[1][2] On the Olympic Peninsula and a nearby, unspoilt San Juan island; a young Native American girl, her brother and their two new friends battle land developers determined to build a holiday resort on the sacred burial site that is Spirit Island.

They plan to save Spirit Island to preserve their heritage, when a conflict arises regarding the development of tribal burial grounds.

When her Grandma organizes a protest against defiling their ancestors' sacred burial ground, Maria takes up the cudgel.

[6] The TV Guide Reviewer of "Journey to Spirit Island" commented: "This film, beautifully photographed by topnotch cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond, is good hearted family fare marred by a hopelessly naïve conclusion".The reviewer added: "...Ostensibly a lesson in environmental protection, respect for Native American culture and the exploitation of that culture by the 'white man', 'Journey to Spirit Island' negates what impact it might have had by making an Indian the villain and a white businessman the noble hero".

[4] In his review for the Radio Times, John Ferguson concluded: "The members of a largely unknown cast give winning performances, director Laszlo Pal expertly brings together the mystical and adventure elements of the tale and the rugged northern locations are gloriously captured by Zsigmond".