"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

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Identity of Yosemite Indians sought in the mists of history

By: Vanessa Colón

Who were the early inhabitants of Yosemite Valley -- Miwoks or Mono Lake Paiutes?
The answer matters to David Andrews, a Paiute who believes his ancestors' history has been underplayed by the National Park Service.

Yosemite National Park's historical displays mention both Indian groups as having a presence in the glacially carved valley. But the park has generally given the Miwok more prominence.

Andrews believes that history needs to be rewritten. He has led a two-year effort to persuade the park to give the Paiutes a more prominent role in displays chronicling the Valley's earliest inhabitants.

"What they are teaching little Johnny is false. I find it offensive," said Andrews, 55, who lives in Sacramento and is chairman of the Yosemite Mono Lake Paiute Community.

Yosemite National Park spokesman Scott Gediman said the park has based its historical displays on academic research and early historical accounts.

"If there's proof something that's been done is incorrect, we'd change it," Gediman said. But, he added, the park service remains unconvinced at this time that it has to change its exhibits.

Having Yosemite's story reflect the Paiute's role is a matter of cultural pride and historical accuracy, said Andrews, who said his effort is supported by other members of the Paiute community. It's also important, he said, for building a case with the federal government to have an Indian community formally recognized as a tribe.

Want to know more? Click here: http://www.fresnobee.com/263/story/315939.html
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