ICTMN

Choctaw Days at the Smithsonian poster: photo ICTMN

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) and the Choctaw Nation are joining forces to put together an event in Washington D.C. entitled, The Choctaw Days. The event held June 22-25 which corresponds with the museum’s peak tourist season, when an average of 1,500 people come to the NMAI every day. A statement from Chief Pyle about the release:

“We are honored to be the first American Indian tribe from Oklahoma to have a festival of this kind at the National Museum of the American Indian,” said Chief Gregory E. Pyle in a press release. “I remember when the museum opened on the National Mall almost seven years ago and I have visited NMAI numerous times since. It is a remarkable place, showcasing hundreds of tribes from South, Central and North America…

We have assembled several of our best artists, dancers, singers and cultural experts. We know that we will have a different audience than we are accustomed to and want to ensure that they all understand just how special our tribe is…”

For additional information about the upcoming  Choctaw Days event, visit their site here. Also, get  history, free Lesson plans, plus an Answer Key for the Choctaw Lesson plan from Talking Feather here.

Read the article and share your thoughts!  To view these pieces and more, visit Website for Art here.

Here are additional samples of the Choctaw art work.

Choctaw Raccoon Dance

Choctaw-Five Civilized Women photo

Hummingbird Gourd, No. 1

California Gathering

Choctaw Snake Dance

Human Effigy Water Bottle

Tags: Choctaw Art, Smithsonian

Talking Feather, June 16, 2011

Buffy St. Marie-photo: current tour

American Indian singing artist Buffy St. Marie was born on the Cree reservation, and  was adopted and raised in New England. She received a Ph.D. in Fine Arts from the University of Massachusetts, and holds degrees in Oriental Philosophy and Teaching.  She became known for her songs of protest and of love. Many of her songs have been huge hits and performed by other well known artists such as  Barbra Streisand, Elvis, Chet Atkins, Roberta Flack, Neil Diamond, and Tracy Chapman.

She won an academy award in 1982  for her song Up Where We Belong which was the title song from the film An Officer and A Gentleman.

She took a respite from recording to have a baby, and both she and her son made frequent appearances on Sesame Street, where the theme was Indians Still Exist. Ms. St. Marie founded the Cradleboard Teaching Project in 1996, which focuses on Native American Education and is free to everyone.

“The Cradleboard Teaching Project turns on the lights in public education about Native American culture – past, present, and most important for the children – the Future. It comes out of Indian country, and reaches far beyond, into the mainstream classroom and into the future of education.”

-Cradleboard Mission Statement-

Today she is still singing and performs frequently with her Rock Band. When she’s not performing, she’s at home on her goat farm in the mountains with her  27 goats, two horses, and a kitty cat. We wish her Blessings. Be sure to visit her website!

Tags: Buffy St. Marie

ICTMN

The Gathering of Nations is one of the largest Pow Wows in the U.S. with over 500 tribes participating. The goal  of the organization is to preserve and promote American Indian cultures and traditions. The organization was founded in 1983, and the Gathering is held annually in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

This year the famous Pow Wow drum group Midnite Express, from the twin cities of Minnesota performed at the 2011 Gathering of Nations. Lead singer Opie Day-Bedeaux is a member of the Ojibway People, and has contributed to this talented group which has won numerous awards throughout the country.

Read the article, visit the sites, and enjoy!

Opie Day-Bedeaux-One Love: round dance songs

Tags: Gathering of Nations, Midnite Express Drum Group, Opie Day-Bedeaux

Various Talking Sticks

There are legends about how the Talking Feather came to be, and many tribes take credit for these stories, so there are several versions. Traditionally, the American Indians used the Talking Feather or Talking Stick as a method to insure organization during important council meetings among the tribes. The materials used for both Feather and Stick were important. The Sacred Feather was usually from an Eagle representing truth, freedom, wisdom, and keen insight. Some tribes believed in using the Feather from an Owl which represented protection, wisdom, and strong insight into truth. The Sacred Stick was made from the bark of trees such as the Oak (strength) the Elm (wisdom) and others. There were also embellishments and adornments made from the skins or hides from animals such as Elk (physical ability), Deer (gentleness), Buffalo (abundance) and the Rabbit (ears for listening) and several other animals the various tribes felt were sacred. Color played an important role in the creations. Certain tribes attached different meanings to each color. For example, red symbolizes blood of life, white symbolizes truth, purity, blue is for healing. Each member was guaranteed a chance to speak their thoughts. The Feather or Stick was passed to each person, and while the speaker held this object, they could not be interrupted. Each member listened carefully to what was being said. Indian children were taught to listen carefully when someone speaks.Today, one of the most important skills we can teach our young children is that of listening. This method is still used in many American schools, especially with very young children. Although the object the speaker holds may not always be a Feather, or a Stick, it is something equally symbolic to the children. It is effective as a tool to teach children the benefits of listening to others.As teachers we are constantly listening to our students. It was by listening to my students the idea of this site was created.

A Talking Feather

Photos: Feather:  Owl’s Original Crafts

Talking Sticks: SunReed Instruments

Tags: Talking Feather, Talking Stick

Talking Feather, June 11, 2011

Osiyo,
Pow Wows are the American Indian way of  gathering to join in dancing, singing, visiting, renewing old friendships and making new ones. This is a time to renew the culture and preserve the rich heritage of American Indians.
In addition to Pow Wows, this is also the time for noting American Indian artists, singers, poets, and classical musicians who inspire others, especially young people, through their art. We’ve  high-lighted some wonderful artists for you to enjoy. (Additional Artists’ information)

Guitarist Gabriel Ayala-Photo Gallery

Tango cd by Gabriel Ayala

Poet and Author Joy Harjo-You Tube "Reality Site"

Red Dreams cd by Joy Harjo

Conductor Jerod Tate- You Tube

Painting: Winds of Change by Juane Quick-to-See Smith

Jaune Quick-to-See Smith-Images

By ICTMN Staff May 28, 2011

Indian Country Today’s Vincent Shilling provides readers with an awesome coverage of the various Powwows taking place at this time of the year.

Here are just a few. Mount Trashmore, Hawaii, Enumclaw Washington, and even New York City! A very enjoyable and enlightening article to read.

Dancer Keith Anderson (Mount Trashmore) photo:Vincent Shilling	Hawaii-Cleansing ceremony at Hilo Powwow-photo- Tom Whitney
Dancers of all ages and nations participated- photo-Vincent Shilling	Lawrence McDonald, Men's fancy dance- Enumclaw, Wash. photo J.R. Sauberan
Native American Dancer NYC-photo: Cliff Matias

Tags: powwows

Washington, LMIC

Poster for LMICPhoto:WUWM Radio

First Lady Michelle Obama and federal agencies have initiated a new program, Let’s Move! in Indian Country (LMIC) which will support and advance tribal leaders and community members who are working hard to keep their members healthy.

The Menominee tribe was the launch site for this national campaign for Indian Country, due to the tribe’s high risk health factors such as diabetes and heart disease.

Tribal Chairman Randal Chevalier of the Menominee commented,

“Becoming a healthier community starts with our children, so I am delighted that we can address these issues in such a comprehensive way.”

First Lady Michelle Obama stated,

“Through Let’s Move! in Indian Country we have an opportunity to engage Native communities, schools, tribes, the private sector, and non-profits to work together to tackle this issue head on…Tribes can sign up to become part of Let’s Move! in Indian Country, elders can mentor children about traditional foods and the importance of physical activity, and families can incorporate healthy habits like eating vegetables or participating in the President’s Active Lifestyle Award into their everyday life.”

LMIC has four main goals: (1) create a healthy start on life for children, (2) create healthy learning communities, (3) ensure families access to healthy, affordable, traditional foods, and (4) increase opportunities for physical activity.

To find out how your tribal members can benefit from this program read the article. Also visit the LMIC website.

Kudos to the First Lady, the Menominee People, and everyone who is involved in positive changes for the well being of our children!

P.S. Compliments to the person (s) who created the wonderful, and expressive poster!

Tags: First Lady Michelle Obama, LMIC program, Menominee tribe

Harvard Gazette

Replica of Wampanoag home-photo: K. Snibbe-Harvard Staff

Harvard University will honor Joel Iacoomes a member of the Wampanoag Tribe with a posthumous degree during the University’s Commencement exercises on May 26, 2011. Iacoomes died in 1665 shortly after completing four years of study at Harvard. Iacoomes was one of  the first two American Indians to graduate from Harvard.
His friend and fellow Wampanoag member, Caleb Cheeshahteaumuck, graduated from Harvard in 1665.

Cheryl Andrews-Maltais, chairwoman of theWampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) stated,

“ Since he was from our island community, it means a great deal to us to see his extraordinary achievement recognized alongside his fellow tribe member, Caleb Cheeshahteaumuck, the first Indian to graduate from Harvard.”

Cedric Cromwell, chairman of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe made this observation,

“ Joel was a gifted scholar and Harvard had a commitment to the Native American community… This posthumous degree brings us full circle. It’s motivational for Wampanoags and I think it’s motivational for Harvard. It builds on our relationship.”

Kudos to Harvard!   Read the article, and share your thoughts.

Tags: Caleb Cheeshahteaumuck, Harvard University, Joel Iacoomes, Wampoanog

ICTMN Staff “Notah Begay Promotes Healthy Living to American Indian Students”

Notah Begay and Isleta Pueblo Youth-courtesy of NB3

Four-time Champion golfer Notah Begay III is returning home to Albuquerque, NM where he will lead a series of televised events as a guest speaker on Native America Calling. NAC is a live call-in program that links public radio stations, the internet and listeners together. NAC is heard on 52 stations in the United States and Canada. Mr. Begay’s message will focus on health and wellness, especially for American Indian youths. Begay comes from the Navajo, San Felipe Pueblo, and Isleta Pueblo tribes. In addition, Begay with the help of his father created the NB3 Foundation Challenge which is a non-profit organization concerned with preventing childhood obesity and diabetes.

Following this broadcast, Begay will also host a one-hour program live to 194 Bureau of Indian Education schools. According to Begay, “This is the first generation of Native American youth that may not outlive their parents due to childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes…”

Notah Begay III

Please read the entire article  to find out the schedule for the days and times of Notah Begay’s programs, and how you might help with this important mission.

Kudos to Notah Begay, NB3, and the other organizations working together to help the children!

Tags: Notah Begay, Talking Feather, Talking Stick

By ICTMN Staff,  Origins of the Grass Dance

Grass Dancer- Smithsonian

It’s the season for pow-wows, which means great food, music, colorful regalia, and various tribal dances. This article discusses the dispute surrounding the origins of one particular American Indian dance known as the Grass Dance. It seems that everyone is in agreement as to where  the dance began, (the northern plains tribes) however, that’s about all people seem to agree upon.

“…the dance’s northern roots are acknowledged, but the dance is now considered largely intertribal. Ironically, grass dance owes its longevity and thorough dissem-ination in part to a modernization of ceremonies prompted by early 20th-century oppression. In an attempt to stabilize during a period of rapid cultural conversions by the United States government, it became important to both preserve and spread dances—including the merging of many tribal dances that formed what we now know as grass dance—to preserve indigenous unity… The regalia honors the role of grass in the warrior’s life…But it’s not only the province of warriors: Women have danced it on occasion. There are 19th-century photographs of women grass dancing, and in the 1970s—a heyday of women’s rights and native consciousness—women participated, wearing men’s regalia. Today, this has died down and it is considered a men’s dance…” Wanbli Charging Eagle Lakota Sioux and Ojibwe states, “The most important thing with grass dancing is respect. Respect the ones that came before you, the ones that actually paved the way for all us grass dancers.”

An interesting article! Read it and share your thoughts with us.

Tags: Grass Dance, pow-wow, Talking Feather, Talking Stick