Osiyo,

Talking Feather now has a Teachers’ Guide and Answer Key for the Iroquois Tribe. In addition, photos have been added of the animals in the myth “Why The Owl Has Big Eyes” to help students better understand.

The Iroquois League of Nations was originally known as The Five Nations, and the members were The Mohawk, The Oneida, The Cayuga, The Onadaga, and The Seneca Nations.  When The Tuscadora Nation joined the league in the 1700s,  the Iroquois became known as the Six Nations.

It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken
joy in creative expression and knowledge.
~Albert Einstein~

Member of the Oneida-photo: Jeff Lindsay

Member of the Cayuga photo: Google

Oneida Dancers photo Mrs. Houck

Additional News:

Read The New York Times Article:

Navajo Nation takes on Urban Outfitters, and wins!

Visit Pow Wows.com for the Live webcast 2011 Hunting Moon Powwow

Tags: Iroquois Nation, Teachers' Guide

Osiyo,

We are pleased to  now have the Teachers’  Guide and Answer Key for the Sioux lesson plans. We’ve also added photos to help students identify various animals spoken about in the myths. We hope that you enjoy and learn new information. Here are some famous Sioux, you might also like to know. Read about the Sioux in Tribalpedia!  Dr. Charles Eastman (Santee Sioux-1858-1939) Note the list of Sioux Chiefs.

Elizabeth Cook-Lynn

Elizabeth Cook-Lynn (Crow Creek and Sioux)  is a poet, novelist and scholar.

Vine Deloria Jr.

Vine Deloria Jr. (March 26, 1933 – November 13, 2005) was an American Indian author, theologian, historian, and activist. He was widely known for his book Custer Died Our Sins: An Indian Manifesto (1969),

Kevin Locke

Kevin Locke (Lakota Sioux) plays the flute, and Hoop dances.

“All people have the same impulses, spirit and goodness. Through my music and dance, I want to create a positive awareness of the Oneness of humanity”-Kenvin Locke-

Talking Feather, May 10, 2011

TCHIN-photo by Hank Rogerson

We came across this wonderful article about Tchin a nationally known artist and educator of American Indian arts and culture.  Tchin  is a member of the Blackfeet/Narragansett People. He also makes jewelry, writes books, and  has won numerous awards. You can read about  his interesting background here.

Tchin portrays the creation of the world and how things came to be through the traditional art of oral American Indian storytelling. His other presentations deals with topics such as cultural diversity, music appreciation, and  environmental consciousness.

“These stories have been passed down through generations and illuminate both young and mature minds. Tchin brings the stories alive with his gift of magic. As part of this program, Tchin will perform and explain the seldom seen or heard Native American courting flute.”

You can listen to Tchin tell his most famous story Rabbit’s Wish for Snow at the Circle of Stories a PBS web documentary about American Indian storytellers.

To learn more about Tchin, and to hear his stories, we encourage everyone to visit his magical website.

As always, share your thoughts with us!

Learn More: Talking Feather Indian Myths and Stories here.

Tags: Music, storytelling, Tchin

As the holidays approach, there are many emotions that come with them.  Of all the holidays, Thanksgiving is the one that stirs up the most emotional  controversy among American Indians.  There are American  Indians who will always remember the true story behind this holiday,  and who will not acknowledge it  nor  see any reason to celebrate.   There are also American Indians who know the true story,  but who  have decided to handle the celebration in their own fashion.

Here are two view-points on this issue about Thanksgiving,  from  two American Indians.

The first is a  concise and wonderful essay entitled The Thanksgiving Myth written by John Two-Hawks, member of the Oglala Lakota people, and noted musician.

John Two-Hawks,  Native Circle

The second article entitled,  An American Indian’s View  of  Thanksgiving, was written by Keely Squirrel-Denning, a member of the Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma.

Her article is equally as wonderful and profound.

K. Denning,  The People’s Path

Both writings take a slightly different view, yet both  end up on the same path.  Both articles will enlighten those in the dark, and  further uplift those in the light. Everyone should read both of them, whether they celebrate Thanksgiving… or not.

We at Talking-Feather wish your celebrations to be thoughtful and peaceful ones!

Tags: Cherokee Nation, John Two-Hawks, Keely Squirrel-Denning, Oglala Lakota, Thanksgiving

Indian Country Today -Staff reports

Story Published: Dec 4, 2009

Story Updated: Dec 1, 2009

American Indian culture is seeped in traditions stemming from long ago, including the myths. While some stories were created for pure entertainment, many were based on truth, and were used to explain some aspect of life, or to instill a moral.

Today, people have created a way to mix the humor of a mythical character with serious life-saving information.

An animated series entitled “Iktomi”, who according to Indian myth was a trickster always doing naughty things to others, discovers that he now has diabetes, and struggles with the notion that in order to get better, he must “behave” himself and take better care of his health.

The great news is that many American Indians, and hopefully other people, watching the series learn valuable information about caring for their physical, mental and emotional health.

The groups taking part in producing the series and in educating people are KAT Communications together with Standing Rock Diabetes, and  The Aberdeen Area Indian Health Service.

GoodHealth TV is a network that features health education issues, and resources that help people with maintaining overall good health in many areas. The article provides information on where to go to learn more about the program and to enjoy Iktomi, and his antics.

This is an ingenious way of reaching people who need what may well be life-saving information.

Tags: animated, health issues, Iktomi, Standing Rock Diabetes, The Aberdeen Area Indian Health Service, traditions, trickster