Nativemax.com Winter 2013-2014
Nativemax.com Winter 2013-2014
M
MARCO ARVISO
PHOTO BY JAYSON JONES
SUITE
JSG
FACEBOOK: SUITE JSG
WELCOME TO THE ISSUE
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NEW YEAR IS UPON US and we are excited about discovering what lies ahead. Over the last year, we have learned that you can plan, predict and wonder about what lies ahead, but every day will present you with new and unexpected challenges and opportunities. Get comfortable with the idea of not knowing, be resolved to jump into the unknown and just move forward. As we have learned, the best ideas, opportunities and adventures unfold when you are willing to just let go and see where the moment takes you.
Our winter issue may be a little late, but we definitely believe it was worth the wait. It is a celebration of the those that have dared to step into the unknown to discover and explore their full potential in all areas of fashion, art, music, entertainment, education, business and activism. We are very honored to have Kiowa Gordon and Andrew Orozco grace the cover of this issue. Both men are extremely talented and down to earth individuals despite their growing success. They are living proof that dreams can and will come true if you work hard and refuse to give up. We are, also, very pleased to be able to share with you the talents and accomplishments of all the individuals and businesses featured within this issue. With every story here, we hope that it inspires you to cross into the new year with a refreshed sense of determination, discipline, awareness, discovery and hope. Enjoy the issue.
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CONTENTS NATIVE MAX / WINTER 2013
FEATURES
152
ANDREW OROZCO & KIOWA GORDON
162
RYAN YOUNG FUSES CULTURE, PRIDE AND FASHION TOGETHER WITH INDIGENEITY
172
SPRING READY WITH DEFY MI
PHOTO BY ROSHAN SPOTTSVILLE
CONTENTS NATIVE MAX / WINTER 2013
DEPARTMENTS
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WOMEN'S STYLE
69
MEN'S STYLE
95
LIFE
125
ART
135
C&E
181
RADAR
PHOTO BY KELLY HOLMES
CONTENTS NATIVE MAX / WINTER 2013
IN EVERY ISSUE
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MASTHEAD
26
EDITOR'S LETTER
34
MAKING US PROUD
196
LAST WORD
PHOTO BY MIKE & JAMIE DUPRIS
C.F.C.
CUSTOM FEATHER CREATIONS FACEBOOK: CUSTOM FEATHER CREATIONS
Editor in Chief KELLY HOLMES Executive Editor/Director of Photography DEREK NEZ Executive Managing Editor JOHNNIE SISNEROS Creative Director MCKAELA ARVISO Media Relations/Southwest Director MARCUS TSOSIE Marketing/Sales CHRISTOPHER KINNEY Beauty Editor HELEN ORO Women's Fashion Editor TATIANA TOM Men's Fashion Editor KELLY HOLMES Current Events/Life Editor BRANDON ECOFFEY Art/Entertainment Editor JOHNNIE SISNEROS Culture & Education Editor EVERETT BAXTER Proofreader/Production Editor SAHIYELA OHITIKA WIN
CONTRIBUTORS GIA BOLTON, ROSHAN SPOTTSVILLE, SUITE JSG, DEFY MI DESIGNS, JAYSON JONES, MARCUS TSOSIE, MICHAEL SCABBY, RYAN YOUNG AND BLAIRE RUSSELL NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE is published four times per year by Native Max & Other Media Ventures, LLC. To obtain additional copies, please email info@nativemax.com. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. COPYRIGHT 2013, Native Max & Other Media Ventures, LLC. Published in Denver, Colorado, by Native Max & Other Media Ventures, LLC.
BEADED CUFFS, DOMINIQUE TSINNIE
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C.F.C.
CUSTOM FEATHER CREATIONS FACEBOOK: CUSTOM FEATHER CREATIONS
EDITOR'S LETTER Kelly Holmes on looking foward to the next new year
WELCOME TO THE WINTER 2013 issue of Native Max Magazine. We in the Native Max family have a lot to be excited about as we start the new year. Our Native Max team is expanding as we addwith the addition of more members every month. Along members, we are also branching out internationally, since we just opened our regional office in Canada. We’re securing various ways you can have Native Max everywhere you go, starting with mobile apps. Another exciting venture we are taking on in the beginning of the new year is an online clothing and accessories boutique and a personalized Native Max apparel collection. Perhaps most of all we are looking forward to the many Native Max events that will bring us together in 2014. Along with hosting events with our readers and fans across Native communities, we’re also collaborating on special occasions with leading professionals of Indian Country. Coming up in March is Rocky Mountain Indian Chamber of Commerce Business Expo’s Runway Show, in partnership with yours truly. We also would like you to know, every day we are working to make our company stronger. All of us here at Native Max work hard to bring you inspirational stories, as well as content that you won’t find anywhere. We are still building our foundation, and determined to make 2014 our best year ever. At Native Max we will continue the work of getting that word out in every way we can. Thank you for being part of this effort. Best,
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CONTACT: 719 635 5653 CUSTOMFEATHERCREATIONS@GMAIL.COM
C.F.C.
CUSTOM FEATHER CREATIONS FACEBOOK: CUSTOM FEATHER CREATIONS
FACEBOOK: FACEBOOK.COM/JGINDIE PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK NEZ
JG INDIE by JOLONZO GOLDTOOTH
NATIVE MAX
COMING SOON WWW.NATIVEMAX.COM NATIVEMAX.STORENVY.COM
X EYEWEAR
NATIVE MAX
REPORT
WINTER 2013-2014
ADVERTISING | EVENTS | PROMOTIONS
Shelley Morningsong To Appear in Denver Meet recording artist, Shelley Morningsong and entertainer/dancer, Fabian Fontenelle at the upcoming Colorado Indian Market in Denver Colorado Jan. 17th - 19th, 2014 at 10:00am. Morningsong will also feature her new single, "We Didn't Ask Why". Native Max Magazine founder/CEO, Kelly Holmes will also be interviewing Shelley Morningsong. Find out more here. Navajo make up artist, Danielle Lee's first major client is recording artist, Shelley Morningsong whom she will be working with for Shelley's upcoming music video. Check out Danielle's work by following her on Facebook.
Want to see your ad here? Please email info@nativemax.com for information on how you can get your ad on our Report!
Saginaw Grant Completes New TV Show American Indian actor, Saginaw Grant has just completed filming the tv comedy show, "Community" Season 5 which is scheduled to air in January 2014. Find out more here.
Native Max Hosts Fashion Show, March In conjuction with Rocky Mountain Indian Chamber of Commerce of Denver's Business Expo in March 2014, Native Max is hosting a runway show, featuring Native designers. For more info, visit nativemax.com.
MAKE US PROUD
AIM FORWARD
AIM FORWARD
Louis Still Smoking is a Blackfeet artist who wants to pass the struggles and stories of A.I.M. to the next generation. By Kelly Holmes
Still Smoking with his piece, "AIM FORWARD"
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AIM FORWARD Still Smoking's work in progress. His painting is located at the Montana State Univ. Art Building
Louis Still Smoking a Blackfeet artist currently working towards a studio art degree at Montana State University along with a minor in Native American Studies got inspiration for his latest work through his research on A.I.M, activism, protesters, the distress flag, and the need to express historical figures through line and color. Louis wanted to give awareness to their struggle to the next generation of protesters and activists. The oil painting took 2 1/2 months to paint and one day to install the entire piece at the Montana State University Art Building where it is currently located. The installation includes a 5 foot oil painting of Dennis Banks, painted red poles representing tipi poles in the shape of the distress flag, and free spelled backwards with white paper behind the red poles. To view more of artist Louis Still Smoking's work, visit his website at www.stillsmokingart.com. Do you have a story to tell? Make us proud by sending us your inspirational story to info@nativemax.com. Please include an essay of 250 words or less and a high res photo of yourself.
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Bring The River Home- Handcrafted Native American arts inspired from our traditions and culture! We are using our talents and history to create unique handmade products that are inspired by our Native American background, culture, and traditions www.fromtherivercollective.com
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE & JAMIE DUPRIS
WOMEN STYLE
SPRING REFRESHING page 46
EDITOR: KELLY HOLMES & HELEN ORO
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STYLE
DESIGNER PICK
CREE NISGA€? A Native Max fashion editors Kelly Holmes & Helen Oro share their designer pick of the season: Cree Nisga'a DESIGNER CREE NISGA'A PHOTOGRAPHS BY UDOR FOTOGRAPHY
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STYLE
FASHION NEWS
Leather, metal boots with designs, price upon request; Alicia's Ink
BEHIND THE INK
This season, every true fashionista will be striding around town in ALICIA’S INK. Meet this season’s buzzing designer that decided to take ordinary boots, wallets and purses to marvelous creations. ALICIA IS A TRUE ARTIST WHO CAN TRANSFORM a plain pair of boots or flats into works of art. Alicia, a member of the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation of British Columbia, wanted to see clothing, shoes and accessories of Native design that you could wear every day, and not just on special occasions. Drawing traditional animals on her shoes has started a new
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NATIVE MAX: What's your tribe? Where are you from? ALICIA: My tribe is Nuu-chahnulth Nation, which is on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia. I was born and raised in Victoria B.C. and have been living in Burnaby for fourteen years. What are some of the designs you draw onto shoes, clothing and accessories? The designs I draw are traditional animals such as eagles, bears, wolf, raven, and killer whales. What inspired you to draw designs onto shoes? I have been drawing Native art since I was 8 years old and always wanted to be a Native artist. Growing up I always had a passion for Native art but never pursued a career. As a teenager I modeled for fashion shows for First Nations designers and always wanted to see clothing, shoes and accessories that people could wear everyday and not as just formal wear. In 2012 I was unemployed, and took up drawing again. I began drawing on my own shoes and they became popular on Facebook, so I began designing on purses, earrings and wallets. Check out more of Alicia's Ink and order your custom boots or accessories at facebook.com/theinkofalicia.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALICIA
trend and small but booming business for Alicia, whose talents are sought after by hundreds across the world.
STYLE
STYLE BRIEFING
STYLE BRIEFING WINTER 2013
Essential style tips from Indian Country’s fashionable makeup artist, Tecia Jackson. REPORTED BY: KELLY HOLMES 1. Life just got simpler. Keep your spring dresses unpacked; instead incorporate them into your winter wardrobe by layering them with a cardigan, leggings and over the knee boots. Why not toss on a scarf, too? 2. A must-have item this winter is a denim button down shirt. It can be worn alone or with a crewneck sweater over it. Wear this look with everything from slacks to skirts to leather pants. Whether you dress up or dress down, this look with a black beanie will bring a little funk to your outfit of the day. 3. Skip the classic black pea coat this winter and shoot for plaid for a change up. Make a bright statement with a pop of color. 4. Tired of wearing jeans? Slide on a fitted sweater dress, paired with tights or stockings with over-the-knee boots.
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5. One can never have too many scarves. Arrange them from chunky & knitted, to sheer & heavy print. Wear with anything & everything, it’s sure to be your go-toitem. 6. Going out tonight? Turn heads with a semi-classic look: a tuxedo blazer layered over a sheer top, shorts, tights and ankle boots. 7. Whether it’s a center part or deep side part, pull your hair back into a low ponytail and wear it slicked down. This works for both a day in the office or out at the grocery store. 8. Not into the sleek look? Go for a grunge look by scrunching your hair with hair spritz or salt spray. 9. It’s time to step away from the full, heavy-fringed bangs this winter. Instead make them choppy and wispy. 10. Fresh skin is a great look this season. A neutral eye tone with soft blush is the goto makeup look. Another pretty yet simple look is bare cheeks with bold eyeliner. Top off the look with red lips and red nails. For a not-so-sleek look, smudge your eyeliner a bit.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TECIA JACKSON
Makeup Artist and Stylist Tecia Jackson
113 W Birch Ave Flagstaff, AZ 86001 | 928-255-3788 | www.christinedeangelis.com
SPRING REFRESHING Farewell, neutral browns and wools. Revive your style and personality with pastels, eye-catching patterns and airy frocks. Photography by Mike & Jamie Dupris
Photography by Mike & Jamie Dupris Models: Nancy Negrette, Lisa Wradizlo and Jensen Peone Styling by Models
SUITE SPRING Suite JSG show us pre-spring style. Photography by Jayson Jones
Photography by: Jayson Jones Designs by: Suite JSG Model: Jennifer Aguilar
SPRING FEVERISH PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY HOLMES
Photography by Kelly Holmes Model: Noel Altaha Styling: Noel Altaha
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY HOLMES
MEN STYLE EDITOR: KELLY HOLMES & TYRELL BEGAY
GENTLEMAN SPRING ESSENTIALS page 80 69
STYLE
TRENDS
WORKING MAN Fail safe must-have? That button up shirt at the mall Guys, when in doubt, go with the bu tton-down! From the only shirt to wear 9-5 to today’s best transit ional staple, butt on-down fitted shirts are no longer reserved for the workday. Pair it up with a dark pair of jeans and call it a classic look for the night.
Photograph by Derek Nez
Shirt, H & M
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FOCUSED ON ELEVATING ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN INDIAN COUNTRY ENTREPRENATIVE, INDIAN COUNTRY'S #1 PODCAST REGARDING NATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP, HOSTED BY COLLIN PRICE
Check out ENTREPRENATIVE podcasts hereFaceboo
FASHION FORWARD
We bring you what's fashion forward this season. ACCESSORIES
FINISHING TOUCH Contrasts emerged as a key trend of men’s accessories at fashion weeks across the world. Try these intricatelygraphic beaded cuffs by Native jewelry designer Dominique Tsinnie.
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Beaded Cuffs, Beadwork by Dominique Tsinnie, shop.beyondbuckskin.com
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOMINIQUE TSINNIE
STYLE
FASHION FORWARD
NEECHIE GEAR
FASHION BUZZ
ATHLETIC WEAR: ALL ABOUT NATIVES
Finally, we are starting to see athletic wear geared towards Native athletes. Neechie Gear, an athletic sportswear brand for men, women and kids based in Canada, is solely focused on providing opportunities to underprivileged kids to play sports. Founder and CEO Kendal Netmaker, from the Sweetgrass First Nation of Saskatchewan, experienced firsthand the difficulties and limited means of joining a sport in elementary school. Kendal’s family had neither way of paying the registration fees nor means of traveling to and from practices and games. When given the
opportunity to play on a soccer team by his friend’s family, Kendal immediately accepted and continued to play sports through high school and into college. Kendal has been a part of, and witnessed what sports can do for youth by developing elite athletes and future leaders. Today, Kendal and Neechie Gear are committed to giving a portion of proceeds to help underprivileged kids play sports.
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PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF KENDAL NETMAKER
STYLE
FASHION BUZZ
NER G I DESOFILE PR
HISTORICALLY AND CULTURALLY RELEVANT HOW N8V COUTURE DESIGNER ANDY SARCIA-PELTIER IS AN INNOVATOR OF THE FASHION WORLD By Gia Bolton
O
subtly utilizing more empowering statements in my future projects and products to come”
One lyric from a song was all it took for N8V Couture designer Andy SarciaPeltier to find inspiration for his new line. After hearing the line, “Definitely Native, take responsibility for being educated” from hip hop artist Tall Paul’s track “Song Prayers”, Sarcia-Peltier wanted to prove the rhyme right and decided to launch a line that would make a statement, such as the lyric. “This statement can be substituted for various amazing things that Native People are,” says Sarcia-Peltier. “I look forward to
GIA BOLTON: What is your tribe and where are you from? SARCIA-PELTIER: I am an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa from Belcourt, North Dakota. GB: What inspired you to create N8V Couture? My inspiration for N8V Couture comes from my belief that we as Native American people can produce
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PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ANDY SARCIA-PELTIER
STYLE
PROFILE
N8V Couture; www.n8vcouture.com
GB: Can you please explain your new line from N8V Couture, Definitely Native? I enjoy providing customers with, not only, a product, but a product that makes a statement! We've been pushing the "Definitely Native" line the hardest this year, and I have a reason. This statement came from one of my favorite Hip Hop Artist and fellow Ojibwe, Tall Paul, from one of his tracks called "Song Prayers," he rhymes: "Definitely Native, take responsibility for being educated." This statement can be substituted for various amazing things that Native people are. I look forward to subtly utilizing more empowering statements in my future projects and products to come. GB: What do you want the world to know
about N8V Couture? I would like the world to know that within the Native American community bridging the gaps between generations, from rural and urban locations is the key to survival of our people. With the many capacities of Natives working towards this goal, I like to feel I am doing my part with N8V Couture. GB: What is the hardest part of starting your own business? As a business owner, the hardest part has been gaining capital to grow my business. The interest is definitely there, we have amazing artists to work with, and our designs have been well received. GB: What are your goals for N8V Couture? I am striving hard to open a Native American owned, ran, retail store front here in Seattle, WA. We also work with blacklistmedia.net to produce an amazing promotional video, stay tuned.
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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ANDY SARCIA-PELTIER
historically and culturally relevant fashionable clothing, which represents us, our beliefs, and our goals.
NATIVEMAX.STORENVY.COM
Gentleman Spring Essentials Every gentleman has a wish list for the Spring. Here's ours, starring Christian Weaver. PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY HOLMES
Layers, fitted blazer, and a classic pair of oxfords. Give your look a casual feel with fitted jeans.
Medallion + Polo ...and a red watch.
Classic button-up and pants. Let your jeans rest and try on some patterned pants.
DETAILS OF CLOTHING ON NATIVEMAX.COM
A scarf ...is nice on a chilly day.
A MAN TO BUILD Now that we prepped you for Spring, make the most of your Winter wardrobe, whether with one piece or head-to-toe style. Styled by our brand new Men's fashion editor, Tyrell Begay and upcoming model Ike Owens. Photography and styling by TYRELL BEGAY
grey coat, $300 Michael Kors black turtleneck, $25 Roundtree&Yorke red sweater, $120 Ralph Lauren red scarf, $60 Ralph Lauren
cashmere coat, $500 Turnbury red cardigan, $90 Murano black trousers, $70 Murano
grey jacket, $90 Perry Ellis grey plaid button up, $70 Murano grey cardigan, $60 Perry Ellis
faux leather jacket, $90 Perry Ellis white tee, $15
black velvet blazer, $300 Murano grey turtleneck, $80 Murano
With Native designer Cher Thomas' new collection of traditional men's ties, The Akimel River Collection, you can instantly take your head-to-toe to new heights. Photographs by Amy Davila Styling by Cher Thomas
with PRIDE
My People are the Akimel O'odham which translates to "The River People", I wanted to create a men's accessory that used the bold designs found on traditional attire but in a new way for men to both dress formally in and show cultural pride in a bold way. Each of the designs on the ties represent the flowing river, our Akimel, so I named the men's tie collection just that: The Akimel River Collection.
-Cher Thomas
Photographs by: Amy Davila Styling by: Cher Thomas Model: Kiohud Sanderson
LIFE
TRIBAL DISENROLLMENT: The New Genocide
TRIBAL DISENROLLMENT HAS BECOME A VERY CONTENTIOUS ISSUE, BUT IT'S NOT A NEW TREND BY ANY MEANS. IT'S A GROWING TREND AKIN TO A MODERN DAY GENOCIDE THAT HAS LEGALLY ELIMINATED THOUSANDS OF NATIVE PEOPLE ACROSS THE UNITED STATES. BY JOHNNIE SISNEROS ILLUSTRATIONS BY GEORGE HELT
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EDITOR: BRANDON ECOFFEY
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S SENSATIONALIST AS THAT SOUNDS, TRIBAL disenrollment does not just nullify a person's tribal affiliation, it strips them entirely of their cultural identity. We discuss how the revocaton of tribal membership has "legally" left thousands of natives tribeless for the sake of green and political corruption.
Although it is true that they will always be native by blood and spirit, they are no longer recognized as being Native American and deemed ineligible to receive the benefits and privileges afforded to enrolled tribal members, such as access to healthcare, housing, tribal schools, various social and educational programs, land allotments, per capita payments as well as tribal and federal educational stipends and grants. However, the greatest loss that comes from this theft of their identity is that it severs the connection that we all have as native people to our community, to our traditions and to each other. But let's be honest, the ramifications of disenrollment go beyond just affecting the social, economic and spiritual wellbeing of those who are facing disenrollment and those who have been disenrolled. It threatens the relationship between tribal leadership and tribal members because it calls into question the fairness
and legality of which is seemingly fueled by greed and political corruption. It threatens the continued economic growth and stability of tribal and native owned business ventures because the negative press surrounding tribes involved in the revocation of tribal membership battles may cause investors to second guess or pull their funding. It threatens our federal funding as well as our recognition as tribal entities, since funding and federal/state tribal recognition is often determined by the number of tribal members. What's worse is that it CAN happen to anyone, at anytime and in any tribe regardless of their blood quantum, ancestral lineage, traditional participation or community standing. In article 33 of the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People states that: 1. Indigenous peoples have the right to determine their own identity or
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membership their in accordance motives, with their customs and traditions. This does not impair the right of indigenous individuals to obtain citizenship of the States in which they live. 2. Indigenous peoples have the right to determine the structures and to select the membership of their institutions in accordance with their own procedures. Meaning that it is entirely up to the tribes to decide the criteria and procedures that a person must meet and undergo for tribal membership. State and federal governments still maintain their own criteria for determining who is native, but, when it comes to tribal membership, the tribe has the last word as sovereign nations. Herein lies part of the problem because corrupt tribal leadership has learned to exploit our sovereignty as means of legally justifying this new wave of cultural genocide, which they do by amending tribal constitutions and disputing the accuracy of the original
ALENA TROUBLE
PIN UP MODEL
FACEBOOK.COM/ALENATROUBLE
In my tribe, our constitution states that to be enrolled you must meet the following requirements: The membership of the OtoeMissouria Tribe of Indians shall consist of the following persons, provided they have not received land or money as an adult by virtue of being enrolled as members of another Indian Tribe: (a) All persons whose names appear on the official membership roll of the Tribe as of October 14, 1966, and (b) All persons who are of at least one-eight (1/8) degree Otoe-Missouria Tribal blood. Dual Enrollment Prohibited. No person who is an enrolled member of another federally recognized tribe or band of Indians shall, at the same time, be a member of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians. This was not always the case. Before our constitution was amended in 2009, an individual had to be at least Âź degree of Otoe-Missouria blood. Many tribes use blood quantum and descendantship to decide membership eligibility, but the use of blood quantum has always been questionable when determining tribal membership. Mainly because tribes can amend the degree of blood required for enrollment and because
eventually there will not be enough people with the “appropriate� amount of blood to be considered native by federal standards. In the past, tribes lowered the blood quantum to allow for an increase in membership, but now the trend is raising the blood quantum to limit or decrease membership. When this
change in policy occurs, individual members as well as entire families that have lived within their tribal communities and whose lineage is undeniable can and are being disenrolled. The issue of tribes disputing the original tribal rolls as grounds of disenrollment is more complicated. The original
"Let's be honest, the ramifications of disenrollment go beyond just affecting the social, economic and spiritual well-being of those who are facing disenrollment and those who have been disenrolled" 98
Mz. Peaches
Alena Trouble
Tarrah Bellah
Blue Bird Pinups
"Native Pinups for Native People"
bluebirdpinups.com | bluebirdpinups@gmail.com
Miss Honey Rose
Elisha Divine
Miss Jessa Doll
The original tribal rolls that tribes use to determine membership are names found on the General Allotment Act (Dawes Act), Durant Roll, or other BIA compiled rolls. There are two major problems with using these rolls to determine descendantship, the first one being that the rolls only show membership within a very limited time frame. Within tribal constitutions, they can specifically base descendantship on a specific year's roll. For example, the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe's constitution states that membership shall consist of persons and descendants whose names appear on the rolls taken in 1882, 1883, 1885 and 1891. The second problem with using these base rolls do not accurately reflect tribal membership because they often exclude many key figures in tribal histories. Not to mention that the rolls incorrectly recorded native names, excluded children and members unable to sign due to illness, reluctance, etc. Take for example the Grand Ronde tribal members facing disenrollment, the grounds for their membership revocation have to do with their ancestor not being listed on the original tribal roll. They are the proud descendants of Tumwalth,
"It can happen to anyone, at anytime and in any tribe regardless of their blood quantum, ancestral lineage, traditional participation or community standing." the leader of the Wah-lal-la band of Tum-waters. In 1855, he was one of 47 tribal leaders that signed the Willamette Valley Treaty that allowed for the formation of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde. A year before the tribe was formally recognized, he was executed which explains why he was not included. However, when his descendants enrolled with the tribe, the evidence that they presented to prove their lineage and the prominent role that Tumwalth played in the formation of the tribe was found to be valid and his descendants were enrolled. So the question that should be asked is why, after twenty years, is the tribe revoking their tribal membership when they are not disputing that the descendants of Tumwalth are who they say they are or the role that Tumwalth played in their tribal history? Tribes have used external audits to review and amend tribal records and historical documents to weed out the undesirables under the guise of
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strengthening the bloodline and removing members with no tribal association. Reggie Lewis of the Chukchansi tribe quoted, “You have people who want to be tribal members, where no one knows who they are or where they came from. We are sworn to uphold the Constitution. And basically that’s what we try to do�. Nice try, Mr Lewis. Of the 400 members that have been disenrolled over the last 5 years, many were born and raised on tribal lands. They know their traditions as well as their cultural and familial heritage. In fact, one of the members robbed of her citizenship was one of the last fluent speakers of the Chukchansi language. The claim that tribes are only trying to strengthen their communities, trying to uphold their tribal constitutions and that it has nothing to do with money is ridiculous. Disenrollment is all about money and control. It is a weapon that corrupt and small-minded tribal leaderships are using to bandaid waning profits from tribal business ventures and to get rid of
ILLUSTRATIONS BY GEORGE HELT
opposition. You don't see non-per capita tribes revoking the membership of their people en masse, despite the fact their financial conditions are far more dire. You don't see them pushing their tribes towards extinction because they are too lazy and irresponsible to discuss why profits are declining and too proud to decrease or suspend per capita payments until they are more financially stable. Per capita payments are a blessing and not a right. Preserving the continued existence of our tribes is and should be a priority over continued profit-sharing. There is no honor or justice in taking away an individual or family's cultural and spiritual heritage because of political corruption and greed. We have struggled for centuries to protect our heritage and existence against the never-ending threat
of cultural genocide by the government and mainstream society. It's just downright tragic that natives now being stripped of their cultural identities and and land at the hands of their own people. It makes absolutely no sense when you consider the cultural, genealogical, political, and economical implications that terminating a family's tribal membership will have on current and future generations. You many think that this will never be an issue you face, but the truth is that it affects us all. The moment that we start amending each other out of existence is the moment that we give the government and the media power to do the same. The sacrifice that our ancestors made so that we could continue to exist should not be honored by allowing the continued genocide of our people. We All Belong.
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GOOD COMPANY: WE'RE IN BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTING E NTREPRENEURSHIP IN INDIAN COUNTRY BY KELLY HOLMES
PHOTOGRAPH JAMIE AGULAR
LIFE
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Christian Weaver, the owner of NDN Crafts
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LIFE
ENTREPRENEURSHIP WE'RE ALL ABOUT PROMOTING Native businesses. In our Spring/Summer 2013 issue, we initiated an ongoing article about Native entrepreneurs of Indian Country and the impact of Native-owned businesses. Like we mentioned in part 1 of this series, Natives are starting to have a huge impact on the U.S. economy and with more Natives starting their own businesses, Indian Country’s future seems brighter and stronger than ever before. In part 2 of our series, we exclusively interview Christian Weaver, an entrepreneur of the Shinnecock tribe who pursued a business venture that would help his people and and Navajo business owner Jerald Martin, who owns his own specialty event services. Christian Weaver, a member of the Shinnecock nation, realized a problem in Indian Country regarding artists and designers. “We had a dream to create a venue where artists are celebrated, not exploited and where they can really see profit from their work,” explains Christian. “That’s what NDNcraft.com is all about” Weaver is the founder and owner of NDNcraft.com, a website that provides an
"We had a dream for Native crafts, designs to create a venue and art to be bought and where artists are sold. celebrated, not exploited and Please explain your business, NDNCRAFT.COM. where they can Why did you feel the need to really see profit create a business like this? Yes! I am the founder from their work" and owner of NDNcraft.com. We are a website that provides an easy and affordable vehicle for Native crafts, designs and art to be bought and sold. We believe in preserving our indigenous cultures and celebrating the arts and designs that come from our beautiful cultures. We had a dream to create a venue where artists are celebrated, not exploited and where they can really see profit from their work. That's what NDNcraft.com is all about.
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work with your business, can you please explain? We also have a philanthropic arm called This Is Who We Are. This This Is Who We Are is a YouTube film project by NDNcraft.com that gives light to Native people doing great things in our community. It dispels the negative and typical stereotypes often associated with Native people and educates viewers about who indigenous people really
LIFE
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
How did you get involved in entertainment? Throughout my life I’ve been exposed to entertainment in one form or another. Growing up on the Navajo reservation I would help the local DJ set up. Spending my high school years in Albuquerque I was introduced to DJ Butterfingers and DJ Rim, who took me into their crew, FTR Entertainment. Being a part of the FTR crew showed me how to build events, and negotiate and network with people. After moving to Phoenix I started to do college house parties that would last several years,
Jerald Martin, with Native Max Vice President Derek Nez
me how to build events, and negotiate and network with people. After moving to Phoenix, I didcollege house parties for several years. Then I was asked to join Urban Injun Entertainment. Please explain more about SUM Entertainment, your company you established after working for other entertainment groups. I am the founder and owner of SUM Entertainment, which was established in 2008. SUM Entertainment comes from the mathematical term SUMMATION, which means total. SUM Entertainment provides quality upscale entertainment, from live concerts to specialized theme parties. SUM Entertainment is well known for its annual themed parties Grand Entry Party, RedStar Party, and REDtro 49, which are all
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Nations Powwow weekend in Albuquerque, NM. Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur? No, I can honestly say it all came naturally. When did you realize you were ready to open your own entertainment company? The day I realized I wanted my ideas to be taken seriously was the day I decided to start my own business from scratch. As the sole owner, I wanted to be the one who made things happen. I’ve always had a vision and an idea on how to make things better. In your opinion, why do you think Natives starting their own businesses and companies is beneficial to Indian Country? It provides structure for those wanting to start a business. Seeing your own people succeed only provides fuel to one’s fire to
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF JERALD MARTIN
Jerald Martin, of the Navajo Nation, realized his potential of entrepreneurship at a young age, which came naturally to him. Now a sole owner of his very own upscale entertainment services business, SUM Entertainment, Martin has successfully established a reputation throughout Indian Country with his extravagant, professional events and parties. However, hosting events isn’t the only goal on his agenda; Martin also uses SUM Entertainment to promote Native talent as well.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
I€? M A POSITIVE PERSON O MANY IDEAS, DIRECTION, SUPPORT, AND MOSTLY A MIND FULL OF VISIONS." Do you hope to help other Native businesses grow and thrive? How? Yes, this is one of the main purposes of SUM Entertainment being created. Aside from building quality upscale events, my vision is to bring all tribes together with the purpose of exposing Native talent, fashion designers and businesses through collaborations. SUM Entertainment provides a positive platform to boost and support Native businesses. What is your advice for a young aspiring entrepreneur who’s starting their own business? From being in the entertainment business for well over fifteen years, I would have to say research the business you want to venture. Everything looks easy until you jump in with both feet running. Second, go with your gut instinct. If you fail you will know why you failed, but if you succeed then this business was purely meant to be. Third, actions speak
louder than words. Here’s a good example: I have met several business people who talk about running and owning the world through their businesses. When I hear this, and later never hear of them again, I always chuckle to myself. Lastly, I’m going to be blunt about this one; don’t be so hard-headed, or you will find yourself out of business real quick. Be open to new things, collaborations and mold yourself into the business person you want to be. What are the worst and best parts of being an entrepreneur? The worst part of being an entrepreneur is working with unprofessional people. The best part of being an entrepreneur is the feeling of starting something from nothing. Also being the owner of SUM Entertainment gives me 100% ownership and control in the type of business SUM Entertainment pursues.
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Visit entreprenative.com for more information about Entreprenative!
ENTREPRENATIVE, AN ONLINE PLATFORM and community focused on entrepreneurship for Natives, is growing popular as more Native business owners are added to the group. Collin Price, the founder of Entreprenative, exclusively interviews Native By Kelly Holmes entrepreneurs for his podcast journeys to growing their own businesses. Price is a 31-year-old family man of the Ho-Chunk Nation. Price got his inspiration to start Entreprenative from his past experiences of owning his own businesses. He suffered “entrepreneurial loneliness”, or the loneliness phenomena most entrepreneurs feel. Price also couldn’t find a place that had resources and guidance. Unable to find other successful Native entrepreneurs, Price decided to start his own platform, Entreprenative Media. Price’s mission with Entreprenative is to elevate entrepreneurship in Indian Country. The Entreprenative podcast is a free flowing conversation with today’s most successful and inspirational Native entrepreneurs. With one guest per episode, he digs deep into
ENTREPRENATIVE IS FOCUSED ON ELEVATING ENTREP RENEURSHIP IN INDIAN COUNTRY
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their journey of entrepreneurship and uncovers the struggles and monumental highs that go with creating and growing a business. His podcasts are available on iTunes for free. Price also provides resources for people looking to start their own entrepreneurial journeys on his website. Another side of Entreprenative Media is consulting small businesses with social media marketing, where he helps businesses improve their social presence via social media.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF COLIN PRICE
ELEVATING ENTREPRENEURSHIP
LIFE
ESSAY
SUICIDE. HELP PREVENT IT THIS TIME OF YEAR IS JOYOUS AND EXCITING. HOWEVER, FOR SOME, THIS TIME OF YEAR CAN BE THE LONLIEST, WHICH LEADS TO SUICIDES. By: Raquel Harris
It’s the holiday season (despite which traditions you may or may not celebrate.) In most areas, the weather is starting to get a little cooler and we will soon spend time with those that love us the most: family and friends. However, not everyone will have the opportunity to spend time with their loved ones this year because of an epidemic that has plagued the Native American community: suicide. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2007 suicide was the 10th leading cause of death within the United States; and the highest amount of suicides were
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amongst the American Indian/Alaska Native community. Suicide is preventable by having proper access to resources within the community and with the proper education. By answering these five questions: who, why what, how, and where, will provide answers to questions about suicide. Who commits suicide? Often times, suicidal acts are stereotyped by a certain individual. People tend to look at an individual that wears black, listens to gothic music, and is the loner. While this stereotype incriminates these individuals, anyone can commit suicide! Although this act plagues everyone and no one is exempt, statistics show that males commit suicide more often than females commit suicide. Males are more likely to finish through with their plans than females and males are more likely to commit suicide in a fashion that is more appalling than females. Any ethnicity is at risk for committing this horrific act, buth American Indians/ Alaska Natives have the highest risk of committing suicide.
This leads into the second of, why do people commit suicide? Individual’s commit suicide for a number of reasons: untreated mental illness, a sense of belonging, and for no known reason. Having proper access to mental health treatment is difficult amongst the Native American/Alaska Native community because of lack of proper health care professionals. Having access to these services is crucial for the community. Often times, mental illness is often overlooked in families because of lack of education about mental health illnesses. With proper mental health treatment the individual can look at treating their mental health and deal with unresolved grief that could potentially lead up to
not available in past generations. This leads them readily susceptible to information that may not have otherwise been available if not for social media. Kids are being bullied at schools and neighborhoods and online. This goes back to wanting to have a sense of belonging. While today’s youth are susceptible to the negativity of social media, elderly are also at risk for wanting to have a sense of belonging. Unfortunately, elderly people are often forgotten and may be at risk for committing suicide for the same reasons as today’s youth. They are not as mobile as their younger years, have increased medical problems, and are often living alone. Sometimes family members or friends get so caught up in their own lives
"Suicide not only impacts the individual but the entire community of people, family, and friends, that that individual has come across." suicidal ideations and acts. Suicidal acts are not always about mentalhealth and unresolved grief. Sometimes individual’s commit suicide because of wanting to have a sense of belonging. This is often heard in the media with the suicidal bombers or with the infamous William Shakespeare story of Romeo and Juliet. Being a human being we are biologically meant to be social creatures. We meet people, we have families, we go to work, etc. Belonging apart of something is important. Having a sense of belonging is especially important for today’s youths and the elderly. The youth today have access to so many technological resources that were not
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that this generation is often forgotten. Elderly people play an important role in the American Indian community so it is important this generation is not forgotten. Where can I go to receive help? Start, by calling the National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-Talk (8255). This number will start by helping individual’s find the nearest location for mental health treatment within their communities but for immediate services call 911. Also, At the Indian Health Services website for behavioral health http://www.ihs.gov/behavioral provides a lot of information for mental health and suicide prevention for the American
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PHOTOGRAPHS BY TONI GALLOSHI & BLAIRE RUSSELL
Pageantrywasmorethanjusta crown and title to First Nations member Carrissa Lowhorn. It was her golden opportunity to speak on issues that were important to her and her people. Embracing all the obligations that accompanied her titles and crowns, Carrissa traveled the world, spreading her culture and promoting the importance education, all the while helping her people in their time of need and finishing her own education. By Kelly Holmes
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"I believe that without persistence and the help of others I would not be where I am today. We are all connected." Carrissa Lowhorn always had a passion for helping others in need. From the Siksika Nation, her humanitarian instincts have led her towards a path in pageantry. To Carrissa, pageants aren’t about who is the most beautiful or wealthiest, but about standing up and speaking for her people. In 2011, Carrissa was crowned Miss Southern Alberta and went on to compete nationally. Based on her performance and educational background, Carrissa went on to winning a national title as Miss Canadian Scholarship Ambassador, accompanied by a scholarship. Carrissa carried this title for a year, which gave her the opportunity to enhance her volunteer efforts. She also spoke to First Nations youth on the importance of education; an issue Carrissa is strongly passionate about. As a young girl Carrissa faced adversity within the education system. “I was told that I was a special student with ‘basic’ potential, and currently I am proving them wrong,” Carrissa adds. This past July 2013 Carrissa was selected nationally to represent Canada on an international level in the Miss Tourism Planet pageant in Athens Greece, where she won the Miss Cosmopolitan award. The Miss Cosmopolitan award is awarded to a person who is most familiar with and at ease with many different cultures. However, just before her journey to Greece, Calgary and surrounding areas were affected by a
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major flood. Over two hundred homes in Carrissa’s community of the Siksika Nation were devastated by the flood, including her family’s home. Carrissa managed to help as much as she could a few days before she left. In October 2013, Carrissa was selected to represent the USA in the 2013 Miss Globe World Finals, in the Republic of Albania. Carrissa went on to win the Miss Cosmopolitan award for the second time in one year. Although Carrissa had been juggling education, working and volunteering together, all of her hard work finally paid off. Carrissa graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in International Indigenous Studies this past November 2013. In January 2014, Carrissa will travel to Miami, Florida to pass on her title, Miss USA, and help select the next Miss USA to compete internationally in Albania for the 2014 Miss Globe World Finals. NATIVE MAX: Have you always wanted to participate in pageants when you were younger? CARRISSA LOWHORN: When I was younger I never really thought of pageants until the Miss Congeniality movie. I now have to laugh to myself about that one because pageants are not all what they are perceived to be. In my younger years I was a girly girl mixed with tom boy qualities. I use to play ice hockey
regularly growing up. You traveled to Greece and Albania earlier this year, what was your experience like in Europe? When I competed in Greece this past June, I learned that Greece was devastated by an economic crisis. While in Greece, I will never forget the time I was sitting at a table at an outdoor restaurant, and a little girl came up to me playing a small guitar, wanting money. The owner of the restaurant chased her away, but before she left I secretly handed her some change. The little girl’s face lit up as she ran away. It was heartbreaking to see because she somewhat resembled my
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little sister. It made me happy and sad at the same time, but I felt good because I made her smile. As for visiting Albania, I learned that it is a newly developing democratic country. Albania was once under communist control as well as war struck. Wherever you go in Albania you see homes under major construction and most of the buildings are half finished. Seeing a country in a developing state really made me appreciate and realize how lucky I am to live where I live. My overall experience of visiting Europe had a humbling affect over me. I will always remember how Europe made me feel; I felt like I was in a different time in another world.
LIFE
MY STORY I thank the creator every day for all his blessings and showing me all these beautiful places. Do you give back to your community? Why do you feel it's important to do so? I have volunteered for various events within my community and continue to do so. My community has always supported me in all my endeavors. Volunteering and inspiring others is my way of giving back to my community. What do you hope to achieve with your titles? I want to inspire other First Nations youth and show them that anything is obtainable through hard work. With the titles I won I’ve been given the opportunity to enhance my volunteer efforts and speak on issues that are important to me. What are the biggest lessons you've learned on your journey of participating in pageants and earning your titles? With all the volunteer work I’ve done through pageants, I learned the true importance of helping others in need. Helping others is my tribute to remembering and appreciating the people who helped me along my journey. I believe that without persistence and the help of others I would not be where I am today. We are all connected. What is the best part of being in pageants? The best part of pageants is that they have helped me with my interpersonal development skills within my everyday life. I have gained confidence in how I present myself and overcoming the fear of being present and speaking in front people. Pageants also gave me the opportunity to showcase my culture and who I am as a First
Nations woman to people from all over the world. And the worst part? The worst parts of pageants are the endless hours of walking in heels and blisters, late nights and early mornings. How did you balance your personal life and education with the commitments your titles required of you? Without my spirituality I would not be where or who I am today. I strongly believe that the creator has helped me with everything I do. I try my best to eat healthy and keep physically fit. I also keep myself grounded by surrounding myself with people who love and support me. I believe that balancing and grounding ourselves can help to make life less crazy, because life is already crazy as it is.
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ART FEATURED ARTIST
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PHOTOGRAPH BY ILASH
GRAFFITI
Graffiti is more than just precise calculations of shapes and lines on a wall to graffiti writer & artist Kailani; it's her life. By Daryl Begaye
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In November, I was given the opportunity to meet and interview a remarkably gifted Navajo artist by the name of Kailani. Before this assignment, I had never heard of this artist nor had I seen any of her work. After briefly researching her art and probing my connections on whether or not they had heard of her, I was intrigued and set up a meeting at the LA Underground in Albuquerque. A fitting location based on Kailani's art style and subject matter. Her graffiti pieces are of calculated designs of digital and pointed shapes and lines, utilizing the location and surrounding graffiti pieces to enhance her work, which clear shows her understanding and control of color. Her canvases contain some elements as her graffiti pieces; the only difference is the use of muted and complementary colors, warranting further study. DARYL BEGAYE: How long have you been painting? KAILANI: I've been painting graffiti since 2006, prior to that I started with acrylic as a kid.
Have you had any formal training? I had a friend that I met in high school who was in to graffiti and I asked him to teach me. Prior to that I was doing calligraphy, fancy letters, word styles, and bubble style. He approached me in my biology class and said "Can I take a look at that? Do you know what this is or where it came from?" "No man, no formal training at all." After I graduated I was mostly self-taught, learning a majority of the basic rules: You don't bomb a church, you don't bomb someone's house, and you respect other people's pieces unless it's dissed; then you can go over them, but you have to do it better than them. Graffiti etiquette I guess. I moved to Albuquerque in 2011, started meeting a lot of writers, learning their techniques and styles, and doing more detailed work, more intricate.
Kailani also creates meaningful designs
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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: KAILANI, LENNY ROMERO, KALANI
TOP: Kailani with one of her paintings LEFT: A graffiti mural of Kailani's
STILL SMOKING ART WWW.STILLSMOKINGART.COM
ART
GRAFFITI I met someone in my math class at San Juan College, he had said that he was in Color Theory with UNEK and said that it would be very important to take that class. That's pretty much the only official education I've had for art, besides elementary art class, it's pretty much self-taught, freedom of expression.
Do you face any challenges trying to promote yourself and your art? It is hard to promote myself but at the same time I think it's good that it takes time for those things, it takes time for people to get to know your art. Right now, I'm working for that, I'm putting in work for it. I'm waiting for my time, just being patient about it. Along the challenges of self-promoting, are
there any obstacles of being a female graffiti artist? Actually, surprisingly, I'm a peaceful kind of graffiti writer; I'm not one to disrespect somebody. Every writer I've ever met, throughout my life has had something positive to say about me, and a lot of people really like the art that I do and they respect me because I have really technical style as well, so it's a one up for me to be female now, it's not hard at all. Where can people view your work and where have you shown your work? Right now I don't have anything in a gallery. I do have the facebook page Kailani.Art. Right now my boyfriend and I are working on a website, it's halfway done, we just need my profile, which I wrote in first person and he needs to write it in second person to apply it to the website, its homeproductculture.com so it should be coming up pretty soon.
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PHOTOGRAPHS BY KAILANI
At this point do you consider yourself an established artist? Definitely, I definitely feel that I'm established right now. I'm working on the Los Altos Restoration Project in Albuquerque for the Warehouse 508, a youth oriented place. The biggest class they have is a mural art class, instructed by my good friends Buerto and Faustino. They also have a Rock Star Program that helps kids, record music and learn how to play music. They want to get their own record label going, Youth Empowerment; it's an LLC so it's non-profit. They started the Los Altos Restoration Project and after they rebuild the skate park, we're going to paint a mural on it. I get paid for sketch time. That's a job I'm doing and getting paid for, I'm also freelancing, doing logos. I'm working with a couple of businesses, on top of all that I do have a part time job at Van's. I'm really trying to go for the art; I'm also painting and stretching canvases worth about a thousand each.
STILL SMOKING ART
WOOD BLOCK DESIGNED - APPAREL One of the first of it's kind, each design is pressed onto the tee with a hand-carved wooden block. This method of art focuses on the unique feature of putting together the design, from start to finish.
Impeccable creativity, from star LOUIS STILL SMOKING - BLACKFEET ARTIST | BOZEMAN, MT | WWW.STILLSMOKINGART.COM
ART
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POWWOW DOLLS
When Sarah Weston realized her young niece needed a doll that represented her Native American culture, she took it upon herself to create a doll that would reflect both her beauty and heritage. By: Gia Bolton
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STILL SMOKING ART WWW.STILLSMOKINGART.COM
Check out more of Sarah and her dolls at facebook.com/sar ahspowwowdolls
that represented them culturally. Dolls are the representation of the self for young girls; I create each doll in the hopes the girl who receives it will see it as her beautiful reflection. I'm grateful for the opportunity to feel purposeful in creating dolls that instill cultural pride and reflect beauty into our children's hearts. Since there are so many beautiful diverse tribes, I do custom orders upon full payment. What are your future endeavors for your dolls? I would love to have at least one design be picked up by a major doll company and be a creative director for that line. I’m currently working on creating a sustainable Native doll company that will thrive; to support a fulltime income for me and other Native designers that assist me.
GIA BOLTON: Where are you from? SARAH: I am Mdewakantonwan (Dakota), an enrolled member of the Flandreau Santee Do you hope to create your own dolls in the future? Sioux Tribe. Until we get to create our very own dolls, I What was the inspiration for making your dolls? currently use store-bought Bratz dolls. The I was inspired to create these dolls when I two foot dolls are $150 and Barbie doll size realized my nieces had no dolls of their own prices vary between $35 & $45.
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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF SARAH WESTON
The ambition that drives Sarah's Powwow Dolls is the loving support from her companion, her family, and the little human growing inside her. With their encouragement and relentless love, she accomplished several goals, from earning a certificate from New York Film Academy, to planning a commercial for her line of powwow dolls. Sarah's love of art began when her mother taught her how to sew when she was only 11 years old, and has been sewing since. Eager to learn new techniques to master her unique skills, beadwork has become another passion of hers. Sarah periodically takes special orders for beadwork earrings alongside her powwow dolls. "I love art in all its forms," She also remains humble and knows she is blessed to be able to support her growing family with what she loves to do.
STILL SMOKING ART FINE ARTIST
Art is in his veins. At a young age Louis Still Smoking found art to be therapeutic. Louis finds all medias equally important opportunities to express art to the world through his eyes. He likes to take on a challenge and put everything into his work.
Impeccable creativity, from star LOUIS STILL SMOKING - BLACKFEET ARTIST | BOZEMAN, MT | WWW.STILLSMOKINGART.COM
Now comes a map that presents every documented, known Native American tribe that was here in pre-contact time, before the arrival of Europeans. All of the tribal nations documented here are in their original locations before the European Invasion affected their movement and displacement.
Secure your own tribal map at tribalnationsmap.com
NORTHERN CHEYENNE HONOR HOMELANDS: FORT ROBINSON OUTBREAK SPIRITUAL RUN BY SAHIYELA OHITIKA WIN
CULTURE & EDUCATION
EACH FOOTSTEP ETCHES FREEDOM
EDITOR: JOHNNIE SISNEROS
PHOTOGRAPH BY SAHIYELA OHITIKA WIN
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ll is still- except the blood in our veins; it passionately tears through our bodies full of adrenalin and determination. All is silent- except the high-pitched song echoing off wooden barracks; a few voices belt out, carrying melody and remembrance. Standing shoulder to shoulder with our relations, we reflect on the absolute courage we descend from; their death brought us to life. The frigid air and snowy doorstep
anxiously await the release of hundreds of little feet. Our grandmothers wrapped in blankets stand outside in small clouds of their own exhalation. This moment holds the weight of 134 years, and every spirit embraces the one next to it. The song comes to a close and the doors open. An eruption of emotion outpours into the Nebraska night at the sound of lulus and warhoops. Once again, stars witness dark escape. The journey begins.
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PHOTO BY CHASE IRON EYES
Our eagle staff and Northern Cheyenne tribal flag are handed between nearly one hundred youth as they cover 400 miles in a five-day, relay run back to the homelands. At every hand-off, encouraging words are passed from one individual to the next. There is intent in their step. There is sacrifice in everybreath.Theyarequietinprayer.Theonlooking eagles and horses that gallop in tandem with the children remind them that they are carrying the spirits of our ancestors who were shot and killed on that doorstep on January 9th in 1879.
They run for those who never had a chance: the teenage boys who climbed the bluffs and lit fires to distract the cavalry while their families fled into the winter night; the 2-year-old girl who hid in The Last Hole, not to be found and taken back to the fort, but who was instead shot at point-blank range; and the infant who saved his mother’s life by resting on her back as she ran and taking the bullet meant for her. Our kids run for them. Our run brings them home. Our home is who we are. The founders of the Fort Robinson -
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Outbreak Spiritual Run, Phillip Whiteman Jr. and Lynette Two Bulls, understood that the best way to teach history is to visit the lands on which that history happened. Yellow Bird, Inc. annually hosts a Day of Education in Crawford, Nebraska on January 8th, reenacts the breakout on January 9th, traces the historic path home and concludes the run in Busby, Montana on January 14th. The Cheyenne-Lakota alliance remains strong in South Dakota as our relations in Oglala, Pine Ridge, Rapid City, and Belle Fourche feed, encourage, and sing for our runners. Elders are bussed down from the reservation to share traditional accounts of what happened at Fort Robinson. Grandmothers whose grandmothers were in the Breakout address the group. All are taught about the original Great Plains Alliance and how- after the Cheyenne, Lakota, and Arapaho defeated Custer and the 7th Cavalry- the Cheyenne faced a terrible year of attacks and were then forced under heavy military escort to “Indian Territory” in Oklahoma. Immediately, one-third of our population was lost to malaria and malnourishment; our people were starved and eating rotten horsemeat to survive. After thirteen months of failed attempts to negotiate with agents, Chief Little Wolf declared, “I am going north to my own country. If you are going to send your soldiers after me, first let us get a little distance away. Then if you want to fight, I will fight you, and we can make the ground bloody at that place." In September of 1878, a group of 300 Cheyenne left family behind and fled for home. As fall turned to winter, their bare feet ran from U.S. Cavalry on horseback in the cold, with nothing but the clothes they wore and few blankets they carried. In December, a band of mostly women and children under Chief Dull Knife was
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PHOTO BY CHASE IRON EYES
intercepted, imprisoned at Fort Robinson in locked wooden barracks, and systematically deprived of food, water, and firewood necessary for survival. It was the government’s intent to break them, force surrender, and impose a return to Oklahoma. What the cavalry didn’t know was that the Cheyenne had disassembled guns and hid
parts in women’s jewelry and in kids’ dolls. Looking death in the eye, the Cheyennes reassembled the guns, sang their Suicide Songs, and broke out the windows that January night. Never accepting defeat, each footstep etches freedom. They ran- and we run- home. The 1879 Fort Robinson Outbreak is the
single most important event in history that allowed for the Northern Cheyenne homelands to be recognized by the United States government, and affirmed by executive order from the President. Our land is paid for with the blood of our ancestors who never made it back. Their undying will to live free is what ensured the future -
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PHOTO BY CHASE IRON EYES
generations have a place to call home, forever. Every year, our feet and prayers carry those spirits to the North Country. As we’re taught, “This is not a Cheyenne issue, a Native issue- this is a human issue.” Join us in acknowledging the stories beneath your feet. Because as you read this history, my heart beats this history, and as you walk this earth, we walk this hurt. So please remember: we will never forget. For more information about the Fort Robinson Outbreak Spiritual Run, visit http://yellowbirdinc.org
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Join us in acknowledging the stories beneath your feet. Because as you read this history, my heart beats this history, and as you walk this earth, we walk this hurt. So please remember: we will never forget.
PHOTO BY CHASE IRON EYES
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LANGUAGE
SAVING OUR LANGUAGE, OR LOSS OF CULTURE? MORE ORGANIZATIONS ARE CREATING MOBILE APPS THAT TEACH NATIVE LANGUAGES AND CULTURES. BUT IS IT SAVING OUR LANGUAGE, OR LOSING IT EVEN MORE? BY EVERETT BAXTER
Ever feel bad that you really don’t know your tribal language? It’s okay to say yes, and if you do speak your language then more power to you brother, sister, cousin, brother or uncle! I myself am one of many young Native Americans that can pick out a few words or more during a fluent speaker’s half-hour speech during our annual powwow. Is there really a way to make it easier to learn and understand? Technology seems to think so. Applications, or Apps for short, have made our everyday lives so much easier. Ever get lost in a big city like Los Angeles or Chicago? Well directions on where you need to go are just a tap of a finger away. It will map your exact location and even tell you when and where to turn; much easier than that relative who insists they know where they’re going and end up giving you opposite directions. I graduated high school in 2003 and wished I had the search engine apps that you can type or even ask your phone questions that will instantly bring up probable answers. Back then before apps were invented I actually had to open a book, a book that made me weary if I should open it due to the old book smell. Bring back memories? Good. Apps have made their way into Indian Country and are receiving mixed reviews. One side says it’s a great way to promote Native American culture to our younger generations who, let’s face it, are so embedded into today’s technology via their gaming systems and mobile devices. Who goes outside anymore? The opposing side is saying it’s not the proper pronunciation of a language and it is not the way they remember it being spoken.
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PROMOTION
Native children experience some of the highest levels of poverty in our country, which greatly impact their academic and life options. In fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, only 49 percent of Native students graduate from high school and just 11 percent obtain a college degree, compared to the national average of 86 percent and 29 percent, respectively. Teach For America is out to reverse this trend.
PROMOTION LANGUAGE
Want to help your youth, people, and community grow stronger? Looking for a way to use your education to improve the life of "The People"? Would you like to Teach for Native America? Get involved! For more information on the Native Alliance Initiative and ways to get involved in the effort to impact the lives of native children in classrooms around the country, visit www.teachforamerica.org/na i or email nai@teachforamerica.org
"Let us put our minds together to see what we can build for our children." -Chief Sitting Bull
Is using an application to learn your tribe’s language cheating? Some would argue that it takes away the cultural sense of sitting down and listening to your elders speak. The other argument being by creating an app for learning opens up our languages to the public. Some tribes have laws that require one to be certified by the tribal council to even teach a language. Could this be the solution to help save our languages? Some tribes have already declared their languages in a state of emergency. Statistics have shown that the number of fluent speakers within a number of tribes has drastically declined over the past two decades. Is technology the answer? As we all know, the time to learn something new is tricky to find, especially for adults who are employed and have children. Those who chose not to live near their people or tribe tend to have more of difficult time learning about their culture and have to rely on books and relatives. Those that live on their reservations tend to not take full advantage of what is readily available but have an advantage to grow up with cultural rich beliefs and understanding of who they are. Innovative learning tools such as these language apps should not be abandoned completely. Anything that goes towards the effort of preserving our past for a better future of our people is the best thing we can hope for. Apps as unique as these are not just thrown out into the world; imagine the hard work, creativity and time that go into such projects. The language apps I have seen have been available to anyone at no cost. I would encourage you to try it and like all apps we have the choice to tap delete.
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PROMOTION
NATIVE ALLIANCE INITIATIVE
TEACH FOR AMERICA
Teach For America is a national To help reverse this trend, Teach For nonprofit that recruits recent college America started placing corps Teach For America is a national nonprofit that recruits graduates and young professionals members in New Mexico in 2001 and recent college graduates and young professionals of all of all academic majors and career has since expanded to Hawai’i, academic majors and career interests to teach for two interests to teach for two years in Oklahoma and South Dakota. years in high-need public schools and become leaders n high-need public schools and Additionally, we have expanded to the effort to expand educational opportunities for all become leaders n the effort to native placement sites in Phoenix, children. Since 1990, more than 37,000 Teach For America expand educational opportunities Washington, and the Twin Cities. corps members have impacted more than 4 million for all children. Since 1990, more During the 2013-2014 school year, students in low-income urban and rural communities. than 37,000 Teach For America corps over 670 corps members are teaching members have impacted more than 4 close to 14,000 children from native million students in low-income backgrounds in these communities. urban and rural communities. Teach For America launched the Native Alliance Initiative in 2010 to deepen our partnership with Native Together, our 37,000 corps communities. Since then, the members and alumni are percentage of corps members from working to ensure that one American Indian, Alaska Native and day, all children will have Native Hawaiian backgrounds has the opportunity to attain an more than doubled.
excellent education.
"MY DOOR TO THE WORLD" For many high school students on reservations, the thought of college outside their borders seem frightening. For Josie Green, Lakota, college opened the door to the rest of the world. By Kelly Holmes I’m Oglala Lakota of the Pine Ridge Reservation, but I grew up in the small town of Wilmot, SD just outside of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Reservation. Before graduating from Tiospa Zina Tribal School in 2009, I was a small town girl with big dreams of going far away to a big city for college. However, when it actually came down to choosing a college, I found out that Minnesota State University Moorhead was only 100 miles away from home and had a nationally recognized Graphic Design department. The community here is big enough to feel like I’m far from home, yet small enough so it wasn’t a huge change.
just a kid; I didn’t even want to work. After being in high school for twelve years, all I knew how to do was learn. It probably helps that I really enjoy learning. It also helped knowing that I wasn’t going to be going through high school again, and that college was going to be a different. College is a choice.
GETTING READY
Before going to college I chose Graphic Communications because it came almost natural to me. I taught myself how to use Photoshop when I was in high school and it grew from there. I love color, photography and design. These were all options in the EDUCATION IN MIND Graphic Communication field. It’s I had no other choice in my mind besides fascinating figuring out how to represent a going to college. What else was I going to do person, place, or product using graphics. after graduating high school? I knew that I I’m in love with the challenge. couldn’t get a job that I actually wanted Although I knew college was going to be a with just a high school diploma. I was also little scary, I reminded myself that every
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PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOSIE GREEN
C&E
EDUCATION
C&E
EDUCATION
"My biggest accomplishment was learning to put myself first... we come from a very family- and community-oriented culture and making yourself number one feels selfish, but it’s not"
other freshman was in the same boat as me. No one has a clue about what is going on. I didn’t know anyone going to the same school as me so I had to make new friends. Since no one knew me, I was free to be whoever I wanted to be.
GREAT OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH COLLEGE
Going through the university experience in itself constantly reminds me that I’m alive. So many doors are open to me simply because of school. I’ve had the opportunities to study abroad for five months in Turkey, work at a mission in Guatemala, take a spring break trip to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, participate in the Washington Internships for Native Students (WINS) program, intern for the US Agency for International Development, work on campus for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and be the President of the American Indian Student Association. All of these experiences and more happened because I am in college.
LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE
Senior year has been different than the past few years. The classes I’m taking are all classes in my major and everything just feels different. It has finally hit me that I am going to be in the “real world”. I wish I could stay in school forever! At first I was a little stressed out thinking about what I was going to do after graduation, but then I realized: I am going to have so much time to just do stuff I want to do. I can’t wait! I don’t plan too far into the future, but I have some relatively vague goals, such as possibly teaching or interning somewhere. What I do know is that I want to use my design skills to somehow give back to communities in need. I am fascinated with different cultures, languages and people, so I would love to work abroad or
with a diverse group of people.
PRICELESS EXPERIENCE
I cannot stress enough how much college has helped shape who I am today. Many life skills have been learned throughout my years in school such as the continuous challenges of interesting classes, meeting new people, and learning to manage my time. Without the last several years of schooling, I really don’t know where I would be. I challenge our youth to take a step forward once they receive their high school diploma or GED. My biggest accomplishment was learning to put myself first. This is a very hard thing for our people to do. We come from a very family- and community-oriented culture and making yourself number one feels selfish, but it’s not. Obstacles are constantly thrown onto our paths causing us to fall; many times we don’t even realize that these obstacles aren’t ours. Sometimes they belong to family or friends, yet we feel obligated to fix things. When you’re on a plane they tell you to assist yourself before assisting others. Do what is best for you. Maybe that’s college, maybe not. But when you allow your heart to follow its dreams, amazing things happen. Do you!
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Winter'13 KIOWA GORDON & ANDREW OROZCO, INDIGENEITY AND SPRING READY
NO LONGER ROOKIES OF
HOLLYWOOD
BY
KELLY HOLMES PHOTOGRAPHY
MIKE SCABBY
WITH ENOUGH ACTING EXPERIENCE AND RESUMES THAT JUST KEEP GETTING LONGER, ACTORS AND BEST FRIENDS KIOWA GORDON AND ANDREW OROZCO HAVE ALREADY ESTABLISHED THEMSELVES IN HOLLYWOOD, AS NATIVE ACTORS.
W
OROZCO: Pretty WHAT€? S IT LIKE TO BEANDREW IN good, we’ve known each THE SAME ROOM AS other for about 3 ½ years. I ANDREWOROZCOAND grew up with Kiowa’s KIOWA GORDON? It’s sister, we went to the same normal, mostly. You know how some actors turn into big-headed, selfish and egotistical snobs who don’t care to meet you unless you’re a big-time celebrity yourself? Andrew Orozco and Kiowa Gordon are not like that, at all. On this evening – a day in the middle of the week some part during the Fall – I visit with both guys, which isn’t the first time I meet Orozco, but is for Gordon. Gordon is a really nice guy, who Orozco considers one of the few “very down-to-earth” Native actors still left. Orozco and Gordon both open up about their friendship, upcoming projects and what it really takes to make it in Hollywood as Native actors. How long have you two known eachother? KIOWA GORDON: I met Andrew awhile back. We’re really close.
high school and then I met Kiowa. We worked together throughout the years. We’re really good friends. We’re currently working on a few projects together, including Native Max.
Since you guys are best friends, what qualities do you admire most about each other? ANDREW: What I admire most about Kiowa is that he’s a very down-to-earth guy, very cool to chill with, he cares a lot about people. He doesn’t let any of the fame get to his head, he’s very humble. KIOWA: Andrew’s a really nice guy, hard-working dude.
What are some of the projects you guys are working on together? ANDREW: Besides Native Max, hopefully a show, I just got a script sent to me. It’s a show called Dead Man. It was actually confirmed so if everything works out we’ll be working on that project together soon. Other projects are the 21st Century Skins Calendar. We also do a lot of events, signings and stuff like that together. What about your separate projects? KIOWA: I got a show coming out on the Sundance Channel, sometime in the early spring. It’s called The Red Road. I’m also in a movie called Drunktown’s Finest which is going to be in the Sundance Film Festival.
I feel Hollywood type-casts a lot of the Native American actors which makes it a bit more difficult for us to get a bigger, mainstream roll.
I know who I am and that’s the only thing that matters. People can judge you by what they see but only you know who you are. I’m also going to do a film with my buddy Bronson [Peltier] in February. I also have t-shirts that I sell on Big Cartel called Walapai Clothing. ANDREW: I have a film called Concrete 49, also starring Shiloh Fernandez, which will debut in the Sundance Film Festival. It’s a film about Native Americans and the stereotypes they face. The main character goes to New York to pursue acting and while he’s out there a lot of people stereotype him, like why is he out there. Throughout his journey he finds other Natives in which he stereotypes them as well. When he’s out there he finds himself spiritually. I’m really proud of that film. Another film coming out this coming year is Bangs to My Chest. I’m also going to be doing a music video with Tinsel Korey, in which we’re actually scouting locations for the next few weeks. Also in February we’re going to launch an action figure of myself. Although you guys are established actors and only adding more films to an already lengthy resume, do you guys still get nervous when going into a casting or audition? KIOWA: [LAUGHS] I’m not really fond of auditions. I go in and do my best but I do get nervous still. ANDREW: Yes of course we get nervous. There are a lot of people there at a casting, sometimes it feels like you are competing against a wall sometimes; it's
intimidating. All you have to do is do your best, and know the character you are auditioning for; just give it your all and hopefully you will get the role. Overall I love doing that because it helps you get better at your craft. If you get that one role where there's about fifty other people competing for the same role, you know that you got it because you're the best actor there or you have something unique that the director was looking for. As Native actors, do you get type-casted a lot at auditions? KIOWA: Yeah, I get that sometimes. Like I go into a casting and see everybody sitting there, blondehaired blue-eyed, and lightskinned. I’m sitting there thinking, “Man, I stand out” with all these people at the casting looking the same and then I get the call back saying I didn’t make it and if I’m watching that certain project and I see who got the role, then I think, “Oh they were looking for that certain look obviously” ANDREW: I feel Hollywood type-casts a lot of the Native American actors which makes it a bit more difficult for us to get a bigger, mainstream role but overall I really feel
That’s one thing I love about Kiowa, he’s a really down-to-earth person, ever since I first met him and before he really got into acting. When we first met he was really cool and fun to chill with. but overall I really feel strongly that there should be more mainstream Native American actors. Do you feel there should be more Native actors in Hollywood? KIOWA: Yeah. I think more Natives should try to make it into Hollywood. ANDREW: Yes I do think there should be more Native American actors in Hollywood and more mainstream. That is what I strive to do in my career, hopefully I can be a mainstream Native American actor. Adam Beach mentioned in an interview that for him, Hollywood casting nonNatives to play Native characters set a dangerous precedent because it conveyed a message to Native actors that they were not good enough to carry a leading role. Do you find any truth to that statement? KIOWA: Yeah. I mean, there’s that message that Hollywood puts our people on a lower tier than our Caucasian counterparts, so we do find it difficult to be able
to get a job in Hollywood easily. ANDREW: Definitely, especially when you’re Native American and they stereotype you and sometimes it’s hard for Natives to break into other things other than just playing a Native American. But I think it’s a good challenge if a Native American can break out into something that is more than that, more power to them for breaking stereotypes of Hollywood. For that I support Native actors that are trying to get into mainstream just as any other actor out there. That’d be pretty awesome to see one of our Native actors make it into mainstream, like Tom Cruise-level or whatever. Has there ever been an instance in which you felt pressured to portray a version of who you are as a Native in a negative light? KIOWA: Not so far but I’m sure it’ll come up some time. Hope not. Hopefully one day Natives will get away from the stereotypes that Hollywood portrays us as and show them that
I try to stay out of the limelight as much as I can because it sort of tears out your soul. You have to always watch out because you don't know who you can trust.
we are as talented as anyone else. ANDREW: No, I haven’t experienced that just yet but I am sure there will be a time where that will happen. When it does happen I need to stay open to who I am and scripts that do not discriminate who I am as a person. This is why it is hard to get certain roles as a Native actor because some roles portray a Native in a negative light but you have to be open-minded and optimistic, but I will never forget who I am. Do you feel any pressure to uphold a certain image of yourselves? KIOWA: Sometimes. I just have my privacy and not worry about what people think about me. ANDREW: Your image is like your role in acting, and that’s not who you are really, it’s the image you portray to the public eye. I get a lot of that misconstrued. I know who I am and that’s the only thing that matters. People can judge you by what they see but only you know who you are. Like for example: Before I made it to Hollywood and met these actors, I didn’t know what they were like. When I do meet these actors I’m like, “Wow this guy is really cool!” like I Kiowa. So that’s why you
did when I first met Kiowa. So that’s why you can’t judge someone by who they portray in a movie because that’s not who they are. Is it hard keeping your private lives private? KIOWA: No. If you really want to you can stay under the radar, although it’s hard because of all the social media now. I find it fairly easy, I try to stay out of the limelight as much as I can because it sort of tears out your soul. You have to always watch out because you never know when someone’s trying to hurt you and you don’t know who you can trust. You always got to watch out. ANDREW: You have to be cautious and always on guard with your surroundings and who you work with. How do you not let success get to your head? KIOWA: My family, having a close relationship with my family and friends. They constantly remind me of who I am and where I came from. I don’t let that noise or BS get to me. Once you do let that into your head you sort of turn into a puppet. You end up doing things for the wrong reasons and end up making mistakes. I don’t want that so I stay levelheaded by staying close to
close to my family, my daughter and my fiancé. Or staying home watching movies and playing video games [LAUGHS]. ANDREW: Well, you can never forget where you came from; you always have to be humble and not let anything get to your head, especially in this industry. I was brought up very old-fashioned and I always try to stay as grounded as I can. I am the same as everybody else, so I see and view myself as nothing special. The only special thing about me is that, I want to be the voice for Native youth; a positive influence so that they’ll have someone to look up to. So, does staying connected and true to your culture and roots help? KIOWA: Of course. ANDREW: I believe it’s very important to stay grounded and true to your roots. Practice them as much as you can and be proud to be who you are. You need to learn and then you can teach your culture to your grandchildren someday. That’s why it is important to remember and be proud to be Native American.
Check out more of the interview on www.nativemax.com
RYAN YOUNG FUSES CULTURE, PRIDE AND FASHION TOGETHER WITH INDIGENEITY
WITH HIS PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT INDIGENEITY, RYAN YOUNG HOPES TO BRING A LITERAL AND PHYSICAL APPEARANCE OF WHAT IT IS LIKE TO LIVE AND EXIST AS AN INDIGENOUS PERSON IN MAINSTREAM SOCIETY AND INDIAN COUNTRY, WHILE PROMOTING CULTURAL AWARENESS TO NOT JUST THE UW CAMPUS BUT ANYWHERE WHERE INDIGENOUS CULTURE IS DEEMED NONEXISTENT. BY JOHNNIE SISNEROS / PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN YOUNG
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ndigeneity is a photo project by Ryan Young, an upcoming photographer that aims to literally showcase the duality of what it is for an Indigenous person to live in mainstream society, while maintaining their cultural identity. The project features Native students attending UW-Madison and serves as a way for them to represent who they are in both worlds. For example, one model is a fancy dancer studying to practice law and another is an Anthropology major who drums, dances and facilitates cultural ceremonies and events on campus. The inspiration and the focus of Indigeneity was Ryan's desire to bring cultural awareness to the UW campus, where Natives account for only .28% of the entire student body, and to anywhere that indigenous cultures are misrepresented, misinformed, and deemed nonexistent.
NATIVE MAX: What's your tribal background and did you grow up on the rez? RYAN YOUNG: I am Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe, and I moved to and grew up in Lac du Flambeau when I was 9 years old. Before that I lived in Eau Claire, while my parents attended UW-Eau Claire. Where do you go to school and what are you studying? I attend the University of WisconsinMadison pursuing a major in Art What inspired you to take an interest in art and photography? While attending school, I made a lot of friends who are art majors and activists. While getting into social justice work, a lot of my friends were turning their activism into artwork. I was inspired to do the same but wanted to promote cultural identity at an institution where the Native American student population is under 1%. I bought my first camera during my second year and just started taking pictures. I took a two year break from school and in that time I started working towards doing photography professionally and asked my friends if they would like some portraits. Eventually, I did the photography for the album Color Me Once, a band in Madison that my friends were a part of. Soon after, I started taking senior portraits and photographed my friends' weddings.
realized that was the career I wanted. Do you find it challenging to retain a connection to your culture and people while attending a school that lacks a large native population? I've found it surprisingly easy to stay connected to my culture. I attended Wunk Sheek, the native student organization, right away at the beginning of my freshman year. While in Wunk Sheek I had the chance to experience a lot of different experiences that connected me to my culture even more. I observed a midewiwin ceremony, organized a pow wow for the campus, and went to cultural events outside of Wisconsin. As I took over leadership of the organization, I built a lot of strong connections with other native students and we see each other as family. My experiences outside of the organization were a little different. When I first dealt with my academic peers appropriating my culture and dealing with cultural ignorance in the classroom, I was very angry and outspoken. But as time went on I channeled that into my artwork, which is why there's such a strong aspect of identity in a lot of my work.
Is this what inspired Indigeneity? Yes, I wanted to show folks that we are still out here. It's difficult going to classes and have peers sound surprised that natives still exist. It's annoying and frustrating to experience that and thought a perfect way While working at home in Lac du Flambeau to remedy the situation was to show native with Tribal Americorps, I helped out at the UW students representing their culture academic education/career Woodland Indian Art Center. There I and attended an earring beading workshop aspirations in their appearances. lead by Wabanoonkwe Cameron, who is the owner of Turquoise Soul. Eventually, As you continue to grow as a photographer, she collaborated with the art center on a what is that you hope to accomplish with photo shoot/modeling portfolio workshop the images you capture? targeted towards native youth and asked I want to continue photographing me to be the photographer. After that, I empowering photos of native people who
are maintaining and practicing their culture every day, who are getting careers that positively push our people forward and who motivate other native folks to pursue their dreams. I also want to turn the spotlight away from the
appropriation of native culture in the fashion industry and bring the focus to documenting Native models and Native designers who are getting more recognized.
SPRING READY We get spring ready with Defy Mi Designs. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROSHAN SPOTTSVILLE DESIGNS BY DEFY MI
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Roshan Spottsville DESIGNS BY Defy Mi JEWELRY BY Viaggio Da Design, LLC MAKEUP BY Fabulous and Beautiful Makeup by Sarah MODELS Naomi Yazzie, Aubrey Escalanti, Arayona Escalanti & Brittany Gene
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FROM NYC TO INDIAN COUNTRY
From the outskirts of NYC to Indian Country, hip hop has transformed into one of today’s trending genres of music we call our own: Native Hip Hop. BY JOHNNIE SISNEROS
EDITOR: JOHNNIE SISNEROS
PHOTOGRAPH BY RETRO SEASON
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HIP HOP ARTIST CODY COYOTE
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NATIVE HIPHOP
across the U.S and Canada because the same social, economic and political hardships that plague urban communities are the same issues we face on the rez. Social inequality, violence, gangs, drugs, alcohol, poverty, suicide, and historical trauma are all issues prevalent in Indigenous Hip Hop. But the main reason for its popularity among Native communities is that because the music and art is similar to the music, art, and storytelling traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. It's just a further extension of our own culture, in the sense that it has become a new way for us to pass our oral history, traditions and knowledge to future generations in a way that they can relate to. It has become a way for our
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Hip Hop artist Cody Coyote. youth to share, cope and come to terms with their experiences, hopes, fears, victories, failures, losses, ideas and worldview. It allows them the freedom to confront every obstacle that stands in their way and the freedom to explore the possibilities that lie beyond those obstacles. Hip Hop culture on the rez has become a way to ignite a fire in both rural and urban native youth to be more pro-active in forging their own destinies and becoming more aware and involved in learning and protecting our rights, traditions and culture in a way that transcends the age gaps. Although it may seem that Indigenous hip hop is a new frontier, Native Americans have always
PHOTOGRAPH BY RETRO SEASON
WHAT ORIGINALLY STARTED in the Bronx (considered the birthplace of hip hop, by many) in the early 1970’s has definitely found its way into Indian Country. Although it has roots in various forms, Hip Hop began at a “Back to School” Jam, hosted by DJ Kool Herc and his sister in the recreational room of an apartment block located at 1520 Sedgewick Lane on August 11, 1973. There was nothing particularly special about this party, just a group of ordinary people gathering to enjoy a night of music and dancing. No one could have anticipated that this party would give birth to a new genre of music that would become the driving force of a cultural revolution that continues to grow and evolve forty years later. Hip Hop has grown in popularity on reservations
CODY COYOTE
music to be something that can express any kind of Cody Coyote has been emotion and he uses it as a making music for most of release in some situations his life and it's something that's become a part of him. but also has fun with it in His story talks about himself others. and the experiences that What drew you to hip hop? he's gone through that he I’ve always loved the sound expresses through his of hip hop and the fact that music. Cody Coyote finds
artists were able to express events in their life through lyricism really appealed to me. I thought “If they can do it, what’s stopping me from doing it?” I began writing little rhymes here and there which later developed into songs. These songs told stories of my life and my
RADAR
NATIVE HIPHOP been present in hip hop culture as DJ's, rappers, artists, dancers and photographers. In fact, Ernie Paniccioli, a Cree native, has played a pivotal role in chronicling the birth and evolution of Hip Hop through his photography. Melle Mel, a Cherokee native of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five and The Sugarhill Gang, is credited as being the first rapper to refer to himself as an “MC”. Litefoot, Solé, A Tribe Called Red, Wab Kinew, and Reddnation are just a few of the native hip hop artists that have been able to garner mainstream success. Most Native hip hop artists are still largely found on the underground music scene, but with the
Hip Hop artist Nick Lone.
music scene, but with the talent that is coming out of Indian Country it's a safe bet that we'll see more natives breaking into the mainstream industry. In fact, I spoke with a few contenders (Cody Coyote, Nick Lone, Shaina P, Mexico Jones and Brandis
experiences that he's gone through that he expresses through his music. Cody Coyote finds music to be something that can express any kind of emotion and he uses it as a release in some situations but also has fun with it in others. What drew you to hip hop?
“B” Knudsen) to get their point of view on being native in the hip hop industry. CODY COYOTE has been making music for most of his life and it's something that's become a part of him. His story talks about himself and the
Native hip hop is now an established subculture of hip hop, with its focus on social, economic and political realities of the Native American and First Nations communities and reservations.
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I’ve always loved the sound of hip hop and the fact that artists were able to express events in their life through lyricism really appealed to me. I thought “If they can do it, what’s stopping me from doing it?” I began writing little rhymes here and there which later developed into songs. These songs told stories of my life and my experiences which is in my opinion what not only hip hop but music is really about. Why do you think hip hop gained such a huge following among the Native community as well as other minority populations? I think that hip hop has gained it’s following among the Native community and other minority populations because of the stories told within hip hop. A lot of these stories consist of life
PHOTOGRAPH BY NICK LONE
Hip hop artist Nick Lone
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NATIVE HIPHOP
NICK LONE is an enrolled member from the Seneca Nations from the Cattaraugus Reservation in western New York. He is an award nominated hip hop artist that has spent years creating and performing music that represents his reality in a way that other people can relate to. He keeps it real and isn't afraid to experiment with different beats or styles, while keeping the focus on his experiences and the way that he sees the world. What drew you to hip hop?
The reality of it, what people were saying and the stories they told. I could relate. All hip hop ain't about bragging. Some artists keep it real; they have a lot to say. What challenges have you faced as a Native as you've established yourself as a hip hop artist and label owner and how have you overcome these challenges? Negativity; a lot of people said it can't be done. I've seen some give up, but I haven’t stopped. I've stayed motivated and confident through all the B.S. and just kept it moving. As a Native hip hop artist, what are some of the main differences you see between yourself and mainstream hip hop artists in terms of opportunities
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Hip Hop artist Mexico Jones. see is I swear too much in my music. I believe I got what it takes, but I'm going to start not swearing at all in my music. I want to give it every opportunity and I'll be right up there with the rest of them. What advice would you give to younger generations looking to get involved in hip hop? I'd like to say invest in you. If you are serious, always stay motivated no matter what. Network hard and always look for ways to rise up and be heard. Never give up even if the people around you don’t believe you. MEXICO JONES, aka Joseph Hernandez, is a Kewa Hip Hop artist from
PHOTOGRAPH BY MARTIN LUNA
and pain but also consist of history. Take “My Land” by Litefoot, for example. Litefoot expresses both the struggle and history of what has happened to Native American people through lyricism.
A beautiful blend of southern California Rock and Roll with Native American Influence. Available at iTunes and cdbaby.com
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NATIVE HIPHOP
Hip Hop artist Brandis "B" Knudsen through the eyes of the person who I was listening to. What made you decide to get in the game? PTSD [Post Traumatic Stress Disorder]. I needed someone to listen to me and writing paper always did that. So, I started using
From SissetonWahpeton of South Dakota,
Music was a form of self meditation minus the medication; that's what hip hop became for me. -Mexico Jones music as my journal. Going to therapy wasn't my cup of tea, so music was a form of self meditation minus the medication; that's what hip hop became for me. As you got better, did your stories evolve and how did what you were creating change or allow you to grow as a person? They did and they became
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BRANDIS â‚Ź? Bâ‚Ź? ? is an established hip hop artist with his self-titled debut album sold internationally, nominated for music awards three times, and even featured platinum producer Lex Lucazi. Now working on his sophomore album, which will be produced exclusively by
KNUDS
PHOTOGRAPH BY KELLY HOLMES
Albuquerque, New Mexico. He's spent most of his life using his love for music and hip hop as means of coping and overcoming the hardships of his youth. For him, hip hop provided an escape and an opportunity for him to make his voice heard. As he grew older, hip hop became more than just a form of self-healing, it became a dream that he could work toward. When he's not recording and writing, he spends his time raising his two sons, JoJo and Harlem, as well as creating beautifully handcrafted jewelry. How did you find yourself being drawn to the hip hop genre? Just the stories and tales that I heard being told through the music and the fact that it was able to be expressed so freely. It had the ability to make me feel
music as my journal. Going to therapy wasn't my cup of tea, so music was a form of self meditation minus the medication; that's what hip hop became for me. As you got better, did your stories evolve and how did what you were creating change or allow you to grow as a person? They did and they became more real and vivid, almost like I was holding a paint brush. The things I wrote out allowed me to let go of a past I was holding in. Once I was okay with being me it allowed me to become not only more artistic but more creative musically. It helped me forge my own voice and become what I always knew I could be.
SEN
GABRIEL AYALA GUITARIST | MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER WWW.AYALAGUITARIST.COM
Native music is still a largely untapped market and I think it's only a matter of time before one of our own becomes mainstream. -Brandis "B" Knudsen
his own record label Dakota South Records in Rapid City, SD. What drew you to hip hop? I really believe that hip hop is the voice of our generation and it has the power to transcend ethnical, generational, and social class barriers. Hip Hop is the evolution of poetry and spoken word and it can cross over with any other genre and you see that happening more and more. I love all music but I haven't seen another genre have the same impact on culture as hip hop has over the last several decades. It's more than music. Describe your style and what sets you apart from other artists in your genre? I don't feel that my style can be defined. It's constantly changing to reflect what I am feeling on a particular track. It's a wide variety of emotions and I think that is part of what makes me stand out is that I don't try to define or limit my music.
Every song I record has a different sound to it. It's real and raw emotions. Why do you think that hip hop has gained such a huge following among the Native community as well as other minority populations? I think it is largely in part because a lot of rappers came up from the same types of struggles that many Natives and other minorities face every day. We can relate to them, where they come from, and what they've been through and it gives us the hope and strength to continue through all the struggles we face daily. What challenges have you faced as a Native as you've established yourself as a hip hop artist and label owner and how have you overcome these challenges? One of the biggest challenges was overcoming the financial obstacles and it took a lot of time, hard work, saving,
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never easy to obtain, but you can accomplish anything if you put in the time and effort to make it a reality. Start with what you have, where you are at and continue to make it grow. As a Native hip hop artist, what are some of the main differences you see between yourself and mainstream hip hop artists in terms of opportunities and marketing? I think I have benefited as a Native artists because of some of the opportunities that I have had that otherwise might not have been there. But Native music is still a largely untapped market and I think it's only a matter of time before one of our own becomes mainstream. Native America is really an untapped market in mainstream music. The main difference at this point is the financial backing. What advice would you give to younger generations looking to get involved in hip hop? Get involved. Make it happen. Nothing in life is given to you. You have to want it and you have to work for it, but you can achieve anything with drive, discipline, and dedication.
Featuring hits "Temptations" and "Real Skinz" with Frank Waln
Nataanii Means' New Album Available Now! AVAILABLE AT ITUNES, GOOGLE PLAY & AMAZON STREAM WHOLE ALBUM ON SPOTIFY, IHEART RADIO & MORE! PURCHASE COPIES AT NATAANIIMEANS.WORDPRESS.COM
SHAINA P,, an Oneida and Menominee rapper, knows all too well about standing strong against the guys. Although she admits it's tough for a woman to compete against a male rapper, Shaina is out to prove that women can rap, and Natives are more than just rowdy drunks. What tribes do you represent? I'm Oneida and Menominee and I'm from Green Bay, WI. How long have you been performing? I was 19 and it was with Industry Worxx who is now located in Ft. Meyers FL. But it was just for fun for about the first year. Describe your style and what sets you apart from other artists in your genre? I rap about what I do have and what I do on the regular basis. Truth is, that's what sets me apart because it's what a lot of rappers, both male and female, are lacking. What challenges have you faced as both a woman and native as you've pursued your career and how have you overcome these challenges? Well for being a woman, I've had to face competing with the men out here, but I love it. I find more confidence in myself and I've built my rep' up to
Hip Hop artist Shaina P.
where now a lot of these male artists want to collaborate and I'm always first mentioned. I believe I overcame it with that confidence. As far as being native, I haven't really faced any, everyone gives us a lot of respect in this game. Have you seen any evolution in the way that Natives are perceived in the mainstream hip hop industry? I know we're noticed and respected a lot more. People are starting to see that natives don't only drink and get rowdy. Right now, you can name a dozen male native hip hop artists but very few native women. Why do you think that is? I think they have a very tough time because it is
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dominated by men. So for women to come into this; you better come strong because you will be checked out. Why do you think that hip hop has gained such a huge following among the native community as well as other minority populations? Everything is because natives are scarce in the industry. To many we're only known as drinking and getting rowdy and when we do something good, we get noticed and it's the same for all minorities. People tend to focus only on the bad.
For more of the interviews, check out www.nativemax.com
PHOTOGRAPH BY SHAINA P
RADAR
NATIVE HIPHOP
Award Winning
Jace Martin
FALLING STARS available on Rhapsody, Spotify, iHEART Radio & Reverbnation.
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ARTISTS YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO NOW
HERE ARE 2 ARTISTS ON OUR MINDS AS WE WRAP UP THE YEAR. CODY BLACKBIRD, A SMOOTH FLUTIST AND RIAH, A GRACIOUS R&B SINGER. By Kelly Holmes
For more information about these artists, visit www.nativemax.com
CODY BLACKBIRD
RIAH
Out of Page, AZ. Navajo singer Riah decided to take her smooth, soulful chops up a notch and pursued a singing career. This rookie on the rise surely captured our attention the moment we listened to one of her most liked singles, “In the Middle”. Her soft yet powerful voice makes it hard to believe she only started singing some four years ago. Riah plans to re-release her album, Believe, December 17, which has been re-mixed and re-mastered and includes four fresh new tracks.
Favorite Tracks: “Sun Is Shining”
Stewart on percussion, with the leader and his flute in the front. Dakota and Cherokee flutist Cody Blackbird is just the right Due to the unique blend of mix of traditional and modern. music Blackbird and his band create, they dubbed this sound Now with his newly formed band, The Cody Blackbird Band, “Alter-Native Fusion”, with the Native flute as a quintessential he fuses flute-music with element of the band. guitar, bass, drums and Besides music and percussion. traveling, Blackbird also Growing up, Blackbird has partakes in giving back to his lived on various reservations throughout the country, due to community. With his annual scholarship award he’s his father’s job with the USDA founded, Blackbird and his Department of Natural Resources. As a child, Blackbird committee select a deserving Indigenous student every fall had a taste of the for a $2,000 scholarship. entertainment industry when he accompanied his father, who Currently Blackbird is in the process of forming a non-profit was an accomplished organization called Music Is Life songwriter and guitarist, Foundation, where he plans to traveled to different gigs. provide musical instruments to Blackbird recently put reservation and rural together his new band, The community schools that Cody Blackbird Band, after years of solo performances and couldn’t otherwise afford traditional flute music. His band them. Blackbird plans to release comprises of Brian Lebrun on two new albums, one with his guitar, Mike Reardon on bass, band and a solo album, within Ed Koban also on guitar, Kurt the next year. Olson on drums, Chaske
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PHOTOGRAPH OF CODY BLACKBIRD: MELINDA JANE MYERS
RADAR
TRENDING
For generations, Indigenous peoples have been struggling to protect their land, water and communities from the irreparable damage caused by the destruction of our environment. We have spoken out about the importance of treating our earth with the respect that it deserves and yet it seems that our voices have gone unheard. The government and big corporations seem hell bent on exploiting and destroying ever natural resource that we have in order to turn a profit and we, as a global community, now have to live with the effects of their greed. Earthquakes, flooding, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, drought, hurricanes and other weather based phenomena are happening with more frequency and power than we have ever
seen before. The destruction that we are seeing from natural disasters is nothing short of catastrophic and there are many people who believe that we are living in the end of days. People are scared of the uncertainty and maybe we are living in the end times, but maybe the world is just witnessing what the aboriginal people have never forgotten – the earth is alive. Our planet is a symbiotic being and after hundreds of years of abuse, Mother Earth is speaking up because we have become the biggest threats to her existence. We've built up cities of glass, concrete and steel. We've dug up the earth and stripped the land, causing the destruction of entire species and over-exploiting our resources. We poisoned everything with chemical and
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radioactive toxins: the land, water and even the sky. We live in excess and we never think twice about the waste and destruction we leave behind. We do things because we can and we never question if it's something we should be doing. We never think about the consequences because all we think about is the bottom line and almighty dollar. We live in the name of progress but never think about what it is we are progressing towards. It is our responsibility, not just as Indigenous people but as human beings, to protect her well-being and to protect the resources that she has given us. By showing solidarity, we can make a difference as evidenced by the success of grassroot movements such as IdleNoMore and the Indigenous Nationhood Movement in rallying support.
PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHNNIE SISNEROS
LAST WORD
OUR MOTHER