Nature to Nations
Explore the rise of great American nations, from monarchies to democracies. Investigate lost cities in Mexico, a temple in Peru, a potlatch ceremony in the Pacific Northwest and a tapestry of shell beads in upstate New York whose story inspired our own democracy.
Previews + Extras
Episode 2 Preview | Nature to Nations
S1 E2 - 30s
Explore the rise of great American nations, from monarchies to democracies. Investigate lost cities in Mexico, a temple in Peru, a potlatch ceremony in the Pacific Northwest and a tapestry of shell beads in upstate New York whose story inspired our own democracy.
Extended Interview: Beau Dick on the Family of Mankind
S1 E2 - 2m 10s
Beau Dick, the late great Kwakwaka’wakw chief and artist reflects on the power of family. Through thousands of years of tradition and living on the land, and suffering through contact, the power to heal the world comes down to respect and responsibility.
Extended Interview: Jim Enote on Lessons from Farming
S1 E2 - 1m 57s
Zuni elder Jim Enote reflects on lessons learned from farming and each person’s responsibility to take care of the earth. While science is important, he argues there is another complimentary way to look at the world.
Extended Interview: Leigh Kuwanwisiwma on Corn as Teacher
S1 E2 - 2m 30s
Hopi elder Leigh Kuwanwisiwma has learned many life lessons from corn. These lessons are so important that he believes it is the duty of every Hopi person to be a farmer.
Extended Interview: G. Peter Jemison on the Longhouse
S1 E2 - 4m 41s
Seneca faithkeeper Pete Jemison speaks on how the longhouse was constructed and what it means to the Haudenosaunee people. The longhouse in which he is interviewed is a reconstruction based on an 17 or 18th century building that was excavated nearby. It is a home and also a place to house councils and ceremonial events.
Traditional Wampum Belts
S1 E2 - 2m 47s
Marcus Hendricks continues the tradition of making Wampum beads by hand.
Totem Poles
S1 E2 - 2m 24s
Alan Hunt and Beau Dick share the real story of totem poles and the great cedar trees they are made from.
Corn is King
S1 E2 - 2m 40s
A look at traditional Native American crops and agricultural practices and their impact on the world today.
Clan Mother
S1 E2 - 1m 56s
The history and mythology of Clan Mothers and continued female leadership.
Similar Shows

Thomas Hart Benton
Culture

Chasing Greatness
Culture

Not Done: Women Remaking America
Culture

When Comedy Went to School
Culture

Pioneers in Skirts
Culture

Curious Traveler
Culture

Armed in America: Police & Guns
Culture


This Light of Mine
Culture

Breaking Big
Culture
WETA Passport
Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.