"The white people, who are trying to make us over into their image, they want us to be what they call "assimilated," bringing the Indians into the mainstream and destroying our own way of life and our own cultural patterns. They believe we should be contented like those whose concept of happiness is materialistic and greedy, which is very different from our way.
We want freedom from the white man rather than to be intergrated. We don't want any part of the establishment, we want to be free to raise our children in our religion, in our ways, to be able to hunt and fish and live in peace. We don't want power, we don't want to be congressmen, or bankers....we want to be ourselves. We want to have our heritage, because we are the owners of this land and because we belong here.
The white man says, there is freedom and justice for all. We have had "freedom and justice," and that is why we have been almost exterminated. We shall not forget this." -
From the 1927 Grand Council of American Indians
Monday, February 11, 2008
Touch Of Culture
Many years ago, Pam Baker began a lifelong search to provide First Nations people a stage to showcase their culture. In 1988, Pam established ‘Touch of Culture’, workshops for Aboriginal women and teens to help them develop increased self-esteem, life skills and cultural awareness.
Funding for the workshops was raised through fashion shows that showcased First Nations models, artists and designers. And after two successful years, Pam recognized the need to continue her work on a more formal stage; she registered at the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles and received her degree in fashion design.
Pam returned to Canada in 1998 with the intention of sharing her experiences, technical skills and business acumen with other First Nations people. ‘Touch of Culture’ was re-born and the new venture incorporated a school of design, a production facility and a design studio. Located on the Capilano Reserve (Indian Reservation) in North Vancouver, ‘Touch of Culture’ (TOC) is centred on the principle of providing First Nations peoples with the opportunity to explore how modern technology and style can be blended with traditional values and symbols.
Pam is a celebrated guest speaker, workshop facilitator and designer; she blends intelligence, humour and thought-provoking ideas into her collection which includes sportswear, ready-to-wear, wearable art and limited edition one-of-a-kind pieces.
Get a look at some of her work here: http://www.toclegends.com/enter/
Funding for the workshops was raised through fashion shows that showcased First Nations models, artists and designers. And after two successful years, Pam recognized the need to continue her work on a more formal stage; she registered at the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles and received her degree in fashion design.
Pam returned to Canada in 1998 with the intention of sharing her experiences, technical skills and business acumen with other First Nations people. ‘Touch of Culture’ was re-born and the new venture incorporated a school of design, a production facility and a design studio. Located on the Capilano Reserve (Indian Reservation) in North Vancouver, ‘Touch of Culture’ (TOC) is centred on the principle of providing First Nations peoples with the opportunity to explore how modern technology and style can be blended with traditional values and symbols.
Pam is a celebrated guest speaker, workshop facilitator and designer; she blends intelligence, humour and thought-provoking ideas into her collection which includes sportswear, ready-to-wear, wearable art and limited edition one-of-a-kind pieces.
Get a look at some of her work here: http://www.toclegends.com/enter/
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
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
Johnny Whitehorse wins Native Grammy award
Johnny Whitehorse won the Best Native American Music Album at the 50th annual Grammy awards on Sunday.
Whitehorse, a creation and character of Taos Pueblo artist Robert Mirabal, won for "Totemic Flute Chants." The album features 12 songs in honor of animals and the earth.
Other nominees in the category were Walter Ahhaitty & Friends, the Black Lodge drum group, Davis Mitchell and R.. Carlos Nakai, Cliff Sarde & William Eaton.
Check out samples of his music here: http://www.johnnywhitehorse.com/
Whitehorse, a creation and character of Taos Pueblo artist Robert Mirabal, won for "Totemic Flute Chants." The album features 12 songs in honor of animals and the earth.
Other nominees in the category were Walter Ahhaitty & Friends, the Black Lodge drum group, Davis Mitchell and R.. Carlos Nakai, Cliff Sarde & William Eaton.
Check out samples of his music here: http://www.johnnywhitehorse.com/
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