"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

Friday, February 1, 2008

Course revitalizes Odawa language

Petosky News Review - Michigan

Our area is rich in Native American history so it’s fitting to see a local school system establish an Odawa language curriculum.

With the cooperation of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Harbor Springs High School is now offering the new course, which is much more than just language. Anishinaabemowin puts an academic focus on the Native American culture and its history in Northern Michigan. Plus, the class is considered a second language program and provides students with one-and-a-half credits toward graduation.

The Odawa language course sends a clear message to the Native American students that their culture is an important part of local history. It is also a giant step toward the revitalization of the Odawa language, something the Odawa tribe has been working toward.

“This (class) really got some young people involved and interested (in the language),” said Carla McFall, Little Traverse Bay Bands language program coordinator. “The elders are really proud that they’re (the youth) taking the time to learn and revitalize the language — our goal is revitalization.”

Get the whole story here: http://www.petoskeynews.com/articles/2008/02/01/opinion/doc47a3195948497252005617.txt
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)