"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, June 18, 2008

Pledges by McCain and Obama give tribes hope

By: Krista J. Kapralos

American Indian leaders say they've already won even though the presidential election is months away.

Both Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain and Illinois Democratic Sen. Barack Obama have made more promises to Indian tribes than any other candidate in history, tribal leaders say.

Both candidates have promised to appoint Indians to high-level positions in Washington, D.C.

"In terms of support and communication, it can only go in one direction, and that's up," said Steve Robinson, a policy analyst for the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission.

Federal Indian policy during the administration of President Bush has "hit rock bottom," he said.

Over the past seven years, the Bush administration has slashed federal dollars for American Indian programs such as housing projects and salmon hatcheries.

And funding for Indian health care began stagnating under the Clinton administration. For example, the Tulalip Tribes negotiated a $3.8 million federal grant for health services in 1993, but that fund hasn't increased since then.

Tribal leaders expect some of that money to be increased or restored during the next administration.

"Both candidates are listening to native America," said Mel Sheldon, Tulalip tribal chairman. "It's a really exciting time."

Keep reading here: http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080616/NEWS01/864091724/-1/NEWS#Pledges.by.McCain.and.Obama.give.tribes.hope
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