I AM

I AM lucky!  Once in a while as one travels through life, you are afforded a priviledge that makes you know you are truly blessed.  That is how I feel about the good fortune of my path crossing that of my dear friend Van Bevil.  On Etsy and Artfire, Van is known as Kicking Bear and/or his nemesis, Coastal Artist. 

He is a renaissance man.  A man for all seasons. 

He is one of a dying breed that speaks fluent Tsalagi (Cherokee) as well as many other languages.

He is an accomplished wild life artist.  I am posting one of my favorites from his work here.  It is entitled, "Going Home".  More of his fine art wild life pieces can be viewed at www.coastalartist.etsy.com

He is a Cherokee Elder who is vastly respected.  He grows many of our sacred plants in the "old way" and creates many forms of Native American arts and crafts.  I have selected one of his Ulinawi Tsola Pouches (Turtle Tobacco) to share with you.

His Native Art can also be viewed in his Etsy store.  www.etsy.kickingbear.com

Van is in the process of writing a book.  He sent this passage to me yesterday and I asked for permission to share these beautiful words with you.  He graciously gave me permission to do so.

I AM

by Kicking Bear

I am the stillness of the receding night, I am the touch of the morning dew on the green corn. I am the sound of the Katydid singing to the rising sun, I am the buzz of the Honey Bee dancing across the face of the Sun Flower. I am the warmth of the early morning rays of Grandfather Sun warming the People’s lodges.

I am the breeze that makes the leaves of the Standing People sing, I am the breath of the grass as it dances to and fro. I am the heart beat of Mother Earth as she gives the rythum to life. I am the quiet murmer of the People as they awake. I am the soft voices of the women at work. I am the laughter of children at play.

I am the snap of a bowstring as young men hone their skills, I am the silence of the Elders as they meditate, speaking with the Ancestors. I am the smoke from the Sacred Fire carrying prayers up to the Creator. I am the soft song sung by a Grandmother as she weaves a reed basket.

I am the rythmic sound of women grinding corn, I am the gentle rocking of a Grandmother as she comforts a child. I am the Anisahoni clan making medicines to keep the children well. I am the swishing sound of the Anigilohi clan as they strut through the camp with their long hair flowing.

I am the Anitsiskwa clan repairing their bird snares and practicing with their blowguns. I am the Eagle catcher as he prepares to hunt the mighty Eagle. I am the Aniwodi clan as they sit making medicine for the People. I am the Anikawi clan as they stalk through the woods hunting the deer.

I am the Anigatogewi clan as the walk the swamps and streams seeking wild potatoes and roots for the People. I am the Aniwayah clan as they prepare to track the Wolf. I am the War Chiefs and the Peace Chiefs that defend and keep order in the village. I am the crackling of the fire as meals are prepared.

I am the flash of lightening followed by the distant voice of Thunder. I am the freshness of a shower and the smell of fresh moist dirt. I am the Sunset as Grandfather Sun begins to give up his light and warmth.. I am the “In Between Time” that sacred time between light and dark when the Ancestors return to sing and dance.

I am the brightness of Grandmother moon as she shares her healing energy as she searches the Great Sky Vault for her lost love. I am the voice of the story teller as he tells of the joys and sadnesses of the People. I am the stories told around the campfire, a living history of the Peoples. I am that which never dies ….. I am the spirit of the People.

© 2011 from the unpublished works of KickingBear

 

Kicking Bear is the Spirit of His People.

 

I AM..... lucky that our paths on the Red Road crossed.  I admire his many talents, laugh at his humerous jokes, reflect on his words of wisdom, and share his love of fry bread.  He is a true Native Renaissance Man.

 

I AM...... pleased to call him my brother!

 

Kicking Bear....Witsatologi nihi,aisv gvdodi utiyvhi ale nvwatohiyadv

(Many prayers and blessings to you,Walk with balance and harmony)

Saquu

Wilma Pearl Mankiller

Wilma Pearl Mankiller was both the first woman deputy chief and the first woman principal chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma..

Wilma was born at Tahlequah, the capitol of the Cherokee Nation in November 1945, and lived at Mankiller Flats until she was ten years old. Her father, Charlie Mankiller, was a Cherokee, and her mother, Irene Mankiller, was of Dutch Irish decent. Mankiller grew up with four sisters and six brothers. She overcame many personal hardships and returned home to Mankiller Flats, Oklahoma, to establish herself as a political powerhouse working for the betterment of all people.

The Native community was saddened by this e-mail from Charlie Soap, Wilma’s husband:

Charlie Soap regrets to announce his wife Wilma Mankiller has been diagnosed with stage IV Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer. Mankiller is an author, lecturer and former Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Mankiller has served 12 years in elective office at the Cherokee Nation, the first two as Deputy Principal Chief followed by 10years as Principal Chief. She retired from public office in 1995. Among her many honors, Mankiller has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Clinton. Soap requests that the public respect the family's privacy during this time.

As many of you know we have a Native American forum thread on Etsy to promote the Native American spirit and arts. When I received this news, I posted it there as well as in other team forum threads.

One of the frequent and beloved contributors to our NA thread, Taxcoandmore, was so touched that she created a wonderful treasury of Native American art on Etsy as a tribute to Wilma and those of us who grieve her condition. Here is the featured art:
Wado Taxcoandmore! Please visit her store at http://www.taxcoandmore.etsy.com/
Perhaps you could leave a "heart" for her store. It would be a nice “Wado” for her taking the time to honor this great woman.

This morning I received this e-mail written by Wilma.

"I decided to issue this statement because I want my family and friends to know that I am mentally and spiritually prepared for this journey; a journey that all human beings will take at one time or another.

I learned a long time ago that I can't control the challenges the Creator sends my way but I can control the way I think about them and deal with them.

On balance, I have been blessed with an extraordinarily rich and wonderful life, filled with incredible experiences. And I am grateful to have a support team composed of loving family and friends.

I will be spending my time with my family and close friends and engaging in activities I enjoy. It's been my privilege to meet and be touched by thousands of people in my life and I regret not being able to deliver this message personally to so many of you.”
Wilma Mankiller

Wilma served as a wonderful example of leadership and compassion during her life time. She faced issues head long and continues to do so. She demonstrated that one inspired woman can make a gigantic difference in the lives of others. She is now serving as a wonderful example for those entering the next phase of their journey. Bless you, Wilma, for all that you have done and know that your light will serve as a beacon to us for many years to come.

December 21: Winter Solstice

Example of prayer stick available from
http://www.mountainridgetrading.com/ceremonial.html

While all the world is knee deep in Holiday shopping, planning the menu for a succulent Christmas feast, writing that annual newsletter, and creating "Visions of Sugar Plums", another important holiday in Native American culture is often overlooked or completely forgotten.

Winter Solstice is Dec 21. For Native Americans it is a time of transition, of looking back at the old year and looking forward to the new. Many cultures around the world have celebrated the winter solstice for hundreds, even thousands of years as they watched the days grow shorter and waited for the sun to return.

Native Americans honor the cycle of life during Winter Solstice.

Endings are remembered and new beginnings are anticipated just as our ancestors did before us. While different tribes and their individual members honor Winter Solstice in many ways, here is one tradition that you might like to learn about.

Prayer Sticks are used in the Winter Solstice celebration. The ritual of the Prayer Sticks honor ones ancestors. Re-commitment is made to one's belief system. Prayers are offerd. Gratitude is expressed.

Prayer sticks are made by everyone in a family four days before the solstice. On the day of the Solstice, the prayer sticks are planted. At least one stick is planted by each person of the family in small holes dug by the head of the household.

Each prayer stick is named for an ancestor.

Traditional prayer sticks have these characteristics:

• Made out of cedar and are forked
• Are equivalent to the measurement from the maker’s elbow to the tips of their fingers
• Are taken from a tree that the maker feels connected to.
• Tobacco is offered to the tree
• Permission is asked to take a part of its relative.
• The bark can be stripped or.
• The bark can be carved on the stick.
• One feather should be added to the prayer stick. Traditionally this is a wild turkey feather.
• A bit of tobacco is placed in a red cloth and tied onto one of the forks.
• Fur or bone from an animal that the maker wishes to honor is tied onto the stick.
• Metal or stones should not be tied to the stick.
• It is also customary to say prayers silently as one makes the prayer stick

Many Native American Artists make and sell prayer sticks but one can easily follow the directions above and create a personal ceremonial Prayer Stick to celebrate the Winter Solstice.

Whether you have a Prayer Stick or not, take time on December 21 to give thanks to those who have gone before you for they paved your way. Honor your friends and relatives who have contributed to who you are and to your welfare. Reflect on 2009 and ask for guidance as you plan for 2010. Then you can resume work on making your Holidays merry and bright.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Christmas Tree At The White House

Yesterday while watching a news channel on T.V., I saw that the 2009 Christmas tree was making its way to the White House. It reminded me that I have a White House Christmas Tree story to tell that I have yet to blog about.

Last year, about this time, I had a booth at a local church that was sponsoring a Native American Craft Show. A woman purchased one of my barrettes and a feather hair clip. Little did I know at the time that it would be making a trip to Washington D.C.

This fall, Patrick (my son) and I were vending at the Metropolitan Community College's Annual Intertribal Pow Wow. The woman who had purchased that barrette and feather hair clip came to our booth and informed me that my work had visited the White House. I was so surprised!

Kymi Rutledge Johnson had been selected to deliver and present a Christmas ornament to decorate the Christmas tree in the Blue Room at the White House. In honor of the occassion, she wore the barrette and feather hair clip that I had made and that she had purchased.

I was thrilled to think that my work was selected by her to wear on that wonderful occassion. I, of course, asked her if she had a photo and she later e-mailed this one to me.

There it is! That is Kymi wearing my work in the Blue Room of the White House! What an honor for Kymi to be selected for this event and what an honor for me for her to wear my work!.

Mvto and Wado (Thank You in Creek and Cherokee) Kymi!

People Of The Sun Treasury

People of The Sun is a delightful treasury curated by Rejoice The Sun during National Native American Month. I am humbled to have my earrings (second row, middle item) among these beautiful items created by both Native American artists and artists inspired by Native American arts and crafts.

Rejoice The Hands is an Etsy store owned by Ana Saldana. Rejoice the Hands makes one of a kind jewelry thats inspired by not only nature but different cultures around the world including Native American. Using semi precious stones, metals and anything that inspires her. Rejoice tries to be as eco- friendly as possible, using recycled chains and also adding vintage elements, giving character to each piece. Each piece is designed and made by Ana herself, and just like there's only one of her, all the jewelry is one of a kind. You can visit Ana's store here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/RejoiceTheHands

Mvto and Wado (Thank you in Creek and Cherokee) Ana for this tribute!

2009 Lincoln Indian Club Pow Wow

On July 31, August 1 & 2, 2009, Patrick and I vended at the 33rd annual Lincoln Indian Club Pow Wow in Lincoln, Nebrasa.

It was a very successful event despite the high winds on Sunday. We were forced to leave the sides of our tent down to avoid chasing our product around the arena. By so doing, we created our very own "sweat lodge".

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It was great to see old friends and make new ones. One that I was especially glad to see was a very young "old friend". Her name is Nevaeh Horse, Ponca and Lakota. She is now six years old.

Last year, her Uncle purchased one of my barrettes to add to her lime green regalia. I blogged about her in my August 8, 2008 blog. If you would like to check back, you can see photos of her there.

Nevaeh is not only a year older but has achieved the title of "Little Miss Ponca". This year it was her Father who purchased one of my items for Nevaeh's new jingle dress regalia.

A new friend is pictured here. She is Angelina Nockai. All of this wonderful beadwork on her regalia was done by Angelina herself . She is such a delightful young lady, a college student and an excellent beader. In fact, we loved her work so much that we gave Angelina two baseball caps and commissioned her to bead them for us. When she finishes them, I will post a blog about them as well.

It is always such a pleasure for me to make something that someone wants to add to their regalia! There is no greater honor for me. Here is a young lady wearing one of my feathered hair clips that her Mother purchased for this event.

As you can see, it is the children and young people who fascinate me most. They are the future of our culture. It makes me proud to see them curious about our products, building their regalia and learning to be dance proudly. Here is Patrick discussing beadwork with a young Native "Diva".

I have posted more photos of this event on my Flickr. If you care to take a peek go to:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jstinson/sets/72157621809601647/

Our next Pow Wow is the Sac and Fox of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska. We look forward to seeing more friends at this event.

Custom Pendant

Not long ago, I was contacted by a very nice lady who had a pair of native american earrings. She wanted a pendant to match them. After several e-mails, we determined that the best way to approach the situation was for her to send me one of the earrings.

It is often difficult to match the work done by someone else even if you are able to locate the beads. Exact matches are usually not possible. Even dye lots from one batch of the same beads differ from one another. So, I had no idea what I problems that I would face.

She also wanted the pendant to be larger than the earrings. This gets into another set of problems. How do you replicate the original design but enlarge it?

She did not want a necklace, only the pendant. She will be able to change the necklace portion with leather, ribbon, or cord depending on her mood and her apparell.

Next problem. A pair of earrings that one has had for several years will be dulled somewhat due to sunlight, wear, etc. New beads will be brighter.

The pendant is finished and is about as close as I could make it. I just sent the photo off to her and am waiting to hear back. I hope she likes it!

Treasuries: Do They Generate Sales?

Treasuries are a collection of favorite items selected by an Etsy member who is then known as the "curator". Treasuries are usually (but not always) centered around a theme. They are limited in number and one has to be stealthy to snag one. Once you "snag" one, you can only feature 12 items and 4 alternates.

When one is featured in a treasury, it feels real good! I think it is an honor to be selected. One always feels great when another likes one of their pieces well enough to select it for thier treasury! I was especially flattered by this one as two of my pieces were selected. They are the last item in row 1 and the last item in row 4.

Now, the question is: "Do they generate sales?"

I think that the answer is "yes" for the treasury above. Or, I suppose it could be coincidence. Shortly after this treasury done by my Etsy friend, Toni, of www.RCTees.etsy.com my Sky Is The Limit Serenity Bracelet (last item, first row above) sold.

You may remember Toni and her talented husband, Mark, from a previous blog I did bragging about the new Tee that they made for me. You can read that blog item here: http://jstinson-trailoftreasures.blogspot.com/2009/03/heres-to-new-friends.html They continue to add new items to their wonderful store. Please check them out!

Treasuries are fun, flattering, and promote Etsians. I have one ready to go with a really neat theme. Now, if only I can snag it soon.

I do believe that treasuries can lead to sales. Toni, thanks for the friendship, the treasury, and probably the sale!

A Fancy Shawl For The First Lady

First Lady Michelle Obama models a handmade shawl she received from Director of Public Affairs for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Nedra Darling. (Photo: Lawrence Jackson/Associated Press) First Lady Michelle Obama continued her getting-to-know Washington tour on Monday with a visit to the Department of the Interior where she announced that President Obama would soon appoint a White House policy adviser dedicated to tribal issues such as sovereignty, health care and education.

Mrs. Obama said the new policy adviser - whose name is expected be announced in a few weeks - would focus on "the well-being of Native American families and the prosperity of tribes all across this country."

"For those of you focused on meeting the federal governments obligations to the Native Americans, understand that you have a wonderful partner in the White House right now," she said.

This was Mrs. Obama's third speech before a crowd of federal employees. Mrs. Obama has promised to visit all of the cabinet-level agencies to thank employees for their service and to listen to their concerns. Last week, she visited the Departments of Housing and Education.

On Monday, she again pitched the president's economic stimulus plan as she did during her agency visits last week.

"At a time when so many Americans are out of work, sound energy and environmental policies are going to help create thousands of jobs through the economic recovery and reinvestment plan that Barack is out there promoting today,'' Mrs. Obama said.
The first lady was greeted by hundreds of workers, celebrated with a traditional Native American "Honor Song" and wrapped in a bright lavender shawl.

Nedra Darling, a spokeswoman for the office of the assistant secretary for Indian Affairs and a member of the Pottawatomie tribe, draped the shawl over Mrs. Obama's shoulders.

"It's a hard place to live and work," Ms. Darling said of Washington. The song and shawl "will provide her strength and courage and duration through her tenure and beyond," Ms. Darling said.

Article sent to me by Sheila Rocha.

Navidad....An Endangered Specie

This morning I found that my "Navidad", a Native American Folk Art Doll, was featured on Etsy in Night Sky Jewelry's wonderful Green Me Up Scottie Treasury.

I was excited! I was delighted! Navidad (you can see her smiling there in the second row) has a spotlight for what could be her final days. It saddens me to know that come February, 2009 her life could well come to end when CPSIA goes into effect.


Thank you Sharon for giving Navidad what could well be her final curtain call.


Navidad has many sisters. They are made entirely by hand by Wolf Clan Seneca and Mohawk doll artist, Peggy MacKenzie. There are no buttons or moving parts that could create choking issues. They are merely fabric, polyester fiberfill, ribbon, non-toxic paint and are filled with Peggy's love and tribal history.


Peggy's dolls have been sold by us on the Pow Wow trail and on Etsy to the delight of our customers. They are historic, sweet and could in no way compromise the health and well being of anyone. But we can not afford to the testing required by CPSIA. So Navidad and her sisters may well be at the end of their run.


Doll making is a part of all cultures. These crafts should be preserved, protected, and perpetuated rather than being endangered by a government who is blind to the value of the arts and crafts to a country and its culture. Shame on you Congressman and Senators if you allow Navidad and her sisters to become endangered species!

Front Page At Art Fire

Art Fire is a new selling venue that I am learning to use. This morning, I'm on the front page. Those heart earrings in the middle of the third row are mine.

Now on Etsy, my other selling venue, when you make the Front Page it is considered to be very special. On Art Fire, newly listed items are featured on the front page. Since mine were new, there they are!

I have been selling on Etsy for one year this month. It is time to set new goals and try new things. My only fear at this point is over-extending my computer time. This would encroach on my beading time and I can't let that happen. So, here I go...off to try a new venue!

Help Save Our Native Arts and Crafts

As of February 10, 2009 new laws go into effect that will drastically impact my work and that of many others in the arts and crafts industry. In fact, it will destroy us. This law requires expensive testing and certification of all items for the use of those under 12 years old. As you know, we make and sell many items at Pow Wows and on-line that are intended for this age group.

Native children purchase our children's jewelry and toys. Their relatives purchase our bead work for the regalia of their young people. In other sections of this blog, I have posted photos of young girls proudly wearing my barrettes, earrings, etc.

Our land was taken. Our streams and the air we breathe were polluted. We were forced to lands we did not choose. Now, they want to take our ability to protect, perpetuate and promote our culture through our crafts as well. Please vote by clicking above, add the widget from the site if you choose, write your government officials, notify your friends. PLEASE HELP SAVE OUR ARTS AND CRAFTS!

Who Is Felipe Rose?

Who Is Felipe Rose? You probably know him....you just might not recognize his name.

• Felipe Rose is of Native American and Puerto Rican decent. His adoptive father, Eddie Three Eagles, is Lakota. As a result, Felipe has often used his long standing fame to help make a difference for the Lakota people living on reservations in South Dakota. He has also donated his time for many years for various programs and projects benefiting all Native people.His involvement includes helping with organizations such as the American Indian College Fund, Unity, United Nation Tribal Youth Council, and OneNation Walking Together.
• A gigantic blizzard unexpectedly hit western South Dakota on November 5, 2008. People became stranded and without heat, supplies, food or the ability to leave to get help. Roads were blockedwith twenty foot snow drifts in many areas. Over two thousand power lines were knocked down. Roads remained impassible for days before snowplows could even begin to clear them.
• Today, Felipe is trying to assist the Lakota Sioux Reservations in South Dakota with relief recovery efforts critically needed due to this recent blizzard crisis. This blizzard was the worst to hit western South Dakota in decades. The devastating storm left thousands of people withoutpower and, one month later, there are still people on the Reservations without electricity.
• Well this is what Felipe Rose is doing. Now can you tell me who he is? Don't write your answer in the comments or you will give it away to the next person. Send your comment to www.jstinson.etsy.com. Go there and then click "contact".