I Googled remotest places in the US. Supai consistently came up on almost every list.— Reuben
We’re used to our artists traveling all over the globe to shoot and film the world’s finest weddings. But we feel particularly proud when they take on projects that bring them far afield to capture the world’s wonder in other ways too. The Day Filmmaker Reuben Hernandez is an intrepid traveler who combines wanderlust with an incessant curiosity about the world, and we are thrilled to be able to share the news that he has started shooting stories for BBC Travel. His first installment for the renowned British news outlet took him on a journey into the depths of the Grand Canyon, where he explored the most remote settlement in the lower 48 states: the Native American village of Supai.
Reuben spoke to us about his BBC project from Yellowknife, Canada, where he was busy chasing the Northern Lights.
To view Reuben’s feature on BBC Travel:
http://www.bbc.com/travel/gallery/20180222-the-tiny-village-hidden-inside-the-grand-canyon
I was researching remotes places to pitch to BBC for their To the Ends of the Earth US series and Googled remotest places in the US. Supai consistently came up on almost every list; I’d heard of the blue waterfalls in the Grand Canyon before but had never heard of Supai or the Havasupai people.
I Googled remotest places in the US. Supai consistently came up on almost every list.— Reuben
This was challenging for sure. Every visitor to Supai must obtain a permit in advance. I tried to get permission from the Tribal Council to visit before the tourist season began and they denied my request. So I had to wait until Feb 1st when the camping permits went on sale to the general public and the dates I wanted happened to be available. It was stressful getting the permit because the permits tend to sell out for the entire year once they go on sale.
The eight-mile hike into the village was not too bad. Hiking out was a bit more challenging because you have to hike 2,000 vertical feet out of the Grand Canyon. I hiked about 40 miles carrying 50 pounds of gear for this story!
Hiking out was a bit more challenging because you have to hike 2,000 vertical feet out of the Grand Canyon. I hiked about 40 miles carrying 50 pounds of gear for this story!— Reuben
From my experience the Havasupai are generally friendly and welcoming. When I first arrived, my permit flew out of my backpack while I was taking photos of the helicopter. A tribal member promptly returned it to me. The Havasupai are absolutely resilient and resourceful being able to survive all these years despite all the challenges they’ve faced—especially having their land taken away.
Getting an interview with Rex, a Havasupai elder was surprising. I met another Havasupai member who told me to go knock on Rex’s door. I was told by a writer that getting the Havasupai to talk to me could would be challenging because they can be wary of the media. Also Rex had a broken back and was still willing to talk to me.
The Havasupai are absolutely resilient and resourceful being able to survive all these years despite all the challenges they’ve faced.— Reuben
