"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

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Aniak wants Troopers out

By: Jill Burke

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The village of Aniak says living with Alaska State Troopers in its community is like living with Big Brother.

Earlier this month, the Aniak Traditional Council sent a letter to Alaska State Troopers asking that troopers be permanently removed from the Aniak post. The council cites unfair treatment and disregard of tribe members' civil rights as reasons and says it feels the scrutiny is racially motivated.

The council complains troopers cite and fine young children for hunting or trapping ptarmigan and rabbits without a license. The say law enforcement officials also place roadblocks and conduct car searches in search of drunk drivers and bootlegged liquor without cause.

Chief Wayne Morgan says it's so bad people are afraid to live their lives freely.

"We respect the law and follow the law, but to be looked for and asked and checked that we are ensuring that we are not breaking the law and questioned all of the time, to me that is harassment," Morgan said.

Alaska State Troopers say they take the allegations seriously and will look into the council's claims.

But in written statement troopers explain they won't be leaving Aniak.

"...we do not have the option or authority to decide not to serve the people of Aniak."

Troopers say they cannot withdraw from a service area unless another state authorized public safety entity is in place.
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