FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2008
TENTH ANNUAL WINNERS ANNOUNCED
BLACKFIRE & NATIVE ROOTS TOP THE AWARDS WITH TWO
LYNYRD SKYNYRD’S RICKEY MEDLOCKE, REDBONE
AMONG THOSE HONORED
Niagara Falls, NY – On Saturday October 4, 2008 the Tenth Annual Native American Music Awards (N.A.M.A.) was held at the Seneca Niagara Hotel & Casino in Niagara Falls, New York and awarded over 35 artists in a four hour event with 12 onstage presentations and special Hall of Fame inductions and performances that had the packed crowd dancing on their feet. The growing success of the Awards show is now setting industry standards for professional Native American musicians who want to achieve greater acceptance and exposure from mainstream audiences.
Read more at www.nativeamericanmusicawards.com
Visit KickingBear at http://www.singlefeathermedia.com/ he did an awesome job for the online chatters. Thanks Michael
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Native American Music Awards
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Mt. Ashland Blessing
I had the honor of being present as Grandmother Agnes Baker Pilgram(Takelma),one the 13 Indigenous Grandmothers of Mother Earth,offered a powerful prayer in a ceremony at the top of Mt. Ashland,Oregon. The day was beautiful. Native American flute played by Gentle Thunder(Cree)
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Youth Making a Difference in Indian Country
I read this and wanted to share.
Lickity Split Chocolate is a new Native owned and operated business that is thriving. Although this may not be surprising (after all who doesn’t like chocolate), consider the fact that Lickity Split is managed by 25 Navajo and Ute children between the ages of 8 and 15 in one of the poorest counties in the United States and it’s easy to see this business as an extraordinary commercial venture.
Recently these youth and their AmeriCorp VISTA coach completed a $3,000 order for a large Utah utility association. The customer was delighted with the chocolate and, thanks to the strong support of Senator Bob Bennett, the future looks bright for this tiny business enterprise. With a business contact made at Utah’s Rural Economic Development Conference sponsored by Senator Bennett, Lickity Split received recognition as an emerging small rural business. A major contract with a billion dollar corporation resulted with the expectation that Lickity Split will double in sales starting with the current holiday season and continue to expand by breaking into a national, and perhaps worldwide market. Can the kids pull it off? "Of course we can we are only limited by our imagination," says 15-year old Lickity Split CEO, Andrew Dayish who is already recruiting new youthful talent to brace for the anticipated growth.
Read more http://lickitysplitchocolate.com
Monday, May 5, 2008
Native American Art and Business
Art is a reflection of culture. As humans, we speak to one another through art and provide a means for reaching across great social and cultural divides, bridging time and opposition. Through art, many different people have expressed their deepest spiritual beliefs and values. Unfortunately, art can also become a means of oppression and exploitation when individuals with power and authority act as “middle men” for native artists who continue to struggle against the negative effects of colonization.
A critical means of empowerment for Native Americans in the United States is to gain control of their own cultural and artistic traditions. Too many of the practices, symbols, and art forms that define Native American culture have been appropriated by the dominant culture for their profit and benefit.
The primary goal of my business, which I have called A Gallery of Nations, is to promote a culture of respect and appreciation for Native American art forms. As an Elder of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, I see the need to set in motion a model of cultural exchange between Native Americans and others in this country that is controlled by Native Americans. My hope is that my business will provide the basis for Native American artists to realize profits from their art so as to build an economic base for financial success. In addition, I hope to promote an interest in our Native American young people to educate themselves in computer science to further their social and economic goals.
For generations, Tribal Nations have crafted quality wares for trade with other tribes and nations. From the days of our ancestors to the present day of tribal governments, networking for goods has promoted a bond in relationships, a high level of quality in goods, and a much-needed growth to tribal and individual economy. The traditions, artistic quality, and cultural power we possess is diminished when our system of exchange is co-opted by others seeking profit at our expense. A Gallery of Nations will provide the basis for re-establishing a high level of quality goods and much needed tribal and individual economic growth through control of our own artistic products.
The product line is a unique combination of traditional art, jewelry, pottery and gift items produced exclusively by Native American artists. I feel I have a distinct advantage with respect to this company because I am a Native American and many of the art forms featured will be produced by family members who have established themselves both nationally and internationally as premier artists.
Currently trends show there is a heightened interest in Native American art, as well as a new appreciation for their many diverse forms. Statistics show the Internet to be one of the fastest growing marketplaces for goods and services. A Gallery of Nations has the potential to capitalize on both of these trends in socially and economically rewarding ways for Native Americans.
It is my intention to feature handmade Native American artworks that represent the spirit of the artist in her/his craft. My inventory will consist of original designs, signed by the artist. Please visit the website www.agalleryofnations.com and help support and promote the Arts of the Native Americans.
Author: Eleanor Lefthand .....2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Senator Obama to visit Medford,Oregon
A chance to hear and see Senator Barack Obama in Southern Oregon. Oregon may be a difference in the race for the White House. Barack Obama to visit Medford,Oregon.
Small towns with votes that can or may make a difference in the 2008 presidential race.
Friday-Sat. March 21-22,2008
Friday, February 8, 2008
February Entrepreneur of the Month
As sole proprietor of A Gallery of Nations, I wear the many hats of running a small business. The idea of my own business was at first just a simple statement; I wonder if I can sell my family’s art on line.
That is how it started. I had experience in retail sales so I felt I could find the artists and market their art. A simple statement which has taken me, so far, on many different learning and growing paths.
One of the primary goals of my business is to promote a culture of respect and appreciation for our Native American Art in all its forms and mediums.
I see the need to set in motion a model of cultural exchange between Native artists and others in the art business that we as Native Americans can market our art.
My hope is that my business will provide a basis for Native artists to realize profits from their art and build an economic base for financial success, no matter where they live.
In addition I hope to promote an interest in our youth to educate themselves in computer science to further their social and economic goals.
The collection that is presented on A Gallery of Nations is a very small representation of the many different styles and forms that we as Native Americans have to offer. One of my goals is to expand my website to include the work of the many promising Native American artists unable to market their craft. Any Native Artists interested in selling your art on the internet, please contact me. I’ll be happy to work with you to promote your art.
When asked about advice for other Native American entrepreneurs my response is; make plans, set goals and don’t give up.
I am surprised at the opportunities that my website A Gallery of Nations has given me so far and I look forward to many more.
www.agalleryofnations.com
article from www.iicoc.com
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Barack Obama on Native American Issues
What are your thoughts! How, we as Native Americans can make a difference in the Presidential race for 2008. We need to be a force in voting! Our voices should be heard.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Cheyenne & Arapaho Governor
Press Release
Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes
Concho, Oklahoma
Subject: Governor Flyingman’s Health Recovering
On Sunday afternoon, January 13th, Governor Darrell Flyingman suffered a mild heart attack while working on his farm in Fort Cobb. The Governor was taken to the OU Medical Center by air ambulance. He underwent routine angioplasty and is now recovering. There were no complications.
Doctors responsible for his care have commented that he’s doing well, and that they expect a full and quick recovery.
Governor Flyingman was overwhelmed by the warm response from Tribal Members, as well as from the many visits by other area Tribal leaders. Due to the overwhelming response by so many visitors, it was necessary for the medical staff to restrict visitation to permit Governor’s rest.
The Governor’s wife and close family have joined him and seek to provide a supportive environment during his recovery, which is expected to last the remainder of this week. The family appreciates the tremendous response from the Tribes’ membership, and from Indian Country. The family states they will be happy to answer inquiries regarding Governor’s condition and appreciate everyone’s concern in his recovery.
Governor Flyingman is the first elected Governor of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. He was also recently elected Regional Area Vice President for the Southern Plains Region of the National Congress of American Indians at the organization’s 64th Congress, held in Denver.
posted by Tribal member owner of www.agalleryofnations.com
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Economic Development and Art
Recently I found that in Indian Country most Gaming Tribes are getting on board and really making a difference in the Tribal economics for the betterment of all Tribal members. I ask if that is important to you how do you as an individual benefit from such enterprises that your Tribe maybe entering into contracts with or buying businesses to operate to futher the revenues of the Tribe.
As a small business owner of www.agalleryofnations.com I have worked hard and learned alot by trial and error and can always use help in promoting my business,tell your friends,visit the website,got questions ask me info@agalleryofnations.com
When all Tribes see that working and networking with each other all Indians benefit. Small businesses can grow and become a positive force within the Indian communities helping hands not a handout is needed. Buy Indian,Promote Native Artists, Educate our Youth,respect our Elders,Retain our Cultural ways,Support New Native businesses.
