It is more important to see the simplicity.
To realize one's own true nature,
To temper desire,
For without desire there is tranquility.
Black Hawk Productions, LLC
This website first went into service in the year 2002, and has been dedicated to the story of the Black Hawk War of Utah.
Black Hawk Productions, LLC is an independent video production company specializing in American Indian history. It's founder Phillip B Gottfredson established the company in 2007 and was formed for the soul purpose of producing the documentary film of the Black Hawk War in Utah. The "Black Hawk War Project," as it is referred to, is the companies only project at this time. The project is complex and has required the contracting of professional filmmakers, directors, and historians. Black Hawk Productions has funded the project through grants from major institutions and private donations.
"Over the past six years study of the Black Hawk War has been my passion as I have devoted all my time to understanding it's legacy. I have read a score of books on the subject of Utah history and Euro expansion across America. I have researched journals, diaries, countless documentaries, archives, and libraries. I lived with Native Indians for two and half years learning their traditions and life-ways, participating in sacred ceremonies, attended lectures, storytelling, watched documentaries by Indian filmmakers, and have been taught oral histories from elders. With the Native people I have danced, sang songs, participated in drumming circles, shared many prayers, helped build a sweat lodge, attended and participated in pow wows, healing ceremonies, been counseled, given blessings, made to endure countless challenges to demonstrate my honesty and sincerity. I have traveled thousands of miles, met with learned tribal leaders, spiritual leaders, medicine men, from as many as 12 different tribes from California, to Arizona, Utah, Montana, Oregon, Nevada, and I spent one week at the grand opening of the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC. But, I am not a spokesman for the Indian people, nor do I consider myself to be an expert. And while I have many Indian friends whom I love and respect, I do not know everything, and I have a lot more I want to learn. But, I am an advocate for the Native people and stand beside them in their quest for equality. I have opinions and something to say and teach, and I am proud to share with you through this website the wisdom and fruits of my journey.
I have funded my journey and project for the most part with my own money, and with the generous help from many friends, and foundations. Only recently I have been awarded grants to in support of the Black Hawk War project. I am not being paid for my work, and enjoy a very humble existence. It has been a labor of love while the rewards have been priceless spiritually, and I have no desire or motivation to profit from the tragic past of others. Any project of this size does require funding from many sources as a matter of necessity and cannot be accomplished on goodwill alone."
Kindest Regards,
Phillip B Gottfredson
President Black Hawk War Productions, LLCP.O. Box 2072
Orem, Utah 84059-2057
4/02/2008
