On Wednesday, September 25, the film WHITE BUFFALO: An American Prophecy premiered at the Nest Climate Campus in New York City. This significant event highlighted the vital connection between Indigenous wisdom and today’s environmental challenges.
A Spiritual Odyssey
The film, 30 years in the making, follows four brothers on a spiritual journey to explore America’s rich Indigenous knowledge. Their quest intertwines with the prophetic significance of the white buffalo, a powerful symbol of hope and renewal. Many Native American Nations believe that the prophecy began on August 20, 1994, when a white buffalo calf named Miracle was born on a farm in the Midwest. Miracle changed color four times, symbolizing transformation and the urgent call to heal ourselves and the planet.
Screenwriter and producer Richard Marten shared, “As soon as I read about the birth of Miracle on the Heider Farm in Janesville, Wisconsin, I felt impelled to write a script for a documentary.”
This initial spark led to a project that evolved significantly over the years.
“The script was written pretty quickly. It evolved from an arms-length anthropological study to the personal story of the four brothers journeying across America to discover the wisdom of the continent from its Indigenous inhabitants.”
The film serves as a powerful call to action. It promotes the idea that personal healing connects deeply with the health of the planet. This philosophy aims to contribute to the ongoing journey of healing and renewal for both Mother Earth and her diverse inhabitants.
The brothers begin their transformative journey at the ancient pyramids and sacred energy sites of the Yucatán. They then travel to Hopiland in the American Southwest, where they engage with Hopi and Zuñi elders. Along the way, they seek wisdom from Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, founder of the Jewish renewal movement, and other spiritual leaders across the continent.
These encounters highlight the deep connections among various spiritual traditions and underscore the need to honor and protect these invaluable teachings.
A Call for Change
The premiere included thought-provoking discussions that reinforced the film’s message. It underscored the urgent need for a significant shift in how we understand our relationship with the environment. As climate change continues to threaten the world, White Buffalo serves as a powerful reminder of the insights Indigenous cultures offer in the quest for sustainability.
Director Ethan Marten reflected on the journey, saying, “These wisdom keepers were willing to share. Through them, we caught glimpses of our ancestors’ wisdom and took a journey through antiquity for healing in the present.”
The event was more than just a film premiere; it was a gathering of passionate advocates for climate action, making it a fitting highlight of Nest Climate Week. As the credits rolled, it was clear that White Buffalo has sparked a vital conversation about the future of our planet and the wisdom we can draw from its Indigenous roots.
