An Echo of Harvard in New Mexico By Jon Chase, The Harvard Gazette

Jason Packineau, Community Coordinator for the Harvard Native American Program -photo: Jon Chase

Osiyo. Education is one of the most important elements in one’s life. According to many Native people,  there are two types of education.  “Mother wit” education is where you gather vital knowledge from parents, caregivers,  culture, and community. The other type of education  is often referred to as “Book learning”  where you gather information about everything else from formal school training.

Which institution you attend to receive this second wave of education depends on many elements, and can get confusing, especially  for many high school students. Fortunately, there  are people such as Jason Packineau, an American Indian  who guides students and shows them the  many different paths and opportunities leading to various to colleges.

Excerpt:

“My name is Jason. I am Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, Jemez, Laguna. I was born here. This is my home, said Jason Packineau, community coordinator for the Harvard University Native American Program, as he opened his presentation at the Native American Community Academy in Albuquerque in typical fashion by naming his tribal affiliations.

The Albuquerque academy was one of four schools that Packineau and I visited on a recent trip to New Mexico. We also stopped at Bernalillo High School outside Albuquerque, at the Santa Fe Indian School, and at the Walatowa Charter High School in Jemez Pueblo, one of 19 pueblos that are self-governing entities in New Mexico. The purpose of the trip was to generate interest for Harvard among Native American students, as well as to host a Harvard booth at the National Indian Education Association conference in Albuquerque…

For many of the high school students we visited, the Harvard name was simply an abstraction. But when they learned the College waives tuition for families earning less than $65,000, and will even fly out prospective students who have been accepted, you could almost see the wheels turning in their heads as they gathered up more Harvard literature from the table…”

Kudos to Jason Packineau, Harvard, and others who help further education for American Indians. Read the entire article, and for more information visit  Harvard University Native American Program

Jason Packineau speaks with a student at Bernalillo High School, as Native American student counselor Tom Williams looks on. Photo: Jon Chase

Packineau speaks to a group of Bernalillo High School students. Photo; Jon Chase

Education should consist of a series of enchantments, each raising the individual to a higherlevel of awareness, understanding, and kinship with all living things. ~Author Unknown~

Legend of the Talking Feather: Kanati and Asgaya Gigagei Bestow the Gift of The Talking Feather

There are many legends about how the Indians learned about the Talking Feather”. Here is one of them…

Long years ago, when gods walked this earth and the land beyond, Kanati and Asgaya Gigagei, were together enjoying the warm summer day. It was a day when the crickets chirrupted in the waving, green grass,when they noticed a figure moving towards them.

As the figure approached closer Kanati said “Look, that woman is crying, what could be the matter?” “I can not imagine why anyone would cry on such a glorious day.” Replied Asgaya Gigagei. “Let’s ask her.”

As the woman drew nearer, they could see her buckskin was decorated with beautiful designs and colors. She carried a bundle filled with leaves, sage, and colorful stones and feathers. They knew immediately this woman was a holy being.

Kanati asked her “Holy mother, why are you crying so?” The woman looked up in wonder, because she had been walking with her head down. “I’m crying because the men of my village are fighting constantly! Each thinks his ideas for leading the tribe is the best!” Kanati and Asgaya Gigagei glanced at one another, in perplexity. “Why, if there are so many good ideas for leading your tribe, why are the men fighting? And why aren’t you and the other members happy!” The poor woman shook her head sadly and replied, “Yes, you are right, the men do have very good ideas, but every man wants to speak his own ideas, and not listen to anyone else. They all shout and scream at one another so loudly, that it frightens the children who run and hide behind their mothers. The women are sad because their husbands come to the house upset and angry. Furthermore, the tribe is suffering, because no one can seem to make a decision.”  Just then a beautiful Eagle was soaring overhead, Kanati called out “Brother Eagle, may I have one of your feathers, there are poor humans in desperate need!”

Bother Eagle replied “Yes” and shook himself until a single iridescent, large feather fell to the ground. “Many thanks and Blessings on you” said Kanati. Kanati made secret signs and prayers over the Feather. Asgaya Gigagei helped him with the blessings. Kanati then said to the woman “This is the sacred Talking Father, it holds great power for the one who holds it. Go back to your people, hold this feather up in the air, all who see it will fall silent, and listen to what you have to say. Tell all who listen that from now on, who ever holds this feather, all present within the Circle Council must listen to his words. The feather must then be passed on to the next speaker.”

The woman thanked Kanati and Asgaya Gigagei and hurried back to her village where there was total chaos!. Everyone was talking at once, children were crying, men were screaming at each other. As soon as she held the feather over her head, all became quiet! No one could utter a sound! the holy woman proceeded to give the directions given to her by the gods. She then passed the feather to the first man. He called the Talking Circle together, and each man had his say as he held the feather. From that time on that tribe flourished because they now had direction, and each person could hear and understand what their peers said. The people worked together, to build a great nation. Along the way, they shared the wonders of the Talking Feather with other tribes they met. “And that my friends is the true story of  how the Talking Feather came to be!”

Tags: American Indian Program, Harvard University, Jason Packineau

A Native American Student Responds to a Times Article About His Home, By Katherine Schulten,The New York Times Learning Network

Willow Pingree a student at Fort Washakie Charter High

Osiyo: Willow Pingree  is a student at Fort Washakie Charter High School, located on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. He has an intense love and pride for his community, and wrote an essay that proves it.  His  essay was in response to an article he read written by journalist Timothy Williams.

Mr. Williams wrote an article published in The New York Times, February 3, 2012 entitled, “Brutal Crimes Grip an Indian Reservation,”

In his article, Mr. Williams described the  usual, drug addictions, alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and suicides that occurred on the Wind River Reservation.  He referred to the “long history” of homicides that has plagued the community, which is composed primarily of the Eastern Shoshone and the Northern Arapaho, making it one the country’s most dangerous areas. The only “bright” note was at the beginning of the article where Mr. Williams wrote about the school’s basketball team.

Wyoming Indian High Basketball Team-photo credit WIHS

 

 

 

 

 

“At a boys’ basketball game here last month, Wyoming Indian High School, a perennial state power, was trading baskets with a local rival. The players, long-limbed and athletic, are among the area’s undisputed stars, and their games one of its few diversions. On this night, more than 2,500 cheering, stomping people came to watch…”

In response to this article the principal of  Fort Washakie Charter High School Shad Hamilton, invited the journalist  Mr. Williams, to learn more about the school and about the community.  There was a meeting via conference call between the students, faculty members, and Mr. Williams. English teacher  Michael L. Read  was also involved in helping the students, among them Willow Pingree. The following is an excerpt from the essay:

A student from Wyoming Indian High School, dignity and pride prevails.

“I have lived on the reservation since I was born. I will be only twenty in July, but as far as I’m concerned, I’ve seen my share of good and bad things on this reservation. Not EVERTHING about this reservation is bad. Sure there is a huge problem with domestic violence and alcoholism, but we try to work together as a community to fight it. We have not given up. …The tribal councils grant funding to different programs to help the people overcome addiction…Education is an important aspect of our culture. Long before the white education system, Native people all across the continent learned education from the teachings of their elders. Young people were taught to respect everything and everyone around them and to have a positive attitude to maintain balance and harmony in their lives…The Wind River Reservation has a youth council called United National Indian Tribal Youth, or Unity, Its motive is to encourage kids and young adults to step up to be the voice for all young people. ”

We encourage everyone to read this beautiful essay by Willow Pingree, and the original article by Timothy Williams.

Kudos to Willow, his schoolmates, Shad Hamilton,  and to the faculty in all of the schools in this area keeping up the fight against the negative elements!

We’d like to also acknowledge journalists Katherine Schulten, Timothy Williams, and The New York Times Learning Network .

“No matter what negative things we face every day, nothing can break our spirit. We will not give up the war to save our culture or our languages, the war that all Native people in America have been fighting for since 1492. I will fight to ensure the survival of our cultures and languages for the rest of my days on this Earth.  Ha’ho! Hoo-wee-hoo! (Thank you!)”

~Willow Pingree~ Fort Washakie Charter High School

We at Talking-Feather wish to thank our readers for their continued support. We also wish to thank our new readers. Our numbers have increased in 2012 — we do appreciate all of you! -Wado-

Tags: New York Times, Willow Pingree, Wind River Indian Reservation

At Diné Bi Olta, Girl Scouting is a Hit By Alastair Lee Bitsoi, Navajo Times

Tiajia Gamble and Alena Crotty sell Girl Scouts cookies with handmade posters. Photo Credit: Amber Crotty

Osiyo!  It is always a pleasure to pass along information about positive environments for Native children, and the wonderful adults who serve as strong role-models for these youngsters.  In this article, the adults are Amber Crotty and Nikke Alex, and the good work they and others are doing for the Cactus Pine Troop No. 3053.

Excerpt:

“When Amber Crotty decided to establish a Brownie troop at Tséhootsooí Diné Bi Olta, little did she foresee the response: Over 50 girls – about 20 percent of the student body – signed up to become members of the newly formed Arizona Cactus Pine Troop No. 3053… If you build, they will come, Crotty said during a Feb. 9 troop meeting, while simultaneously teaching a group of Daisies and Brownies how to sell cookies for the year’s big fundraiser…Crotty, who together with co-leader Nikki Alex started organizing the troop in November, said the strong response indicates a need for after-school programs not just at the Navajo language immersion school, but in most other schools as well…Before the DBI Girl Scout troop was organized, most of the girls said they either went home after school or to the local Boy’s and Girl’s Club, where they only did homework…

We’re learning the First Aid badge, said Yazzie, who is Tó áhání (Near to Water Clan), born for áshiihí (Salt Clan). The badges represent what we accomplish and what we can do… Amber supports us and encourages us to do this,” added Yazzie.  It feels a lot better because she didn’t abandon us and leave us out in the cold…

Brownie Megan Sells, …sold 150 boxes during the pre-order period. Sells said she enjoys the range of activities scouting offers such as arts and crafts and singing. I’m learning you have to respect yourself and others, and to help people, not just yourself,  she said.

Crotty also said the troop has been lucky this year to get support from the Navajo United Way and other sponsors, which helped finance uniforms for the troop…The girls plan to use of their earnings to attend horse and art camps this summer, and some to buy gloves and scarves for local elders next winter…”

For Information Contact: Amber Crotty, 505-567-0069, or Nikke Alex, 505-399-8650.

We encourage everyone to read this uplifting article and to offer what you can to help make their young dreams happen!  Kudos to Amber Crotty, Nikke Alex, The Navajo United Way, and to all of the good souls who help to make life better for children…

“These girls are our future business entrepreneurs…This cookie sale is planting the seed and your support has strengthened their confidence to dream big, plan goals,… If you build, they will come… ” ~Amber Crotty~

Horses In Native American Cultures, The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI)

Crow Nation Fair Parade, 2009-Photo credit: Emil Her Many Horses, NMAI

All through history horses have been an integral part of American Indian cultures. The NMAI has a wonderful exhibition entitled A Song For the Horse Nation which describes the relationships between various tribes and their horses, through stories, paintings and photographs. Excerpt from the introduction:

Lakota beaded coat, ca. 1890-photo credit NMAI

“The story of the relationship of Native peoples and horses is one of the great sagas of human contact with the animal world. Native peoples have traditionally regarded the animals in our lives as fellow creatures with which a common destiny is shared. When American Indians encountered horses—which some tribes call the Horse Nation—they found an ally, inspiring and useful in times of peace, and intrepid in times of war. Horses transformed Native life and became a central part of many tribal cultures…Native peoples paid homage to horses by incorporating them into their cultural and spiritual lives, and by creating art that honored the bravery and grace of the horse. The glory days of the horse culture were brilliant but brief, lasting just over a century. The bond between American Indians and the Horse Nation, however, has remained strong through the generations.”

This exhibit will be on view: October 29, 2011–January 7, 2013
NMAI on the National Mall, Washington, DC

Read Stories about the origin of horses from the Dine (Navajo) and the Siksika (Blackfoot) NMAI  HERE.

You Tube Video: Wild Horses and North American Indians…

A great You Tube video of wild horses with the following message:

“Mostly wild horses and old native Indian photos in the United States. The REAL wild west. The audio track has not been modified or enhanced. Just great lively music and photos worth a thousand memories. Best viewed at my channel because of the background. Enjoy!”

Uploaded by OMisTerManon Jun 10, 2010.

Wild Horses-Youtube video By OMisTerMan

Wild Horses-Youtube Video By OMisTerMan

Wild Horses Youtube video By OMisTerMan

A Sky Full of Horses

I looked over there and I saw twelve black horses toward the west, where the sun goes down… Then they showed me twelve white horses [in the north]… Then I turned around toward the east… I saw twelve head of horses, all sorrels.

Then I turned to the south… and saw twelve head of buckskin horses. These horses had horns… As they stood, the bay horse looked to the west and neighed. I looked over there and saw great clouds of horses in all colors and they all neighed back to this horse and it sounded like thunder…The bay horse said to me, ‘Behold them, your horses come dancing.’ I looked around and saw millions of horses circling around me—a sky full of horses…

~Black Elk ~(Oglala Lakota) 1932-1950 (NMAI)

Navajo filmmaker still shining at Sundance, By: Bernie Dotson, Gallup Independent, Native American Times.

Filmaker Ramona Emerson. photo credit: Kickstarter

Osiyo. Ramona Emerson a member of the Navajo Nation, has written  directed, and co-produced a wonderful film entitled Opal.  The film centers on the lives of  Navajo children, specifically a young Navajo girl (Opal) who is tough, and has a mind of her own. When she is accosted by the town bully,  Opal and her friend take steps to handle the situation. In addition to this wonderful film, Ramona and her husband Kelly Byars, a member of the  Choctaw Nation,  run their own company Reel Indian Pictures located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ramona received her B.A in Media Arts in 1997 from the University of New Mexico, one of the first two graduates of the program. Excerpt:

“Ramona Emerson swept into Park City, Utah, in 2010 as one of four writers and filmmakers selected to participate in the Sundance Film Festival’s Native Filmmakers Ford Foundation Fellowship Program…Opal is a short film about a young Navajo girl who takes on the town bully. When Opal is beat up by the bully, she and her friend Bunny take matters into their own hands. The importance of Opal’ goes beyond just getting my story on the screen,” Emerson explained. It is also a portrait of a tough little girl who won’t take no for an answer. It serves as a metaphor for all of the places that little girls aren’t allowed to go, the things they are forbidden to do. This is every little Navajo girl’s chance to power through diversity, to push by the people who are keeping you from what you want to do…Raised in Tohatchi and Santa Fe, where her mother attended art school, Emerson said she gravitates toward subjects she encountered as a youngster growing up around the Navajo Nation…Since everyone on the cast is under 12 years old, we had to work around schedules, during weekends and when we could get our lead actress (Magdalena Begay) into town from Flagstaff, Ariz…Emerson, 38, said she’s eager to enter Opal again at Sundance come 2013…”

Read the entire article to learn more about this wonderful, thought-provoking film. Click to see the film OPAL, and  the other films Ramona Emerson and her husband  have  produced.

Lead actress Magdalena Begay from Opal. photo credit- Reel Indian Pictures

“My hope is to create a story that reflects a very true representation of what it’s like to grow up on the Navajo Nation, but more importantly, questions the roles of women and girls both on and off the reservation.”

~Ramona Emerson~(1974-)

Tags: Navajo, Opal, Ramona Emerson

Martha Redbone charts her own distinctive course, marches to her own beat By Kara Briggs, American Indian News Service

Martha Redbone, Skintalk. photo- home page

Martha Redbone in performance at Hopestock-NMAI. photo By Craig Bailey, Perspective Photos

Osiyo, Singer Martha Redbone’s music is an intriguing blend that reflects her rich heritage. The cool R&B of her African-American father mixes well with the rhythmic sounds of the Cherokee-Shawne-Choctaw from her mother’s tribes…

Her songs first  became hits in Europe and England,  where the people weren’t aware there were “American Indians still alive” in this country.  This exceptional lady has also continuously helped the youth from the Houma Nation, and other tribes. Excerpt:

“New York—Recording artist Martha Redbone’s Native American-infused soul is all her own. Redbone is an independent artist who is as likely to include a powwow drum as she is jazz riffs in her highly danceable music. Her second album, “Skintalk,” is a sophisticated blend that is powered not by electronics but by a funk-rock band of veteran musicians…Redbone, who grew up in Brooklyn and calls herself a mixed blood, Cherokee, Shawnee and Choctaw on her mother’s side, and African American on her father’s… As a young artist rooted in Otis Redding, Earth, Wind & Fire, and the Stomp Dance songs of her mother’s tribes, Redbone already had this vision for blending musical traditions…

In 2000, Redbone released the solo album, “Home of the Brave”…The album won her the Best Debut Artist award at the Native American Music Awards and Indian Summer Music Award for Best Pop Album… Redbone’s powerful Native-infused soul delivery and social commentary won her accolades in the indie music world…Redbone’s heritage guides her life.When after a performance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival she met Brenda Dardar-Robichaux, then the principle chief of the United Houma Nation, and heard about the tribe’s efforts to share culture with their youth. For the last four summers she has traveled to this bayou nation where she shares songs that are culturally relevant to Houma’s six to 12-year-olds. Some songs are Choctaw, some in Houma French, and others are just beautiful when sung with a hand drum… Redbone’s hybridization of soul, R&B and Native music is in the tradition of contemporary artists like Keith Secola and Bill Miller...She is constantly brainstorming how she can help not only the Houma but youth across Indian Country…It’s really important that there are people like me representing and telling our stories to the world, Redbone said.”

We encourage everyone to read the entire article about this fascinating woman!

“…there are only 12 notes in a scale, or only so far that each style of music can go before it runs out of fresh material. The only way forward is to make new hybridizations” ~Artist Quincy Jones~ (1933-)

“We-sha-cat-we-lo-ke-we-la-wapa (Shawnee) Let us always do good for the world…”~Martha Redbone~

Tags: Martha Redbone

MIT Summer Research Program Seeks Diverse Candidates, ICTMN Staff

MIT campus

Osiyo,

Dr. Sophia Cisneros, a Dr. Martin Luther King Postdoctoral Fellow at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)  has announced that they will be accepting applications for their Summer Research Program in engineering and science fields.

“…According to, Dr. Sophia Cisneros, a Dr. Martin Luther King Postdoctoral Fellow at MIT, the program rarely receives applications from interested Native American students, and as a Native from the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw tribes, Cisneros would like to see this change…Students who participate in this program will be better prepared and motivated to pursue advanced degrees, thereby helping to sustain a rich talent pool in critical areas of research and innovation…”

MIT students.

To learn more visit: MIT Summer Research Program

OR:  Call 617-253-4860

OR: e-mail mit-srp@mit.edu.

MIT Application Information Here

NOTE: The deadline for applications is February 3, 2012.

Kudos to Dr. Sophia Cisneros and to MIT!

“Education must provide the opportunities for self-fulfillment; it can at best provide a rich and challenging environment for the individual to explore, in his own way.”

~Noam Chomsky~(1928-)

Tags: MIT, Noam Chomsky

Navajo Craig Curley Juggles Work and Training for Olympic Marathon Trials by ICTMN Staff, Indian Country Today

Craig Curley-photo NNER

Osiyo,

Navajo Craig Curley is a long distance runner from  Kinlichee, Arizona, and he will compete in the Olympic Marathon Trials in Houston, Texas.  He hopes to be  among the first  (three men and women will be chosen) to cross the finish line in time to qualify as a representative of the United States in the marathon at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, held July through August 2012.  Craig receives support from his family, friends, co-workers and from Nideiltihi Native Elite Runners (NNER), which sponsors runners in the Four Corners Region.

Excerpt:

“… NNNER “helps with the cost of travel to races, lodging and gym access,” Curley told Runners Feed. “More significantly this organization is geared toward helping the youth on the Navajo Reservation. NNER is one way I keep in touch with the my hometown and reach out to the community with my running…Even though running has the potential to send Curley to the 2012 Olympics and powerfully impact his life, at the same time, it grounds him and keeps him connected to his Native roots. As a Native American, growing up I was shown how to value life and cherish the world that surrounds me. Even though this is a small part of the Native American Tradition and Culture, the mindset can be applied to running,” Curley said in an interview for NNER’s blog. “You run to care/cherish your body and in return you get the exercise that benefits you to live a healthy lifestyle…”

Brandon Leslie (2007) photo- NNER

Alvina Begay is another hopeful. photo ICT

Read this uplifting story about this extraordinary young man, and an additional article about Alvina Begay, another Navajo competitor.  It is beautiful to see our young engaging in healthy and productive activities. Kudos to NNER for their support. We at Talking Feather wish both Craig and Alvina our best!

“…the teaching of the Tradition is there for youngsters to develop a sentimental connection to the natural world in hopes that the youngsters will learn to respect/value all the gifts of the world.” ~ Craig Curley-Navajo Nation (2012-)~

Tags: 2012 Olympic Marathon, Navajo, NNER

Navajo Nation confronts HIV and AIDS , By Stephen Ceasar, Los Angeles Times

Navajo Elsie Smith and her granddaughters. Photo:Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times / December 11, 2011

Osiyo,

It is sad to think that in the year 2012, there are people who do not know about HIV or AIDS, yet this is true. It appears that in the Navajo community these diseases are on the rise in comparison to other tribes where the number of AIDS and HIV cases are  either remaining the same or better still showing signs of  declining. As always, the main solution is to “educate” all people.  Here is an excerpt from the article about how some people are coping and some trying to help others with this crisis in Gallup, New Mexico:

“Infections are rising within the tribe at a time when they are holding steady or declining in other groups across the country. Poor education is partly to blame, with some tribal members learning about HIV and AIDS only upon diagnosis.— Five years ago, the man Elsie Smith loved told her calmly from his hospital bed that it was time for him to go. He died with a hushed goodbye and a squeeze of her hand. Smith herself had been feeling ill for a while. Her bones ached and she vomited often. She soon mourned him from her own hospital bed. A doctor explained to the Navajo woman that her lover had died of AIDS. It was important that they check her blood, he said. She agreed.Two days later, the doctor told her that she had HIV. Her tired mind became flustered with questions, but she asked only one. ”What is HIV?”

See video slides and post for this article- Navajo infecting Navajo, by Mare Martin

Smith learned of her diagnosis at the Indian Medical Center in Gallup, where Western medicine and traditional healing converge to treat members of the Navajo Nation and where a ceremonial hogan — or sacred structure — sits on hospital grounds…It is where Jerry Archuleta and Emerson Scott, partners who are both HIV-positive, go for their monthly checkup…Most of the infections are occurring in the Navajo Nation, a vast expanse in the Four Corners region where poverty, poor education, alcohol abuse and the hardships of reservation life cultivate an environment in which the virus can spread…Like Smith, some Navajo learn of HIV and AIDS upon diagnosis. Others believe it’s a white man’s disease. Doctors, meanwhile, must explain the virus and disease in round-about ways because, in traditional Navajo culture, to speak of death is to bring it about…The Indian Medical Center and its clinics scattered across the reservation log about 35 new cases a year. But that’s about three times the number recorded a decade ago..Signs of trouble emerged in 2001, when about half a dozen patients trickled into the Indian Medical Center with severe fevers, rashes and headaches… Dr. Jonathan Iralu, the hospital’s infectious disease specialist, called for HIV tests. HIV was rare among Navajo then. The first documented case surfaced in 1987… Emerson Scott sometimes stands outside the Gallup city library to hand out condoms and pamphlets to encourage people to get tested for the virus he’s lived with for 13 years…

They are among the small number of Indians trying to warn Navajos about the dangers of AIDS… “People just don’t want to change here. They are so stuck in their ways,” said Jerry Archuleta, Scott’s partner. Both volunteer with the Navajo AIDS Network and work with several support groups for HIV and AIDS patients…”

To gain insight and knowledge, Talking Feather encourages everyone to read the complete article.

“…Maintaining harmony is the driving force in Navajo life, a concept captured in hozho, a complicated word that can be translated as harmony, balance but also beauty…” ~excerpt from article ~

Tags: AIDS, HIV, Navajo Nation

Phillip Charette And MR. ELIVE Release New Music Album…PRWeb

Albmn cover for Phillip Charette and Mr. Elive

Osiyo,

Phillip “Aarnaquq” Charette is both a member of the Alaskan Native Yup’ik Nation, and of  French Canadian descent. He holds degrees from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Harvard University in Education, Native Studies, and Administration. He is especially known for his traditional Yup’ik masks, for which he has won a number of awards.

MR.ELIVE is a producer and musician from the northwest, working with new styles of music and many different artists.

These two gifted artists have gotten together to create a beautiful music album which combines traditional ancient Native Alaskan verse with Authentic Hip-Hop beat.

Phillip John "Aarnaquq" Charette

Excerpt:“This is the first official album from Native American artist Phillip “Aarnaquq” Charette and producer, performer MR.ELIVE. Traditional Yup’ik Alaskan verse over authentic hip-hop beats creates a new sound that is already being played in native dance venues as early copies have found their way north to Alaska and are also now requested in dance clubs throughout the Northwest. The album’s title, hard to pronounce, is in traditional Yup’ik and loosely translates to ‘we are flying’. Seven songs in all – this first album sets the bar where it will be hard for others to mimic without paying homage to these two pioneers of a ancient but new style… Phillip is internationally renowned for his contemporary expression of traditional Yup’ik masks. Phillip’s work has been shown at the Smithsonian, Eiteljorg, Bishop, Hallie Ford, Washington State History, and Heard Museums…”

For more information, media interviews or to review or purchase the album visit: http://www.mrelive.com

Read the article, and enjoy the new sound!

‘We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dream.Wandering by lone sea breakers, and sitting by desolate streams. World losers and world forsakers, for whom the pale moon gleams. Yet we are movers and the shakers of the world forever it seems”

~ Arhtur O’Shanessey ~(1844-1881)

Tags: MR.ELIVE, Phillip "Aarnaquq" Charette, Yup'ik