WITHOUT A THEME

For those who are unaware, the contemporary art industry is not an easy one to be in for indigenous artists. Many of the materials used in our traditional culture are materials that are regulated in the contemporary art industry. Which makes it harder for many artist to exhibit their work in many galleries. We cannot continue to comprise who we are just to fit into a society that believes we no longer exist. I commend each and every artist that continues apply for exhibitions. Of course it's a challenge;  however, it is a challenge that will create change. The more and more galleries that exhibit such work are will become leaders in the industry and sooner or later the industry will begin to changes how they regulate contemporary art.

This Friday March 31, 2017 will be the opening of the "Without A Theme" a Contemporary Art Exhibition at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center. The exhibit will remain open until November 2, 2017.

The immersive display features 20 vibrant, large-format installations from 7 Premier indigenous artist. Below are the featured artist:

Jeff Kahm 

Bob Haozous

Allan Houser 

Courtney M. Lenoard 

Issac Dial 

Russel Frye

Joe Feddersen 

What will take place on Friday is a preview reception, artist conversation, and VIP dinner. I am so honored to be able to assist my friend Tahnee Growingthunder who is an indigenous woman, Museologist. and curator for this Contemporary Art Exhibit in the Mashantucket Galley. 

So many times we are tokenized as indigenous people no matter what arena we sit in. It's time we are viewed as humans who balance our culture with today's society.

"Earth Dialogue" By: Bob Haozous 

Tahnee educated me on who these artist were. She mentioned that Bob Haozous was not only Allan Houser's son but he designed the Seattle Seahawks stadium landmark. When I look at this photo I see beautiful contemporary public art. Many times when we as indigenous people are asked to do something we are tokenized by having to do it in a way that it fits the stereotype of what we have been thought of to be. It's even more beautiful to me to see work that one would't be able to determine whether the artist was indigenous or not. 

Art courtesy of Courtney M. Leonard,
"Breach, #2 (2105), Glazed Ceramics on Wood Pallet

My fellow Shinnecock Tribal member Courtney Leonard is also a featured contemporary artist. Her mother Michelle Leonard and my mother Esther Bullock sat on the same board for the Delaware Valley Indian Association. Courtney is much older than me so because I was closer in age with her sister, we were closer. I always remember Courtney studying and working hard in her artwork. Of course being from the same tribe we are in communication with one another and follow each other's work. I have followed the different galleries she has been featured in. When I seen the list of the artist for "Without A Theme" I was so excited to see her name. 

"Without a Theme is an important concept behind this incredible contemporary college," said Tahnee Ahtoneharjo-Growingthunder, curator, Pequot Museum. "We strategically immerse visitors in large, vibrant, installations - letting the purpose, message and emotion of each piece move the individual. This is in mindful contrast to popular Native exhibits in which emphasis is placed on the artist's heritage, or on visual theme that don't necessarily convey modern Native Life. Our focus on color and composition - rather than theme - allow the artists' connections to their community and their purpose to speak for itself."  

I am looking forward to the energy of this opening! If you would like to attend, IT'S FREE!!!!!

CLICK HERE TO RSVP 

Plus I am throwing an after-party at the High Rollers Foxwoods  

My Outlook on #NODAPL MOVEMENT!

The 8^th generation will have much fire to keep a flame for prayers of our ancestors. The world united for the protection of not only the rights of indigenous people, but wellness of the future generations. Many times, during this experience I realized this movement is far larger than right now. It’s a spiritual movement during this larger spiritual war and none like any of our lifetimes has this been experienced. It’s a blessing to be able play a role in this movement. Being a witness to POWER OF PRAYER of people of different backgrounds and beliefs not only makes one a believer but someone who can help spread the word to help others become believers. There is power in numbers especially when it comes to prayer.  

When I returned to the Oceti Sakowin Camp in the beginning of October with all intentions of helping to winterize the camps for the serve North Dakota winter—the Ihanktowan Warriors camp more specifically. I must say it has been one unimaginable experience. 

Each day begins with a sunrise prayer along with words and songs from an elder that echoes through solar powered speakers and microphone waking everyone in camp up to begin the day. We have been blessed during the fall and early winter days to have beautiful weather, which permitted us with a great amount of time to build winter camps.

The days are filled with much work to be done. From chopping wood, attending winterizing meetings, to putting up military tents, prayer walks, and ceremonies. Not to mention the day to day breaking news from the United States Army Corp of Engineers, Morton County Sheriff’s Department, Governor of North Dakota while developing strategy to stand our ground for over 5,000 people.

Several times I was asked to lead prayers and sing on the front lines. The feeling of the experience with thousands of people praying at one time over the desecrated land, dug up remains, and protection over the water is so powerful. We all have come spiritually connected to one another. The other feeling of seeing the eyes and body language of the enemy be it DAPL Security, Law Enforcement, US Military is a painful and sad feeling. The number of planes helicopters that flew over us during the past several weeks 24 hours a day has been sickening to know there hasn’t been a stop to this.

Many types of strategy meetings for various types of organizations and camps; from veterans, to security for the entire encampment, treaty council, youth council, historical preservation, and 7 council fires meetings. However; we are all to move at one speed in one direction and that is to work to stop progression of the Dakota Access Pipeline. There are various actions throughout the week in which we all come untied to stand on the front lines. BECAUSE WE ARE ALL HERE WITH ONE GOAL! How we go about it may differ because we all sit in different roles that work together. 

Without too much access to electronics I have not been too involved in shaping media from the camp. With that said I find most of the media focus has been on what’s been happening on the front lines. What happens in media leaks back into the camps and has a way of shaping the ideology of those in camp. Historically we as indigenous people have a way of allowing the enemy to seep into our minds and change our beliefs. Many of our ancestors changed their belief in religion because they began to doubt their own beliefs and practices because of the enemy pour their belief systems into our communities. There has been much fear violence, terror and doubt going viral on media having loved ones at home. Don’t get me wrong there has been much force used against us but we have remained in CONSTANT and PERSISTENT PRAYER. With this blog post I hope I can help to shape the media to reach people to realize PRAYER is the FOCUS of this BATTLE! 

The fact that millions of indigenous and non-indigenous people from all over the world are uniting over the past several months is far greater than any dollar that can push this pipeline to go through. Media has a hard time focusing on the strength of the unity happening in camp. Many organizations from all over the world have come to stand in solidarity. From over 600 preachers and ministers of many different faiths, During the most controversial presidency of all times.

The prophecy that was told 7 generations ago is now uniting the tribes of that generation. I am blessed and truly humbled to be a witness to the7 council fire council tribes come together and bring back the traditional laws and ways of living. The Missouri River flows through all 7 council fires and as tribes coming to protect this river that will affect waters throughout the world we must acknowledge the traditional protocol of the 7 Council Fires. As an indigenous woman of the Northeastern seaboard I know in my lifetime my tribe and sister tribes have grown stronger in alliance BEYOND a political level. When we can take our minds off media and politics we can strengthen our traditional and spiritual bond.

About 10 minutes after Dave Archambault made Official Announcement was made about the victory about the easement to the permit and environmental impact study, I stood in ceremony with the headsmen of all 7 Council Fires several diplomats from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and a few respected medicine people from the Great Plains area and the emotion that came over me touched my spirit to prove that no matter what the division the corrupted governmental system has tried to put is in since 1492, we can break the division and united as our ancestors once did but using traditional laws and spiritual laws. I watched tribes who have “SO CALLED BEEN AT WAR” make amends to the differences that have caused them to separate. By breaking this curse, we can move forward together now in a healthy way.

There are many pipelines being constructed throughout this country, however this movement has sparked the conscious mind of indigenous grassroots people to wake up and unite. I believe that is truly the overall victory! The unity that has happened throughout the grassroots communities of what we call Indian Country. I pray that this doesn’t just become a moment in history, but the future can be shaped based upon the powerful things that have been taking place here in this #NODAPL fight! 

Ihanktonwan Warriors Stand with Standing Rock #NODAPL

     IHANKTONWAN WARRIORS 

STAND WITH STANDING ROCK #NODAPL

During my first visit to Standing Rock I reunited with close friends from the Yankton Sioux community from Lake Andes, South Dakota. It's been about 6 years since I last seen them. My friends Roger Houseman Jr. and Alphonse Leroy, were the men of the Ihanktonwan Sioux who taught this Northeastern Shinnecock woman the history about the Missouri River and their tribe's historical connection to their neighboring tribes. 6 years ago they took me throughout their lands and community. I lived in their community for several months.

As water protectors, we camped right along side the Missouri River. I must say I am blessed to have reconnected with them during this time. A time when the spirit of the Missouri River called on all who believe to be connected to the water to protect and stand in solidarity with Standing Rock against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. 

If you read my last post you will be able to read more about the events occurring at Standing Rock. PRAYER AND UNITY #NODAPL

Many of the men in this camp are working security of the entire encampment. There are over 7,000+ people in the encampment. This requires them to take long shifts outside away from shelter and fires many times. There isn't any cell service in the camps, so Roger asked me to help raise funds for their camp when I returned home. It's important we raise these funds to help keep them warm, and nourished throughout the entire winter. Without the security, our communities would not be protected and provided for properly. 

THANK YOU TO THE IHANKTONWAN WARRIORS for helping to protect and provide for the encampment of the water protectors. 

The Ihanktonwan camp has been set up since the first call for warriors to come and protect the sacred lands of the Oyate People, and they plan to be camped until the final ruling of the Dakota Access Pipeline is passed February 14th, 2017.

The money raised from is linked to a direct account for the Ihanktonwan camp. With the funds they will be able to more the purchases for their specific needs to help them get through this year's North Dakota Winter. 

Winters in North Dakota are harsh. Our priority is ensuring the safety of the people who will be staying throughout this winter. Shelter and protection is needed from the freezing weather. 

CLICK HERE 

The following is a list of what will be purchased from the funds raised.

Military tents
Wood Stoves
Canvas tents
Kitchen shacks
Snow boots 
Chainsaws 
axes 
arctic coats
arctic boots
arctic bibs 
liner jackets 
base layers
wool socks
face masks
heavyweight gloves
lightweight backpack
solar lighting
snow blowers
snowmobiles
generators
etc...

Prayer and Unity #NODAPL

"From the north a black snake will come. It will cross our lands slowly killing all that it touches, and in its passing the water will become poison."

-Lakota end of times prophecy

The environment in which we call "Mother Earth" is in need of our protection, and from her cry 10,000+ indigenous people came to pray and protect her from what is known to many of the aboriginal people of these lands as the "Black Snake"

Indigenous people from all around the world have come together to stand in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to resist to the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). If completed, the $3.5 billion pipeline would carry 500,000 barrels of crude per day from North Dakota's Bakken oilfield to Illinois. The project faced months of resistance from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and members of nearly 300 more tribes across the U.S. and Canada. Mainstream media has not covered much of this historical event. If you are unfamiliar on this historical event taking please take sometime to research what is happening. 

Local and state police have used brutal force against this peaceful resistance. There have even been numerous arrests of innocent people without bail. Women and children were attached by dogs directed by a private security that the pipeline company hired. In addition, sacred sites and ancestral remains have been disturbed by DAPL and the indigenous people of the area have not been able to properly care for their ancestors.

“Water Protectors” have been camped in the valley alongside the Missouri River by the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. Currently there are over 7,000 people in this encampment. As it gets colder the Seven Council Fires of the Sioux People with few visiting communities will remain until the final ruling on the Dakota Access Pipeline dated February 14^th, 2017.

As an indigenous woman to the aboriginal lands of this country,and a member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation, a tribe of first contact--my role is to sustain, nurture and give life to our traditional communities. After returning from a 2 week stay at Standing Rock, I was able to begin to strategic plan with several colleagues on building traditional winter structures and helping to secure the camps for winter in Standing Rock for those who are on the front lines protecting the water and mother earth. In my 2 week visit I was able to make a list of the urgent needs for the camps. With winter approaching there are camps who are not equipped with the right gear to get through the winter. North Dakota winters encourage all living in the state to prepare homes and vehicles for the winter weather.  

We are all in this together, and I am hoping to connect with organizations and individuals who are looking to work together and pull resources for the betterment of not only our culture but all our communities. 

DONATE TO HELP PREP FOR WINTER 

GO FUND ME

#EASTCOASTALHEALING

On July 24th, 2016 10-12 paddlers from the Coastal Algonquin indigenous communities will participate in the 2016 Paddle to Nisqually Tribal Canoe Journey, to help in the coastal healing for awareness of environmental Community need. 

Our coastal tribes utilize the waterways as ancient highways for thousands of years. As the original population of the American Northeastern region, we have faced European assimilation. Traditional culture is difficult to practice. Unity of the Indigenous groups and communities continues to strengthen through cultural customs being encouraged and expected. Much of the American History and “Native American” history begins with our geographical Northeastern Coastal Algonquin history through the waterways. It is important to share the history to continue to educate. 

Over 15 years the Northeastern indigenous communities continue to hold paddle ceremonies in honor of our ancestors. 

Falmouth to Martha's Vineyard Paddle

For example, the Wampanoag Paddle at Falmouth to Martha’s Vineyard, Passamaquoddy Paddle, Sly Fox Canoe Race, Nimpuck Sacred Paddle from Deer Island through the Boston Harbor, include historical paddles from Shinnecock territory of Long Island, New York.

Deer Island Paddle 

Mystic River Paddle

Long Island to Connecticut Paddle 

Recently created was the largest Mishoon made in over 400 year. 14 paddlers launched the Mishoon within the Mystic River holding fourteen tribal members of the Wampanoag, Shinnecock, Narragansett, Schaghticoke, and Pequot tribes. Unity amongst this year’s tribal groups includes greeting the Hokulea Voyage crew arrival to the northeastern Algonquin coastal territory. 

Paddle events are large and exhilarating experiences, assisting the resurgence of our responsibility as indigenous people to the water for all humanity. Global water crisis’s such as the NAVAJO WATER CRISIS and the FLINT WATER CRISIS are examples to pray for during paddle gatherings. 

Traditional Canoe Protocol from Shinnecock 2011

Traditional Canoe Protocol from Shinnecock 2016 

This year’s Tribal Canoe Journey theme is “Don’t forget about the Water”. As coastal people, we were placed on the coast to protect and serve the water and the land. Many of our sister tribal communities NO LONGER HAVE WATER RIGHTS and are fighting for indigenous water rights. Water crisis happens in Indigenous communities far more than none native communities. These rights have been taken away from them as early as 1636. 

Once landed in Seattle, WA on July 24, the paddlers will be transported to the first launch where they will paddle from and set camp. At each stop canoe families will follow common protocols, asking permission to come ashore, often in their native languages. Once ashore, they are invited to set camp. At night in the longhouses, there is gift giving, honoring, and the sharing of traditional prayer, drumming, songs, and dances. Meals, including evening dinner of traditional foods, are provided by host nations.

This canoe journey allows the continuous survival of our threatened heritage as coastal people. We hope to travel and take part in the 2016 Paddle to Nisqually Tribal Canoe Journey’s to learn how regional coastal communities are working towards truth and reconciliation within their towns, cities, and states. We are seeking to create a stewardship to compare and learn how assimilation has impacted indigenous coastal communities. It is our goal as paddlers to foster the restoration of our traditional practice. 

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

 

Costs will cover

•    Flights for 10-12 people round trip 

•    Fuel for transportation from airport to destinations

•    Camping gear for 10-12 people 

•    Food for nine days for 10-12 people 

•    Paddle supplies for 10-12 people

We kindly seek your support in hopes to provide water unity of the native communities. Youth and young adults are participating in bringing back the medicine for our communities. We request your assistance in helping us and our fundraiser to go viral not only for sponsorship but to create awareness around the world that the indigenous communities here on the Northeast coast not only are still here but continue to practice the custom of heritage.  

 

Kuttabutash wutche kenauau annumau, (thank you for your support)

Sagkompanau Mishoon Netooeusqua (I lead canoe I am butterfly woman)

IFAM(E)

IFAM(E)

INDIGENOUS FINE ART MARKET EAST

May 20 - 22

AT MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT MUSEUM AND RESEARCH CENTER 

As an artist, it is an honor to be able to open up the Nation's largest Indigenous Fine Art Market. Friday night is the kick off for the Indigenous Fine Arts Market IFAM(E) here in the dawnlands of turtle island. I was asked to open the event up with a traditional eastern style dance to represent my people here in the east. As indigenous people, our artwork is crafted into everything we physically make. From the tools, to vessel of transportation, to our homes, to the clothes we wear, it is an extension of identity. It's inspiring to be able to see the work put into each piece. I am also excited to see my relatives, teachers, and close friends from the Northeast Indigenous Arts Alliance representing the identity of our eastern shores. 

One thing that is important to highlight is the people who are tremendously working behind the scenes for this event. From the tribal members, to the museum staff, to the IFAM(E) staff, to the artists. It's amazing how hard everyone is working together to bring such medicine to the communities.  

IFAM(E) is expected to be the largest 3-day juried Native American art show and celebration on the east coast host by the Mashantucket Pequot Museum in partnership with IFAM(E) and the Northeast Indigenous Arts Alliance taking place May 20-22. 

90 artist representing 50 nations, 40% of the artist are from the Northeastern territory will show and sell contemporary and traditional fine art in the museum's Gathering Space. The unique aspect of IFAM(E) in this inclusion of not only visual but performing and culinary indigenous artists to include hip hop and reggae bands, singer-songwriters, traditional music and dance, film, fashion, installation art, mural painting, youth art, and traditional and contemporary foods. 

GLOW PARTY 

FASHION SHOW

LIVE MURAL

STORYTELLING

FILM FESTIVAL

YOUTH CREATION STATION

BUFFET BRUNCH

 PERFORMANCES

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS 

I'm back and I'm better!!!!

Aquene,
Kuttobotanimish for taking the time to check out my blog. It has been quite sometime since my last post; however, the work behind the scenes hasn't stopped or even slowed down! There is much to catch you all up on.

Shinnecock Legal Team Member Kelly Dennis,
John Dossett NCAI General Counsel at
Havard Law Native People's Native Politics Conference 

I am currently working at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center and am working closely with the nation's top researchers. It's important we (as indigenous people) become literate on the terms used in the academia world as well as the legal world. Interestingly enough they speak the same language

I am also doing executive work for the National Association for Cultural and Heritage Preservation; which is a newly founded organization that vests its best interest in preserving the culture and heritage of indigenous peoples nationally. After returning from the 2015 Justice or Else Million Man March I was asked to sit on the board of the Unite or Die Campaign  as the Native American Liaison. Communities from all around the world have many similarities in not only history but in today's society. Unite or Die's mission is to unite these communities. (nearly running out of breathe)...and of course there are over 7 social media platforms I manage and create content for...

Lead Organizer for #HIPHOP4FLINTPVD 

For my new followers, most of the posts are focused on what others are doing throughout the world, not so much myself...lol I just was hoping to give some insight of what's happening behind the scenes. As you can see, I haven't much time to post like I was before, but I will do my best to post here and there because there are some amazing things happening in "Indian Country". The more positive energy that can be spread throughout our communities the stronger we will become.

My intentions with the posts going forward are to help in the awakening on the conscious mind of the rising leadership in our communities as well as spark transparent communication with our current leadership. Who is "leadership" you may ask? The content in which I am using the term leadership is referring to "any" type of role in our communities, political, spiritual, household, peer to peer, educational, governmental, diplomatic, legal, historically,state, or federally recognized tribes. Often times when the term tribal leadership is used it tends to be only used for those who are in the tribal governmental structures, but our tribal life ways are lead by many individuals throughout our tribal communities. The intent to awaken the consciousness of our communities is in hopes to bring back our traditional ways of community. As a collective we have began to become so far assimilated we are losing the wellness of our communities. We must resurrect the traditional ways to maintain our well-being.