"Time is now for the true history of the people of the First Nations" - Floyd Westerman

05-31-2001
Westerly, Suzanne
News From Indian Country

"Time is now for the true history of the people of the First Nations" --
Floyd Westerman

For the last two years, Floyd Red Crow Westerman (Dakota Sioux), American
Indian actor, singer, songwriter, and longtime activist and his crew, have
been researching, and documenting on film, the true history of the United
States, as told by American Indians themselves.

On Thursday evening, May 3rd, supporters and friends of Floyd's joined him
at the University of California, Los Angeles, (UCLA) for a gala benefit
dinner and some great entertainment. Invited ...

Read all of this article

Judge decides for U of A, and against Mt. Graham

05-31-2001

Westerly, Suzanne
News From Indian Country

Judge decides for U of A, and against Mt. Graham

On May 15, 2001 arguments were heard in the Tucson federal court on whether
the 23-mile-long planned clear-cut up the side of Mt. Graham, for a power
line, is being installed illegally by the University of Arizona (U of A)
for their telescope project.

Judge Alfredo Marquez ruled the "balance of harms favors the university;
[meaning] their harm is worse than what is going to happen to the Apaches
and the red squirrels potentially," said Michael Nixon, one of the
attorneys for Apaches for Cultural ...

Read all of this article

Judge decides for U of A, and against Mt. Graham

05-31-2001

Westerly, Suzanne
News From Indian Country

Judge decides for U of A, and against Mt. Graham

On May 15, 2001 arguments were heard in the Tucson federal court on whether
the 23-mile-long planned clear-cut up the side of Mt. Graham, for a power
line, is being installed illegally by the University of Arizona (U of A)
for their telescope project.

Judge Alfredo Marquez ruled the "balance of harms favors the university;
[meaning] their harm is worse than what is going to happen to the Apaches
and the red squirrels potentially," said Michael Nixon, one of the
attorneys for Apaches for Cultural ...

Read all of this article

Native business numbers growing

05-31-2001

Westerly, Suzanne
News From Indian Country

Native business numbers growing

For several hundred Indian business owners throughout the United States,
the month of April closed with the National Indian Business Association's
(NIBA) Ninth Annual Conference and Trade Show in Albuquerque, NM.

The owners gathered to network, share and discuss ideas as well as to
participate in workshops to learn from experts in various fields of
business.

Pete Homer, a member of the Mojave Shasta from the Colorado River Indian
Reservation in Arizona has been NIBA's President and CEO for the last four
years.

Homer ...

Read all of this article

NCAI's Masten works hard for her people

05-31-2001
Westerly, Suzanne
News From Indian Country

NCAI's Masten works hard for her people

Susan Masten, Yurok Tribal Chair since 1997, was elected President of the
National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) in October of 1999. She has a
long record of working for tribal rights, and many accomplishments
including serving as NCAI's first Vice President from 1994 to 1996, and as
the NCAI Sacramento Area Vice President from 1992 to 1994.

Taking a break from the NBA conference, Maste took some time to talk about
the projects she's been working on since she was elected President of NCAI
at the ...

Read all of this article

Teachers Are Offered Wonderful Opportunities to Teach in Indian Country, full story

	Canku Ota
	(Many Paths)
	An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America
	May 19, 2001 - Issue 36
	Teachers Are Offered Wonderful Opportunities to Teach in Indian Country
	by Suzanne Westerly Correspondent
	photos by Suzanne Westerly: far left, kneeling is Barbara, and far right standing is Darrell.

Last spring, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Office of Indian Education Programs (OIEP) moved from Washington, D.C. to Albuquerque, New Mexico. The new southwest location enticed two very special people to it. Barbara Parisian (Blackfeet) and Darrell Flyingman (Choctaw), are both dedicated to educating American Indian youth, and were ready to take on their new challenge; filling vacancies in the BIA school system. But how? Barbara is an Education Specialist having spent 26 years in the school system. She worked for the Department of Education in D.C. in the early 90's, and from through 1998 as was a school principal in rural Montana. She always wanted to live in the southwest so when she heard about the job she currently holds, she applied for it. Now in the BIA OIEP Division of School Improvement, Barbara explained, "We [OIEP] have a comprehensive system of personnel developing that requires us to go out recruit, train and retain quality teachers in the areas of special education as well as general education. We also offer summer institutes where teachers can get credits." Darrell is a Personnel Management Specialist in the Human Resources Office. He came from Lawrence, Kansas; Haskell Indian Nations University. "It was hard to leave Haskell, but my wife and I decided it was time to do something different," he said. Darrell told me how the 1st Annual Indian Education Teacher Recruitment Week came about. He and Barbara had a meeting one day to discuss bringing "more teachers into Indian country. At that time, I think we were 150 -200 teachers short. So, we started kicking around different ideas." They came up with the idea to have a teacher's recruitment week. They chose the week of April 16th because Santa Fe Indian School was on spring break, and that way the teachers they planned to recruit could live in the dorms, "to see how the students live," said Darrell. They then presented their plan to Kevin Skenandore (Oglala,Oneida), Division Chief of the Division of School Improvement who thought it was a great idea. Kevin then proceeded to find the funds to make their plan a reality. Barbara and Darrell sent the announcement out to Native Americans in the educational field. Altogether 43 people received the all expense paid trip for the 1st Annual Teachers Recruitment Week in Santa Fe, to learn about the many opportunities the BIA school system has to offer and to experience some BIA schools. Monday, the teachers came from around the country. On Tuesday, they all gathered in a beautiful new auditorium at the SFIS. First they were welcomed by Joseph Abeyta (Santa Clara Pueblo), Superintendent at the SFIS, Ray Gachupin (Jemez Pueblo), Director of Student Programs at SFIS, and Walter Dasheno (Santa Clara Pueblo), Governor and liaison between the Pueblo Governors and the school. Then Barbara introduced the panel of speakers starting with Dr. Angelita Felix (Arikara), who is with the BIA Division of School Improvement. Dr. Felix said, "We don't want a person that just wants a job, we want you to come because you think you can make a difference in a childs life." She talked of how wonderful it has been for her to learn about different tribes from teaching in several BIA schools. She also shared her experiences regarding the challenges first time teachers face as well as giving the soon-to-be teachers some tips. With high praise, Dr. Felix introduced Isaac Casados, a dynamic 19-year old young man who was involved in many school programs while attending SFIS and is now a freshman at Georgetown University. Isaac grew up off-reservation; born in Portales, NM, his mom is Navajo and his dad, Hispanic and Anglo from Santa Fe. Growing up he spent time on both the Navajo Reservation and at Santa Clara Pueblo where his mom taught school, and still does. Isaac stressed the importance of the work the teachers would soon begin, "when a child walks into a classroom, the anticipation that they have is the same anticipation that first year teachers have, however do you understand the difference you are going to make in that childs life?" Isaac works in Washington D.C. for Congressman Udall and Senators Biden, and Kennedy reviewing bills, while majoring in international politics, "law school probably after that." He is also the CEO of ASM Media Group, which will be launched in January of 2002 with their first publication of "The Rag." I expressed my amazement at all he does, and he responded, "Anybody can do anything as long as they have the will and the initiative." Then Don Sims (Choctaw), Superintendent of Riverside Indian School in Oklahoma talked of the joy he has received teaching the kids, and the wonderful teachers that made a difference in his life, and how he now enjoys giving it back to the kids he teaches. "You are going to be the major reason why kids succeed or don't. Beside reading writing and arithmetic, "I suggest to you, you need to teach self-reliance, you should teach persistence, self-motivation, service to others, teach courage, dignity and love. If you do that in your classroom everyday, then the students that are experiencing your giving; that experience will echo in them the next day, and the next." Several speakers brought up the importance of having Indian teachers as role models teaching Indian students. Ed Parisian (Cree), Education Superintendent of the Eight Northern Pueblo Agency, said he wanted to be a teacher and coach since elementary school because of the teachers he had that made a difference in his life. He also talked of the educational goals the Bureau has set for the next five years based on culturally appropriate instructional materials and indigenous values. (see sidebar) SIDEBAR - [The Division of School Improvement is just that. According to a document handed out to everyone, "Members of the Indian Community School, Inc.'s Board of Directors for 1999-2000 created a document called Guidelines for the Selection of Culturally Appropriate Instructional Materials. This document was "developed to assist teachers and others in the schools how to analyze instructional materials for American Indian students with respect to critical elements in the areas of subject matter, content, organization structure, student experience, teaching strategies, assessment and equity." According to the manual, teaching must be based on these basic requirements: "1) Materials should reflect high expectations of all students; 2) use local cultural and environmental knowledge; 3) provide numerous and appropriate experiences that encourage students to develop confidence in their own critical thinking; 4) ensure active participation of students in learning, doing, and evaluating content; 5) reflect current research; 6) reflect a developmentally appropriate sequence and allow for teacher flexibility; and finally, 6) challenge students to construct choices and make decisions, subject each action and outcome to reflection using indigenous values."] The teachers were surprised to learn that there are 185 BIA schools located on 63 Native Nations in 23 states. The BIA school system has about 4,900 teachers, administrators, counselors, and support personnel. Tuesday afternoon and Thursday were spent touring various schools on the Pueblos in the area. This enabled the teachers to meet and network with educators, principals, children and others involved in Indian education. On Wednesday the teachers heard from Kevin Skenandore, Division Chief of DSI and were given the BIA orientation/benefit packages and learned about residential living and computer connections. The teachers were also given the opportunity to meet principals from other BIA schools at a job fair that was organized for them at SFIS. The Principals came with the hope of recruiting much-needed teachers in their areas. Darrell told me that the principals, paid their own way, coming from "Washington, Oregon, Oklahoma, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Arizona, California, New Mexico, just about every state where we have a lot of Native Americans." During the week, the teachers were also taken to San Juan Pueblo's new casino, and enjoyed a traditional Pueblo meal at Santa Clara Tribal Facility where they were entertained by Pueblo and Navajo youth. On their last evening there was Banquet with award presentations at the Courtyard Marriott in Santa Fe, which is where I caught up with them again, curious to hear how the week went for everyone. The banquet hall filled with enthusiastic teachers, who after a week together, had all become good friends. Darrell Flyingman took me around to talk with several of the participants to hear how they felt about the week. First, Donald Pine, (Lakota, Standing Rock Sioux) shared his thoughts. Donald has been working his way through school at Fort Hall, a tribal school in Idaho. He worked days to support his family including four children, and went to school nights. About the week, Donald smiled and said, "It was really a wonderful opportunity to see so many other Indians who are going to be professionals, and to network. I've actually made some really good friends this week, it's been a really positive experience." He was surprised to learn, as were many others, about all the opportunities there are for teaching within the BIA educational system. He is thinking of teaching in New Mexico or South Dakota. Then a bubbly Karen Galloway (Choctaw from Oklahoma) talked with us. Karen, who after raising her children, went back to school to get her Masters in Special Education. She had a great experience during the week as well. "My head is spinning, there are so many things to think about and decisions to make. I made some good contacts." She has decided on New Mexico. She was impressed with the school at Isleta Pueblo, and "will see what happens." Her grown children are happy about her move; researched NM on the Net, and think it's great, and may move from Oklahoma to join her here. Then Darrell took me to a table where four members of a family from Montana were sitting. Craig Wellman (Blackfeet) came with his wife, nephew, and his sister. With great enthusiasm, Craig shared his thoughts, "Had a great week, I am really excited about it. As far as a first time [recruitment program] it was great. The entire concept; it needs to be done, it should have happened sooner, but at least it's happening now." His sister has been teaching for seven years, he and his wife will student teach this fall. Where would they like to teach? "We've already had several offers, we want to teach in New Mexico." Craig and his wife have five children, three in college, and an 8th and a 9th grader. Darrell felt they selected a very good group of new teachers out of the many that applied. Everyone there felt the 1stAnnual Indian Education Teacher Recruitment Week was a great success. After dinner, Darrell and Barbara gave everyone a certificate for attending the session. Darrell told them he would be sending out emails and faxes for feedback on the week, and hoped they would keep in touch and let Barbara or himself know when and where they got a job within the BIA Educational Program. Talking about their future teaching jobs, Barbara stressed the importance of asking questions, learning about the community they work in, becoming part of the community, and acting professionally at all times. She also talked of the importance of continuing to set goals for themselves. The teachers commended and thanked Barbara, Darrell and the others who they spent the week with. Many remarked about the wonderful opportunities and eye opening experiences they were given especially by going into so many schools. Darrell feels there are many teachers out there that would probably like to work in Indian country, but "they just don't know about it. So, we have developed a web page so they can pull up the different job vacancies throughout Indian country. Like administration, or maybe somebody is looking for a bus driving job, or to be a cook. So we are trying to get the word out." If you or someone you know may be interested in working with and motivating Indian youth, <http://www.biaeducationjobs.com > or < http://www.oiep.bia.edu > are the web sites to visit. Suzanne Westerly Photojournalist POB 31340 Santa Fe, NM 87594 P/F 505-989-1968 cell 505 -670-1644 suzannewesterly@earthlink.net

	Canku Ota is a free Newsletter celebrating Native America, its traditions and accomplishments . We do not provide subscriber or visitor names to anyone. Some articles presented in Canku Ota may contain copyright material. We have received appropriate permissions for republishing any articles. Material appearing here is distributed without profit or monetary gain to those who have expressed an interest. This is in accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107.
	Canku Ota is a copyright © 2000, 2001 of Vicki Lockard and Paul Barry.
	The "Canku Ota - A Newsletter Celebrating Native America" web site and its design is the
	Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2001 of Paul C. Barry.
	All Rights Reserved.

Teachers Are Offered Wonderful Opportunities to Teach in Indian Country, full story

	Canku Ota
	(Many Paths)
	An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America
	May 19, 2001 - Issue 36
	Teachers Are Offered Wonderful Opportunities to Teach in Indian Country
	by Suzanne Westerly Correspondent
	photos by Suzanne Westerly: far left, kneeling is Barbara, and far right standing is Darrell.

Last spring, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Office of Indian Education Programs (OIEP) moved from Washington, D.C. to Albuquerque, New Mexico. The new southwest location enticed two very special people to it. Barbara Parisian (Blackfeet) and Darrell Flyingman (Choctaw), are both dedicated to educating American Indian youth, and were ready to take on their new challenge; filling vacancies in the BIA school system. But how? Barbara is an Education Specialist having spent 26 years in the school system. She worked for the Department of Education in D.C. in the early 90's, and from through 1998 as was a school principal in rural Montana. She always wanted to live in the southwest so when she heard about the job she currently holds, she applied for it. Now in the BIA OIEP Division of School Improvement, Barbara explained, "We [OIEP] have a comprehensive system of personnel developing that requires us to go out recruit, train and retain quality teachers in the areas of special education as well as general education. We also offer summer institutes where teachers can get credits." Darrell is a Personnel Management Specialist in the Human Resources Office. He came from Lawrence, Kansas; Haskell Indian Nations University. "It was hard to leave Haskell, but my wife and I decided it was time to do something different," he said. Darrell told me how the 1st Annual Indian Education Teacher Recruitment Week came about. He and Barbara had a meeting one day to discuss bringing "more teachers into Indian country. At that time, I think we were 150 -200 teachers short. So, we started kicking around different ideas." They came up with the idea to have a teacher's recruitment week. They chose the week of April 16th because Santa Fe Indian School was on spring break, and that way the teachers they planned to recruit could live in the dorms, "to see how the students live," said Darrell. They then presented their plan to Kevin Skenandore (Oglala,Oneida), Division Chief of the Division of School Improvement who thought it was a great idea. Kevin then proceeded to find the funds to make their plan a reality. Barbara and Darrell sent the announcement out to Native Americans in the educational field. Altogether 43 people received the all expense paid trip for the 1st Annual Teachers Recruitment Week in Santa Fe, to learn about the many opportunities the BIA school system has to offer and to experience some BIA schools. Monday, the teachers came from around the country. On Tuesday, they all gathered in a beautiful new auditorium at the SFIS. First they were welcomed by Joseph Abeyta (Santa Clara Pueblo), Superintendent at the SFIS, Ray Gachupin (Jemez Pueblo), Director of Student Programs at SFIS, and Walter Dasheno (Santa Clara Pueblo), Governor and liaison between the Pueblo Governors and the school. Then Barbara introduced the panel of speakers starting with Dr. Angelita Felix (Arikara), who is with the BIA Division of School Improvement. Dr. Felix said, "We don't want a person that just wants a job, we want you to come because you think you can make a difference in a childs life." She talked of how wonderful it has been for her to learn about different tribes from teaching in several BIA schools. She also shared her experiences regarding the challenges first time teachers face as well as giving the soon-to-be teachers some tips. With high praise, Dr. Felix introduced Isaac Casados, a dynamic 19-year old young man who was involved in many school programs while attending SFIS and is now a freshman at Georgetown University. Isaac grew up off-reservation; born in Portales, NM, his mom is Navajo and his dad, Hispanic and Anglo from Santa Fe. Growing up he spent time on both the Navajo Reservation and at Santa Clara Pueblo where his mom taught school, and still does. Isaac stressed the importance of the work the teachers would soon begin, "when a child walks into a classroom, the anticipation that they have is the same anticipation that first year teachers have, however do you understand the difference you are going to make in that childs life?" Isaac works in Washington D.C. for Congressman Udall and Senators Biden, and Kennedy reviewing bills, while majoring in international politics, "law school probably after that." He is also the CEO of ASM Media Group, which will be launched in January of 2002 with their first publication of "The Rag." I expressed my amazement at all he does, and he responded, "Anybody can do anything as long as they have the will and the initiative." Then Don Sims (Choctaw), Superintendent of Riverside Indian School in Oklahoma talked of the joy he has received teaching the kids, and the wonderful teachers that made a difference in his life, and how he now enjoys giving it back to the kids he teaches. "You are going to be the major reason why kids succeed or don't. Beside reading writing and arithmetic, "I suggest to you, you need to teach self-reliance, you should teach persistence, self-motivation, service to others, teach courage, dignity and love. If you do that in your classroom everyday, then the students that are experiencing your giving; that experience will echo in them the next day, and the next." Several speakers brought up the importance of having Indian teachers as role models teaching Indian students. Ed Parisian (Cree), Education Superintendent of the Eight Northern Pueblo Agency, said he wanted to be a teacher and coach since elementary school because of the teachers he had that made a difference in his life. He also talked of the educational goals the Bureau has set for the next five years based on culturally appropriate instructional materials and indigenous values. (see sidebar) SIDEBAR - [The Division of School Improvement is just that. According to a document handed out to everyone, "Members of the Indian Community School, Inc.'s Board of Directors for 1999-2000 created a document called Guidelines for the Selection of Culturally Appropriate Instructional Materials. This document was "developed to assist teachers and others in the schools how to analyze instructional materials for American Indian students with respect to critical elements in the areas of subject matter, content, organization structure, student experience, teaching strategies, assessment and equity." According to the manual, teaching must be based on these basic requirements: "1) Materials should reflect high expectations of all students; 2) use local cultural and environmental knowledge; 3) provide numerous and appropriate experiences that encourage students to develop confidence in their own critical thinking; 4) ensure active participation of students in learning, doing, and evaluating content; 5) reflect current research; 6) reflect a developmentally appropriate sequence and allow for teacher flexibility; and finally, 6) challenge students to construct choices and make decisions, subject each action and outcome to reflection using indigenous values."] The teachers were surprised to learn that there are 185 BIA schools located on 63 Native Nations in 23 states. The BIA school system has about 4,900 teachers, administrators, counselors, and support personnel. Tuesday afternoon and Thursday were spent touring various schools on the Pueblos in the area. This enabled the teachers to meet and network with educators, principals, children and others involved in Indian education. On Wednesday the teachers heard from Kevin Skenandore, Division Chief of DSI and were given the BIA orientation/benefit packages and learned about residential living and computer connections. The teachers were also given the opportunity to meet principals from other BIA schools at a job fair that was organized for them at SFIS. The Principals came with the hope of recruiting much-needed teachers in their areas. Darrell told me that the principals, paid their own way, coming from "Washington, Oregon, Oklahoma, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Arizona, California, New Mexico, just about every state where we have a lot of Native Americans." During the week, the teachers were also taken to San Juan Pueblo's new casino, and enjoyed a traditional Pueblo meal at Santa Clara Tribal Facility where they were entertained by Pueblo and Navajo youth. On their last evening there was Banquet with award presentations at the Courtyard Marriott in Santa Fe, which is where I caught up with them again, curious to hear how the week went for everyone. The banquet hall filled with enthusiastic teachers, who after a week together, had all become good friends. Darrell Flyingman took me around to talk with several of the participants to hear how they felt about the week. First, Donald Pine, (Lakota, Standing Rock Sioux) shared his thoughts. Donald has been working his way through school at Fort Hall, a tribal school in Idaho. He worked days to support his family including four children, and went to school nights. About the week, Donald smiled and said, "It was really a wonderful opportunity to see so many other Indians who are going to be professionals, and to network. I've actually made some really good friends this week, it's been a really positive experience." He was surprised to learn, as were many others, about all the opportunities there are for teaching within the BIA educational system. He is thinking of teaching in New Mexico or South Dakota. Then a bubbly Karen Galloway (Choctaw from Oklahoma) talked with us. Karen, who after raising her children, went back to school to get her Masters in Special Education. She had a great experience during the week as well. "My head is spinning, there are so many things to think about and decisions to make. I made some good contacts." She has decided on New Mexico. She was impressed with the school at Isleta Pueblo, and "will see what happens." Her grown children are happy about her move; researched NM on the Net, and think it's great, and may move from Oklahoma to join her here. Then Darrell took me to a table where four members of a family from Montana were sitting. Craig Wellman (Blackfeet) came with his wife, nephew, and his sister. With great enthusiasm, Craig shared his thoughts, "Had a great week, I am really excited about it. As far as a first time [recruitment program] it was great. The entire concept; it needs to be done, it should have happened sooner, but at least it's happening now." His sister has been teaching for seven years, he and his wife will student teach this fall. Where would they like to teach? "We've already had several offers, we want to teach in New Mexico." Craig and his wife have five children, three in college, and an 8th and a 9th grader. Darrell felt they selected a very good group of new teachers out of the many that applied. Everyone there felt the 1stAnnual Indian Education Teacher Recruitment Week was a great success. After dinner, Darrell and Barbara gave everyone a certificate for attending the session. Darrell told them he would be sending out emails and faxes for feedback on the week, and hoped they would keep in touch and let Barbara or himself know when and where they got a job within the BIA Educational Program. Talking about their future teaching jobs, Barbara stressed the importance of asking questions, learning about the community they work in, becoming part of the community, and acting professionally at all times. She also talked of the importance of continuing to set goals for themselves. The teachers commended and thanked Barbara, Darrell and the others who they spent the week with. Many remarked about the wonderful opportunities and eye opening experiences they were given especially by going into so many schools. Darrell feels there are many teachers out there that would probably like to work in Indian country, but "they just don't know about it. So, we have developed a web page so they can pull up the different job vacancies throughout Indian country. Like administration, or maybe somebody is looking for a bus driving job, or to be a cook. So we are trying to get the word out." If you or someone you know may be interested in working with and motivating Indian youth, <http://www.biaeducationjobs.com > or < http://www.oiep.bia.edu > are the web sites to visit. Suzanne Westerly Photojournalist POB 31340 Santa Fe, NM 87594 P/F 505-989-1968 cell 505 -670-1644 suzannewesterly@earthlink.net

	Canku Ota is a free Newsletter celebrating Native America, its traditions and accomplishments . We do not provide subscriber or visitor names to anyone. Some articles presented in Canku Ota may contain copyright material. We have received appropriate permissions for republishing any articles. Material appearing here is distributed without profit or monetary gain to those who have expressed an interest. This is in accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107.
	Canku Ota is a copyright © 2000, 2001 of Vicki Lockard and Paul Barry.
	The "Canku Ota - A Newsletter Celebrating Native America" web site and its design is the
	Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2001 of Paul C. Barry.
	All Rights Reserved.

Gathering of Nations PowWow

05-15-2001
News From Indian Country

Gathering Of Nations

For the eighteenth year in a row, the last weekend in April found 3,000
dancers, 49 sitting drums, and singers and artists from over 500 tribes
coming together from all over America to dance, see old friends, and share
their traditional dancing with a crowd estimated this year at 100,000.

"The power of the pow wow is able to put into immediate grasp our wonderful
spirituality, the love and respect of our homeland, the ready smile of our
people and our unique culture, a gift that the world would otherwise never
receive," wrote ...

Read all of this article

Gathering of Nations PowWow

05-15-2001
Westerly, Suzanne
News From Indian Country

Gathering Of Nations

For the eighteenth year in a row, the last weekend in April found 3,000
dancers, 49 sitting drums, and singers and artists from over 500 tribes
coming together from all over America to dance, see old friends, and share
their traditional dancing with a crowd estimated this year at 100,000.

"The power of the pow wow is able to put into immediate grasp our wonderful
spirituality, the love and respect of our homeland, the ready smile of our
people and our unique culture, a gift that the world would otherwise never
receive," wrote ...

Read all of this article

Miss Indian World: Ke Aloha Alo First Native Hawaiian to enter and to win

05-15-2001
Westerly, Suzanne
News From Indian Country

Miss Indian World: Ke Aloha Alo, First Native Hawaiian to enter and to win

Ke Aloha Alo, the beautiful 25-year-old White Mountain
Apache/Hawaiian/Samoan woman who will now carry the responsibilities as the
new Miss Indian World, said how happy she was to have both sides of her
family present to share her crowning.

In the Traditional Talent contest, she lit up the stage as she came on with
bowls of flames in both hands, and danced the beautifully fluid hula
wearing traditional hula clothing.

"I am really excited to be the first Native Hawaiian ever ...

Read all of this article

Clan/destine rocks

01-15-2001

Westerly, Suzanne
News From Indian Country

Clan/destine rocks

I caught up with some of the Clan/destine band members at their practice
place on a warm summer night in Phoenix. Waiting for me were Dave Montour,
bass, flute, vocals; Steve Gatlin, drummer; Derrick Davis, World Champion
Hoop Dancer; and Chuck Harris, guitar, who were packing up to fly to a
concert in Iowa early the next morning.

They talked about their recent trip to England. Steve said, "We started out
in Liverpool, England. We played the Matthew Street Festival. We did three
gigs up in Liverpool, and then we went down to ...

Read all of this article

Rez-Robics:New Lifestyle Guaranteed to Make you Smile

Rez Robics
	A New Lifestyle Guaranteed to Make you Smile
	article and photos by Suzanne Westerly

May 5, 2001
Pam Belgarde's long-held dream is now a reality many can share and enjoy. Rez-Robics, a new video created with lots of heart and soul will have you "laughing," said Pam enthusiastically. I had the pleasure of meeting her and "the crew" during the filming of Rez-Robics in Albuquerque last November. Actress Elaine Miles, (Northern Exposure and Smoke Signals), and comedienne Drew LaCapa, will make you smile, as Pam and Reggie Mitchell lead the 'robics in this insightful, positive and humorous new video on diabetes and "how to take control of your health."

I caught up with the Rez-Robics crew the day after they had taped some skits out at the Isleta Pueblo, just south of Albuquerque.

On this brisk, but sunny winter morning, I immediately saw Drew and Elaine, riding on a tandem bicycle as I drove into the parking lot.

Elaine and Drew continued riding their bicycle-built-for-two in the circle driveway constantly joking around, of course. I was impressed; they never once fell off the bike or crashed into the film crew. (When is the last time you rode a bike!?) Gary Rhine, (producer/director) was telling them to "go around one more time." After a "final wrap" we all went into the nice warm studio where the rest of the crew was getting prepared to shoot the aerobics portion of the video.

Read Full Article HERE

Rez Robics: A New Lifestyle Guaranteed to Make you Smile [Full Story]

	Canku Ota
	(Many Paths)
	An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America
	May 5, 2001 - Issue 35
	Rez Robics
	A New Lifestyle Guaranteed to Make you Smile
	article and photos by Suzanne Westerly

Pam Belgarde's long-held dream is now a reality many can share and enjoy. Rez-Robics, a new video created with lots of heart and soul will have you "laughing," said Pam enthusiastically. I had the pleasure of meeting her and "the crew" during the filming of Rez-Robics in Albuquerque last November. Actress Elaine Miles, (Northern Exposure and Smoke Signals), and comedienne Drew LaCapa, will make you smile, as Pam and Reggie Mitchell lead the 'robics in this insightful, positive and humorous new video on diabetes and "how to take control of your health." I caught up with the Rez-Robics crew the day after they had taped some skits out at the Isleta Pueblo, just south of Albuquerque. On this brisk, but sunny winter morning, I immediately saw Drew and Elaine, riding on a tandem bicycle as I drove into the parking lot. Elaine and Drew continued riding their bicycle-built-for-two in the circle driveway constantly joking around, of course. I was impressed; they never once fell off the bike or crashed into the film crew. (When is the last time you rode a bike!?) Gary Rhine, (producer/director) was telling them to "go around one more time." After a "final wrap" we all went into the nice warm studio where the rest of the crew was getting prepared to shoot the aerobics portion of the video. As we walked over to the nearby studio, Gary told me about the fun they had at Isleta Pueblo the day before, sharing some of the scenes with me. Before the exercising began, everyone took a time-out to munch and chat at a table filled with healthy foods. Drew of course asked where the frybread was. Pam is one of the producers as well the aerobics choreographer. She and Reggie Mitchell, a self-defense instructor from the Navajo Nation, lead the group consisting of people of all shapes and sizes in an entertaining aerobics workout. Most of the people, on both sides of the camera, are from the Navajo Nation. Pam, from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, talked about how this video came together. "I used to do the Health Program every Friday on Native America Calling - on AIROS. She now works for the Northern Navajo Medical Center. "Our specific department is called Four Directions* Health Communications." Pam and Gary Rhine, with DreamCatchers, Inc., based in Malibu, CA have been dreaming about this video for about six years. A grant from the Initiative on Diabetes in Native America enabled their dream to come true. "Drew has diabetes, Elaine's mom has it. I have all kinds of family members who have diabetes. Who in Indian country doesn't have family members with diabetes? It's an epidemic," said Pam, explaining her deep desire for wanting this video to be created and widely distributed. "Diabetes is a disease of the fork. That and not moving your body." She is a strong supporter of people "eating as closely as they can to the way our ancestors did, just protein, vegetables and fruits. We can't eat exactly like we did before, but we can eat similar to that." The crew working on the video all had similar stories to tell; the sadness of seeing friends and family members having a foot amputated, then a leg, the other leg, losing their eyesight, and dying before their time. They know that diabetes is preventable by getting some exercise and eating healthy, and they hope this video will help convince others. Reggie Mitchell, a co-director of the production talked about his involvement in the video. "I give self-defense programs in Gallup to law enforcement personnel, teachers, and others for personal protection. I also teach violence prevention training to kids, and I talk about the consequences of your actions and stuff like that." Mitchell has young children of his own, and knowing how diabetes is now affecting so many Native youth he felt this video was very important and was glad to be a part of it. "We are bringing it across in a way that's fun and different from the other videos that are out there on the market today. We use PowWow moves, a blend of martial arts techniques and music. It is groundbreaking because there's no video out there that I've seen or heard of that's like this." Elaine Miles is Cayuse/NezPerce and lives in Seattle. Elaine's grandmother died from diabetes and her mom now has it. "I decided, well no more fry bread, no more greasy foods. We eat a lot of vegetables now, and we walk." Elaine and her young son, work with the Midwestern American Indian Diabetes Association and with the United National Indian Tribal Youth Organization based out of Oklahoma. She tries to get involved in any program that helps Native people become aware of the seriousness of the diabetes. Drew walked over smiling his impish grin. He calls himself a mutt - Hopi/Apache/Tewa/Scott-Irish. Looking a lot thinner, (he used to introduce himself as 300 pounds of love) he talked about the video and dealing with diabetes, which is what cut short his grandmothers life. "I found out a couple of years ago that I had it. I promised myself and I hope this for everybody else - that they will not allow this disease to victimize them. It's a lifelong maintenance thing. I've weaned myself from unhealthy foods and sodas. I've learned to drink a lot more water." Before production started, the group had gathered for a Blessing Ceremony at sunrise, led by Stan Parker from the Navajo Nation. This video is profoundly important to all the participants. Natay, whose grandfather did the opening blessing, lives in Albuquerque, and is a Hip-hop-rap artist. "What I want to do with this video is to keep the focus on the health issue. To get someone off his or her butt and start exercising - that's motivation for me. The music in this is great! It's all Native music." I went over to talk with Tom Bee (Dakota), as everyone else headed in to start with the aerobics session. Tom, many will recall, played with great band from the 70's, XIT, is the President of Sound of America Records (SOAR) Corporation. He gladly provided music for the video. Diabetes has had a major impact on his life. "Diabetes is something that I wouldn't wish on anybody, it's a dreadful disease, a silent killer. "I've been living with it for the past 11 years. The video, "is something that stirred my heart because now we are seeing that even children are suffering from this disease. When you go out to the reservation, you see kids that are affected by this deadly disease, and schools push all the junk food in vending machines. Then we wonder why they can't do their homework or why they can't be productive in school or don't have the energy. It's very important if you want to be productive. To be able to contribute to society you must watch what you eat, exercise, and really take care of your body." Recently, at the First Americans in the Arts award ceremony in Beverly Hills, I ran into Gary. He told me the Rez-Robics 'crew' was there to preview some video clips and to perform a short 'rezorcise' on stage. Drew, as usual was the star of silly antics. He and Elaine didn't exactly follow the instructors (Pam or Reggie) moves. After 'rezorcising' to the Rez-Robics video clip, zany Drew had the audience roaring with laughter with his irrepressible antics and humor. Wearing a 'sexy' one-piece outfit. When he did the video he was asked what he wanted in return, Drew said, "A leopard skin outfit, then they made me put it on!" He told the audience how finding out about his diabetes changed his life in many ways. "I used to be 300, I lost 100 pounds, now I only have 1 1/2 chins. My wife said, 'look at him he looks like a skinwalker, he's shapeshifting!'" Before leaving the stage he became serious for a moment saying, "We are going to take control of diabetes. We don't want to be victims anymore." Rez-Robics comes to you with humor, and laughter. The whole group enjoyed making being a part of the production. They hope that you too, will be laughing as you begin movin' to the groove of Rez-Robics. Pam wants to thank the following "people and organizations that have helped us out tremendously: John and Veronica Montoya of Isleta Pueblo, Tom Bee of Sound of America Records, NikÈ Native American Diabetes Program, Sam McCracken, Downtown Health Club of Gallup, and New Mexico Sports and Wellness." 'How do I get the Rez-Robics video's and how much do they cost!?' you ask. Made possible with a grant, the set (2) is available free-of-charge to Indian country. One video has it all, the second, just the 'rezorcise' portion. Producers Gary and Pam hope anyone that has duplication capabilities will copy it and give a copy to family and friends. "We want it everywhere in Indian Country." NOW AVAILABLE throughout Indian country: If you live on or near the Navajo Nation, call 800-549-5644. Otherwise send a SASE and enclose a 12x15-priority mail envelope (found at the post office) with a priority stamp on it. Mail this to DreamCatchers, Inc., 23852 Pacific Coast Highway # 766, Malibu, CA, 90265. Soon, you too will be movin' to the groove of Rez-Robics.

Suzanne Westerly travels the southwest, and is currently based in Santa Fe, NM. Photojournalist POB 31340 Santa Fe, NM 87594 P/F 505-989-1968 cell 505 -670-1644 suzannewesterly@earthlink.net

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