Pretty Inupat girl with grandmother

Alaskan Traditional Chilkat Dancer.

Orca Totem with snow.

Osiyo,

We are very pleased to have the Alaskan tribes as members of Tribalpedia.

The tribes are listed alphabetically by name,and by the Regional Organization membership. In addition, Tribalpedia has linked  each tribe to its website, the  Alaska Database Community Information Summaries (CIS). Those tribes with (*) in front of  their names have websites. We encourage you to visit and provide support where you can.  (See NYT article about  the traditional Sacred Whale hunt of the Inupiat).

“A culture is made — or destroyed — by its articulate voices.”~Ayn Rand- (Russian born American Writer  and Novelist 1905-1982)~

Also, remember that  October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Take time to visit their site, National coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) to learn more, or to get help and support…You are not alone!

The Blanket Around Her

maybe it is her birth

which she holds close to herself

or her death

which is just as inseparable

and the white wind

that encircles her is a part

just as the blue sky

hanging in turquoise from her neck

oh woman

remember who you are

woman

it is the whole earth

~ Joy Harjo-(Creek Indian-b. 1951-)~

 

 

Tags: Alaskan Tribes

Sacred N.M. Mountain Remains at Center of Uranium Fight, by R. Reese, The New York Times

It is true that people desperately need jobs, that our historical and sacred places should be maintained,and all  health issues concerning people, and the environment need to be addressed.  This article has all of these elements and more.  The heated debate concerns whether a mining company (Rio Grande Resources Corp.) should be allowed to continue to  delay cleaning up a mine that is dormant. This particular mine is located  on Mount Taylor, in Grants, NM. The mine holds the nation’s largest uranium deposit. Mount Taylor is held sacred by many of the Pueblo tribes in the Southwest. Particularly the Hopi, Acoma, Laguna, and Zuni.   The Navajo Nation also views the mountain as a sacred place.  In addition, there are concerns involving health issues

“At the hearing, held by the New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division, testimony was divided roughly equally between those who support the renewal of the company’s five-year standby permit, with an eye toward the local economic benefits that could come from reopening the mine, and those who oppose it out of concerns that contamination could worsen if the site remains un-remediated for another five years… Eric Jantz, an attorney with the New Mexico Environmental Law Center…noted that the New Mexico Environment Department has found elevated levels of nitrates and uranium in an old underground waste lagoon at the mine site, and expressed concern that delaying a comprehensive cleanup could put the environment further at risk.”

Steve Juanico of Acoma Pueblo stated: “ Everybody’s fighting for survival — we need that economic viability, But it’s short lived. … We really need to protect our water resources. Are we doing the right thing?” One remedy to fight contamination that was offered by the company according to Joe Lister, who manages the Mount Taylor mine site for the company:

“… involves planting salt cedar trees to soak up contaminated water. The trees will then be uprooted and destroyed.”

Nadine Padilla, who is of Navajo and Pueblo ancestry, is also a member of  the Multi-Cultural Alliance for a Safe Environment stated;  “ We’re not only concerned about the quality of the environment and possible contamination of the site; we’re also concerned because it’s a sacred place, a place that tribes regard as holy.”

Read the article and share your thoughts with us.

“Only after the last tree has been cut down, Only after the last river has been poisoned, Only after the last fish has been caught, Only then will you find money cannot be eaten.”   ~ Cree Prophecy ~

Photos:

top: Mt. Taylor at sunset

courtesy of L.Dietershagen-Sanchez

bottom: Ceremony for Mother Earth. photo Google Images.

Osiyo!

We are pleased to announce that the 21 pueblos are now a part of Tribalpedia.

There are two parts: Pueblo Indians Part I provides a brief history of  the Anazasi and shows how the Pueblo Tribes of today originated from them.  Pueblo Indians Part II provides information for each individual Pueblo as it stands today.

To make them feel “at home” we’ve highlighted some famous Indians from some of the Pueblos, along with some of the dances the Pueblos are known for.

Note: Lori Piestewa of the  Hopi Pueblo was a U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps soldier, and she has passed over. She was the first  American Indian woman in history to die in combat while serving with the U.S. military and the first woman in the U.S. armed forces killed in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.  We will be forever grateful to her for the sacrifice that  she made for the people of the United States. Please read her bio here

We thank all of the people who have been sending strong and positive emails to Talking Feather!  We are going to continue to present the best information about the Indigenous People from all locations.

Blessings and Peace to those who visit this site–Talking Feather–

Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo Youth Dancer

Lori Piestewa of Hopi Pueblo

Artist Cliff Fragua of Jemez Pueblo

San Ildefonso Pueblo Feast Day

Pojoaque Pueblo Cloud Dance

Photos:

New Mexico Magazine

Photo Gallery

Tribalpedi

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

ICT, Navajo Nation First Lady to Join ‘Stop the Violence Against Women Day’ Walk

Navajo Nation First Lady Martha Shelly

Navajo Nation First Lady Martha Shelly joined others to participate in the “Stop the Violence Against Women Day” walk to show her support for the Violence Against Family Act.

First Lady Shelley stated,

“… We have been actively working on the Violence Against Family Act, which has been in development for the past ten years and we are confident it will be passed by the Navajo Nation Council… I encourage everyone to come out and join us to advocate for the rights of victims and families of domestic violence.”

“As first lady, Martha Shelly has continued her work in women and children’s health care. She focuses on efforts to raise awareness of breast cancer and diabetes and to promote the field of counseling… As an honorary member for the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Coalition to prevent drunk driving among young people, the First Lady has also become an advocate for the prevention of teen suicide and school bullying.”

“Working alongside First Lady Michelle Obama, Mrs. Shelly has become involved with the Let’s Move initiative to bring awareness to unhealthy eating and the high obesity rate among our young people.”

Kudos to those who support the cause and especially to the Navajo Nation first Lady! Read the article and join the fight against domestic violence!   A few thoughts…

“A nation is not conquered until the hearts of its women are on the ground. Then it is finished no matter how brave its warriors or how strong their weapons.”
(Tsistsistas, Cheyenne)

“Every woman who thinks she is the only victim of violence has to know that there are many more.”
– Salma Hayek

Tags: domestic violence, Navajo Nation First Lady Martha Shelly, Violence Against Family Act

Queens Farm Organization

The Thunderbird Indian Dancers

New York City will celebrate  the 33^rd Annual Thunderbird American Mid-Summer Pow Wow which is the city’s oldest and largest American Indian event. The Pow Wow lasts for 3 days from July 29, 30, and 31.

Over 40 Indian Nations will be represented. One of  New York’s most famous dance troupes  The Thunderbird American Indian Dancers will be performing.

“ Wide in appeal, Thunderbird American Indian Dancers have made an enormous contribution to the effort of preserving and perpetuating American Indian culture… Specializing in the songs and dances of the tribes of the Northwest Coast, Woodlands (Iroquois and Winnebago), Plains (Sioux) and the Southwest (Hopi and Santo Domingo), their repertoire includes the traditional “Fancy Dance” and “Hoop Dance,” as well as a variety of other distinct regional tribal dances…” Enjoy these wonderful artists on You Tube

Visit Our New Tribalpedia!

 

By Brooks Baehr, Hawaii News Now- State officially recognizes Hawaii’s indigenous people

Visit Talking Feather’s new  Tribalpedia to learn more about the Hawaiians and the history of these beautiful people.

It appears that the people of Hawaii have received the long awaited bill from the state claiming that “Native Hawaiians are the only indigenous aboriginal, maoli population of Hawaii.” The new law is seen by some Hawaiians as an advancement towards self-governance; by others, a means to separate the people. According to Senator Malama Solomon, an advocate of the bill,

“What this bill does is it helps to formally organize the Hawaiian people…and we’re hoping through convention or whatever other form they may choose…organize themselves for the purpose of creating their own self governance and also to determine their own self determination.”

Not all Hawaiians agree with the new law because not all “Hawaiians” will be included. Pilipo Souza, who identified himself as a member of the Committee of Hawaiian Nationals, had this to say,

“We feel that the whole agenda is to keep the people divided…the new law… enables only people of Hawaiian ancestry to participate in self determination. The law excludes people who through marriage, life experience, or for other reasons consider themselves Hawaiian.”

Read the article and share your thoughts with us!

Tags: aboriginal, Hawaii, law

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