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Deep Dive: Skydancer (2011)

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Skydancer
Skydancer presents the lives of Mohawk ironworkers, known as 'sky walkers', who have been integral to America's construction for over 120 years. The film follows Jerry McDonald Thundercloud and his colleague as they navigate their dual existence between the urban environment of Brooklyn, where they work, and their rural reservation six hours north, where their families reside. This contrast shows the cultural and economic challenges faced by Native Americans today. The documentary captures the struggles of the workers' families left behind, particularly the wives who work to keep their children away from illegal activities in an economically deprived area. The film provides a nuanced portrayal of modern Native American life, emphasizing both the pride in their work and the difficulties they encounter in balancing their professional and personal lives.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Jerry McDonald Thundercloud and his ironworking colleagues.
  • •Find out about the lives of Mohawk families in Brooklyn and their reservation.
  • •See the unique challenges faced by Native American workers today.

Did You Know

•Mohawk ironworkers have been raising America's cityscapes for over 120 years.
•The men in the film travel six hours north to their rural reservation on weekends.
•The workers are called 'sky walkers' because they walk atop steel beams just a foot wide.

Perfect For

Native American cultureConstruction industryUrban development