Native Max Magazine November 2017 by Native Max Magazine

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NOVEMBER 2017 | NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE 1

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Contents Welcome to the Issue 004

MASTHEAD who’s all on our team

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EDITOR’S WELCOME Happy Native American Heritage Month!

The Edge

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EVOKING EMPOWERMENT an exclusive look at ACONAV’s new collection

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STYLE PROFILE: JAMIE OKUMA we get a sneak peek at Jamie Okuma’s new bomber jackets, scarves and more!

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GLOW THIS WINTER! you can glow this winter thanks to Native Nectar

The Insider 013

INDIGENERDS, ASSEMBLE! indigenerds come together for the 2nd round of Indigenous Comic-Con

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NEWS FROM INDIAN COUNTRY check out news stories from around Indian Country

On Radar 017

CRAZY YEAR FOR CRAZY DOG looks like it’s been a crazy year for Crazy Dog, er, Justin Rain so far

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PRESS PLAY! a round up of our fave songs to play right now

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NOVEMBER READS check out our picks for books this month

Features

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Q&A WITH AUTUMN ROSE we catch up with Miss Native American USA Autumn Rose Williams

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MAKE US PROUD: ISABELLA LABLANC she may not be a household name at the moment, but remember her name now

Editor's Welcome

KELLY HOLMES Founder + Editor-in-Chief @kellycamilleholmes Executive Assistant Tatiana Ybarra

I caught up with Miss Native American USA Autumn Rose Williams again for our newest issue. Photo by Jeremy Dennis.

Stories of Pride & Heritage Happy Native American Heritage Month! For this month’s issue, we wanted to focus on Native American heritage. It was challenging to decide on who we wanted on the cover until I reflected back on my interview with Autumn Rose Williams a few months ago. I met her right after she won the Miss Native American USA pageant. I was working on a story called “Pageant Journey,” which planned to feature several pageant queens and their journeys of winning their respective crowns and how they plan on ultimately using their titles to help their communities thrive. As an avid follower of the Miss Native American USA pageant, I was excited to feature Autumn Rose in my article. Upon chatting with her for the first few minutes, I sense the humility Autumn Rose possessed. She was so soft spoken and kind, which is why I immediately reached out to Autumn Rose regarding the cover. Despite her busy schedule, she happily obliged to gracing our cover. I also revived a recurring feature we used to have in past issues called ‘Make Us Proud.’ In this particular article,

EDITORIAL Managing Editor Jacqueline Lina Brixey Staff Writer Rhonda “Tree” Mangan Staff Writer Darren Thompson Staff Writer Johnnie Morris Staff Writer Kelly Bedoni CREATIVE Creative Director E-’cho Martin Director of Photography Zoe Friday Videographer Joey Little Bird Web Director Celeste Terry MARKETING + SALES Sales Manager Donna Johnson Financial Officer Veronica Lane

we featured inspirational people from around Indian Country who were doing something amazing for their communities and people. As I was planning this issue, I remembered this young Dakota actress who recently joined the CBS Drama Diversity Casting Initiative. I read into her work with this initiative and was undoubtedly proud. I was humbled to hear how excited Isabella Lablanc was when I reached out to her, as she was a big fan of Native Max Magazine. Another person I was excited to interview for this issue was Native American actor Justin Rain, who starred alongside fellow Native actor Michael Greyeyes in AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead. I was not only excited to interview and support a Native actor, but I’m a huge fan of The Walking Dead series. I watched The Walking Dead since it first started, so naturally, I became a fan of its spin-off series Fear the Walking Dead. It was also awesome to share Justin’s unique story of struggle and success to our readers. I hope you enjoy this issue and discover the fantastic stories of Indian Country this Native American Heritage Month.

Copyright Native Max & Other Media Ventures All rights reserved. All material in Native Max Magazine is wholly copyright and reproduction without the the written permission of the Publisher is strictly forbidden. Neither this publication nor its contents constitute an explicit endorsement by Native Max of the products or services mentioned in advertising or editorial content. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Native Max shall not have any liability for errors or omissions. We've done our best to acknowledge all photographers. In some instances photos have been provided to us by those who appear editorially and we have their permission in each case to use the images. We apologize if anything appears incorrectly. It will be a genuine mistake. Please let us know and we can give you a mention in the next issue.

Kelly Holmes Founder + Editor-in-Chief

@kellycamilleholmes

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@kellycamilleholmes

@kellzholmes

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The Edge PLUS: STYLE PROFILE: JAMIE OKUMA GLOW THIS WINTER WITH NATIVE NECTAR

The Charge: “Among many indigenous cultures, the Buffalo stands as a symbol of strength and empowerment.” - Loren Aragon The Charge Knit Dress, ACONAV, $150, aconav.com

Evoking Empowerment We get an exclusive look at ACONAV’S latest Empowerment collection, including the stories behind the designs. Photos by Loren Aragon

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NOVEMBER 2017 | NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE 7

The Edge

ACONAV designer Loren Aragon (Acoma Pueblo) tells us that his newest Empowerment Collection is his most popular to date. These Ponte Roma knit dresses are great for all weather and looks, no matter where you’re spending your autumn season.

Limitless: “Like the everchanging sky showing unlimited views and color combinations with no end, we too should be limitless.” - Loren Aragon Limitless Knit Dress, ACONAV, $150, aconav.com

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The Edge

Rise: “To the Pueblos, the dragonfly is a symbol of victory, endurance, evolution, good fortune and empowerment.” - Loren Aragon Rise Knit Dress, ACONAV, $150, aconav.com

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NOVEMBER 2017 | NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE 9

The Edge STYLE PROFILE

Jamie Okuma

This monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s style profile: Amazingly talented fashion artist Jamie Okuma and her latest attention-grabbing collection.

amie Okuma (Luiseno/Shoshone Bannock) never ceases to amaze me. The multi-talented artist and business woman recently released another collection that had the online world buzzing with excitement. Her newest release, the Indigenous Couture Extra collection, consists of dresses, tops, sweaters, blazers, hats, jewelry and scarves, all adorned with various designs: butterfly, beaded patterns and more. You can currently shop her collection by visiting her online shop at jokuma. com.

Scarf, J.Okuma, www.jokuma.com

Scarf, sweater, necklace, J.Okuma, www.jokuma.com

Scarf, t-shirt, earrings, J.Okuma, www.jokuma.com

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ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF JAMIE OKUMA

(L to R) Hat, blazer, hat, necklace, t-shirt, beaded cuffs, earrings, J.Okuma, www.jokuma.com

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The Edge BEAUTY

Glow this Winter! Just because the temperatures are plunging, doesn’t mean your skin quality should too. Jessica Taylor of Native Nectar shares with us her musthaves products for winter plus tips & tricks. ct Perfe ter n i w for

Deep r! e clean ls Smel ng! i z a am

es Tackl in! k s dry The Problem: Dryness & flakiness

The Problem: Dull skin

The Problem: Dry neck

The Problem: Tight, sensitive skin

Jessica’s Solution: Daily Glow Hydrating Serum

Jessica’s Solution: Pumpkin Peel Mask

Jessica’s Solution: Refresh Micellar Water

What it is: Have your face glowing on those gray mornings with this brightening serum! This exquisite blend of oils revitalize, heal, and moisturize skin of all types. This hydrating serum’s omegas, antioxidants and nutrients are easily absorbed to soothe inflammation, improve texture and decrease fine lines (which means sensitive skin is nourished, not irritated!).

What it is: This is basically super food for your skin; it’s full of enzymes, antioxidants, Vitamin E & C, and Glycolic Acid. Not only is this deeply exfoliating and nourishing, this mask leaves skin replenished, renewed, and soft. Delicious smelling spices warm the skin making this mask a perfect self-care ritual for chilly winter evenings.

Jessica’s Solution: Hibiscus + Blood Orange Sugar Scrub

“The Daily Glow Hydrating Serum is great for winter skin. Sometimes people are leery about using an oil on their face because they think it will make their skin too oily or be too heavy. But your skin can absorb oils more efficiently and can actually balance oil production.” -Jessica

“The Pumpkin Peel Mask is also great for livening up dull winter skin by deeply exfoliating and encouraging new cell growth. New cells equals younger looking skin!” -Jessica

What it is: This scrub is super yummy for the skin! Exotic florals and deep, sultry citrus combine with natural sugar and nourishing oils give you glowing, deeply hydrated skin. This scrub is sure to become your new favorite beauty ritual! “The Hibiscus + Blood Orange Sugar Scrub. Since the skin below the neck needs plenty of attention during the winter as well, this scrub smells amazing and leaves your whole body smooth and glowing. Using a scrub also helps increase circulation which is always a bonus in the cold months!” -Jessica

What it is: A cleanser, toner and moisturizer all in one? Yes, please! Refresh Micellar Water combines dirt attracting oil, balancing Lavender hydrosol and powerful botanical extracts, including Rice Protein, Gotu Kola, African Violet and Lemon Verbena. This multi-tasking, no rinse formula leaves skin fresh, toned and nourished. “The Refresh Micellar Water is designed to be a gentle cleanser that leaves skin feeling clean and moisturized, unlike many cleansers that can leave skin tight and dry.” -Jessica

About Native Nectar

Jessica Taylor, Cherokee of Oklahoma, is a trained herbalist who is passionate about plant-based wellness and beauty. She currently lives and handcrafts her products in the tiny mountain town of Crested Butte, Colorado with her family. Surrounded by wildflowers and snow-capped peaks, Native Nectar Botanicals is truly inspired by nature and passionately made with gratitude. With meticulous detail to effective formulations from potent plant based ingredients, Native Nectar offers products that bring the beauty and healing properties of nature into everyday self-care rituals. “Our core mission is to elevate your mood, create confidence in your own skin, and connect you to the power of natural ingredients,” explains Jessica. “And do it all while looking beautiful on your bathroom counter.” Shop Native Nectar Botanicals online at www.nativenectarbotanicals.com nativemax.com

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The Insider PLUS: NIKE N7 LAUNCHES NEW COLLECTION IN TIME FOR NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH SEMINOLE TRIBE-OWNED SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO IN HOLLYWOOD TO ADD A GUITAR-SHAPED HOTEL NIKE N7 CELEBRATES NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH WITH A SHOE DEBUT

Indigenerds, Assemble! The worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first ever For-Natives, By-Natives comic convention, the Indigenous Comic Con, is back and its bigger and better!

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The Insider

Indigenous Comic-Con 2017 promises great access to guests, who will be participating in everything from panels to signings and everything in-between, as well as a terrific vendor space, cosplay contests, interactive art installations, cooking and martial arts demos, puppetry shows, makerspaces, robotics demos, movie showings and more. “When we imagined this event last year, it was a dream undertaking,” explains Francis. “Bringing together Native and Indigenous folks from comics, film, literature, and gaming was a massive undertaking but so very worth all the energy and time.” According to Francis, the idea that showcasing the incredible pop culture expressions of Native people in one place was critical and rooted in self-determination. “The need to show that we are more than just historical representations or stereotypes of a long-gone people is the first steps to undoing four hundred years of misrepresentation.” Supporting the Indigenous Comic-Con, attending the Indigenous Comic-Con and promoting the Indigenous Comic-Con is a continued act of defiance toward a pop culture world where Native Americans only exist in the past; the romanticized existence of Indigeneity. The Indigenous Comic-Con looks beyond this ‘tragic’ past toward a bright and exciting future where Native people are the heroes of our own stories. “A future where Native kiddos can see themselves reflected in the mass media world they occupy,” says Francis. “A future where Native people embrace the joyous reflections of their traditions, culture, and communities.” This is also one of the main reasons why the Indigenous Comic-Con changed its host location to the Isleta Resort and Casino. “In moving the event to Isleta Pueblo, we continue to honor our obligations and traditions by locating on tribal land,” Francis explains. “This is a powerful and deliberate statement about how we are working to promote tribal entities as well as support our local tribal institutions.” Single tickets run $20 (Friday only) or $25 (Saturday or Sunday only), while the three-day pass runs $50 ($30 for youth and $10 for kids 3-10). VIP passes begin at $80 and four-person, three-day family passes begin at $200.

EUGENE BRAVE ROCK: CLAY ENOS FOR WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC., RATPAC-DUNE ENTERTAINMENT LLC. DR. LEE FRANCIS: FACEBOOK. LOUIE GONG: FACEBOOK. OXDX MODEL: HANNAH MANUELITO/FACEBOOK. JEFFREY VEREGGE: COURTESY OF MARVEL

“Year one was so amazing, we had to do it again!” said Indigenous Comic-Con creator and Native Realities CEO Dr. Lee Francis (Laguna Pueblo). “This year we are expanding to highlight more areas of Native and Indigenous people in popular culture. There’s just so much to do and see and we are thrilled to have such an opportunity to work on this once again.” Indigenous Comic-Con’s sponsor Johnnie Jae (Otoe-Missouria/ Choctaw) agrees. “The inaugural Indigenous Comic-Con was more successful than we could possibly have imagined. So, this year we had to make the move to a bigger venue so that we could better accommodate the attendees, artists, and vendors.” Round two of Indigenous Comic-Con, which is the premier gathering for Indigenerds [the definition of an “Indigenerd” is folks who want to see dynamic, authentic, and joyous representations of Native and Indigenous people] and all things Indigenous pop culture, will take over the Isleta Resort and Casino from Friday through Sunday, November 10-12. Isleta Resort is just south of Albuquerque, NM on the Isleta Pueblo reservation. For its second incarnation, Indigenous Comic-Con will again feature Indigenous pop cultures of all sorts. This year’s headliner is Eugene Brave Rock, one of the brightest up-and-coming Native actors in recent years. Brave Rock, a member of the Blackfoot tribe born and raised in Alberta, Canada, is best known for his role of “Napi”, aka the “Chief” in the 2017 DC hit, Wonder Woman (starring Gal Gadot). Brave Rock honed his skills as a stuntman and coordinator, most notably setting up a boot camp for Native American stunt performers featured in the Oscar-award winning film The Revenant. Also among the stellar guests for this year’s comic con are comic creators Arigon Starr (Super Indian), Jon Proudstarr (Tribal Force), illustrators Lalo Alcaraz (La Cucaracha, Bordertown) and Weshoyot Alvitre (Moonshot 2, Deer Woman), actors J. Larose (Saw II, Ray Donovan) and Alan Tafoya (Deadliest Warrior, MacGruber) and author Richard Van Camp (The Lesser Blessed, Three Feathers).

L to R: Actor Eugene Brave Rock will be headlining this year’s ICC. ICC founder Dr. Lee Francis. Artist Louie Gong of Eighth Generation designed a piece for ICC called “Rez Cat Forgives His Enemies”. OXDX’s Jared Yazzie also designed exclusive t-shirts just for ICC. Graphic artist Jeffrey Verrege will be present at ICC.

You can find the recap of this year’s ICC on the Indigenous Comic-Con website: www.indigenouscomiccon.com 14 NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2017

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The Insider NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

NIKE N7 LAUNCHES NEW COLLECTION IN TIME FOR NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH Walk with the pride of Seven Generations. Nike N7 introduces the new N7 Collection, celebrating Native American Heritage Month.

NIKE N7: FACEBOOK/NIKEN7. SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO: COURTESY. NIKE N7: NIKE/COURTESY

Nike N7 dropped a brand new collection in time for Native American Heritage Month, and let us say that each piece looks amazing. Check out the new collection below, in which the models (who are Jude Schimmel (Umatilla) and Anthony Thosh Collins (Onk Akimel O’Otham) incorporated with street-style pieces. Shop the new collection at nike. com.

BUSINESS

SEMINOLE TRIBE-OWNED SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO IN HOLLYWOOD TO ADD A GUITAR-SHAPED HOTEL You read that right. Read on to see what the Seminole tribe in Florida has planned. In an official announcement event on October 25, Hard Rock International Chairman and Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen announced tht the hotel and casino are currently under construction to make Florida’s Hollywood the go-to tourist destination. According to the tribe’s newspaper, the Seminole Tribune, the $1.5 billion expansion will create a 35-story, 450-foot guitar-shaped luxury hotel tower with 638 suites and guestrooms. Allen described it as the world’s first guitar-shaped hotel. The newspaper also says the new hotel will be a dining, retail and relaxation oasis. Plans call for the casino to be revamped, doubling it in size. The relaunch will also introduce its own television studio and broadcast center, which Hard Rock International hopes will produce and televise awards shows and other major events. The new venue is scheduled to open Summer of 2019.

NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

NIKE N7 CELEBRATES NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH WITH A SHOE DEBUT

Looking for more news around Indian Country? Check out our website: www.nativemax.com

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Created as part of Nike’s 2017 N7 collection that celebrates Native American Heritage Month, the Jordan Super.Fly 2017 N7 features a red wing pattern on the upper. “The bald eagle is significant both in my family and in Indian Country,” explains Nike N7 athlete Jude Schimmel. “For me, it represents wisdom, family importance and strength. Each of these things has helped me become mentally strong on and off the court.” The Jumpman logo and outsole are turquoise, a color that represents harmony, friendship and fellowship in Native American culture. The Jordan Super.Fly 2017 N7 is available November 7 on nike.com and at select retailers.

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PROMOTION

All Native Max Issues Now Available in Print All print issues of Native Max Magazine are now available! NativeMax.com > Get the Magazine > Get Back Issues

On Radar Crazy Year for Crazy Dog We catch up with Native actor and Fear the Walking Dead’s Justin Rain You probably know Justin Rain for his role as Quentin McCawley in the TV series Defiance, or as Alan Frazer in APTN’s Blackstone. Or for his cameo in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse as a Quileute Warrior. Nowadays, you see him play the fearless, yet quiet Crazy Dog on AMC’s The Walking Dead’s spin-off series Fear the Walking Dead. With no doubt in our minds, Rain is on the come up in Hollywood: he’s starring in a few upcoming films and is about to try his hand at directing. We sat down with Rain to talk about his journey of starring in one of the wildly popular tv shows in the world at the moment, how he prepared for his role and how he finds the motivation to keep going.

PLUS: PRESS PLAY! NOVEMBER READS

Photo by Richard Foreman, Jr/AMC

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On Radar MUSIC

PRESS PLAY!

Photo by Richard Foreman, Jr/AMC

NATIVE MAX: What is the pressure of having a part of a tv show of this magnitude? RAIN: I never really thought of it that way. Over the years my work has evolved like any other hardworking actor. I have my days though. There are times where I have to remind myself and calm my insecurities by telling myself “you belong here, Justin. You worked hard, you love what you do, and this is why you’re here.” Every show or film I’ve ever worked on, to me, has just been another opportunity to learn and grow. It’s great to be a part of something that’s done very well and is well received. I have to say, the crew on the series was terrific as well, so a big shout out to all the local crew members; it was a blast working with everyone on the show in front of and behind the camera.

NATIVE MAX: What’s the story of Crazy Dog, aka Lee? He’s so quiet and calm. RAIN: From the start, there was no character breakdown for him. So when I first got on set, I guess you could say I just started figuring the guy out along the way. Yes, he is quiet. He doesn’t say much or speaks unless spoken to, but when he does speak it’s of significant importance. Ex-Army sniper. Ex family man. I feel like when Crazy Dog was first introduced to everyone, even myself, it’s assumed he’d be “crazy” in some context. But we learn later on he does have a very steady moral conscience. Feels like the fans are opening up to him as well. There are parts of the character that is very similar to me personally. I’m a quiet person myself. I watch. I listen, and I learn a lot from being this way. I’m also a Scorpio so that may have a lot to do with how I am as well [laughs]. NATIVE MAX: How is Crazy Dog in Fear the Walking Dead different from anything you played before? RAIN: Well first off, it’s zombie genre! Who doesn’t love zombie shows [laughs]? Crazy Dog also has a military background which is always advantageous, regarding skill set. Lots of weapons handling and shooting is involved in this season. The first half of the season when Michael’s character and mine are introduced I don’t say much the first half of the season. It was only after the mid-season premiere that my character started to be more involved with the first storyline. In episode 313, which just aired recently, there was some nice backstory revealed about Crazy Dog and his past after a confined space freak out where Ophelia has to calm him down. The loss of his family when the zombie infection started and his regret and trauma from not being able to save them in time. There wasn’t a lot of dialogue in the scene, but I knew it was an opportunity to bring some depth to the character’s journey. That was probably one of my favorite moments of my character this far. NATIVE MAX: Were you a fan of The Walking Dead series? What was your

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first reaction finding out about your part in Fear the Walking Dead? RAIN: I’m all caught up on The Walking Dead and eager to see season 8. Big fan! All I have to say is Daryl Dixon! When I was signed onto Fear the Walking Dead, I was very excited to be joining the show. I’m a slight bit introverted, so usually when my agent or manager calls to share the news of a new booking, they typically sound more excited then I do [laughs]. But trust me; I was screaming inside when I got the call. All good things. NATIVE MAX: We’re so glad to see you on this journey of bringing positive representation of Native people to Hollywood. What’s your motivation? RAIN: Thank you for your support. My motivation is to keep creating, keep moving forward and evolving as a person and an artist. I love what I do. It’s nice to release emotions, open up, be vulnerable for my work as an actor. I’ve always held pretty close the message that, if I’m not creating, it becomes very easy to start destroying. Alcohol and drugs are not a part of my life. This month is seventeen years free of drugs or alcohol. I realized that those substances, those chemicals, the garbage I was using had nothing to do with who I was. Who we were, who we are today, and where we will be generations from now. Every day I don’t drink or use, it keeps me closer to home. Closer to who we are. And I’m stronger because of this. NATIVE MAX: How inspirational! Do you have any upcoming films or projects? Tell us! RAIN: I worked on a few films last year which is in the festival run right now. Mohawk, directed by the fantastic Ted Geoghegan, which we shot in upstate New York via Snow Fort Pictures and Lean On Pete, which is directed by Andrew Haigh via A24. Two films I can’t wait for everyone to see. I’m also prepping to take a swing at directing movies myself very soon. A short film titled Irresolution but I’ll speak more on that at a later date [laughs]. Lots of good things ahead.

NATAANII MEANS ROSES Hip-hop artist Nataanii Means (Oglala Lakota/Navajo/Omaha) debuted a new music video for his latest track “Roses” earlier this week (all the way from Amsterdam!). According to Means, the new video was shot in his hometown of Chinle, AZ on the Navajo Nation. “It’s a song dealing with a lot of personal growth and self realization. ‘We give em roses’.” You can watch music video on Means’ Youtube channel.

Youtube/courtesy

NATIVE MAX: The Walking Dead series is one of television’s most successful shows ever, and you’re on the The Walking Dead’s spin-off series. How did you prepare for your character, Crazy Dog, who had a significant presence in the season? JUSTIN RAIN: Funny thing about my character on Fear The Walking Dead, I auditioned for Walker, played by Michael Greyeyes. When my agent sent me the breakdown of the character, I couldn’t help but laugh. They were casting for a mid-late 40’s Native American “leader of the Nation.” I don’t look mid-late 40’s, but the writing was outstanding; it was an opportunity, and it got me excited. So I dove in and did a younger version of Walker [laughs]. I had a lot of fun with the tape; it felt strong, and I was happy with it. Days later my manager told me there was some movement with the tape I sent and that they were considering me for the role. They did eventually go another direction, the right direction in my opinion, and soon after offered me a supporting role: Crazy Dog, who is the right hand for Walker. Working with Michael Greyeyes and the rest of the cast on Fear has been a fantastic time. I made some good friends, and I’m looking forward to whatever else the future holds.

A look at the new music you need to listen to now!

Youtube/courtesy

Crazy Dog (played by Justin Rain), Ofelia Salazar (played by Mercedes Mason) and Qaletaqa Walker (played by fellow Native actor Michael Greyeyes) in Episode 13 of Fear the Walking Dead .

FRANK WALN GOOD WAY Frank Waln has done it again! The hip hop artist and music producer (Sicangu Lakota) debuted a new music video for his latest track “Good Way”. Waln teamed up with fellow Native hip hop artists Gunner Jules and Rollie Raps for the track, while Tomás Karmelo Amaya (Yaqui [Yoeme]/ Zuni [A:shiwi]/Tarahumara [Rarámuri]) directed the music video. You can watch music video on Waln’s Youtube channel.

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On Radar BOOKS

November Reads This month’s reading choices are about learning about Indian Country’s rich history and heritage.

Turtle Island By Eldon Yellowhorn & Kathy Lowinger TURTLE ISLAND: ANNICK PRESS/COURTESY; SPOKEN THROUGH CLAY: MUSEUM OF NEW MEXICO PRESS/COURTESY; #NOTYOURPRINCESS: ANNICK PRESS/COURTESY

Discover the story of North America’s Indigenous peoples before 1492. Unlike most books on the history of Native peoples, which begin with the arrival of Europeans in 1492, this book goes back to the Ice Age to give young readers a glimpse of what life was like pre-contact. Turtle Island, (Annick Press, $24.95, ages 11+) refers to a Native myth that explains how the Americas were formed on the back of a turtle. Based on archeological finds and scientific research, we now have a clearer picture of how the Indigenous peoples lived as far back as 14,000 years ago. A wide variety of topics are explored including what people ate, how they expressed themselves through art, and how they adapted to their surroundings. The importance of story-telling among the Native peoples is always present to shed light on how they explained their world: each chapter opens with a seminal myth to address the theme of that chapter. With its striking design and beautiful images, this book fills a gap in the story of North America’s Indigenous peoples.

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Spoken Through Clay By Charles S. King Immerse yourself into the indigenous pottery world with Spoken Through Clay (Museum of New Mexico Press, $125). This book showcases nearly three hundred pottery vessels of iconic Native American artists from historic potters Nampeyo and Maria Martinez, to contemporary potters Tammy Garcia, Virgil Ortiz, and many others, from the acclaimed Eric S. Dobkin Collection covering a wide range of mostly Pueblo artists from the Southwest. “The physical scale of the vessels combined with the depth of the contemporary collection [is] breathtaking,” says author Charles S. King. The book is part of a “transitional process of looking to the clay, the vessel, and the potter’s voice and allowing the pieces to stand on the merit of their artistic integrity.” Dynamic color photography captures the depth and dimension of the pieces, while the artists provide an illuminating perspective through narrative captions.

#NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American Women Edited by Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale Native Women demand to be heard in this stunning anthology. Whether looking back to a troubled past or welcoming a hopeful future, the powerful voices of Indigenous women across North America resound in this book. In the same style as the best-selling Dreaming in Indian, #NotYourPrincess (Annick Press, $19.95) presents an eclectic collection of poems, essays, interviews, and art that combine to express the experience of being a Native woman. Stories of abuse, humiliation, and stereotyping are countered by the voices of passionate women making themselves heard and demanding change. Sometimes angry, often reflective, but always strong, the women in this book will give teen readers insight into the lives of women who, for so long, have been virtually invisible. Contributors include Rosanna Deerchild (Cree), award-winning author, broadcaster, and radio host; Brigitte Lacquette (Cote First Nation), silver medalist hockey player; Pamela J. Peters (Navajo), multimedia documentarian photographer; and Isabella Fillspipe (Oglala Sioux), high school student on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

What Native American stories or books are you reading this month? Let us know on our Facebook page @ Facebook.com/nativemax NOVEMBER 2017 | NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE 19

Cover Story

Photo by Jeanny Tsai

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ON THE COVER

Of Humility & Heritage A PAGEANT QUEEN WITH A PASSION FOR EMPOWERING OTHERS AND SHARING HER HERITAGE WHEREVER SHE GOES. AUTUMN ROSE WILLIAMS CONTINUES ON WITH HER MISSION OF EDUCATING OTHERS ABOUT HER TRIBE, DESPITE HAVING A BUSY SCHEDULE.

he last time I chatted with this year's reigning Miss Native American USA Autumn Rose Miskweminanocsqua (Raspberry Star Woman) Williams (Shinnecock), it was a few months ago when she won the pageant. Since then she's been on an adventure of a lifetime, from making appearances at conferences and events to walking at powwows and visiting Native communities. Williams humbly gives the ode to her title, as she admits that it helps motivate her to make moves and share stories of her Shinnecock heritage. We caught up with Williams in between her many events, where she shared with us a few stories of her Shinnecock heritage and why you should explore your heritage. Native Max: Again, congratulations on winning this year's Miss Native American USA title! When did you ultimately decide to compete in the Miss Native American USA Pageant? Autumn Williams: While I was Miss Teen Shinnecock, I attended my first national pageant and once I saw that I wanted to someday in the future hold a national title. I learned about Miss Native American USA while I was in college and the more I researched the organization, the more and more I liked it! I decided while in college that I was going to run, but I had to get my degree first. I love to set goals, things to look forward to. Running in the pageant has been a goal of mine since college, I didn’t think I was going to win, but I’m happy I did. NM: What have you done so far since winning your title? AW: To me, not enough. [Laughs] But I’m hard on myself. Thus far I have walked in my tribe’s pow wow, which occurs every Labor Day weekend. I greeted northwest tribes at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City for their announcement to restore, update and conserve the historic northwestern coast section of the museum. That experience was beyond amazing. I appreciate the museum for letting us Natives take the lead. To let us greet each other and do things on our terms first. I also learned so much. It was firsthand knowledge at its best! I spoke at an event at the New School in New York City. I talked about my platform at the University of Denver in Colorado, and I’m heading to DC this week to speak at the Administration for Children and Families Native American Grantee Meeting. NM: Wow! You're so busy! What does your upcoming schedule look like for you? AW: Busy [laughs]. I’m at the ACF Native American Grantee Meeting right now. When I get back home, I’ll be planning to go to Massachusetts for the Wampanoag tribe’s Thanksgiving festival. Something I have always wanted to attend. The Wampanoag tribe are the indigenous people that had the first Thanksgiving, and my tribe shares lots of similar qualities with that sister tribe. After, I’ll be heading back home and speaking at my tribe’s Thanksgiving festival.

NM: I know when we last talked, you mentioned you wanted to help your people. Does your title of Miss Native American USA help you achieve that? AW: Yes, it does. I have met so many people in these few months, while having this title, and learn more and more about the different resources that are available to our community. The title also pushes me to do more. I would go without the title, but it’s just different. I’m working on college preparedness workshops with my people now because I truly believe education is power. Not saying everyone has to go to school, but it's important to know what access you have to it, you know. NM: Happy Native American Heritage Month! How do you help preserve and celebrate your Shinnecock heritage? AW: Education! Oh my goodness, I’ve met so many people who just don’t know about our stories and how our presence is so significant. For example, for my job, I’m always connecting back to my tribal people because we are literally protecting my ancestral lands. NM: Could you share some stories of your Shinnecock heritage and people? AW: There’s so much I can say about my people. Shinnecock means ‘people of the Stoney Shores’ in the Shinnecock language, and I love that because it shows how expressive native languages are. I say that because the beaches along the Shinnecock Bay are very stoney. The Shinnecock people were whalers, and we are very connected to the water. We were voyagers. Since I’ve been home from college, I’ve learned more about our people traveling to different Pacific islands, which I think is awesome! We are first contact people, which means we were one of the earliest tribes to come in contact with European settlers. It’s not necessarily a good thing due to the history and aspects of our culture we’ve lost. For example, we don’t have any fluent speakers, but we are in the process of bringing our language back. The kids in the preschool are learning how to count in Shinnecock and learning the different directions and colors in our language, something that wasn’t accessible to me growing up. Fortunately, we are a nation that’s still on our ancestral lands, despite being reduced to a smaller amount of land we traditionally occupied. NM: Do you think everyone in the world should take the time and discover their heritage? AW: Heck yes! I think the different cultures from all over the world are so interesting. I wouldn’t understand why someone would not want to learn more about their own. Also, from my personal experience, the more I learn about my heritage, the more proud I am of who I am, the more grounded I am in who I am. If anything I think understanding one’s heritage will open their eyes to the different cultures of the world, even if they don’t connect with their heritage.

Follow along Autumn Rose’s pageant journey as Miss Native American USA on Facebook nativemax.com

NOVEMBER 2017 | NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE 21

Make Us Proud:

Isabella Lablanc

You may not know her yet, but get ready to see her on the big screen. Meet Isabella Lablanc, a Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota actress who joined the movement of getting positive Native American representation in Hollywood. Read on to learn why she makes us proud.

he was just like us. A young rez kid who watched tv and wouldn’t be able to connect with the characters on our favorite shows and movies because we didn’t look like them. Yet, we were raised on Native American -directed and -produced films such as Smoke Signals and Dreamkeeper. However, the little representation of Native Americans in film was what inspired Isabella Lablanc to pursue acting. From the young age of 8, she’s starred alongside fellow Native American actors who were apart of her motivation. Now, Lablanc joined the movement of getting real Native American representation in Hollywood in a big way. NATIVE MAX: Where do you call home? ISABELLA LABLANC: I was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. I’m a city girl who loves her rez and the people on it, so

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home is wherever my family is. NATIVE MAX: When did you first start to act? Where did the interest come from? I.L.: I began acting when I was eight, and really, it feels like it all happened by accident. A local children’s theater was auditioning for a show that had a Native part, as soon as I heard, I had my dad sign me up. I was cast, and the rest is history, I haven’t stopped since. NATIVE MAX: What were some of your first gigs? I.L.: I feel incredibly lucky that from the beginning, I’ve had the opportunity to explore a diverse range of roles- one of my favorites being originating the role of “Rainbow Crow” in the

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PHOTO BY LINDSEY KUSTERMAN

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NATIVE MAX: Did seeing the lack of representation or positive representation of Native people on TV and in films motivate you to act? I.L.: I think so. I think what drew me to the stage was that it was a place I could demand attention and be seen, and that wasn’t something I saw represented elsewhere as things a little Native kid should be. But I think just as much as I was motivated by the lack of representation, I was equally inspired by the little positive representation I did see. I was raised on the movie Smoke Signals as well as Skins, Powwow Highway, and Dreamkeeper. Adam Beach, Irene Bedard and Eddie Spears were probably the first actors I knew by name. Looking back now on how important those indigenous roles models where for me, I am very aware that my work could potentially do that for other kids, that’s a huge motivator. NATIVE MAX: In previous years, the CBS network has been called out for not being diverse enough with the actors of their shows, which is why they created Drama Diversity Casting Initiative. How did you get involved with this initiative? 24 NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2017

I.L.: I give a huge amount of credit to CBS for creating this program. They took time to listen to criticism and then committed to changing. Part of that change was to develop the Drama Diversity Casting Initiative. The goal of the initiative was to find actors from markets outside of LA and New York. I heard about DDCI online. I operate on a “you take every shot” mentality, so even though it was a nationwide call and I didn’t expect to be chosen, I submitted and eventually was selected. NATIVE MAX: What are your roles and responsibilities of being a part of it? I.L.: Being part of DDCI has been incredible. CBS has given me a foot-in-the-door in an industry where so many hardworking actors are struggling for just that; it’s now my responsibility to take this boost and run with it. They’ve started me on a marathon, not a sprint, and it’s my job to work hard, stay focused and have a little faith. NATIVE MAX: Do you think CBS is setting an example for what other major networks should do? Why? I.L.: One of the most exciting things about CBS’s Drama Diversity Casting Initiative is that it is part of a much larger, industry-wide, push for this work. I feel fortunate that I’m beginning my adult career during a time when we’re talking about diversity. I think everyone is starting to get the memo that there’s no excuse not to be doing this work, it’s long overdue, and viewers

are ready to see faces that reflect the world they live in. NATIVE MAX: We’re so glad and proud to see you on this journey of bringing positive representation of Native people to Hollywood. What’s your motivation? I.L.: Thank you! That means a lot to me, and my motivation does come from my community, including all the Native people that read this magazine. Acting makes me happy. I’m at my best when I’m doing this work, and I want nothing more than to lead by example and show other Native kids that they should always do what brings them joy, no matter how scary or impractical it seems. I think in the Native community we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to make choices that will help our people when in reality the most impactful thing we can give our community is our happiness. NATIVE MAX: What is your advice to a Native youth who watches but doesn’t connect to some of the non-native actors in their favorite movie? I.L.: My advice is that we have to look to ourselves. Our people are incredibly resilient, and we have no shortage of role models within our histories and communities. For whatever reason, Hollywood hasn’t embraced these stories as much as we would have liked, but we don’t have to wait for Hollywood to find strength in our people and ourselves.

PHOTO BY LINDSEY KUSTERMAN

musical adaptation of the Lenape legend of the same name, by the incredible Navajo playwright Rhiana Yazzie. For my first time on-camera, I had a tiny part in William Eigen’s feature film The Jingle Dress starring Chaske Spencer, Kimberly Norris Guerrero, and Stacey Thunder.

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Until Later

To the warriors. Last month, Native Max contributor and illustrator Crystal “Auntie Crystal” Szczpanski created this exclusive piece in which we dedicate to the warriors who currently battle, or have battled, breast cancer. To you, warrior.

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