"We did not think of the great open plains, the beautiful rolling hills, and winding streams with tangled growth as "wild". To us it was tame. Earth was bountiful and we were surrounded with the blessings of the Great Mystery."

Luther Standing Bear - Rosebud Sioux

Guardian of the Water Medicine

Guardian of the Water Medicine
Dale Auger

Dale Auger

Dale Auger: On Art, Blood and Kindred Spirits
by Terri Mason

Defining Dale Auger in one sentence is akin to releasing the colours of a diamond in one cut. It can’t be done. It’s the many facets that release a diamond’s true brilliance, as it is the many facets of Auger’s life, education, ancestry, experiences and beliefs that have shaped and polished his work into the internationally acclaimed and collected artist that he is today.

Born a Sakaw Cree from the Bigstone Cree Nation in northern Alberta, Auger’s education began as a young boy when his mother would take him to be with the elders. “I used to say to myself, ‘Why is she leaving me with these old people?’ – but today I see the reason; I was being taught in the old way.”

Auger’s respect for traditional teachings led him on a journey to study art, opening the door to a doctorate in education. He is a talented playwright, speaker and visual artist whose vividly coloured acrylics have captured the attention of collectors that reads like an international ‘Who’s Who’ spanning English to Hollywood royalty. The essence of his work is communication, and now Dr. Auger has come full circle, interpreting the life of his culture – from the everyday to the sacred - through the cross-cultural medium of art.

Read the rest here:

http://www.daleauger.com/printversionbio.cfm

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Tribal members honor leaders with Buffalo Dance during annual All Kings Day event

By: David Collins

With the sound of jingle-bell leggings and gourd rattles, Pueblo of Pojoaque buffalo dancers celebrated a new year and marked the final day of the Christmas season Sunday by honoring their elected officials.

Area pueblos hold feasts and dances Jan. 6 to celebrate All Kings Day, a traditional Christian holiday commemorating the arrival of three kings to visit the newborn Jesus.

Outside the home of Pojoaque Gov. George Rivera, the pueblo's secretary, treasurer and lieutenant governor stood by their governor, each cradling in their arms ceremonial canes as they watched the Buffalo Dance. The canes are a symbol of pueblos' legal authority, Rivera said.

The Buffalo Dance honors the animals that have sustained Pueblo people, Rivera said. On this occasion, "dancers are dancing on behalf of the leadership, to lead with strength," Rivera said.

After the dance and a prayer in Tewa language, four young dancers paused to honor the canes in the arms of elected officials.

Throughout the day, friends, neighbors and pueblo members stopped by Rivera's hilltop home, sat for a bite to eat and joined in casual conversations. Outside, older youths played hacky sack, while inside, moms kept an eye on younger kids while they enjoyed each other's company.

"I feel good that the pueblo is keeping up with its culture and ceremonies," Rivera said. "It's good to see the youth who are being brought up with them as a part of their lives."

Read more here: http://www.santafenewmexican.com/Local%20News/All_kings_day_Celebration_of_sovereignty_Pojoaque_Pueblo_honors
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