Native Max Magazine - Fall 2013

NativeMax.com

FALL 2013

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NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE FALL 2013

FALL 2013 NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE

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FEATURES

41 HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATIVE MAX! We’re celebrating our anniversary with this special issue

42 MODEL TALK

Native model Sheila Hollowhorn talks about confidence

43 ABORIGINAL FABULOUS

Turquoise Soul shows us how to stand out of the crowd this fall

46 REZ KIDZ

Rez Kid-styled photoshoot on the Cheyenne River reservation in South Dakota

48 KID COUTURE

Little ladies and gents wear couture

CONTENTS

FALL 2013

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42 STYLE

11 WHAT’S TRENDING THIS FALL: BLAZERS 12 MY STYLE WITH JULIANA CLIFFORD 13 THE BUZZ: FASHION NEWS 14 DESIGNER PICK: CHOP SIOUXY 15 BE THE CENTER OF ATTENTION WITH KAMAMAK COSMETICS 17 AUTUMN IN THE CITY 19 MENS’ PICKS 20 INDIAN COUNTRY’S NEW CHAIN GAME 22 URBAN SLICKER 25 HIP HOP MEETS TATANKA

HEALTH

27 MY JOURNEY TO BECOMING HEALTHY

LIFE

29 MY SON HAD TO CUT HIS HAIR TO GO TO SCHOOL

31 NATIVES ARE RICH. FACT OR MYTH? 31 BREAKING OF A BIG STORY

ART

33 BEAUTY THROUGH THE LENS 35 BEAUTIFUL PRIDE 35 CREATIVE DUO

CULTURE

37 CELEBRATION OF THE YOUTH 39 AN AUTHENTIC LOOK AT LIFE ON THE REZ

RADAR 51 53 54 55

A STORY IN MONTANA PRIDE ON THE COURT FREE THE BOOTY CREATIVE GENIUS

MAGAZINE

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 LARRY PRICE, WILLIAM LEROY, JULIANA BROWNEYES, SHONIE SECODY, ZOE FRIDAY, REDWORKS CA, CHASE MANHATTAN, MARCUS TSOSIE, BRANDIS KNUDSEN, JERAE CHAVEZ, SHEILA HOLLOWHORN, WAYLON PAHONA, 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.

Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, USA

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EDITOR’S WELCOME

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lthough we had our official start in January 2012, our Fall 2013 edition is our anniversary issue. It’s been a full year since we released our physical issue, the Premiere Issue, with Mariah Watchman on the cover. The Premiere Issue started it all for us and has given us a great opportunity and we’re glad you’ve come along for the ride. Since our start, we’ve had fun changing the rules and making headlines. While other magazines whose focuses are to feature Native talent and fashion are popping up left and right, Native Max is already celebrating it’s first birthday (at least from the release of our first ever printed issue). Before Native Max Magazine printed it’s first copies to send to customers, there hasn’t been a publication that focused solely on Native fashion designers, trends on Native fashion brands nor Native models.

Native Max veered off the main road and created a new path for others to follow- to feature Native talent. We had a fantastic first year, setting the trend of standing out and starting a revolution.

To help celebrate our first anniversary, we decided to load up the Fall Issue,

starting with our celebration of the first year. In addition to our jam-packed fashion sections and Native designers’ coverage, we gave our layout a whole new facelift, giving you an easier to read and understand experience.

This upcoming year, we plan to visit more towns, cities and reservations and hold more events, contests, giveaways and castings. We want to communicate and get closer to our readers, audience and fans. We’re also releasing two supplement issues in between Native Max Magazine releases, Native Max Drumbeat, which will focus more on entertainment and HAYAPI: NATIVE FASHION HUB, our magazine hub all about fashion, designers, models and photographers.

This past year was a roller coaster for us, and the whole Native Max team has become more than co-workers and colleagues; we now see each other as family. We grew closer and now we are stronger than ever. Every day we come up with more ideas and ways to make Native Max bigger and better, and can barely wait for what’s in store for us this year.

INSTAGRAM

@kellycamilleholmes KELLY HOLMES FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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TO HONOR MYSELF IS TO HONOR THEM INTRODUCING NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE’S FIRST EVER ‘MAKE US PROUD’ FEATURE, CRYSTAL STARR SZCZEPANSKI. CRYSTAL SHARES HER STORY OF STRONG WILL AND HONOR. As told to Kelly Holmes

M

y name is Crystal Starr Szczepanski. I am the daughter of Eleanor and Frank Szczepanski. I am Athabaskan, Yup’ik and Colville. In 1996, at a powwow I asked this Shoshone guy to owl dance. The attraction was mutual. He was a drummer andI was a fancy dancer. Neither of us drank or did drugs. In 1997 I made the decision to move to Grand Ronde, Oregon with him. In 1999 I became pregnant. My partner suggested we keep living in the house with his mom, however I refused. “We have a baby on the way; we need our own place,” I would say. Most of the responsibilities fell onto me; paid the bills. The end of our relationship was when I no longer was able to deal with his gambling addiction. His whole paycheck would be gone - no money to feed our daughter, no money to buy toothpaste or gas for our one car. I didn’t understand addiction at that point in my life but had enough of being co-dependent.

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My next relationship was with David. I felt special, cared for and respected. He was responsible with his finances and had a career. This was also my introduction to social drinking. In 2003 I put my daughter in the chinuk wawa Preschool Immersion School. I attended the adult classes and had the opportunity to apply for a language apprentice position in 2004. That was the start of my journey to learning a Native language. Before that I didn’t know what the conditions of our languages across Indian Country were. Since then I’ve given presentations at Stabilizing Indigenous Language Symposium and North West Indian Langue Institute.

I became to love each child as if they were my own niece or nephew. I felt pride when I saw them dancing and hearing our ancestors speak chinuk wawa through them. I felt heartache and helpless when one of my student’s mother died of cancer. I felt a sense of accomplishment when I received my Native American Indian Language Teaching License.

In 2011 my addiction was full blown. I was depressed, lonely, frustrated, lost, and a slave to alcohol. I put myself in a drug and alcohol treatment center. It was my introduction to trying to understand something I have no control over – I had a disease. Over the next ten months I struggled with drinking. I found myself in the hospital for being suicidal.

I really wanted to disappear, die and lose the shame that engulfed me. David’s life became unbalanced trying to desperately help me. My daughter mentally distanced herself from me like a bad memory.

I hit my rock bottom. In my heart I knew that if I continued I really would die. I had been raped again; my body defiled and used. It brought back terrible memories from when I was a teenager and was assaulted. I felt dirty, used, and angry. I made the choice for the third time in eleven months to check myself into rehab.

I couldn’t have done this alone. I went into my first sweat lodge; it was there with my uncle and grandpa that I started loving myself and was reconnected to Creator. I let go of my shame. I learned about inter-generational trauma. I looked at myself realistically and started having love for myself. I humbly admitted it and took comfort in the fact that I am only human. I’ve found balance and spirituality. I realized the Creator loved me and wanted the best for me.

My adopted grandpa, Charlie Tailfeathers, has given me many wise words. The phrase “life just keeps getting better and better” has really ringed true for me. I celebrate it. My creativity and clear mind have come back to me. Art is now my expression. I’ve returned to traditional and contemporary native art.

I’m not an extraordinary woman. I am human. My ancestors fought and struggled for me to be here today. To honor myself is to honor them.

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.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CRYSTAL SZCZEPANSKI

MAKE US PROUD

STYLE

WHAT’S TRENDING THIS FALL: BLAZERS Blazers instantly dress up any outfit, and in a color other than traditional black makes you feel more modern and less business-y.

MAKEUP BY JESSICA DEE PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEREK NEZ STYLING BY KELLY HOLMES

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STYLE

MY STYLE with

JULIANA CLIFFORD Scatter Their Own’s bassist Juliana Clifford shows us her glam rock style she plans on rocking this fall.

PHOTOS BY LARRY PRICE

Grab attention with a red leather jacket.

Stand out with shoes in a color that compliments your jacket.

(LEFT) For a bold look, mix prints –dots, floral knit and a futuristic gold jacket mix well together.

(ABOVE) Add some fun to your wardrobe by pairing cowboy boots with an unexpected outfit

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STYLE

The

BUZZ

NATIVE DESIGNERS APPEAR AT FASHION WEEKS IN NYC Along with First Nations designers Lyn Kay Peters and Linda Lavallee, Sho Sho Esquiro made her first international debut center stage at Couture Fashion Week in New York City.

Photograph by Dyani Brown

A look at this season’s womens’ fashion news

paul frank x native artists After Paul Frank Industries’ mistake of throwing a neon-Native American powwow-themed Fashion’s Night Out party last year, the company issued an apology and offered to collaborate with Native American designers Louie Gong, Dustin Martin, Candace Halcro and Autumn Dawn Gomez. This collaboration was named “Paul Frank Presents” and the fashion collection includes a printed tote, pillow and throw blanket by Louie Gong, five collections of Hama bead jewelry by Autumn Dawn Gomez, authentic Paul Frank hand-beaded sunglasses by Candace Halcro and a variety of tees, tanks and bandanas by Dustin Martin, according to Beyond Buckskin. The collection debuted at Santa Fe Indian Market 2013 and fashion pieces are on sale now at shop.beyondbuckskin.com.

Photograph: beyondbuckskin.blogspot.com

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL NATIONAL ABORIGINAL FASHION WEEK Chelsa Reil and her team successfully hosted the National Aboriginal Fashion Week in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada for a second time. With eleven designers from all over Canada and Arizona who were chosen to showcase their collections at First Nations University of Canada, NAFW is surely reinforcing their presence of providing a forum to nurture and celebrate First Nations designers.

Photograph by Leftboot Productions

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STYLE Styling & photos by Christina Bernal Makeup by Lizzy Polanco Model Renelle White Buffalo

DESIGNER PICK:

CHOP SIOUXY “The Creeper” sweatshirt ; Chop Siouxy Boots; Doc Martens

Native Max fashion editors Kelly Holmes and Johnnie Sisneros share their favorite fall picks from Native fashion line Chop Siouxy Chop Siouxy, a line of fun and flirty Cali-inspired clothing by Lakota designer Christina Bernal, has a youthful and classic style with an urban edge. We get to know the California designer and her inspirations.

What is Chop Siouxy?

CB: Chop Siouxy is an eco-friendly line using over-stock fabric to create a unique line of separates

(ABOVE) Black Stretch Crepe Cropped Top; Chop Siouxy Distressed jean shorts; models own Boots; Doc Martens

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and mini collections, all made in LA. What inspires your designs?

CB: I get my inspiration from my surroundings, music, and people on the streets. I mix vintage-inspired silhouettes with an urban laid back beach feel.

What makes designing in California different from other parts of the country?

CB: Designing in California is unique in the sense that the weather is the same most of the year; we don’t get much of the season change so there’s no need for fur’s and long coats.

We don’t cover up much!

But LA is diverse and that’s what’s special about it!

Women here put a look together like no place else.

(LEFT) Stretch Crepe Floral Pants, Black Linen Top; Chop Siouxy

STYLE BEAUTY

BE THE CENTER OF ATTENTION

POP OF COLOR

EYES: Apply ‘Turtle Island’ eyeshadow (high shimmer bright green) to the inner corner of eyelids. Blend out to the middle of eyelids. Blend ‘Ballet’ eyeshadow (matte peach) to the outer corners.

Brush ‘Tipi’ eyeshadow (pearl warm brown) into the crease.

Brush ‘White Gold’ eyeshadow (golden white shimmer) to the inner corners. BLUSH: Brush ‘Kiss of Peach’ blush (matte peach) to the apples of cheeks.

LIPS: Finish with ‘Romance’ lip color (peach/pink nude).

Kamamak Cosmetics creator and makeup guru Angela Jack shows us this fall’s makeup looks, starring her own line.

SHIMMER

EYES: Apply ‘Silver Stars’ (very shimmery silver) all over eyelids. BLUSH: Brush ‘Cocoa Mauve’ (mauve matte brown) blush onto apples of cheeks.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANGELA JACK

EXPERT TIP:

POWER POUTS

EYES: Apply ‘Pearl’ (very shimmery champagne) all over eyelids. Brush ‘Bear Brown’ (dark matte brown) into the crease. Blend ‘Mauve’ (high shimmer mauve) into the crease. BLUSH: Brush ‘Cocoa Mauve’ (mauve matte brown) blush onto apples of cheeks. LIPS: Finish with ‘Brave’ lip color (matte bold raspberry).

WHEN CREATING BOLD EYE LOOKS AND EXPERIMENTING WITH HEAVILY PIGMENTED SHADES, FOCUS ON YOUR FACE MAKEUP LAST. THAT WAY YOU CAN CLEAN UP ANY FALLEN SHADOW.

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AUTUMN IN THE CITY PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY HOLMES DESIGNS BY DARLA TAKES THE KNIFE MODEL: SARAH BEARE (HUNKPAPA LAKOTA)

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STYLE

mens’ picks Our mens’ picks this season -luxury streetwear and sleek silver

KANATI CO. Aboriginal men’s luxury apparel line Kanati Clothing kicks off its fall collection with style-savvy graphic sweaters and tees, and animal-print snapbacks, a favorite of snapback fans.

Snapbacks

The hats feature sleek animal print bills such as snakeskin and zebra, with their iconic designs on the front, all the while seamlessly integrated with the 9FIFTY-style cap.

These caps create a fresh, versatile look, making it easy enough to combine with your shoes and accessories, and are a must have for any snapback fanatic. If you have a wild and high –end sense of style, you can definitely incorporate these animal patterns into your wardrobe.

gamer sleek

We preview Waddie CrazyHorse’s sleek fall collection, wholly inspired by Tetris®, the timeless game that Waddie played with as a boy.

ABOUT WADDIE CRAZYHORSE Waddie CrazyHorse is a third generation silversmith from Cochiti Pueblo, NM. CrazyHorse says his new Tetris®-inspired collection of the season is just another step in advancing himself as a silversmith. He started developing his Tetris® design scheme in 2008, playing with new patterns and negative space while designing.

Tees & Longsleeves CrazyHorse grew up in the videogame era of the early 90s and admits Tetris® was his favorite game to play. “Tetris was my go-to game for my Game Boy, remember those things? [Laughs]” CrazyHorse’s collection has different ‘levels’ of cuffs, ranging from “LvL 1”, which is narrower, to “LvL 6”, which is a wider cuff.

One tee you can pair a zebra-print snapback with is the matching zebra-print and iconic KNTI logo tee. With the designs and color combos of the tees on point, these are a great collection piece of the fall season.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KANATI CLOTHING

All tees, longsleeves and caps, Kanati Co. See Native Max Shopper on www.nativemax. com for more information.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WADDIE CRAZYHORSE

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INDIAN COUNTRY’S NEW CHAIN GAME

Beaded medallions, once the preserve of powwow dancers, are now the most common pieces of accessories in any Native man’s or woman’s wardrobe.

BY KELLY HOLMES ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY CINNAMON SPEAR

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Rapper Chase Manhattan/Photos by Nadya Kwandibens

This past spring and summer, both men’s fashion weeks and Hollywood picked up steam when it came to accessories and jewelry. More musicians, rappers, actors and athletes are seen rocking the overrated, chunky chains where the motto is: the bulkier and bigger, the better. Well, for the guys in Indian Country, it’s different. The trend of Native guys sporting beaded medallions in their personalized designs with their usual everyday getups is more common now than plain ol’ silver or gold chains, and we discover why.

WHY MEDALLIONS ARE UNIQUE Anyone who knows about beadwork, or anything Native-made at that, knows that in order to get a beaded medallion, you’ll have to custom-order one. To acquire a piece created with the utmost quality and precision, it’s best to go to a beader that has multiple medallions under their belt. You tell the artist your design, colors, and any other details you want included. Then two weeks later, your medallion is finished and handed or shipped to you. Your personalized medallion is like no other; you won’t find it at the mall, a store, or anywhere else for that matter. Your medallion is truly unique and another like it can’t be found anywhere in the world.

THE LOVE OF BEADING Beadwork is not just an aesthetic art. It is our culture. It carries our history and tells the stories of our future. Some pieces have been passed down for generations, while others are being made to welcome the unborn. When learning the craft of beadwork, budding artist are told to put good thoughts and prayers into everything they create. Whether it’s beading a turtle to protect a baby boy’s umbilical cord, a Broncos medallion for a hardcore Denver fan, or a set of powwow jewelry so a little girl can dance for the first time, every bead laid and knot tied is done with love from the heart. Beading is truly a meticulous art form requiring talent, skill, and craftsmanship. All the beads are connected with the same thread; so in order to correct a mistake, rows

upon rows of work must be undone.

Every beadworker must find balance, however. There is an expectation that the rows lay nice and flat alongside one another. Perfection.

Yet at the same time, artists are taught to purposefully add one bead, color out of place. Imperfection.

This is to represent humility and the knowledge that we are human and we make mistakes, for only Creator is perfect. Intentional mistakes also double as an identifying factor in cases of loss or thievery.

There is no feeling for an artist like that of working hard with their hands knowing that it will bring happiness to a person, couple, or family. To beadworkers, the craft is often therapeutic. It clears the mind and instead of thinking, they are able to turn the brain off and bead. As they work one bead at a time into their design, they receive satisfaction of pulling the thread and watching the correct number of beads align exactly into the place they intended. Row by row, section by section, they can see their design come to life. Moments like that provide confidence in themselves as an artist and human of talent.

FROM TRADITIONAL TO MODERN CULTURE There’s something very liberating about taking a new image from popular culture and cannibalizing it with a form of art that’s been passed down for generations. The process allows Native artists to take something that is everyone’s and make it specific to us, in turn creating an identifying fashion accessory that is both widely recognizable but ultimately, and distinctly, Native.

GROWING TREND OF MEDALLIONS The beaded medallion obsession is in full swing for all of Indian Country, with men moving away from today’s popular silver and gold jewelry and towards beaded medallions. Sports fans order their team’s emblems on their medallions or, for a more personalized design, their tribe’s logo. They take pride in their medallion because of it’s one of a kind feature, the knowledge that there’s no other like it anywhere.

Bottom line: Native men rocking medallions around their neck creates a parallel to popular hip-hop culture’s fascination with “chains” and “bling” which they can identify with.

However, beaded jewelry, though similar, simultaneously distinguishing them from being Black, White, or Other and identifies them instead as being Native- and that makes them proud.

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STYLE

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URBANSLICKER PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY HOLMES

The city is at its best in the cool autumn weather. It’s not just the fast pace and chilly weather that make the case for fall in the city; major fashion trends make their way to shops and it’s easier to layer on clothing. This is the time of year to try out your new statement piece. Get the urban slicker look right with warm long sleeves, easy layers and tough-guy boots. As presented with Lakota model Juwan Lakota.

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HIP HOP MEETS TATANKA Influenced with hip hop, rapper Brandis “B” Knudsen and artist William LeRoy take to the prairies of Tatanka: Story of the Bison in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY KELLY HOLMES CLOTHING PROVIDED BY URBAN CITY 605

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HEALTH

PHOTO COURTESY OF WAYLON PAHONA

Waylon Pahona, the founder of the Healthy Active Natives Facebook group, is a personal trainer and dedicated runner who’s making a name for himself in Indian Country. He loves to help other Natives become healthier and is always open to sharing his knowledge of healthy nutrition and exercising. However, before creating the HANS group and helping his people, Waylon struggled with his own health issues. Being diagnosed with a disease made him realize the one thing he hated the most, would only help better his life. Waylon shares his story of losing 80 pounds, how he fell in love with running and why you should take control of your health right now.

Growing up I lived on the Hopi reservation in Arizona. I am Hopi, Tewa and Maricopa. My whole life I was always active. I played football, baseball and participated in wrestling so I was always active all year round. I loved to play sports but I hated to run during practices. I hated running so much I would dodge running by finding every excuse not to run. On the other hand, my girlfriend was part of a long reign of state cross country champions at Hopi High School. I never thought much about running even though it runs deep in the Hopi culture, but I would support her by watching her run. I noticed how all the Hopi parents cheered on their children and it was amazing to see how supportive the parents were and how committed the runners were to finish the races. It seemed like after each run girls would cry, they were always emotional about running and I didn’t understand why. In my opinion I thought these girls were being dramatic.

Fast forward to 2008, I’m still with my high school sweetheart and we have two beautiful boys, 8 year old Jayden and Kaiyou, our new born baby.

My wife was working as a youth coordinator for the Gila River Community. I am over 260 pounds, well over my high school weight of 175 pounds. In my mind I thought I was still pretty healthy.

I lifted heavy weights, ate everything in sight and still was not a fan of cardio or

“MY JOURNEY TO BECOMING HEALTHY” For Waylon Pahona, being diagnosed with a disease made him realize the one thing he hated the most, would only help better his life.

As told to: Kelly Holmes

running. I figured all this heavy lifting and eating was only bulking me up, but in reality it wasn’t. I was consuming way too much calories and was just gaining fat. I didn’t realize how heavy I was until I was squatting a heavy amount of weight one day. Just like any of my other routines I went home after the gym and as I got home I collapsed onto the floor.

My back completely gave out and my legs went numb. My wife walked and aided me into the car and took me to the emergency room. When we arrived to the Hopi reservation hospital they felt it was an emergency that I couldn’t feel my legs so they rushed me to a bigger hospital in an ambulance. I was so scared not knowing what I had done to

“

Crying has become a part of my running and my therapy. It made my mind strong”

myself.

I spent several hours getting tests, X-Rays and MRI’s on my back when I was diagnosed with Spondylosis and Facet disease, or Spinal Arthritis.

The doctor told me that I was way too heavy to be carrying so much weight on my body and that I needed to stop lifting heavy weights. I was crushed by the diagnosis, knowing that the one thing I loved and enjoyed was taken from me. I spent months in physical therapy and as I got stronger, I knew the thing I hated the most, cardio, had to be implemented into my lifestyle to lose weight. I’ll always remember this: I asked the physical therapist if I should start running to lose weight, and he actually laughed at me. He said, “You have a form of arthritis in your back, you’re going to make it worse for yourself. You’re too heavy and it’s not a realistic goal.” I decided to not take his advice as it made me angry that he doubted me running.

On that day I made the choice that I was going to train for the PF Changs half marathon. I didn’t even think of starting off with a 5K or a 10k run. To this day I still don’t know why I chose a half marathon, it was a crazy idea but I’m glad I did. I approached my wife about it and told her my goals. She was pretty

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HEALTH WAYLON’S JOURNEY LEFT: Waylon’s weight-loss journey to being fit began when he weighed 260 pounds, the heaviest he’s ever weighted; BOTTOM: Waylon and his wife Janis today (Photos courtesy of Waylon Pahona)

shocked and amazed that I was interested in doing a half marathon. She was very supportive of me and actually wanted to join me as well, since she lost her running frame of 110 pounds to 180 pounds after having two kids. We started off slow and it was probably the hardest thing I had ever done in my life, since I never ran before. As a former cross country runner my wife eased into it easily and quickly. It took her several months to get back into running while it took me almost half a year to just get a good steady pace. I started to finally enjoy the running. I would go out and run and just think about my kids, my wife and my career as inspiration. I trained and learned a lot from my wife and other Hopi runners.

It was finally time to run the PF Changs half marathon and I was ready. I went from 260 pounds to 220 pounds; I lost 40 pounds in training! It was such an emotional day; I couldn’t believe that I had overcome what the physical therapist first said to me. I finished my first ever half marathon in two hours and twenty-five minutes. I was so excited about what I had accomplished, but the only problem was that I was still too heavy and all the training and running put a lot of impact on my knees. I couldn’t run for a couple of months because it was so painful but I eventually realized I was still too heavy.

After a few months of resting my legs I decided to enter a 5K run, thinking I was going to do ok since I finished a half marathon. I told myself “I could do anything!” I was last runner to finish the 5K and I was even beaten by an old Native elder.

It really discouraged me and made me feel

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embarrassed. After that I decided to change my diet and educate myself on nutrition and exercising. I even quit drinking alcohol. I loved my friends and my alcohol-filled weekends at the club but I realized I needed to stop drinking if I wanted to be a better runner and be healthier. I noticed I enjoyed learning about the body and weight training.

I was always an athlete and realized that fitness was my calling.

I decided to step down as a youth coordinator and become a personal trainer. I realized as a personal trainer I needed to look the part; I wanted people to believe in me. I took it serious and went from 220 pounds to 211 pounds. I felt I was healthier than ever before. My doctor said I was in good shape and from all the training and learning how to get my body in shape, I had prolonged the arthritis in my spine from having any problems. I still wasn’t happy with my running time so I continued to train. The very next year I ran another half marathon in one hour and fifty minutes.

From that day on I was hooked on running and realized that I was no longer a heavyweight lifter. I was more interested in running and training my body to endure long periods of aerobic activity.

I ran several half marathons after that and continued to run in different marathons. I didn’t have a runner’s body as I stood a stocky 5’7” height so I was intimated by the other runners. I then told myself “Why should I pay any attention? I’m doing this for myself and shouldn’t worry about what others think of me” In 2011 I skipped running a full marathon and went straight to training for a 50K marathon, the Paatu-

waqatsi: Water is Life run, which is 30 miles on one of the toughest courses on the Hopi Reservation. I trained for hours at a time, running and building up my endurance by thinking to myself about all the changes I made in my life and all the learning experiences I had gained from running. I completed the Water is Life run with a time of six hours and seven minutes. I went from 211 pounds to 180 pounds, and I felt so good to go from my initial 260 pounds to my current 180 pounds. I lost a total of 80 pounds in three years of healthy eating, running and exercise, all from pure hard work. I didn’t take any diet pills or any other fad-diets. To this day, it’s still hard for me to believe that a 13 mile run is part of my training now. I have completed so many races and runs now and have completed three Ultra Ragnar races and two 50K runs. I also completed many traditional runs for prayer and support for Native people in communities. Some days I would cry tears of joy and other days I would cry tears of sadness, thinking of all the negative things that I had overcome in my life. Crying has become a part of my running and my therapy. It made my mind strong and it made me the person I am today. I realized that I am now a runner and applied it to all of my life’s issues; if I wasn’t feeling well I would run, if I knew my family and friends were in pain, I would run and pray for them. I now know why the Hopi girls cried after each run and why they felt so much joy and happiness of running. It takes time and commitment to endure running. I also embraced it as part of my culture and a way of life.

LIFE < 12 year old Lareal Wilson.

After Karen posted about her son’s ordeal on Facebook, she received a lot of support and attention about discrimination in school that still exists. (Photo by Picture People)

“MY SON HAD TO CUT HIS HAIR TO GO TO SCHOOL” Karen Wilson refused to cooperate with her son’s school when they told her in order for him to stay in school, he’d have to cut his long hair short. AS TOLD TO KELLY HOLMES

E

very kid wants their new school year to be epic. With brand new school supplies, a whole new wardrobe and a fresh start in school, the first day should be exciting. But to 12 year old Lareal Wilson, his first day of school at Legacy Traditional School was both embarrassing and upsetting. Lareal was told in order to stay in his school, he’d have to cut off his long hair. It was around noontime on Wednesday, August 7, 2013 when Karen Wilson received a phone call from her son’s new school, Legacy Traditional School in Laveen, AZ. Little did Karen know, this day would be her son’s first and last day at the school.

A GREAT KID My son, Lareal Paul Wilson, is a very serious person with a sense of humor once you get to know him and earn his trust. He is twelve years old and a very respectable young man with a big heart. Lareal’s interests include art and he loves to play video games. He also loves to

play sports like football, basketball and running. Lareal loves to hang out and spend time with his little brother.

After high school, he plans to go to Arizona State University. Lareal is very passionate about that university and wants to follow in his aunt’s footsteps. Currently, he would like to pursue a degree video game design.

THE PHONE CALL Wednesday, August 7, 2013, was my son’s first and last day at Legacy Traditional School. I got a call around noon about the length of my son’s hair and how it should be cut according to their policy. I asked to speak with someone other than the vice principal, whom I was first speaking with. I was then transferred to the school’s superintendent, where I only got a voice mail option. I left a message regarding the school’s hair policy, along with my call back number. With no response or call back from the superintendent by 1:30 P.M., I physically went to the school to speak with the vice principal, since she was the one I spoke with earlier that day.

NO NEGOTIATING Since I knew before speaking that she was not willing to let my son attend their school with long hair, I asked if there was a similar case and what the outcome was at the beginning of the meeting. I didn’t want to waste my time and more importantly, my son’s time. Her response was that it did happen a couple days before and there was nothing that could be done about it, no exception. However, this particular case involved an African American with dreads, so I still went on to tell her he is Native American and having long hair is a

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LIFE part of our culture. I stopped trying to explain further because she kept interrupting, saying, “I’m sorry”. At that point, I had no choice but to withdraw my son. I signed the withdrawal slip and waited for my son.

BAD EXPERIENCE As we walked to the car, I noticed my son’s eyes were red and he was fighting back tears. When we got inside the car, tears streamed down his face, very upset by the whole situation. When Lareal finally calmed down, he told me of his experience earlier that day. Obviously before receiving the phone call from the school, Lareal recalls his teacher repeating over and over, explaining whatever to another female, “she this and she that” about his schedule. My son is very respectable and finally spoke up and said “I’m a boy” The teacher then stopped and asks, “you’re a boy?!” then proceeds to examine his hair by turning his head to the side and showing him where his hair should be cut. Lareal was then taken to the principal to question if he was given permission to have long hair as a boy.

VICTIMS OF DISCRIMINATION I gathered phone numbers that same afternoon of some local schools and found myself asking this important question to them: What kind of policy do you have against boys with long hair? After I contacted two schools, they both had no such policy against Native American boys with long hair and even included this rule was unheard of. At this point, I realized that my family had been victims of, perhaps, a discrimination of some sort. My initial reaction was thinking how ignorant and dumb this policy was on hair. I couldn’t believe that his long hair was preventing him from attending this school. After seeing my son in the state he was in, I knew they were wrong.

STANDING STRONG The topic that evening was continuous talk of how important it is to be Native American and to be proud of that. Lareal went through books we had about Native American history, as a way to remind himself that no matter what our Native people have suffered in the past, we are still here today. The way my family and I dealt with this situation was first, to let our son know we love him. Having a strong family support is important in any situation. The love and support that we give to Lareal

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allows him to continue to be proud of being Native American, just as we are. As his parents, he is not alone in this fight.

After dinner, but before going to bed, I posted the awful experience on Facebook. It went from being seen by my small group of friends and family to an ongoing story with support and hundreds of shares. My husband and I found ourselves in a unique situation that we could turn back on. Lareal attends different school now and they have no issue with his long hair. As the reaction to the policy enforced by Legacy Traditional School, they were appalled.

THE NEED FOR CHANGE The high level of importance to get my son’s story out there is to bring awareness to this ongoing issue. I have seen the amount of support we have received in all of Indian Country and this incident is shocking to know that policies like this still exist in modern day at schools. The fact that a child is put in this situation without any warning is heart breaking. I’m pretty sure this has happened to countless others before and the goal is to make it stop. By continuing to communicate and educate the public about the importance of our Native culture and tradition, we are protecting who we are as Native American. Schools that require Native students to cut their hair need to stop because it destroys the pride in being Native American. Our youth today are returning to our Native roots and as parents and grandparents we support that.

SUPPORT FROM NATIVE MAX As soon as Karen posted her status regarding her son’s experience on her Facebook page, it spread like wildfire, with shares, likes and comments. When Karen’s status came across Editor-in-chief Kelly Holmes’ Facebook newsfeed one night, Kelly immediately became interested in Lareal’s story and offered to feature Karen and Lareal in the Fall issue. With the help of publishing their story, we at Native Max hope to bring this shady form of discrimination, which happens all over Indian Country in schools, to light.

At the time of writing this story and publishing this issue, the Principal, Vice Principal, CEO and Executive Director of Legacy Traditional School could not be reached for comment.

LIFE [COLUMN]

NATIVES ARE RICH. FACT OF MYTH?

At one time or another, Native Americans have been asked how much money they receive a month, which gas station they can score discounts, and how easy was it to get into college. EVERETT BAXTER clears up the air for us Often in college I have been a victim of the myth that we Native American’s receive free education, land, money, and even gas from the government. If that’s the case I must have missed that memo years ago. I do wonder where non-natives receive their perceptions of the Native American that get these so-called royalties. My response for that was, “I wished” Trust me I would not have a need to be in college trying to get an education for a better life if that was the case. Does it really make sense? After all the treaties are broken, giving us land no one wants and then to use chemical warfare to dwindle our population? After all that and to give all the descendants such royalties, doesn’t sound very logical to me.

One would think that if natives received money they wouldn’t have the hardships they do today, with an example being poverty. According to statistics, reservations have the highest poverty rates in the United States. Confusing isn’t it? One instance we have royalties and the next minute we are poverty stricken people.

Let us take a different route, although you may run into a Native who does receive a per-capita. However, that doesn’t mean all Native Americans get it. Their “per-cap”, for short, is granted to them by their tribe or nation; think of it as tribal members owning shares of a corporation. Now before the non-natives get too hasty, it is at their tribes discretion on how much they decide to reward their enrolled members. Where do they get their money you wonder? Well it is usually from the revenue generated through such business endeavors the tribes decide to pursue. It could very well be a casino or some other entrepreneurial ventures. We as Native Americans are just like any other race in America trying to survive. We pay taxes like anybody else, granted some tribal people receive some form of per-capita but a native like myself don’t have land. I also don’t receive free gas for my gas-guzzling SUV, I have a modest income, and I didn’t receive my education for free. I had to fill out the FAFSA just like most college students to receive funding.

In closing, we are no different from any human being born into this world without wealth. We share the same everyday struggles. The toughest part is surviving and having an understanding of each other.

The sooner we figure that out the better chance we having at getting along. We sometimes forget the big picture that we humans only have one earth to share.

[BREAKING THE NEWS]

THE BREAKING OF A STORY: THE SALE OF WOUNDED KNEE How our Life Editor BRANDON ECOFFEY stumbled across Indian Country’s news shocker of the year Over the course of the last year, there have been a few stories impacting Indian country that have garnered national attention. Only one, however, has been covered globally- and as brand new journalist with little experience in the field, I would never have imagined that a touch of serendipity would land me smack dab in the middle of the biggest story to hit Indian country since the 1970s.

On December 29, 1890, the United States Army’s 7th cavalry, General George Armstrong Custer’s former unit, massacred approximately 300 unarmed Mni Coujou Lakota: men, women, and children at Wounded Knee, SD. The group who was led by Chief Big Foot was travelling from Cheyenne River where they had stopped on their way from the Standing Rock Agency on the South Dakota-North Dakota border.

Due to the journey and the elements, the Lakota were suffering from starvation, sickness, and undoubtedly the physical deficiencies brought forth from being exposed to a harsh South Dakota winter. After being approached by Army officers in the days before the slaughter, the band was asked to camp at Wounded Knee creek. It was there that they were systematically gunned down by newly government-issued Hotchkiss canons and chased into the surrounding ravines by mounted soldiers carrying small arms and bayonets. After the slaughter was over, the soldiers dug a mass grave where they piled the hundreds they had murdered on top of one another and covered them with the soil that was comprised of generations of Lakota people. The event is considered by many to be the worst act of genocide ever committed on U.S soil. In recognition of what took place at Wounded Knee, 28 Medals of Honor were distributed to the soldiers.

Almost a century later, in 1973, Wounded Knee would again find itself in the national spotlight when the American Indian Movement seized the small town and occupied it for 71 days. The armed occupation arguably became the watershed moment in the Indigenous civil rights movement in the U.S. as activists like Russell Means and Dennis Banks provided the national media with anti-government rhetoric that, despite the negative local impact, forced everyday Americans to pay attention to the atrocities that were taking place on America’s reservations.

For most non-Native people, Wounded Knee exemplifies the end of the Indian wars and the last time “authentic” Native people existed. So when I randomly opened my “Other” folder on Facebook and saw a message from Jim Czywczynski, a man I had never heard of, with the subject, “I want to sell

Wounded Knee,” you could imagine my surprise. The irony however is that earlier that day I had received a tip from another Native journalist who was involved in the Pe’sla acquisition who told me he had heard Wounded Knee was for sale, but that he did not have the energy to take on this fight at the time. I replied to the message asking if it was true and instead of writing to me, Czywczysnki contacted the owner of Native Sun News, the legendary Tim Giago.

In the email exchange between the two, Czywczysnki told Giago that he was indeed looking to sell Wounded Knee. His reasoning for choosing Native Sun News as the first paper to break the story was that he “respected” Tim Giago for telling both sides of the story on what took place at Wounded Knee in 1973. Many people, who know about the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in the 1970s but are not from the reservation themselves, have gained their knowledge from the literary narrative that has been established over the last four decades. There is a belief that AIM was a group of homegrown liberators; it is true that some were from Pine Ridge and that some of them are still there fighting for the people but they were few. For many others, especially those from the reservation, AIM members are seen as a group of outsiders who dealt some very harsh economic, social, and physical blows to a community of people who had never asked them to come in the first place. Tim Giago and Jim Czywczysnki are two of the latter.

When these two individuals who shared a connection based off of their loosely tied life experiences came together, I found myself- a tribal member, a young journalist, and in my own opinion a student of this era of history- smack dab in the middle of the biggest story in Indian country.

I also immediately considered the economic, spiritual, and educational potential a site like this would hold for both Lakota people and the American public. So I did as I was told; I wrote the story and shared with the world this man’s intentions to sell Wounded Knee and another site for $4.9 million.

Almost instantly, the story went viral, the fairly-new Native Sun News weekly burst on to the national scene, and my journalism career took off.

News outlets from around the world showed up and before anyone knew it, Czywczynski was receiving offers. The Oglala Sioux Tribe began debating what to do, and debating, and debating…

This is an excerpt from an upcoming book that Brandon Ecoffey is writing about the sale of Wounded Knee. Brandon is an Oglala Sioux Tribal member who grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

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ART BEAUTY THROUGH THE LENS In the world of photography, there are a few who take photos simply to capture a moment in time. Zoe Friday, Arapaho from the Wind River Reservation, sees beauty in the world, and uses her camera to capture it

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LIFE ART

Zoe often takes photographs of the Native American culture, but refuses to photograph sacred ceremonies and celebrations.

Currently Zoe is expanding her portfolio by dabbling in fashion and model photography

W

hat’s your tribe? Hinono-eininoo [I am Arapaho in English] from the Wind River reservation.

When did you realize you liked photography? Why do you enjoy it?

I’ve been interested in photography since I can remember. My grandmother would buy me cameras and make me do chores for film. I would take pictures of everything and be a nuisance at times. Polaroid’s were my favorite, because they would give me instant results. My family members were my main victims; I would always take the Polaroid’s out for show and tell.

What are some of your favorite interests or things to photograph?

Photographing people doing things they are passionate about and love. I love to capture scenery that takes my breath away, those moments are hard to come by and are so amazing. I like to look at old photographs of my ancestors and try to imagine what it was like. It promotes a positive healing process of cultural trauma and other adversities we face as Indian people.

Your known to photograph Native culture, why is that?

I’ve grown up on the reservation; culture is what I am most proud of. American Indians have always been my main focus. Their stories are the ones I want to tell. My family has always been involved in our community, especially with our youth. I enjoy volunteering my time working, encouraging and inspiring younger generations to dream big. The message I try to implement is that nothing is impossible, be proud of who you are. Being a photographer has opened up so many doors to help create future leaders and inspire others.

Has your photography made it into any art galleries?

My photographs have been used in my community. I haven’t pursued this area yet but I do see it happening in the near future.

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ART PHOTOS BY TROY BRAVE HEART

[Q&A]

BEAUTIFUL PRIDE Troy Brave Heart, an Oglala Lakota, has only been doing quillwork for a year but in that time has perfected his craft to produce flawlessly beautiful quillwork. Find out why Troy considers Natives, who wear beautiful quillwork, rebels who refuse to submit to the dominate culture by pride.

NATIVE MAX: Where are you from?

TROY BRAVE HEART: My name is Troy Brave Heart and I’m from Rapid City, South Dakota. I’m a member of the Oglala Tribe on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

NM: What inspired you to do quillwork?

It’s something I’ve always wanted to learn how to do so I finally decided I was going to invest the time and effort to learn.

NM: Why do you think the trend of guys and girls wearing quillwork-jewel-

ry and accessories with their everyday looks instead of the typical silver or gold jewelry is growing popular?

TB: I believe that the trend of both women and men wearing quillwork daily is growing because of pride. As Native people in 2013, we don’t have to submit to the dominate culture. We have our own culture that our grandparents went to great lengths to preserve for us to have it today. I think that people are proud to represent and showcase our beautiful culture and art.

NM: What is your contact info for anyone interested in a personalized design?

TB: I can be found on Facebook by searching my name (Troy Brave Heart) or, via email at tbraveheart1@hotmail.com.

[PROFILE]

A CREATIVE DUO Husband and wife Daniel Jim (Dine’) and Janice Black Elk-Jim (Sicangu Lakota) make for a creative duo when it comes to Native artistry. From stone sculpting and metal smith to intricate beading, there’s nothing that they can’t create together utilizing each other’s talents. We chat to Daniel and Janice about their artistry and how they’re amazing partnership shows in their craftsmanship. By Kelly Holmes iel the galleries that represented my work. Visiting many galleries was very influential. I would explain, “This is my next goal for a necklace” At times I do not have time to produce the sterling silver patterns, and he saw my frustration. One day he told me, “I can do that for you” and showed me an entirely different level.

You once stated that your art was a twist to traditional beading, what is that twist?

J: I wanted to take the basic stitch way beyond basic and challenge myself to produce a new fresh look, which I refer to as advanced weave stitch.

You mentioned before you made it through a bout of lupus and kidney failure. Did this help encourage you to create more artwork?

J: While I was in the hospital I received strict instructions to hold myself within my prayers, and stay there. At first it was a chal-

PHOTO BY JESSIE BENNET

Please explain a brief history of how you started your art work.

D: At an early age I started with traditional leather work then onto painting, stone sculpting and eventually metal smith in silver, brass and copper.

J: Actually throughout elementary and into high school, I was heavily into art. My high school art teacher encouraged me to go into ledger drawings. At first I thought, “What is she talking about?” To this day I’m still kicking myself for not taking her advice. I started at age 9 doing stringing, looming but felt frustrated. I had wanted to design with pearls.

How did you and your husband develop a partnership to create your art?

D: The affiliation of two tribal cultures inspired our designs, techniques and ideas.

J: When we first met, I showed Dan-

lenge physically. The Holy ones showed me colors; I paid strict attention to their guiding my life.

As people who express themselves creatively, do you think that artists’ change and grow constantly?

D: We are in constant motion with past, present and future. Past ideas or designs become present for the future.

J: Definitely yes, as we are humans, a creation of Almighty Creator.

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CULTURE

CELEBRATION OF THE YOUTH Now in its third year, the Regeneration Festival was born from the idea of celebrating youth and life. In a community that has struggled with a rising rate of suicide, drug and alcohol addiction, and gang violence among the youth, Lyla Johnston, saw the need to create a positive change and provide an outlet for the youth to be able to express themselves artistically and share their experiences.

BY JOHNNIE SISNEROS

L

yla Johnston, a Taos Pueblo native, knew all too well the struggles they faced because she had once been caught in the same cycle of alcohol and substance abuse and had experienced the heartache of watching friends becoming so lost in their addictions that they took their own lives to escape. It was from her personal experiences that the Regeneration Festival was born.

Originally the festival was to be a gathering of people praying and participating in a Lakota Pipe Ceremony, however, as the planning process began the event grew into a four day event called ‘A Celebration of the Young’. In addition to the prayer and Lakota Pipe ceremony, it was filled with events ranging from a fun run, dance party and Kirtan chants to sweat lodges, workshops, art exhibitions and a feast.

This year’s festival was held at various locations around Taos and included prayer, a skate jam and concert featuring Friend2Foe and Lords of the Willow, nightly sweat lodges, a fun run, mountain hike, heavy metal concert, fashion show, art exhibitions and workshops, a powwow featuring Mixed Company as the head drum group, and a performance by award winning rock band, Sihasin.

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CULTURE LEFT: Head drum group of the event, Mixed Company A father and his children participate in the fun run.

BELOW: The event poster; a father and his children participate in the fun run; art exhibitions and vendors

It was yet again a very successful event, but the Regeneration Festival didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t end in Taos.

Along with the four day event in Taos, there were over twenty-three Regeneration Festivals organized worldwide such as in Florence, Italy; Haridwar, India; Jakarta, Indonesia; Kuranda, Australia; Santiago, Chile; as well as those in Colorado, California, Texas, Alabama, New York and Tennessee. Not all the festivals were four day events and the Regeneration Festival in India was planned to coincide with the Hindu ceremony for siblings. The ceremony known as Raksha Bandhan is a tradition in which a young woman ties a bracelet on the arm of her brother as a token of her love and the brother vows to protect his sister for the duration of their lives. This particular Regeneration Festival was scheduled to coincide with this ceremony to raise awareness to the widespread rape and violence that is inflicted on the women of India. In the three years since its inception, the Regeneration Festival is an event that has expanded from being a celebration of youth and life to becoming an international celebration of social change.

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CULTURE [REVIEW]

AN AUTHENTIC LOOK AT LIFE ON THE REZ There’s no better summarization of the authentic life on the reservation than Keeping Heart on Pine Ridge.

BY JOHNNIE SISNEROS Keeping Heart on Pine Ridge is a compelling anthology of real-life stories that portray the social, political and spiritual aspects of life on the Pine Ridge Reservation written by Vic Glover, a former journalist and Vietnam veteran.

It is comprised of 44 stories that cover everything from rez cars, commods, substance abuse, rez dogs, Indian time, family obligations, Christianity, and tribal customs and values. More often than not, you find yourself laughing, but beneath the humor and compassion there is an undercurrent of sadness and oppression. We are all too familiar with the despair and tragedies that occur on the Rez and Vic Glover is able to seriously reflect on the part that our cultural heritage plays in the way we come together to heal and move forward from past and present afflictions. At the same time, he’s able to capture the true spirit and generosity of our communities and the way we embrace humor to deflect the despair and it leaves you with a greater appreciation of the triumphs and struggles that characterize our contemporary Native communities.

The writing is bold, honest, and engaging and you’re hooked from the very beginning. In the first story, “Generosity”, Glover writes, “Indian people have given everything to America, but they hold the heart. Within that heart lies the ceremonial life, spirit, and ways of the people and within the Ways’ lies the essential nature of helping others”.

Those words really stuck with me because for us, generosity is an inherent necessity and it is something that history has proved will always be taken advantage of.

Many people outside of our culture think that it is foolish for us to be so generous

when we are often of little means, but as natives we were raised to look out for the well-being of our family and that extends beyond blood. It is the way that we have helped each other to survive and the way that we have remained close knitted communities.

In the stories that follow “Generosity”, you are taken through a journey where you meet these amazing characters that you love because they are people we know in our circle of family and friends and it’s what draws you in and gets you emotionally invested. It makes the stories funnier, more heartbreaking and more real because we are all too familiar with the issues and circumstances they face. In one of the closing stories, “The Reason for Being”, Glover writes,

“Sometimes I wonder what the hell I’m doing in Indian Country, sitting out here in the middle of nowhere on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, as opposed to anywhere else in America that I’d rather not be”. It is a question that many of us ask ourselves as we are continually drawn back to the native communities that we call home and it is a question that many outside of our culture ask because all they know of rez life are the negative anecdotes and stereotypes of who we are as Natives. They don’t see the humor, the strength, the perseverance, the love, the beauty or the good that exists beyond our struggles. They don’t understand the power that lies in the way that native communities are able to embrace all aspects of who we are as a people, both good and bad, and make light from darkness. Ultimately, the answer that Glover gives to his own questions is, “Up here just feel right for my skin, although like anywhere you find two-leggeds, you’re gonna find that “People Thing”.

Keeping Heart on Pine Ridge is a refreshing and unforgettable work of literature. From the stories that Vic Glover shares, you get a glimpse of rez life but more importantly you get a glimpse of who Vic Glover is as a Lakota man. He loves and understands the simplicity and the complexity of his community and culture and is able to convey that love and understanding in a way that resonates with native people of all ages.

Keeping Heart on Pine Ridge: Family Ties, Warrior Culture, Commodity Foods, Rez Dogs, and the Sacred. By Vic Glover.

Summertown, TN: Native Voices, 2004.

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PHOTO BY WHITNEY MINTHORN

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATIVE MAX

One year down, a lifetime to go. We’re celebrating Native Max’s anniversary with this birthday issue, catching you up on our first year and what inspired Native Max in the first place

What started as an idea to help promote Native talent is now the popular publication that has taken the publishing industry by storm. Native Max isn’t only a magazine, it’s an evolution. It all started as just a thought –a magazine with Native models wearing Native-designed clothing and articles about Native individuals, one day after school back in fall 2007. To Kelly Holmes, who was 16 years old at the time, this magazine would be an evolution to the growing Native-fashion and entertainment industries, which at the time were hard to break into. Moving from South Dakota to Denver, CO in the middle of high school, Holmes couldn’t seem to fit into her new surroundings. In addition to adjusting to her new school, Holmes faced bullying by girls her age. Holmes, who was an aspiring model and fashion designer, contacted photographers, designers and other models of both Denver and Indian Country to collaborate with, in which she only came up with rejections.

TAKING ACTION Refusing to be discouraged, Holmes decided to pursue her dream of creating and launching a magazine that would set itself apart from other Native publications, by allowing everyone a chance to be featured, regardless of one’s social or financial status.

Holmes wanted to equally cast inspiring individuals to experienced professionals for her magazine, from models, fashion designers and photographers to artists and writers. Holmes wrote her first business plan and detailed plan about how she would set up the magazine’s layout, content and structure of the future team. After five years of attending business classes, entrepreneur workshops, seminars and webinars, Holmes felt she was ready to release Native Max Magazine out of her home in Denver, CO, and their Premiere Issue, set to debut at the end of 2012. On the cover was Mariah Watchman, the first Native

NATIVE MAX TIMELINE

JUST STARTING OUT During the planning stages of Native Max, Holmes drafted up sample covers of what she’d like her magazine to have.

Experimenting with the layout and nature of content inspired the NM logo.

BEHIND THE PREVIEW ISSUE It took several months to complete interviews, coordinate photoshoots and design the Preview Issue

MAKING HEADLINES Native Max and the team made headlines all over the world after the release of the Premiere Issue.

3 ISSUES LATER...

A year later, Native Max has launched the Premiere Issue, Winter 2012 issue, and Spring/Summer 2013 issue.

American model to appear on popular TV show America’s Next Top Model. Watchman, a member of the Umatilla Reservation in Oregon, was excited to be the magazine’s first cover model. Shortly after the release of the Preview Issue, the magazine’s link was shared all over social media, and views reached to hundreds a day. The release of the Preview Issue certainly caused a stir in Indian Country and received attention from all over the world.

NATIVE MAX, ONE YEAR LATER Since the release of the Premiere Issue, Holmes and the team launched entertainment website Native Max Drumbeat. The team also successfully hosted two fashion and music events last year in the southwest, with the first annual Native Max Fashion Week currently in the plans for South Dakota. After four issues, the Preview Issue, the Premiere Issue, Winter Issue 2012 and Spring/Summer Issue 2013, Native Max will be releasing the Fall 2013 issue, the anniversary issue.

With the anniversary of Native Max Magazine, Holmes and the team has certainly proved negative critics and doubters alike wrong. Holmes went against the unspoken code of favoritism and featured everyone who had an inspirational story to share. An inspiration to other Native fashion enthusiasts, Native Max Magazine motivated others to create publications that feature Native fashion designers and models.

The idea of Native Max came to a young girl who wanted to relate to an influential magazine, with stories and fashion ideas that she can understand and relate to.

Despite endless rejection, Holmes learned to become independent and set out to achieve her goal herself. Holmes hopes to inspire other Native individuals to go for their dreams and turn their passions into something big.

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Confidence is key in any situation, whether it’d be in modeling or life in general. Sheila Hollowhorn, Native model, actress, activist and mother, found her confidence and took her career and life to the next level. She shares her secrets to finding confidence. BY KELLY HOLMES PHOTO R. JERAE CHAVEZ

MY CONFIDENCE WITH

SHEILA HOLLOWHORN

S

heila Hollow Horn, Lakota and Dine, got her biggest break of her acting and modeling career as she guest starred on “The Culinary Adventures of Baron Ambrosia” on the Cooking Channel last year. However, it took years of hard work, dedication and confidence to get Sheila to where she is today. Sheila shares her secrets to being confident and why it’s important to act now to reach your goals.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am half Oglala Lakota and half Dine, born and raised on the Navajo reservation. My father is from Wounded Knee, SD and my mother is from Leupp, AZ. I am a proud mother of three beautiful children and we love to travel, hike, and swim and just be together. Family is very important to me and teaching my children about their culture and where they come from is important to me. So while we spend time together as a family I teach them and talk to them about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and knowing ourselves as indigenous people.

When did you start modeling and acting?

I took part in my first film at the age of 7 and did my first runway fashion show at age 9. From that point on the door had opened to an exciting and fulfilling future. Since then I have been a part of many Native and non-native projects which in include Women of the Navajo, Arrow Nation, KCP, Redland Natives and The Young agency, to name a few.

Did modeling help boost your confidence?

Modeling helped me see myself in another light. It gave a visual appreciation for whatever I portrayed through these images.

A lot of confidence came from accepting myself and who I am. In order for me to step in front of a camera and portray confi-

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dence I had to first be comfortable with not only my physical features but with myself as a person. When any person becomes a public figure they must understand why they are doing it and then approach it with that confidence, like modeling.

Why is it important for women to have a lot of self confidence?

Confidence is important because we are the teachers to our children, family and friends.

How we hold ourselves is what we pass onto the next generation.

When do you feel most confident?

When I know what is going on, and when I feel healthy and rested.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned so far?

That nothing is just given. You must work hard to achieve your goals. So when you’re sitting around dreaming about what you wish you had or what you want to accomplish get up and do something every day that will get you to that point.

What was your biggest insecurity growing up and how did you overcome it?

That would be a long list [laughs] but as any young girl you would think it would be my looks but growing up on the Navajo reservation with the last name ‘Hollow Horn’ my native heritage was always pointed out.

Being in the southwest with a northern name, I was questioned all the time as well as poked fun at. This forced me to become

aware of whom I am and accept my differences. This also helped when it came to my physical insecurities.

What is the hardest obstacle you’ve overcome so far?

Learning to take criticism was the hardest for me. I had to learn the difference between constructive criticism and just being insulted, which is counterproductive. I learned that people usually insult you when they feel threatened or don’t understand you.

When you feel like giving up on a goal, what do you tell yourself?

When I feel like everything is coming at me at once and I feel like stopping or giving up, I remind myself that this is what I wanted.

When I get up every day, I work towards an ultimate goal which is to leave a strong legacy for my children, family and people.

I have to tell myself that this is the struggle that every great person throughout history had to go through to get to where they wanted to be. Reminding myself that my children are looking at me with hope and trust and I will not let them down.

ABORIGINAL FABULOUS Bold accessories, hot hats and a major dose of high fashion Turquoise Soul shows us how to stand out of the crowd this fall

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Photography by Reign Wapioke Photo Editing by Jamaal Lewis Styling, makeup and hair by: Wabanoonkwe Accessories by: Turquoise Soul

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Trista Eaglestaff

Amanda Myhre

Photography by Dawnee Lebeau Makeup by Shannon Chasing Hawk Hairstyling by Dawnee Lebeau Apparel by Rez Kid Studio/Danny Butcher Styling by Dawnee Lebeau

Melanie Bearheels

REZ KIDZ Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all rez kids. Models, apparel designer, photographer, makeup artist and editor-in-chief hail from Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota.

Photography by Dawnee Lebeau

Rockilynn Afraid of Hawk

MODELS LEFT TO RIGHT: Nona, Maliyah, Lariah, Peyton, Jaidasyn, Cole, Tayen & Ethan

KID COUTURE

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Whitegrass Boutique shows us that little ladies and gents can rock couture Photography by: Daybreak Creations Designs by: Whitegrass Boutique Whitegrass Boutique

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INTERVIEW

A Story in Montana

Twin directors Alex and Andrew Smith come together with Chaske Spencer for this gritty cult classic

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“This film has been one long devoted vision + quest to translate Welch’s world— the raw, emotionally honest characters, the richly marbled tragicomic plot, and the gorgeous high plains landscape— to the big screen” explains Winter in the Blood directors Alex and Andrew Smith of the film. Winter in the Blood is the gritty story of Virgil First Raise, a Native alcoholic who embarks on a wild and darkly comic odyssey to retrieve his renegade wife— and the beloved rifle she stole. What he ultimately finds in the end is himself.

The film starts with Virgil waking in a ditch on the hardscrabble plains of Montana, hungover and badly beaten. He sees a shocking vision: his father, ten years dead, lying frozen at his feet.

Shaken, Virgil returns home to his ranch on the Reservation, only to find that his wife, Agnes (played by Native actress Julia Jones), has left him. Worse, she’s taken his beloved rifle.

Virgil sets out to town find her— or perhaps just the gun— beginning a hi-line odyssey of inebriated and improbable intrigues with the mysterious Airplane Man, his beautiful accomplice, Malvina, and two dangerous Men in Suits. Virgil’s quest also

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brings him face-to-face with childhood memories, traumas and visions of his long lost brother Mose.

Virgil, bloodied and broken by his quest, realizes that he must look inward for the strength he needs to survive. In the mountains, he seeks out Yellow Calf— an old blind man, who helps him grasp the truth of his origins. By embracing— and no longer fleeing— his memories, Virgil is finally able to thaw the ice in his veins.

Winter in the Blood was the first of five novels written by James Welch, a Native American poet, author, documentary scriptwriter and historical essayist. WINTER in the Blood has long been acknowledged as a primary voice in the Native American Renaissance. It has remained in print for over thirty-five years and is a cornerstone of the Penguin Classics canon. Welch’s total book sales worldwide number over half a million. Equally impressive, Welch’s loyal, diverse, and multi-generational fan base has driven his novels to be translated into eight languages and ensured that they remain mainstays in Native American, Indigenous Studies, and Western Literature classes in universities across the United States, Canada and abroad.

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PHOTO BY MICHAEL COLES

YOUR FIRST FILM TOGETHER, THE SLAUGHTER RULE, PRESENTED A COMPELLING STORYLINE THAT WAS FULL GRITTY EMOTION. DID YOU GUYS WANT TO PORTRAY THAT SAME AFFECTION WITH WINTER IN THE BLOOD? >Andrew & Alex Smith: Yes, it’s our style.

It’s sort of the get-in-there, accurately gritty emotion of how people deal with tough situations. When we work with our actors, we want them to realize their characters, so we make sure we cast great actors. We get the details of the whole film and characters right, and make sure they’re as intense. We sometimes write stuff that are genre-fantastic but with a lot of grittiness to it.

JAMES WELCH WAS A FAMILY FRIEND OF YOURS’, WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE A FILM ADAPTION OF HIS 1974 NOVEL? >There were a lot of factors that inspired us to adapt Winter in the Blood to the big screen. The primary one was that this story haunted us ever since high school. In high school I read the book and have known Jim prior to that and I was very fond to him, I looked up to him. Then I read the book and the book kicked my butt. The story was heartbreaking and unique. Over time I read the book when I missed Montana. Whenever I felt a little lost, it was a way to touch home for a little bit for my brother and me. A friend of ours read the book in one sitting and asked us why we didn’t make the novel into a film yet. We thought about it and agreed. We sat down and talked to Jim’s widow about the idea and story and she was open to adapting the novel. We reached out to other Native American authors such as Sherman Alexie for help and assistance, as they were open to the idea of that, and they helped us get it going.

The book has been in print for forty years and is taught around the world, there hasn’t been

a screen adaption of any of his five novels and Winter in the Blood is kind of a landmark novel, very cinematic.

It was challenging but its visual is powerful.

We dove in and adapted it HOW DID YOU GUYS TAKE TO CHASKE PORTRAYING VIRGIL FIRST RAISE? >It was a big plunge of faith and trust to have him be the lead in the film. We didn’t screen test him but heard that he was wonderful to work with. He’s the main character and carries the whole thing. He was more than what we expected. He was amazing. He got into character, and because he grew up in Montana and Idaho he became a part of his character. He figured out the limp for the character and ate cheeseburgers to match his character. We were blown away. We spent a lot of time with him driving to the set. I spent a lot of time with him. When we were shooting, he did the heavy lifting. He’s a really great human being.

WHAT IS THE ULTIMATE MESSAGE YOU WANT WINTER IN THE BLOOD TO CONVEY TO THE AUDIENCE? >That’s a tough question, it’s more of a having a good story told than conveying a good message. We wanted to have a contemporary Native American character dealing with trauma and loss, and picking bad ways to deal with it, but ultimately finding better ways to deal. How we deal with adversity is the ultimate message. Virgil goes to his ancestors and where he’s from to deal with his adversity.

IN YOUR OPINION, WHY IS WINTER IN THE BLOOD A GREAT ADDITION TO THE LIST OF OTHER POWERFUL FILMS THAT SURROUND NATIVES? >Well, the book like I said is a landmark novel, and taught in literature all over the world and has been translated into eight different languages. It’s sort of marked the start of Native Renaissance, which hasn’t been captured on film very well. It gives an unseen piece of America. This film features Native American

crew, a story about a Native American by a Native American author, it’s more authentic.

HOW WAS PLAYING YOUR CHARACTER, VIRGIL, DIFFERENT FROM YOUR OTHER FILMS? >CHASKE SPENCER: There’s a huge difference. Of all the films I’ve done, I like Winter in the Blood the most because it brought out the artistic side of film making and I wanted to be a part of that. I loved working with Alex and Andrew and working in Montana, I was really inspired by that. It was different doing an independent film, because the other films I was a part of were huge studio movies. I think you have more artistic freedom and I was excited to work on that.

HOW DID YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR ROLE? >CS: The book helped out a lot. Going through it helped me find the beat of the character. I got to location early and spent time with the crew and the directors. I gained weight to fit character by not working out or eating healthy. I found that sluggish weight and it helped me fit that mood and atmosphere of the character. I thought about people I knew and that’s what also helped pull me into Virgil.

HOW DID YOU GAIN THAT SLUGGISH WEIGHT FOR YOUR CHARACTER? >CS: I stopped working out. I had a short time to gain all this weight and I just ate whatever I could, from cheesecake to cheeseburgers. I stopped working out completely. I gained it pretty fast and I had a pretty big gut from the beginning of filming to the middle.

That’s what I wanted for my character; I just wanted Virgil to be as real as possible so the audience can relate to him and see the caliber of the character. I wanted him to be believable especially to someone on the reservation, for someone to recognize him as a cousin or uncle. Weight gain was one of them.

DID YOU EVER RELATE TO VIRGIL? >CS: When you’re an actor, you have to find ways to relate to your character. There are a few aspects that I was able to relate to Virgil, but at the end of the day it’s not me but a character I’m playing. I can see points of correlation with him but I’m really nothing like Virgil actually. As an actor you have to find points, that can bring you into character and I found certain things, which helped me find Virgil.

WHAT IS THE ULTIMATE MESSAGE VIRGIL CONVEYS TO THE AUDIENCE? >CS: I think it’s about healing and letting go.

At the beginning Virgil is a broken man and at the middle of the film you see him start to put the pieces back together and the healing process begins. That’s what I want the audience to come out with, this universal message; anyone can relate to that.

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PRIDE ON THE COURT An in-depth preview of Pride & Basketball

C

innamon Spear of the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation in Montana, wanted to document this pride and lifestyle of basketball. Although the documentary portrays the boys’ basketball team in Lame Deer, MT, she speaks for every reservation with her story. What started out as a thesis is now a breakthrough documentary that has already established a fan base throughout Indian Country and will soon hit the shelves.

We reviewed the short documentary and chatted with Cinnamon Spear about her purpose for the film and why it’s an effective option of educating uninformed individuals around the country.

What is your documentary about?

On the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, basketball is more than a game.

It is our lifestyle. “Pride & Basketball” is the first film exploring the interesting and serious dynamic between high school boys’ basketball and warriorism- from an insider’s perspective. The game brings individual, familial, and communal pride to the residents of Lame Deer, Montana; this 32-minute piece highlights that. It also reveals how historic rivalries between neighboring tribes and non-Native race relations are relived on the court. This unprecedented release gives insight to how it has become a culture within a culture to develop the love for basketball at a very young age- because this is where we get our glory. The film further provides testimony to how some basketball stars live life, or remain in death, with a legacy that precedes them. As the viewer will come to find, the basketball court is one of the only places

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where Native children are truly praised and empowered, where socioeconomic status bares no relevancy. “It’s you against me; and I’m better than you.”

What inspired you to create a documentary on the pride of basketball on your reservation?

More academically, Native Americans have been burdened with misrepresentations for centuries, dating back to the earliest accounts of the “New World” documented

by European explorers. Non-Native drawings and writings have been the basis for creating many harmful misconceptions that remain stubbornly embedded in the American psyche. Society possesses varying degrees of what David Treuer, an Ojibwe writer and critic, calls an “exoticized foreknowledge” due to these romanticized images that have flooded the American mindset by Hollywood and mainstream media. Most recently, music artists and the fashion industry have taken to horrid accounts of cultural appropriation. I believe I had gone to Dartmouth College as a representative from the Northern Cheyenne Nation. I developed my thesis, entitled Northern Cheyenne Pride, as a direct response to the ages of misrepresentation that have oppressed Indian people. Only recently, Natives have begun to address institutionalized racism utilizing forms of mass communication such as multimedia, social media, and video. My work with the award-winning documentary filmmaker and Indigenous activist, Alanis Obomsawin (Abenaki), has allowed me to understand the accessibility and power of film. This piece is my personal attempt to combat the aforementioned inac-

curate, preconceived ideas. My film work is a solid example of positive self-representation that disassembles popular ideas and reveals the true complexities of real life for members of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe living on the reservation in southeastern Montana. I chose the topic of basketball purposefully, to rejuvenate a sense of pride in my community by simply highlighting who we are and what we are doing as a people, and putting these images back in front of them. I want my people to see themselves and their relatives “on screen,” and not the careless, manufactured Hollywood version that too often fills the space in front of them.

Why do you think pride for basketball is so strong on your reservation?

Traditionally, our tribe was politically governed by seven warrior societies and young men were recognized and honored for warriorism, advancing to a level of stature that could never be taken from them, despite any future social failings. In the post-colonial era, I have witnessed how the basketball court has transformed into that modern-day battlefield where our male youth are acknowledged for bravery and leadership. Basketball has the ability to make our boys, families, and entire reservation proud. Being one of few who has come from the reservation and achieved in higher education, at an Ivy League level no less, I am constantly told by members of my community that, “We are proud of you!” But I wanted to use my Master’s thesis as an opportunity to turn around and tell the members of my community that they are special, beautiful, and I am also equally proud of them.

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FREE THE BOOTY For the last twelve years, Chrystalline, a DJ and vocalist of Taos Pueblo, has kept the national and international dance floors moving with her “signature style of FUN-ky soul moving rhythms”

By Johnnie Sisneros

A

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRYSTALLINE

s one of the top female Djs in the industry, she has worked with several well known Djs including s one of the top female Djs in the industry, she has worked with several well known Djs including Ben Watt, Mark Farina, Miguel Migs, Heather, Tortured Soul, Woody McBride, Dayhota, Justin Long, Roy Davis Jr., Keith MacKenzie, King Britt, The Scumfrog, Spettro and Lady D. However, Chrystalline is not just a DJ. She is a mother, a wife, and founder of Lady Djs (a production company that promotes and supports female DJS) and The Giving Tree (an outreach ministry that provides free food and clothing to those in need). We wanted to know more about her outlook on her native ancestry, her music and life and this is what she had to share.

Where did you grow up and how did that shape who you are?

I grew up in Albuquerque. My dad was an alcoholic, and he and my mom divorced when I was two. She remarried, and we moved to Albuquerque. It wasn’t until I graduated from college and moved back to Taos, that I actually lived on the reservation with my father. I lived with him for seven years. It was a very healing experience to live there, to reconnect with my roots, and learn my culture. It gave me an understanding of my identity that had been somewhat missing, it also slowed me down enough to appreciate and see the beauty in such a rich landscape and simpler

way of living.

What were some of the musicians you draw inspiration from?

Dj Mark Farina was initially my greatest inspiration. As a dancer, I always enjoyed his steady groove that just kept the dance floor going – that compiled with his funky, jazzy, and uplifting beats. My music selections were most like his early on. Now with so many Djs and access to multitudes of genres and sounds, I’m pretty inspired with any Dj that plays from a deep place within their soul, who clearly loves what they are doing, and sharing that with others.

Did music help mold your philosophy on life?

Music has always been a way for me to express myself and connect with others and Spirit. As a native person, one of our biggest hurdles is overcoming years of entrenched oppression that came with early conquers.

With lands being taken, and our people told not to express their beauty, so much gets bottled up. Much of my family took to alcohol as a means of release and a way to express, but ultimately it only keeps people more oppressed, depressed and stuck – with many young people dying way too early. Music became my release instead of alcohol or drugs.

It opened my eyes to a world of healing and joy. Through music, art, and dance I can work through, and process my emotions, and express myself in a healthy way.

What genre would you classify the music you DJ? I dj House music. From Tribal percussion to spicy, hip shaking Latin beats, infusing light-hearted 20’s swing with disco grooves to soulful gospel house and building to energizing electro and uplifting progressive house rhythms. As a producer and vocalist I have made gospel house, down tempo, and alternative.

Where do you get inspiration to create a new song/album?

Sometimes a general idea -like repeating the same phrase in multiple languages, or a simple drum sample from an old record, or a dream, or an emotional experience.

What do you want people to feel when they listen to your music?

Happy, energized, uplifted, joy – I want them to feel like dancing!

How do you give back to your community?

I founded and run a ministry called The Giving Tree in 2011. We give out food and clothing for free every Friday between 9 AM and 6 PM. Right now we serve 185 families every week and growing. We have over 540 registrants, serving over 1600 individuals.

I also create regular all-ages dance events for the community where we have various guest Djs, and I dj as well. I would like to grow all organic, non-GMO food for the entire Taos Pueblo next grow season.

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CREATIVE GENIUS Creative genius Nataanii Means (Oglala Lakota/Diné) is a man of talent –not only does he rap and make music, he has a passion for creating movies and acting. By Kelly Holmes Photo by Terrorography Native Max: Where did you grow up and how did that shape who you are and your talents?

I grew up in Chinle, AZ in the heart of the Navajo Nation; from a baby until I graduated high school. I could say a lot about growing up there and I do in my music, but, it was great now that I look back on it. I do wish the schools had taught more about being Diné, and had it more in their curriculum. I wasn’t totally isolated but sometimes it felt like Chinle was it, which was where I was going to be for the rest of my life. I give credit to my brother for pushing me and forcing me to go to college in Santa Fe. Once I went to college I realized how different reservation life was from the rest of the world.

NM: Besides handgames, what are your other interests?

Well, I’m going for my BA in Filmmaking at the Institute for American Indian Arts. I like creating movies and the whole process of it, as well as acting. I’ve made some short films and I recently landed a role in a feature film that’s coming out called “Drunktowns Finest”, directed by Sydney Freeland. I play the role of Ruckus. I also make music - I rap and I consider that my biggest passion because I have a

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lot to say.

NM: When did you realize your creativity?

How did you explore that?

I started writing when I was 12 years old, I didn’t take my music seriously until I was a sophomore in college. My friend Tyler Peyron helped me a lot and started recording me. He has a label called True Pride Music, and after a few people listened to some of my songs they could relate to them. That’s the best feeling in the world, when someone says “I’m going through exactly what you talked about man” Growing up on the reservation and leaving, you tend to look at the world through a different angle, if you want to. I don’t want to sound bad but ignorance is a disease in Indian Country. My music explores that.

NM: Did being so creative help mold your philosophy on life?

I grew up learning Lakota, Diné, And Omaha values. I was always told to be grateful, pray, live humble, and always know humility. Being creative is just a testament of where I come from, who I come from, and our history as Indian people. I want people in this country to know our story, our story as forgotten people.

Film and music seem like the best way to reach out there.

NM: Any new releases come out within the past year? Any upcoming projects?

I’ll be releasing my first LP this fall called “Two Worlds” and it will also be free to download.

I’ll also have free CD’s.

NM: What do you want people to feel when they listen to your music or watch your film?

I want them to understand how it feels to be a young American Indian person living in today’s world, how much pressure is upon us to keep our ways and our language alive, to live on the reservation, as well as live off the reservation. I rap about being human, our temptations, the good and the bad in life, love, loss. My music speaks for itself, just listen.

NM: Where do you see yourself in five years?

NM: Hopefully on everyone’s playlists.

NM: How do you give back to your community?

When I get my degree I’ll give back with my films with free shows I can do with the youth and I’ll have a few workshops lined up for the kids. I have nothing but love for where I come from and it’s made me who I am today. I just want to make my Indian people, as well as my ancestors, proud, especially my father.

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