"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

Monday, February 11, 2008

Navajo Warriors of Comedy

By: Andi Murphy

SAN FELIPE PUEBLO, N.M.—James and Ernie, the breakout Navajo comedy duo that has taken Indian Country by storm, performed at the San Felipe Hollywood Casino Jan. 26 and filled the casino's Celebrity Showroom with nearly 400 people ready and excited to laugh.

The show started with side-splitting jokes about naive tourists, government tribal clothing, drunken escapades, Native discipline and reservation life. The performance brought the crowd to tears of laughter.

For some audience members it wasn't the first time seeing the duo. In fact some of the audience said they were big fans.

"I think it was more fun live than watching it on DVD," said Brittany White, Navajo. "A lot of what they talked about was true."

Funny business aside, James Junes and Ernie Tsosie III are actually all about communicating their message: to live a healthy lifestyle, live alcohol- and drug-free, and say no to domestic violence.

The truth in their comedy, many have found, stretches across tribes and nations. Junes and Tsosie are recovering alcoholics who have defeated drugs and use those experiences to warn Natives and non-Natives alike through their use of Native humor.

"We got hired because of that. For wellness conferences and drug-free events, they wanted us mainly for our message as well as our comedy," Tsosie said. "Being someone that is a warrior against alcohol and drugs, it feels really good to be recognized for being a positive role model."

As individuals, Junes and Tsosie got a rocky start in comedy. When they were still performing solo, they met backstage at the 2001 first Native American stand-up comedian contest in Farmington, N.M. "I was a little intimidated," Junes said of Tsosie's performance.

Get the rest of the story here: http://www.reznetnews.org/article/feature-article/navajo-warriors-comedy
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