Improving Mato Paha

Bear Butte documentary shows struggle for mountain

By Lana BradstreamLocal filmmakers got audience feedback for "Mato Paha: Rally to Protect Bear Butte," their documentary in production.

After a showing at The Journey Museum on Saturday, filmmakers Mitchell Zephier Sr., Mark St. Pierre and Tilda Long Soldier held a panel discussion with the audience in hopes of finding ways to improve the film before the finished product is released. According to St. Pierre, final editing of the documentary is taking place in New York.And:The film's ultimate focus is the cultural conflict that arises as businesses spring up near Bear Butte, a sacred site for many indigenous people.

To illustrate, filmmakers focused on the Broken Spoke Saloon and former owner Jay Allen's quest to obtain a liquor license. The Broken Spoke is near Bear Butte, and in the film, Native Americans talk about how difficult it is to pray, perform ceremonies and make offerings of tobacco and cloth on the mountain when there is a bar nearby filled with noise and alcohol.Comment:  The filmmakers should let me see Mato Paha. Critiquing, editing, and improving works is my specialty. <g>

For more on the subject, see Bars vs. Bear Butte and Clash Over Bear Butte.