River People

Establishing shot: Film opens showing a large plane taking off, then moves to a map of the fifty states. Pima Indian Reservation is not seen until 1m58s into the film; the camera centers on a mountain range in the background, with a green field in the foreground. A large saguaro can also be seen, in bloom, on the right side of the frame.
Named locations: Tucson, Arizona; Phoenix, Arizona; Southern Arizona;  Pima Indian Reservation; the Gila River; Texaco Olberg Trading Post (sign, 12m30s); Mexico; the Midwest; Coolidge Dam.
Major themes covered: The significance of the Gila River, and irrigation, for the Akimel O'odham (Pima); the daily activities of an Akimel O'odham (Pima) family; The rise and decline of Pima farming and the plan to revitalize native farming/harvesting
Native activities shown: Women and young girls harvesting cactus fruits with small, wooden “tongs” to protect themselves from the thorns; Cholla buds being cooked in an in-ground pit; an Akimel O'odham (Pima) family making an outside ground-pit and cooking cholla buds; Grinding cholla buds in a traditional manner; Cooking gruel using cholla buds; Collecting, preparing, and cooking mesquite beans;  Weaving baskets with Devil's Claw and Willow; Preserving corn by drying it on the roof in the hot sun; Grinding corn into meal; Harvesting pumpkin and preserving pumpkin; Working in wheat crops and harvesting wheat by hand; Chopping wood; Teaching younger generations how to farm; Teaching young women how to can fruits/vegetables;  
Individuals Named: No named individuals
Native language spoken: No native languages spoken
Audible? Good quality English narration, but there are a few moments where the narration seems to skip, as if damaged
Noteworthy elements: The film shows many traditional Pima activities. The film also touches upon the fact that Anglo settlers moved into the territory and began depleting the Gila River, which hampered the O'odham Akimel (Pima) farmers. As a result, a great deal of native knowledge regarding farming was not passed to other generations. The film also explains how the Akimel O'odham (Pima), using native technology, were soon unable to compete with white farmers who began using machine-technology to farm in the region.  
Other notes: F.C. Clark, Jr. is also the cameraman; the film discusses the significance of the San Carlos irrigation project/plan;