The Rainbow Boy

Here's a film project that I feel and care deeply about. I'm a backer and hope that you will donate a little something too once you watch this trailer.

THE RAINBOW BOY MOVIE INTRO TRAILER


Norman Patrick Brown is an independent Navajo filmmaker making a movie about his people with a universal message about the human relationship to Mother Earth. What began as a "short video story" has blossomed into an independent feature film with inspiring acting performances by new Navajo actors, and wonderful technical production values. This movie is a co-production between Brown's company REZWOOD ENTERTAINMENT and 220-PRODUCTIONS.

With your help we can make this feature film a reality. I hope you will join me in contributing to THE RAINBOW BOY film project. Donations start at $15. If you make one for $25 then you will receive a film credit. For a $50 or more donation you will receive a DVD, location tours and much more, depending on how high you contribute.

The Rainbow Boy is an allegorical tale about the consequences of loss of culture and human devastation of planet earth. The story tells about an ancient Navajo warrior, Eagle Catcher, who enters a sacred cave despite an ancient prophecy that warns against entering the cave. Eagle Catcher is transported to the future, which is our own present day USA, where he sees and lives the prophetic devastation of modern humans. His arrival profoundly affects young Ozzie Yazzie, a modern Navajo punk kid struggling to understand his own identity and culture.

As of March 2010, there are five more days of principle photography to be completed, which includes locations in Gallup, New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. Funds derived through Kickstarter will pay for the final five days, and also go towards the final editing and completion of the original score and soundtrack of The Rainbow Boy.

The goal of the producers of THE RAINBOW BOY is to seek and acquire distribution for the International European and American audiences. As of this writing the film has one American and two international distribution companies interested in distributing THE RAINBOW BOY, but first the producers must finish the film. The movie will be premiered in the five different agencies of the Navajo Nation, and Gallup, New Mexico. Other plans include a grassroots tour of Europe, Native American communities, and film festivals.

2010 Census Important For Native Americans

WHY THE 2010 CENSUS IS IMPORTANT TO ALL AMERICAN INDIANS

Photographs by:

Marilyn Angel Wynn / Nativestock.com

Should I Identify as Native American in the 2010 Census?

Any US citizen can. Even if you are of another race.

It is absolutely critical that all “non-enrolled” Native Americans, and those people that can prove lineal descent from a Native American ancestor, self-identify as “Native American in Combination with One or More Races” when completing their 2010 Census questionnaires! Get the message out – pass this along to your family members and other Indian friends.

Results of the 2000 Census
For the first time ever, the 2000 Census measured “Native Americans in Combination with One or More Races,” That number totaled 4,119,301. The number of Americans that reported themselves “Native Alone” was 2,475,956 (these are considered predominantly enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe. The difference between these two numbers equals 1,643,345. This is significant because this 1,643,345 represents the number of persons that self-identified as “mixed-blood”

It must be pointed out that the 2000 Census was “flawed” - in that it did not provide a method to distinguish what percentage of the 1,643,345 were enrolled members of a federally recognized Indian tribe that chose to identify using this category only. However, it is generally accepted that the vast majority of these (perhaps exceeding 90%) are “non-enrolled” members of a federally recognized Indian tribe.

Many of them are likely to be direct lineal descendents of an “enrolled” member that do not qualify under tribal membership policies that impose a “Content of Degree of Indian Blood” (CDIB) requirement, yet they feel strongly tied to their Indian ancestral heritage. (Example: The great-grandchildren of a ‘full-blood’ Indian will not meet a 25% CDIB).

The 2010 Census will correct this flaw to obtain accurate measures. This is due to the importance these numbers have related to funding formulas directly linked to the federally recognized tribes.

Reasons for Self-Identifying as Mixed Blood Indian in 2010
There are several reasons why “non-enrolled” Native Americans, and those people that can prove lineal descent from a Native American ancestor, should self-identify as Mixed Blood Indians:

1. The 2010 Census can accurately enumerate the number of mixed blood Indians in America that still feel strongly linked to their Native American ancestry.

2. It can be used as an indicator that identifies “unmet need” for the Native American population that is “not served” or “underserved.”

How will this benefit Mixed Blood Indians in the United States? The Census is the single most important event in America that drives all Federal “Formula” and “Need-Based” funding decisions for the next 10-year period. Mixed bloods must not miss this opportunity to document the need! Various American Indian organizations will use these Census 2010 figures over the next 10 years to apply for charitable services and grant programs to meet the needs of non-enrolled Mixed blood Indians. While most federal dollars are earmarked only for use by ‘federally recognized’ tribes – there remains millions of dollars that are “set-aside” to serve Native American Indians that live off reservations. These funding opportunities are made available to “organizations that serve Native Americans.”

· Housing, housing assistance, and homeless programs.
· Education and education assistance projects.
· Economic assistance and employment assistance programs.
· Scholarly cultural and heritage research about the Metis Nation.
· Health and wellness, substance abuse, and social justice funding.
· Financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and business financing loans.

IT ALL BEGINS WITH THE 2010 CENSUS

· Identify as Native American in Combination with One or More Races
· Get the word out quickly – pass this website link along


PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITIONS:
www.thepetitionsite.com/1/help-stop-native-american-discrimination
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/federal-recognition-for-chickamauga-cherokee-indian-creek-band

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/cherokeeheritageNA?e

Photography: ©Nativestock.com/Marilyn Angel Wynn

Origins of Native American Beadwork

Before contact with European civilization, Native Americans were making beautiful objects decorated with natural materials obtained from their own area or through trade. Trade routes crossed the Americas and extended to the Caribbean Islands, giving access to a variety of material: shell, metals, semi-precious stones, bone, ivory, porcupine quills and feathers, to name some of the most common trade items. Beads, painstakingly made from bone and shell, had many uses including breastplates and wampum.

The arrival of explorers and traders from Europe changed the materials Native Americans used, as well as influencing traditional patterns. The Spanish, English, Dutch and French offered glass beads as gifts and used as currency in trade. Native Americans quickly adopted the new material, incorporating glass beads into traditional patterns. Although the first traders offered the finest beads they could get, including amber, glass and faceted chevron beads, soon the Native Americans were asking for beads in specific materials, colors and shapes.

Most of these early beads came from the glass factories of Murano near Venice Italy and a few came from France and the Netherlands. Venetian beads had softer colors than the brighter glass beads made in Bohemia (Czech Republic) that were introduced to the American Indians in the 19th Century. Both the new colors and the more uniform size of the Czech beads appealed to Native American beaders. This resulted in a decline in the use of Venetian beads.

Because the dominant European culture and religion discouraged traditional practices and beliefs, Native Americans began to incorporate traditional concepts into their beadwork. For example, Arctic tribes transformed tattoo patterns into elaborately beaded parkas; Northeast tribes replicated their wampum designs; across the Great Plains certain colors and patterns came to have significant meanings.

As glass beads spread across North America, each tribe used them to express their own patterns and traditions. Today, bead artists borrow beading techniques and patterns from each other. Many create new beadwork patterns based on tribal culture and traditions. Many examples of old style beadwork can be found in museums. While many contemporary designs can be found on ceremonial regalia adorned on traditional dancers attending pow wows today.

Photography by: Marilyn Angel Wynn/Nativestock.com

Happy New Year

Sacred Season Greetings

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

First Thanksgiving in the New World

First Thanksgiving In The New World

The Pilgrims were not in good shape. Nearly half died their first brutal winter. They were without survival skills, lived in dirt covered shelters and there was a shortage of food. They needed help.

The Powhatan Indians brought food to the Pilgrims of Jamestown Colony, located in today's state of Virginia. The indigenous people taught the newcomer's how to hunt, farm the land and shared their ancestral knowledge of medicinal plants. They were also taught to preserve berries, teas and other foods to help them through the cold winter months.

Harvest was a time of sharing. Together, the Wampanoag Indians and the English Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony (what we now know as Plymouth Massachusetts) celebrated the year's bountiful harvest with a feast. Today Americans continue to give thanks through a day of feasting with family and friends.

The First Thanksgiving in the New World.

photos by: ©Marilyn Angel Wynn/Nativestock.com

Home Decorating with Native American Style

Photography by: ©Marilyn Angel Wynn/Nativestock.com

Do you like earth tone colors and Native American style products? Are you considering decorating your home with these items and patterns? Or is your home decor already there? Using Native American Style decor is a great way to help add a sense of peace and harmony to your home while also helping to keep the Native American culture alive. It will transform your house into a sanctuary where you can feel relaxed and at peace. Some of the Native American décor items are simply stunning and can’t be matched by anything else. Most of these designs use the basic colors red, brown, black, green and yellow for the items made.

Many Native American cultures and tribes sell their hand crafted items to make money for the reservation and to help share their culture with the rest of the world. For many, this is the only way to keep their traditions and hand-created artisan items alive in today’s society. Collectable items that truly identify with a specific tribe are Navajo rugs, Northwest cedar carvings and Santa Clara pottery.

From taking many trips throughout Indian Country, I've accumulated hundreds of one-of-a-kind American Indian objects from artifacts to contemporary artwork. Finding places to display the items is my biggest challenge. Keeping clutter down is key to any decorating style. Use enclosed shelf units with glass front doors and hang artifacts on interior walls. This will help with storage and add to the charm of Native culture in your home. Many of my beadwork pieces that are large are placed inside shadow box frames and displayed on walls.

Bold ethnic patterns for sofas and drapes can become too busy. After living with them for awhile can become tiring with too many busy designs. Living room furniture looks best if covered in leather. Instead of drapes windows are covered with woven reed blinds or wood shades. Fabric with tribal designs should be used as accent items such as throw pillows, bedding, place mats, candles and towels. One of my favorite items to decorate with are Pendleton blankets draped over a leather chair or used as a bedspread.

You can find great Native American themed décor items at cultural centers, Native American art shows, directly through artists and even on ebay. Visiting the online gallery at Nativestock Pictures, you can find photographic wall art that represents a little of the mystery found in Native American culture. Simple items can make a big difference in any room.

Framed photographic prints and canvas giclees of well known artwork help fill up large wall space. Frames look best if a victorian style wood or rustic antique frame is used to display the artwork. Antique sepia prints, colorful photographs or litho prints of days gone past can put you in a trance while looking at them. Remember, artwork should resonate and move you personally.

There are many sculptures available that can simply take your breath away when you see them. These are great pieces of art that details everything so perfectly. Bronze sculptures not only look beautiful but they will have a meaningful story that is part of the design. I prefer statues of warriors on horses or wooden carvings of busts to add character to a room. In a corner of my dining there's a full length warbonnet made with imitation eagle feathers displayed on a stand.

Learning about Native American style décor is just as exciting as redecorating your home a few fine pieces. The items all have a special meaning that has an interesting story to tell. This makes this type of décor even more stimulating. You can enjoy sharing the history, story and culture behind each of your Native American pieces with visitors that come to your home. My home? I call it "19th Century Trading Post".

• Indian arts of basketry, pottery, blanket weaving, rug making for collecting
• Drums, sculpture, dream catchers, masks and rattles add mystery
• Indian and Kachina dolls, beadwork, blankets, jewelry and clothing add a woman's touch
• Buffalo skulls, bones, and longhorns bleached by the desert sun
• Animal hides, stone carvings, arrowheads, bow and arrows for the male

Photography by: ©Marilyn Angel Wynn/Nativestock.com

Sedona Sweatlodge Deaths

For the past week I've received numerous calls from friends and clients regarding the recent deaths of the 3 people involved using a sweatlodge at a spiritual retreat in Sedona Arizona. I'm sure you've heard or read about this news by now.

First of all, the operation was commercially run. These people paid $9,000 each to be part of a weekend called "Spiritual Warrior" run by self made spiritual guru, millionaire and non-native James Ray.

Native American people do not charge for sweatlodges. You have to be invited by a tribal member before you can partake of the sweat. Throughout all my time traveling through Indian Country, I've been invited twice and have only participated in one sweat along with seven female tribal members of the Crow Nation. Of course there was no charge.

Of all the dozens of constructed sweat houses that I've come across and photographed, I've never seen as large a one used that is 415 square feet and holds 50 people! The general size of a REAL Native American sweatlodge would hold between 4-10 men or women, depending on size of structure and participants. Also, sweatlodge ceremonies are not of mixed sexes. Men most commonly will sweat first and then afterwards, while the rocks are still hot, the women will have their own time inside. Obviously I'm not a sweatlodge enthusiast. But 2 hours inside the dome-shaped sauna with no breaks or water? The number 4 is very sacred to all tribes and the ceremonies are broken up into 4 sessions so you can remain inside the sweat or come out to drink or drench yourself with water. Or, like my ladies group of sweatlodge participants, have a cigarette.

Sedona Arizona is the laughing stock of spiritual guru hopefuls who make considerable incomes by offering bogus American Indian ceremonies. How come when white's get involved with anything that may help others it's always centered around greed and money? Especially in the spiritual arena that tends to offer non-tangible products.

Ray's recent postings on his Twitter account said he was "shocked and saddened" by the tragedy.
"My deep heartfelt condolences to family and friends of those who lost their lives," he wrote. "I am spending the weekend in prayer and meditation for all involved in this difficult time; and I ask you to join me in doing the same." Great words for a self centered guru trying to cover his ass.

Ray claims to help people achieve both spiritual and financial wealth through his corporation called Harmonic Wealth®. His wisdom and promise is that after one of his retreats "You simply will make more money and become more successful" and "will double, triple, even multiply by ten the size of your business."

One promise of Ray's that was made absolutely true on October 9th was "My five-day "Spiritual Warrior" retreat promises to "absolutely change your life." It did change the lives of three people including their families.

Photos courtesy of Nativestock Pictures

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

BlogTalk Radio Link

• Marilyn Angel Wynn - Native Stock Pictures

with Judy Lopez Tonight!

Call-in Number: (347) 215-8333

Upcoming Show: 10/4/2009 7:00 PM

(6 PM Pacific/9 PM Eastern)

BLOGTALK RADIO LINK TO INTERVIEW

Host Name:	Judy Lopez
Show Name:	Marilyn Angel Wynn - Native Stock Pictures
Length:	1 hr
Description: h:9752 s:720693	Indian Country Traveler and leading supplier of Native American stock pictures to the who's who in publishing. Collection of over 150,000 images of tribal homelands, the people, ancient artifacts, traditional ceremonies and more. Represented by agency giants such as Corbis, Getty, DanitaDelimont, PhotoEdit and more. Wholesale and retail of gallery prints and Native American postcards Marilyn Angel Wynn’s Specialties: The world's leading supplier of Native American Indian imagery with a collection of over 150,000 images. Passionate about indigenous culture and promotes cultural tourism through stories, features, blogs and of course photography. Both traditional and contemporary lifestyles are documented. Free photo research, available for assignments, professional photo/story packages. Author of photo-book "Voice of the Spirit: Words of Wisdom From Indian Country USA" available at Amazon.com Freelance photographer specializing in Native American stock imagery from Indian Country USA. Added new this year are world Indigenous cultures such as the New Zealand Maori, Meso America's Maya and Canada's Northwest Coast tribes.

Radio Interview

Judy Lopez of BlogTalk Radio will be interviewing photographer Marilyn Angel Wynn who specializes in Native American Indian Culture. The program will be live on Sunday evening October 4th at 7PM Mountain Time, 6PM Pacific and 9PM Eastern Standard time. Hope you can join us. You will also be able to call in with your questions.
This is a Podcast so you will also be able to access the interview afterwards at any time or day.

Native American Music Awards

©Marilyn Angel Wynn/Nativestock.com

After tomorrow night we will know the winners of the Native American Music Awards. The winners for this year will be posted on this blog after the event that will be held in Niagara Falls, NY.

Nominees Announced for Native American Music Awards

Nominees Announced for the Eleventh Annual

Native American Music Awards (NAMA)
To Be Held On October 3rd, 2009
In Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls Photo by ©Marilyn Angel Wynn/Nativestock.com

A. ARTIST OF THE YEAR
1. Arvel Bird Tribal Music Suite, Journey of a Paiute (Southern Paiute)
2. Jan Michael Looking Wolf The Looking Wolf Project (Kalapuya – Grand Ronde Tribes)
3. Jana Mashonee New Moon Born (Lumbee)
4. Jim Boyd Harley High (Colville Confederated Tribes)
5. Kevin Locke Earth Gift (Lakota/Hunkpapa Sioux & Anishinaabe)
6. Tony Redhouse Deep Within (Dine)

B. BEST BLUES RECORDING
1. Dancing In The Rain Graywolf Blues Band (Intertribal)
2. Devil’s Son Skylar Wolf (Navajo)
3. Having A Good Time Now Pappy Johns Band (Iroquois)
4. I Don’t Play By The Rules Gary Small & the Coyote Bros (Northern Cheyenne)
5. I’ve Been Driftin From Door to Door Jimmy Wolf (Mohawk)

C BEST COMPILATION RECORDING
1. Bitter Tears Sacred Ground Joanne Shenandoah & Michael Bucher (Oneida/Cherokee)
2. Clear Water Reflections Various Artists (Ute/N Cheyenne/Lakota/Huichol/Ojibwe)
3. Come To Me Great Mystery Various Artists (Intertribal)
4. First Light Golana (Cherokee)
5. NBA Vol 1 JSK Presents (Warm Springs/Wasco/Modoc)
6. Sacred Place Mary Youngblood (Seminole/Aleut)

D BEST COUNTRY RECORDING
1. Live At Totah Theater Desert West (Navajo)
2. Life Aint Hard Ray St Germain (Metis)
3. Out of the Blue Out of the Blue (Cree)
4. Rattle Snake Bruce Hamana (Hopi)
5. Life Is Calling My Name Shane Yellowbird (Cree)

E DEBUT ARTIST OF THE YEAR
1. Apryl Allen Na Unu Nahai (Shape Shifter) (Comanche)
2. Benjamin Grimes Truth (Dine)
3. Dawn Avery Tulpe (Mohawk Haudenosaunee)
4. Jace Martin Jace Martin (Mohawk)
5. Samantha Crain The Confiscation: A Musical Novella (Choctaw)
6. Skylar Wolf Devil’s Son (Navajo)

F DEBUT DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
1. Desert West Live At Totah Theater (Navajo)
2. Jimmy Shendo & Moiety Walking The Life Road (Jemez Pueblo)
3. Lietsoiitah Ye’ii Bi Cheii Singers Lietsoiitah Ye’ii Bi Cheii (Navajo)
4. Out of the Blue Out of the Blue (Cree)
5. Red Hand/White Hand Soothing Spirits (Apache)
6. Will & Lil Jess Reservation Nights (Oglala Lakota)

G BEST FEMALE ARTIST
1. Annie Humphrey-Jimenez The Sound of Ribbons (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe)
2. Jackie Tice Morningsky Drum Song (Cherokee)
3. Joanne Shenandoah Bitter Tears Sacred Ground (Oneida/Cherokee)
4. Joy Harjo Winding Through The Milky Way (Muskogee)
5. Tagaq Auk/Blood (Inuit)
6. Tinesha Begaye Night of The Northern Lights (Dine’ Navajo)

H BEST FOLK RECORDING
1. Christmas On Turtle Island Jonathon Maracle (Mohawk)
2. Four Wolves Prophecy Atsiaktonkie (St Regis Mohawk)
3. Ink Blots and Random Thoughts Tonemah (Kiowa/Comanche/Tuscarora)
4. Papago Warrior P-dub Style Papago Warrior (Tohono O’odham)
5. The Confiscation: A Musical Novella Samantha Crain (Choctaw)
6. The Sound of Ribbons Annie Humphrey-Jimenez (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe)

I FLUTIST OF THE YEAR
1. Bryan Akipa Songs From The Black Hills (Dakota Sioux)
2. Douglas Blue Feather Sacred Space (Cherokee)
3. JJ Kent Ta Te’ Topa Win (Lakota)
4. Kevin Locke Earth Gift (Lakota/Hunkpapa Sioux & Anishinaabe)
5. Mary Youngblood Sacred Place (Seminole/Aleut)
6. R. Carlos Nakai Talisman (Navajo Dine’)

J BEST GOSPEL/INSPIRATIONAL RECORDING
1. Amazing Grace Lenape Spirits (Cherokee/Mic Mac/Lenape)
2. For Our Future Cherokee National Youth Choir (Cherokee)
3. Hand of Jesus Yvonne St. Germaine (Cree)
4. Old Country Church Darrell “Boots” McCallum (Cree)
5. The Father’s Dance Broken Walls (Mohawk)
6. The Great Story From The Sacred Book Rain Song/Terry & Darlene Wildman (Ojibwe/Yaqui)

K DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
1. Black Lodge Spo Mo Tiin Nan (Blackfeet)
2. Brule’ Lakota Piano II (Lower Brule’ Sioux)
3. Eagle & Hawk Sirensong (Ojibway)
4. Primeaux & Mike Peyote Ways (Sioux/Navajo)
5. Rezhogs All Day All Night (Yakama)
6. Tha Tribe Tha Quiet Storm (Navajo/Menominee / Assinaboine/Pima)

L BEST HISTORICAL RECORDING
1. Blackfeet Legends of Glacier National Park Jack Gladstone (Blackfeet)
2. For The Love of Music Wabs Whitebird (Paq’tn Kek)
3. For Our Future Cherokee National Youth Choir (Cherokee)
4. Molly of the Mohawks Augusta Cecconi Bates (Willow Wind)
5. Native Pride Thunder Hawk Singers (Micmaq/Cree)
6. The Cheyenne Dog Soldiers Red Hawk (United Cherokee)

M BEST INSTRUMENTAL RECORDING
1. Dusk To Dawn – Gvwi (Cherokee)
2. Something About The Awakening (Dine)
3. Tango! Gabriel Ayala (Yaqui)
4. The Looking Wolf Project Jan Michael Looking Wolf (Kalapuya – Grand Ronde Tribes)
5. Warriors Last Breath Mike Serna (Apache/Gabrileno)
6. Works By Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate Jerod Tate & San Francisco Symphony & Chorus (Chickasaw)

N BEST MALE ARTIST
1. Bryan Akipa Songs From The Black Hills (Dakota Sioux)
2. Eli Secody Sunrise Love – Happiness with Wifey Over Coffee (Navajo)
3. Gabriel Ayala Portraits (Yaqui)
4. Golana First Light (Cherokee)
5. JJ Kent Ta Te’ Topa Win (Lakota)
6. Michael Bucher Bitter Tears Sacred Ground (Oneida/Cherokee)

O. BEST NATIVE AMERICAN CHURCH RECORDING
1. Faith Kevin Yazzie (Navajo Dine’)
2. Humbly We Pray Delbert Blackhorse (Navajo)
3. Peyote Ways Primeaux & Mike (Sioux/Navajo)
4. Songs of Strength & Beauty Monroe/ByJoe/Turtle/Egawa (Navajo/S Cheyenne/Lummi)
5. The Gift of Life Nikki Begay (Navajo)
6. Thoughts & Prayers Maxine & Guy Tishie (Navajo)

P BEST NEW AGE RECORDING
1. Deep Within Tony Redhouse (Dine)
2. Generations Brian Hammill (HoChunk)
3. Lakota Piano II Brule’ (Lower Brule’ Sioux)
4. Sacred Space Douglas Blue Feather (Cherokee)
5. Songs From The Black Hills Bryan Akipa (Dakota Sioux)
6. Talisman R. Carlos Nakai (Navajo Dine’)

Q BEST POP RECORDING
1. A Change Is Gonna Come Jana Mashonee (Lumbee)
2. Anywhere Leanne Goose (Dene/Inuvialuit)
3. Jace Martin Jace Martin (Mohawk)
4. Na Unu Nahai (Shape Shifter) Apryl Allen (Comanche)
5. No Rez—Ervations Matthew S. Montour (Mohawk-Kahnawake)
6. To Walk In Beauty Spirit Wing (Munsee)

R BEST POW WOW RECORDING
1. Band of Brothers Midnite Express (Ojibway, Sioux, Menominee, Ho-Chunk, Taos Pueblo, Algonquin)
2. Bring Your Feathers In Black Stone (Cree)
3. Faith, Loyalty & Love Youngbird (Pawnee)
4. November Winds Northern Wind (Ojibway)
5. Red Rock Northern Cree (Cree)
6. Spo Mo Tiin Nan Black Lodge (Blackfeet)

S BEST PRODUCER
1. Charles Button & Will Clipman Here & Now
2. Eddie Weber Songs of Strength & Beauty
3. Kelly Parker Out Of The Blue
4. Robert Doyle Talisman
5. Stevie Salas Be What It Is
6. Wolf’s Robe aka Flute Man Ancient Dreams

T BEST RAP / HIP HOP RECORDING
1. All Day All Night Rezhogs (Yakama)
2. The Backside Chase Manhattan (Muscogee Creek, Ojibwe)
3. Native Anthem (Yall Aint Know) Sandy & Chris Hunt, Kash Kow, Lou Nice, Chief, Stoney Creek, Charly Lowry, Aaron Locklear
4. Bluelight Quese Imc (Pawnee/Seminole)
5. The World & Everything In It Team Rezofficial (Cree)
6. Talisman Wasted Talent N8 (Yakama)

U RECORD OF THE YEAR
1. Bitter Tears Sacred Ground Joanne Shenandoah Michael Bucher (Oneida/Cherokee)
2. Earth Gift Kevin Locke (Lakota/Hunkpapa & Anishinaabe)
3. Na Unu Nahai (Shape Shifter) Apryl Allen (Comanche)
4. Songs From The Black Hills Bryan Akipa (Dakota Sioux)
5. Songs of the Navajo James Peshlaka (Navajo)
6. The Looking Wolf Project Jan Michael Looking Wolf (Kalapuya)

V BEST ROCK RECORDING
1. Be What It Is Stevie Salas (Apache)
2. Harley High Jim Boyd (Colville Confedeated Tribes)
3. Just Another Show Tritt Smith (Navajo)
4. Sirensong Eagle & Hawk (Ojibway)
5. Trial By Design Thirtyseven featuring Gregg Analla (Isleta/Laguna Pueblo)
6. Walking The Life Road Jimmy Shendo & Moiety (Jemez Pueblo)

W SONG/SINGLE OF THE YEAR
1. A Change Is Gonna Come Jana Mashonee & Derek Miller (Lumbee)
2. Indian Reservation Michael Searching Bear (Cherokee)
3. Native Americana Keith Secola (Ojibway/Anishnabe)
4. Na Unu Nahai (Shape Shifter) Apryl Allen (Comanche)
5. Riding Free Joanne Shenandoah (Oneida)
6. Witchi Tai To – Joy Harjo (Muskoke)

X SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
1. Chris Tomes & John Lone Eagle Soothing Spirits (Apache)
2. Darryl Tonemah Ink Blots and Random Thoughts (Kiowa/Comanche/Tuscarora)
3. Jace Martin Jace Martin (Mohawk)
4. Gary Small I Don’t Play By The Rules (Northern Cheyenne)
5. Kris DeLorenzi & Jonathan Maracle The Father’s Dance
6. Samantha Crain The Confiscation: A Musical Novella (Choctaw)

Y BEST SPOKEN WORD RECORDING
1. Gift of the Grandchildren Mac Lopez & Grandaughter Kendra Muro (Shoshone/Cherokee)
2. Now Is The Time Sapokniona Whitefeather (Apache)
3. Songs of the Navajo James Peshlaka (Navajo)
4. The Great Story From The Sacred Book Rain Song/Terry & Darlene Wildman (Ojibwe/Yaqui)
5. The Story Tellers Ancient Wisdom (Abnaki)
6. These Were Their Words Red Hawk (United Cherokee)

Z BEST TRADITIONAL RECORDING
1. It Is A New Day Oshkii Giizhik Singers (Intertribal)
2. Kontiwennenháwi(Carriers of Words) Ratirista Kehronon – Skywalkers (Awkesasne Mohawk)
3. Lenape Spirits Wind Spirit Drum (Cherokee/Mic Mac/Lenape)
4. Lietsoiitah Ye’ii Bi Cheii Lietsoiitah Ye’ii Bi Cheii Singers (Navajo)
5. Okeymow Maskiki II Shanise (Cree)
6. Traditional Shoe Game Songs Porcupine Singers (Navajo)

AA BEST SHORT OR LONG FORM MUSIC VIDEO
1. A Change Is Gonna Come Jana Mashonee (Lumbee)
2. Don’t Forget About Me Michael Bucher (Cherokee)
3. I Am Donna Kay (Mètis)
4. Movin On Charly Lowry/Aaron Locklear (Lumbee)
5. Life Is Calling My Name Shane Yellowbird (Cree)
6. The Legend of Tillamook’s Gold Jan Michael Looking Wolf & Floyd Westerman

BB BEST WORLD MUSIC RECORDING
1. Allegro Gabriel Ayala (Yoeme)
2. Ceremony Michael Searching Bear (Cherokee)
3. Portraits Gabriel Ayala (Yaqui)
4. Tango! Gabriel Ayala (Yoeme)
5. Tribal Music Suite, Journey of a Paiute Arvel Bird (Southern Paiute)
6. Winding Through The Milky Way Joy Harjo (Muskoke)

CC NATIVE HEART (Non-Native Artist)
1. Gary F. Leatham Resonance Ancient Sounds
2. Colby Thomas Colby Thomas Sings Molly Brant
3. Jan Seiden Memory Of Time
4. Jonny Lipford Cross Roads: The Beginning of a Brand New Day
5. Michael Brant DeMaria Siyotanka
6. Scott Tweedie Seeking Vision

Maine Indian Scalps Offered On Craigslist

Just when we feel that American's horrifyingly wicked history has been somewhat smoothed over is when we have some complete idiot remind us of our true heritage. As Friends of Native America group, I feel that you need to hear this Associated Press release that was published in the latest Cherokee Phoenix newspaper. The American Indian Wars are still taking place today, but without bullets. Let's hope that this seller called Whitely Bradford is found, tried and penalized!

'Maine Indian scalps' offered on Craigslist

By The Associated Press

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The FBI is investigating craigslist.com posts selling "Maine Indian scalps" to "white people only" after the leader of the Penobscot Indian Nation reported the matter to state and federal officials.

The Portland Press Herald reports the postings discussed six scalps and related artifacts obtained by bounty hunters in the 1700s and came from a private family collection.

The posts, no longer accessible, included a Maine cell phone number and the name, "Whitely Bradford." The phone was not accepting calls.

Federal investigators and Penobscot leaders have proceeded under the assumption that the scalps are legitimate. Penobscot Chief Kirk Francis says it's a hard time for the tribe to look back on, and to be reminded of it so blatantly — and then see someone profit from it — doesn't sit well.

Smithsonian Institute's Between Fences Museum Exhibit

Photography Courtesy of ©Nativestock Pictures

Communities across America will be hosts to the Smithsonian's traveling exhibit "Between Fences" as a part of the institutes Museum on Main Street series.

We live between fences. We may hardly notice them, but they are dominant features in our lives and in our history. Thousands of types have been invented, millions of miles have been produced, and countless rivals have seized post, rail, panel, and wire to stake their claims. In 1871, the Department of Agriculture estimated the total value of fences in the United States at 1.7 billion, a sum almost equal to the national debt. Our past is defined by the cutting point of barbed steel and the staccato rhythm of the white picket. Built of hedge, concrete, wood and metal, the fence skirts our properties and is central to the American landscape.

One of these hosting sites in Idaho will be the Ketchum Community Library who will be featuring an assortment of speakers. One presentation in particular, titled "Red Earth, White Fences" is a multimedia slide show by award winning photographer Angel Wynn. Documenting Native American communities is her passion and business. Wynn's focus is to reveal how fencing the west nearly destroyed America's First Nations and how tribal communities are managing today. "Generally, I'm trying to avoid fences and other objects while taking pictures", says Wynn, "so trying to dig up any buried images was way more difficult than expected." Wynn also added, "Historically, American Indians did have boundary markers. Traditionally they used the mountains, rivers and distinct landmarks that acted as fences to marked their territory."

The United States as we know it could not have been settled and built without fences; they continue to be an integral part of the nation. Fences stand for security: we use them to enclose our houses and neighborhoods. They are decorative structures that are as much part of the landscape as trees and flowers. Industry and agriculture without fences would be difficult to imagine. Private ownership of land would be an abstract concept. But fences are more than functional objects. They are powerful symbols. The way we define ourselves as individuals and as a nation becomes concrete in how we build fences.

It examines human relationships on an expanding scale: neighbor to neighbor.

Between Fences is about defining ourselves as Americans- our philosophies, our lifestyles, our values and beliefs.