane
Mohawk Indian culture at work in the big city. A sound-rich documentary about people whose roots are in the earth, working hundreds of feet in the air.
An interesting view of how a native culture adapted and made a unique contribution to modern society. An insight into the personalities and motivation of those who chose to risk their lives for the thrill and high pay of steelworking.
Interesting, sound-rich piece. Well recorded and narrated. Production values live up to the best of public radio.
Early in the piece I felt it could use better setup, putting the piece into context. As with most good documentary work, it built steam and drew me in as I stayed with the story.
Not for background listening. Take a half hour and enjoy a glimpse of a world most of us will never experience!
This would be a good special for Labor Day but useable any time, especially for stations that serve major cities.