Native Wisdom Beauty Products

Story and Photography by Marilyn Angel Wynn

Generally I don't endorse products, especially on my blog. Except for now, I'll make an exception and mention Native Wisdom Beauty. I'm using some of their products and have been delighted to see real results.

Last fall I was in Denver for a family reunion. Through Facebook, I connected with FB friend Jennifer Wolf, a Ponca tribal member and Herbal Research Chemist. At that time my company, Native Stock Pictures, was interested in photographing Native American business owners. She volunteered as her profession was a research chemist who had been employed with the FDA (Food & Drug Administration). She also owned a small home-based business with a line of beauty products.

After we wrapped up our photo shoot, Jennifer gave me a few samples of her skincare products. She placed inside my camera bag a nice sized tin of Honeysuckle Body Butter and a bottle of her Blueberry Body Wash. It wasn't until I flew back home, unpacked when I began using her gifts daily. A few weeks later, I realized how my dry skin was improving. Scented with lovely flowery fragrances, I craved healthy living each time I used the delicious smelling cream or soap.

Jennifer's story is a familiar one today. Even though she had a prestigious career with the FDA, Jennifer dreamed to be a 'stay at home' mom. To financially help with the transition, Jennifer teamed up with her sisters to create Native Wisdom products. "As Native Americans, it was important to us to look to Mother Earth for answers on how to create natural products safe enough for a baby, but exquisite enough for the whole family" explained Wolf. All three sisters agreed to only use the finest potions used by indigenous cultures around the world.

Native Wisdom skincare products are all formulated with ingredients such as acai and blueberry extract, shea butter with honey and chamomile. Basically, anything that is good enough to eat! Native Wisdom Beauty combines traditional indigenous herbalogy with the latest in break-through technology to create sumptuous products. Did I mention my own itchy dry crepe skin? It's starting to take on the look of it's plump youthful self again. After summer, my feet resemble #1 sandpaper and feel like that of a bristle pad. When I started to rub them with Native Wisdom's non-greasy body butter each night I was surprised at the outcome.

You are probably as skeptical as I would be reading this. It's just that these results are for real. The products work. BTW, except for the first gift samples during our photo shoot, I've not received any endorsements what-so-ever! I just think that a wonderful natural product should be shared with other consumers. Another plus is that a portion of online sales benefit the American Indian College Fund.

I'd be interested to know if any of you are already using these fabulous skincare products. Or if you start using any of the lotions or soaps by Native Wisdom then fill me in on your results. I know that I'll be ordering more from Native Wisdom soon.

Children: Keepers of Tradition

Here's a 5 minute multimedia video titled " Children: Keepers of Tradition" produced by Angel Wynn of NativeStock Pictures.
Native Stock Pictures is now a full service multimedia provider. Using colorful Native American Indian photographs and stock footage with quality sound to create short productions for websites, business and education needs. "Because of recent web content demands and my original background in the film industry," comments Wynn, "it's a real natural to produce programs using stock photos and footage from my archives."
NativeStock's specialty niche is documenting America's First Nations. NativeStock's summer shooting schedule has a heavy lineup of events that include traditions, demonstrations, languages and more. Share your ideas and suggestions with Wynn by contacting her at angel@nativestock.com. In the meantime, enjoy this latest slide show "Children: Keepers of Tradition."

VIEW VIDEO HERE:

Wanted: Native Models, Arizona

Photographer in Arizona hiring Native Americans to model for various photo shoots.

Photos of traditional and contemporary models previously hired by Nativestock Pictures

For the winter season I'm moving the Nativestock Pictures office and studio to Arizona. In the next few months (January, February and March) I'll be hiring Native American models. There's no experience neccesary. If you are interested then kindly contact Angel Wynn by sending a comment with this blog or you can email her directly at angel@nativestock.com. A current photo of model is appreciated.

Here is a list of some of the scenarios being planned so far:

• Ages 19-29, slender or athletic and outgoing: Eagle Dancer, Hoop Dancer, Man and Woman as Couple, Native Flute Player
• Family of Four: Mother, Father, sister, brother (children ages 6 thru 13)
• Pottery maker from molding clay, firing and painting.
• Traditional Storyteller (elder preferred) in coyote cape or similar outfit, rattle or drum with small group of 2-4 children
• Any large wind powered turbines with one parent and child or grandparent and child
• Historic Native re-enactors on horseback
• Other suggestions will be appreciated
  

More Model Photos from Previous Shoots:

All photos by ©Nativestock.com/Marilyn Angel Wynn

Winners: 2009 Native American Music Awards

ELEVENTH ANNUAL
NATIVE AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS
2009

Photo By: ©Marilyn Angel Wynn/Nativestock.com

WINNERS

Listen To Winning Songs and Artists

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Jan Michael Looking Wolf
The Looking Wolf Project


BEST BLUES RECORDING
Dancing In The Rain
Graywolf Blues Band


BEST COMPILATION RECORDING
Bitter Tears Sacred Ground
Joanne Shenandoah & Michael Bucher

BEST COUNTRY RECORDING
Life Is Calling My Name
Shane Yellowbird


DEBUT ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Skylar Wolf
Devil’s Son


DEBUT DUO / GROUP OF THE YEAR
Will & Lil Jess
Reservation Nights


BEST FEMALE ARTIST
Joy Harjo
Winding Through The Milky Way



BEST FOLK RECORDING
Four Wolves Prophecy
Atsiaktonkie


FLUTIST OF THE YEAR
JJ Kent
Ta Te’ Topa Win



BEST GOSPEL/INSPIRATIONAL RECORDING
Amazing Grace
Lenape Spirits
Wind Spirit Drum


GROUP OF THE YEAR
Brule’
Lakota Piano II


BEST HISTORICAL RECORDING
Native Pride
Thunder Hawk Singers


BEST INSTRUMENTAL RECORDING
Tango!
Gabriel Ayala


BEST MALE ARTIST
Bryan Akipa
Songs From The Black Hills


BEST NATIVE AMERICAN CHURCH RECORDING
Peyote Ways
Primeaux & Mike


BEST NEW AGE RECORDING
Deep Within
Tony Redhouse



BEST POP RECORDING
Na Unu Nahai (Shape Shifter)
Apryl Allen


BEST POW WOW RECORDING
Band of Brothers
Midnite Express


BEST PRODUCER
Kelly Parker
Out Of The Blue


BEST RAP / HIP HOP RECORDING
All Day All Night
Rezhogs


RECORD OF THE YEAR
Earth Gift
Kevin Locke



BEST ROCK RECORDING
Sirensong
Eagle & Hawk


SONG/SINGLE OF THE YEAR
A Change Is Gonna Come
Jana Mashonee


SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Samantha Crain
The Confiscation: A Musical Novella


BEST SPOKEN WORD RECORDING
The Great Story From The Sacred Book
Rain Song/Terry & Darlene Wildman


BEST TRADITIONAL RECORDING
It Is A New Day
Oshkii Giizhik Singers


BEST VIDEO
Movin On
Charly Lowry & Aaron Locklear


BEST WORLD MUSIC RECORDING
Ceremony
Michael Searching Bear


NATIVE HEART
Michael Brant DeMaria
Siyotanka


LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Stevie Salas



LIVING LEGEND
Tommy Allsup


HALL OF FAME
Ritchie Valens

Listen To Winning Songs and Artists

PBS: WE SHALL REMAIN

PBS: WE SHALL REMAIN

This is a bulletin to let all the "Friends of Native America" know about a special TV series that started last Monday evening. Astounding accounts, part documentary and part re-enactments, of significant American Indian History across our nation. As an expert on photographing Native America, Marilyn Angel Wynn of Nativestock Pictures said, "so far from what I have seen from this first episode along with other programing clips, the films are all extraordinary and accurate. I highly recommend this series if you have any interest at all in US history and America's First Nations".

This remarkable television premiere on PBS titled "WE SHALL REMAIN" on the American Heritage program. This special 5 part series titled of WE SHALL REMAIN is a provocative multi-media project that establishes Native history as an essential part of American history. The not-to-be-missed episodes and show dates are:

Episode 1 April 13 After the Mayflower
In 1621, the Wampanoag of New England negotiated a treaty with Pilgrim settlers. A half-century later, as a brutal war flared between the English and a confederation of Indians, this diplomatic gamble seemed to have been a grave miscalculation

Episode 2 April 20 Tecumseh's Vision
In the course of his brief and meteoric career, Tecumseh would become one of the greatest Native American leaders of all time, orchestrating the most ambitious pan-Indian resistance movement ever mounted on the North American continent.

Episode 3 April 27 Trail of Tears
Though the Cherokee embraced “civilization” and won recognition of tribal sovereignty in the U.S. Supreme Court, their resistance to removal from their homeland failed. Thousands were forced on a perilous march to Oklahoma.

Episode 4 May 4 Geronimo
As the leader of the last Native American fighting force to capitulate to the U.S. government, Geronimo was seen by some as the perpetrator of unspeakable savage cruelties, while to others he was the embodiment of proud resistance.

Episode 5 May 11 Wounded Knee
In 1973, American Indian Movement activists and residents of the Pine Ridge Reservation occupied the town of Wounded Knee, demanding redress for grievances. As a result of the siege, Indians across the country forged a new path into the future.

photography by: ©Marilyn Angel Wynn

Left to right: Photo-assistant Julie Teton, model Leo Teton, photographer Marilyn Angel Wynn, model James Tone

After spending years to photograph hundreds of American Indian tribes throughout North America, it takes dedication, focus and lots of travel. These pictures make up a large photo archive called the Nativestock Collection. Each year I pack up my camera gear and head out to tribal communities. Through research and some scouting, I look for individuals that know their culture, special events, historic exhibits and any other unique photo opportunity found on reservations and traditional homelands. You may have a suggestion about a special event, tourism in your area, people willing to model or for any other reason that I should come to your area. How about being hired as my photo-assistant? I pay individuals a day-rate and models by the hour. No experience necessary. You only need to be familiar with locations in your neck of the woods and know a handful of tribal members that are artisans, elders, leaders and traditionalists of any age. Maybe you have a family member that would like to be hired as a model or assistant. Post a message in the comment area or email me at nativestock@mac.com with your contact info and why you think I should come to your area for a photo-shoot. For some individuals, this opportunity could turn into a career in location scouting, assisting other photographers or a job on local film production. A few States that are on my wish list to photograph a tribal community or reservation are with an assistant for a few days are Kansas, Minnesota, Maine, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Washington and Colorado. I'm open for all areas in Indian Country and I plan to hire an assistant for a few days at each location. If you are a tribal member and interested to work with me as an assistant on one of my photo shoots, or know anyone else that would like this paid opportunity, then send me a note. Tell me a little about your homelands and why you feel it needs to be documented with pictures. Oh and by the way, those interested need to have a good sense of humor to apply for this position.

Target areas and events planned for 2009:

• Seneca, Niagara Falls NY
  
• Mohawk territory, Canada
  
• Ojibwe Tribe, Land of Lakes
  
• Spirit Journey, West Coast
  
• Mescalero Apache, NM
  
• Cayuse, Umatilla, Oregon
  
• Klamath Rez, Oregon
  
• Sioux Artist Ride, South Dakota
  

Join Native American Network: ORIGINS TV

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Indian Country Travel & News

Our members include Russell Means, Native American Music Awards executives, Shinning Elk Entertainment, NativeStock Pictures, On Native Ground Radio and many more...

The Origins TV is a prophesy of Indigenous proportion, a meeting place, where content developers of Native American and Indigenous media vent.

Native American NEWSPAPERS

Research Tribal Newspapers and The Web Before You Go

Photography By: ©Marilyn Angel Wynn/Nativestock Pictures

Before visiting an area to photograph, in Indian Country USA, I do the research. One of my main tools for information are tribal newspapers for stories of annual events, new developments and interesting people. I to be a subscriber of many of these weekly's and monthly's. On occasion I've even placed ads in some to hire models or look for an assistant. Now, instead of the printed versions, I go straight to a tribal newspaper's website to search through a wealth of information. Their stories vary from governmental issues to special events all the way down to local gossip on the rez. Photo researchers that call my office looking for images of specific current happenings, which I generally do not have at the time of their request, are directed to a tribal community paper or one of the National Native American circulations. Here's a list with links to many of my favorite websites to gather information.

• Native Radio
• The Navajo Times
• The Cherokee Phoenix
• The Eastern Door
• Lakota Country Times
• ShobanNews
• Shastawind News
• NativeBiz
• Potawatomi Traveling Times
• Indian Country Today
• NativeWeb News
• Turtle Island Native Network
• Navajo/Hopi Observer
• News from Indian Country
• Red Lake News
• Indianz
• Native American Times

Let me know your favorite newspapers or websites that you use. I'd like to hear from you.

The Cherokee Phoenix was one of the first tribal newspapers published in the early 1800's using both english and the Cherokee syllabary language. The Phoenix press was located in New Echota Georgia and began distribution several years before the infamous Trail Of Tears.

Hollywood Movies Indian Style

photography by: Marilyn Angel Wynn

As part of my business of Indian Country travel and photography, I'm always in search of historic and contemporary films for entertainment that are primarily based on tribal cultures. Most of the stories are drama based but you will find some genuine Indian humor scattered throughout a couple of scripts. Here's a list I made up of 16 movies (Hollywood-style) that, to various extents, present Native Americans where the script content is realistic and somewhat accurate. They range from feature films where the narrative genre involves reservation life today, historic periods, specific events and includes documentary films. These are movies that I've personally watched and feel that they all, on the most part, provide a respectful image of Native Americans and other Indigenous cultures around the world. This list is in no special order. Many of these films are available at BlockBusters.com where you can view detailed information on each film, such as actors, directors, etc. Sometimes an included plot summary is provided. Suggestions to include other films are welcome.

MOVIES:

• Whale Rider
• Rabbit Proof Fence
• A Man Called Horse
• Last Of The Mohicans
• The Last Of His Tribe: Ishi
• Skins
• Dreamkeeper
• Wardance
• Thief of Time
• Water
• Little Big Man
• Dances With Wolves
• Edge Of America
• Smoke Signals
• End Of The Spear
• Pow Wow Highway

An Inheritance Of Arrowheads

A Purpose in Life...To Photograph Tribal Nations

It all began when I inherited a few ancient stone tools and arrowheads. That was when the moment when I dreamed up this awesome career, at least for me anyway. This self-created job description was to "specialize and photograph American Indian culture's for the who's who in publishing".

Now after several years of travel to document Native America, reading hundreds of books and speaking with a variety of tribal elders, I dreamed of another project. Through much research, I came across many inspirational speeches from tribal members past and present who eloquently spoke of their spiritual philosophy on living.

In fact, this obsession with photographing American Indian tribes and to read their leaders quotes, inspired me so deeply that I set out to self-published a book. Titled 'Voice of the Spirit: Words of Wisdom From Indian Country USA' this photo book was designed to include my own personal selection of 100 of my favorite photographs I've had the honor to capture along with snippets of meaningful quotes so eloquently spoken by Native people recorded throughout post-contact.

Here is a small sample of photographs and exerpts from my book 'Voice of the Spirit'.

"Knowledge is inherent in all things. The world is a library" -Chief Standing Bear

"When you see a new trail, or a footprint you do not know, follow it to the point of knowing" -Uncheedah

"Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself" -Chief Seattle