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Jago Cooper reveals how a cultural tradition that began over 10,000 years ago survived against the odds, following European contact, disease, land theft and oppression.

Two-part documentary in which archaeologist Dr Jago Cooper explores the extraordinary and resilient culture of the American north west, revealing one the most inspiring stories in human history.

1,400 miles of rugged, windswept and rocky coastline in what is now the Alaskan panhandle, British Columbia and Washington state have been home to hundreds of distinct communities for over 10,000 years. Theirs is the longest continuing culture to be found anywhere in the Americas. They mastered a tough environment to create unique and complex communities that have redefined how human societies develop. They produced art infused with meaning that ranks alongside any other major civilisation on earth. And they were very nearly wiped out - by foreign disease, oppression and theft of their lands. But a deep connection to the environment lies at the heart of their endurance, and - unlike many indigenous cultures annihilated following European contact - their culture sustains and has much to offer the rest of the world today.

In the second episode, Jago reveals how a cultural tradition that began over 10,000 years ago managed to survive against the odds. Following European contact, the indigenous peoples of what is now south east Alaska, British Columbia and Washington state suffered disease, theft of their land and oppression. But Jago argues that northwest coast culture has an extraordinary resilience. Its connection to the land has been developed over thousands of years, which meant that it was able to adapt and transform when faced with threats and disruption. These qualities make it one of the longest continuous cultures in the Americas.

1 hour

Last on

Sun 31 May 2020 03:00

Music Played

  • Meditation Spa

    She Steps Lightly

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Jago Cooper
Production Company IWC Media
Writer Jago Cooper
Series Producer Tom Stubberfield
Director Tom Stubberfield
Executive Producer Tom Stubberfield
Executive Producer Aisling O'Connor
Camera Operator Chris Sutcliffe
Editor Tim Young
Assistant Producer Roshan Samarasinghe
Sound Roshan Samarasinghe
Production Department Jonathan Warne
Production Coordinator Judith Connell
Production Manager Pamela Nelson
Script Editor John Davy
Colourist Eric Smith
Graphic Designer Jonathan Scott
Re-recording mixer Dave Murricane

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