Canku Ota

(Many Paths)

An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America

October 18, 2003 - Issue 98

Opportunities - Page One

Here you will find listings of:

• Positions Available - including Fellowships and Internships;
• Scholarship, Award and Grant Information; and
• Event Announcements.

We will update this page if we receive additional opportunities for events, etc. that will occur before our issue publication date.

We receive these announcements from various sources including Harvard University Native American Program (HUNAP) and NativeShare

To view additional listing from previous issues, click here

10/18/03

Alaska Native Heritage Center Hosts
Fourth Annual All-Alaska Native Juried Art Show

(Anchorage, AK) - The Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) will be hosting its Fourth Annual All-Alaska Native Juried Art Show from October 17th to November 11th. The opening night reception will be held on Friday, October 17th from 6pm to 8:30pm at which time the Jurors choice and other awards will be announced. During the evening, the public will be asked to cast their vote for a special Peoples Choice award. The reception is free to the public and refreshments will be served. Exhibit hours will begin on October 18th and will continue during the Centers normal winter hours of Saturday from 10am to 5pm.

The All Alaska Native Juried Art Show was established to provide a forum where Alaska Native Artists can excel and broaden their interaction with the public and their peers. The Alaska Native Heritage Center strives to establish a forum where artists can create from their true source of inspiration, deriving from cultural values or an individual aesthetic, rather than focusing on marketability. It is the vision of the Alaska Native Heritage Center to show Alaska Native culture as living and thriving. This will be an opportunity to view Alaska Native art from traditional art forms to the most contemporary.

The Fourth Annual Juried Art Show has many new emerging artists as well as returning artists. There is a wide representation with entries from all over Alaska and the lower 48. Award winning artists from last years show, Clarissa Hudson, Susan Emery and Leona Haakanson-Crow, will be exhibiting new pieces. Twenty-nine artists with forty-three art pieces will be included in this years exhibit.

The Jurors for the Fourth Annual Juried Art Show will be Don Decker and Lalla Williams. Mr. Decker is an award-winning artist working in drawing, painting, sculpture and photography. In addition to being a co-owner of the Decker/Morris Gallery, Decker has also been an Arts in Education coordinator for the Alaska State Council on the Arts, an illustrator for the children's exhibition series at the Anchorage Museum of History and Art, and an art instructor at the elementary, secondary and university levels. He has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Ken Gray Award. He is also a co-director of the International Gallery of Contemporary Art. Ms. Williams is a Sugpiaq fiber and skin sewing artist who now serves as the High School Program Art Coordinator at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. She is a graduate of the Institute of America Indian Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The All Alaska Native Juried Art Show is made possible by generous support of the Alaska Council on the Arts and the Municipality of Anchorage, Department of Culture and Recreational Services, Arts Advisory Board.

For More Information:
Kay E. Ashton (907) 330-8055
kashton@alaskanative.net

-END-

The Alaska Native Heritage Center is an independent, nonprofit that is open year-round as a gathering place to celebrate, perpetuate and share Alaska Native cultures; it is a place for all people. It is located at 8800 Heritage Center Drive in northeast Anchorage, just off Muldoon Road North near Bartlett High School. For more information about other events and programs, visit www.alaskanative.net

10/18/03

KING ISLAND ANIMAL SPIRIT RELEASE CEREMONY HONORS HUNTERS AND THEIR HARVEST

(Anchorage, AK) - The Alaska Native Heritage Center invites all hunters and trappers to participate in the King Island Animal Spirit Release Ceremony on Saturday, October 18, 2003 from 10am to 5pm. This ceremony is to honor the animals that gave themselves to humans for food, clothing and tools. This is one of the continuing series of Celebrating Culture Saturdays, sponsored by BP, which presents a unique cultural program each week. Complimentary refreshments will be provided starting at 11:30am.

By honoring the spirit of an animal that gives itself to a human, the human gives thanks for the harvest and releases the animal spirit so that it may come back again another day. Many cultures believe that the released spirit would tell others of its kind that humans are respectful and honorable, ensuring that other animals would give themselves to the hunters. The Animal Spirit Release Dance is also done to honor the hunter and encourages him to be a good provider for his family.

The King Island Dancers and Singers of Anchorage will perform two parts of the Wolf Dance as part of the ceremony. Normally the Wolf Dance takes three days to perform, but an abbreviated version will be performed for the Animal Spirit Release Ceremony. An elder will also say a prayer and fresh water will be 'shared' with the animals to release their spirits. Hunters and trappers will be invited to dance to honor the animal spirits. Participating hunters should bring the skulls of any animals taken in a hunt or by trap. The skulls play an integral role in the dance ceremony.

The late Paul Tiulana founded the King Island Dancers and Singers in the 1970's to preserve the traditional values and rich heritage of the King Island people. The Bureau of Indian Affairs relocated the King Island people to Nome in the 1960's and Tiulana was dedicated to keeping their rich traditions alive. Most of the dance equipment and dance masks the group uses today were hand made by Paul and his son, Eugene. The King Island Dancers and Singers have performed all over Alaska and the world.

Ruth Outwater, Inupiat, will be sharing her knowledge on Native foods, health and the importance of treating animals with respect. Outwater is originally from Kotzebue and is a midwife and traditional healer. Her mother and grandmother taught her use of plants and other traditional medicines. Some of the knowledge passed down to her was how to treat illnesses with stinkweed and seal oil and how to care for patients with TB. She began learning midwifery skills at the age of 14, delivered babies in the villages around Kotzebue and worked at the Nome hospital until 1966.

Arts and Crafts sessions will be available throughout the day for all ages. Instructions include how to make: Athabascan Medicine Pillows, Yup'ik/Cup'ik Ladies Tool Bags, Inupiaq/St. Lawrence Island Yupik Animal Pouches, Aleut Visors and Southeast Headbands. Several videos will be shown such as Stories Given, Stories Shared, Agayuliyararput, Our Way of Making Prayer, Tales of the Tundra, Old Minto Camp, Siulipta Paitaat, Our Ancestors' Heritage and Nourished By Our Food/Sustained By Our Traditions. There will be Native storytelling and demonstrations of Native games.

Visitors can experience the five recreated village sites that illustrate the traditional structures in a typical village before or shortly after contact with non-Native cultures. Knowledgeable tour guides will share the history, culture and traditions of each site.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Kay E. Ashton (907) 330-8055
kashton@alaskanative.net

-END-

The Alaska Native Heritage Center is an independent, nonprofit that is open year-round as a gathering place to celebrate, perpetuate and share Alaska Native cultures; it is a place for all people. It is located at 8800 Heritage Center Drive in northeast Anchorage, just off Muldoon Road North near Bartlett High School. For more information about other events and programs, visit www.alaskanative.net

10/18/03

Casting Now! Show up! Sign up!
Come back at your sign up time and audition!
It's that easy!

This is also the first open call for the March Equity Production of Joseph A. Dandurand's "Please Do Not Touch The Indians". Callbacks for the production will be in January 2004

Seeking the following for November Festival of New Plays

Standing Up Stories
by Julie Pearson-Little Thunder (Creek)

Synopsis of play: This family play explores how Indian women extend their families by taking other women to be their adopted relatives. The usually informal process of intertribal adoption is a lifelong commitment to be there for the adopted relative, sharing the duties as well the privileges of a family member. The stories include a young professional woman’s relationship with her adoptive Yuchi grandmother, a Cheyenne woman who rescues her adopted niece from an abusive relationship, and a Cherokee language class, the night after 9/11.

Cast: Five women, two children, one musician

• Tavia 20
• Terri 26, will also play Carlos
• Lynda 35-49, will also play Eddie,
• Pauline Cheryl 35-49, will also play Pete,
• Eva Mary 65, will also play Bertha, the Emcee, Jackie, Myrtle
• Little Boy 8-12
• Little Girl 8-12
• Musician A mixture of contemporary and traditional music will be needed. Ideally the musician should play guitar or fiddle, hand drum, rattle, and Indian flute. Will be called on to sing, speak and dance.

Kino and Teresa
by James Lujan (Taos Pueblo) Add link for bio

Synopsis of play: This two-act play, set in seventeenth-century New Mexico, tells the story of Kino and Teresa, young lovers from two different peoples, Indian and Spanish—two contentious cultures holding together an uneasy peace, always on the verge of erupting into full-scale war. The play, an adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, borrows Shakespeare's classic structure and characters, matching them with actual historical events and personalities.

Cast: Actors will play more than one role, there are four women

• Kino (Romeo), an Indian boy of Pecos Pueblo, son of Governor Christoe
• Teresa (Juliet), the Spanish daughter of Maestre de Campo Madrid
• Don Diego de Vargas (The Prince), Governor of New Mexico
• Juan de Vargas (Paris), adult son of Governor Vargas
• Lorenzo Madrid (Capulet), Spanish Maestre de Campo of Santa Fe
• Catalina (Lady Capulet), Madrid’s Spanish wife
• Nurse to Teresa, an Indian woman from Socorro Pueblo
• Eladio (Tybalt) nephew of Madrid
• Felipe Chistoe (Montague), an Indian man, Governor of Pecos Pueblo
• Anieri (Lady Montague), an Indian woman, wife of Chistoe
• Cristobal (Mercutio), an Indian boy, friend of Kino
• Nicolas (Benvolio), an Indian boy, nephew of Chistoe and friend of Kino
• Fray Olvera (Friar Lawrence), Franciscan
• Old Indian Man (Apothecary), from Taos Pueblo
• Fray Garcia, Franciscan
• Hernan, Spanish manservant to Maestre de Campo Madrid
• Mateo, an Indian soldier in the Pecos Pueblo auxiliary
• Montoya, Governor’s right hand man
• Townsperson, a Spanish citizen
• Watchman, a Spaniard

Please do not touch the Indians
by Joseph A. Dandurand (Kwantlen First Nation) Add link for bio

Synopsis: With Sister Coyote, Brother Raven, Mister Wolf, a tourist, and two wooden Indians, Dandurand provides a tender and heart-wrenching tale of the struggles and dreams of Native Americans through history. Dandurand’s powerful storytelling style uses animal imagery and social stereotypes to create a strong and moving depiction of Native Americans and their ability to love, laugh, and survive despite tragic loss.

Cast: Four men, two women, one musician

• Wooden Indian Man
• Wooden Indian Woman
• Sister Coyote
• Brother Raven
• Mister Wolf
• Tourist
• Musician A mixture of contemporary, country and traditional music will be needed. Ideally the musician should play guitar, hand drum, rattle and Indian flute. Will be called on to sing in the style of Hank Williams, Jr.
  
  For more information, contact nativevoices@autry-museum.org

10/18/03

The History Of Boggy Creek
(This is not outside, but rather a fictional event inside of a very cool garage)

Boggy Creek was largely inhabitted by local hills folk. In 1942, many either moved away or just simply weren't heard from again. In an attempt to revive the Boggy Creek economy, remaining local townsfolk attempted to start a campground. However, this seemed to be a short lived enterprise as the campground simply disappeared one foggy night.

About 10 years ago, several hikers attempted to find it. And while the hikers haven't been seen since, the sheriff's search party did uncover the old campground. Since that point we have operated and run the Boggy Creek Campground. We are open to all of the public, but only October 31st of each year.

We offer a spacious set of campsites close to the Boggy Creek. Many of our visitors have never left, while we haven't seen them we know they are around as all of their belongings are still here. KampGuide Krusty will lead you up the path to Boggy Creek.

You never know when you might meet some locals. And have the chance to hear some charming local lore and maybe a tall tale or two. We would like to put to rest the rumours that we have anything to do with the 29 hikers missing over the last 3 years. Please visit the Boggy Creek Sheriff's page to verify this.

Our campground is free, but we do accept canned food donations for the local food bank.

Please visit: Boggy Creek Campground for more information.

10/18/03

CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT

I would like to take this opportunity to inform you of the October 23, 2003 "Confronting Anxiety and Addiction is an Uncertain World. This conference is co-sponsored by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation - Tribal Health Services, AdCare Hospital of Worcester and The Addiction Technology and Transfer Center of New England at Brown University. The brochure provides the conference information and registration form. Please contact 1-800-345-3552 X3068 to arrange for a mailed copy.

Mark Samos
Administrative Planner
MPTN Tribal Health Services
1 Matts Path P.O. Box 3310
Mashantucket, CT 06338-3310
Tel 860-396-2122 Fax 860-396-2125
msamos@mptn.org

10/18/03

ALASKA NATIVE HERITAGE CENTER FUNDRAISER FOR SAMI EXHIBIT LINKS SHARED HISTORY OF INDIGENOUS CULTURES IN ALASKA

(Anchorage, AK) - On Sunday, October 26, 2003 from 2pm to 5pm the Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) and The Saami Báiki Foundation will co-host a gala auction, mixer and raffle at the ANHC to raise funds for the "Sami: Reindeer People of Alaska," a traveling exhibit that will tour Native museums in Alaska for two years. The exhibit is scheduled to be at the ANHC May through September 2004. The fundraiser is supported by the Royal Norwegian Consulate of Alaska, the Sons of Norway and many well-known Sami and Alaska Native artists, authors and craftspeople have donated their work to the auction. Admission is $5 per person and the door prize is roundtrip Anchorage - Honolulu airfare for two from Hawaiian Vacations.

REINDEER PROJECT BROUGHT SAMI ("LAPP") HERDERS FROM NORWAY TO ALASKA
In 1894 and 1898, 126 Indigenous Sami reindeer herders and their families from Norway were hired by the United States Government to teach reindeer herding subsistence skills to Yup'iks and Inupiaq. After their three-year tours of duty with the Alaska, many of these Sami Reindeer Project herders remained in Alaska, married into Native families and helped build up the large reindeer herds that provided food, clothing and transportation for Alaskans during the Gold Rush and into the 1920's and 30's.

In 1937, the U.S. government transferred the ownership of all reindeer to Alaska Natives and the Sami were forced to sell their herds at a loss. Outside of the herding families, most Alaskans do not know about this chapter in Alaska's history that has mostly been ignored.

TRAVELING EXHIBIT WILL COMMEMORATE THE SAMI CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE HISTORY OF ALASKA
"The Sami: Reindeer People of Alaska" traveling exhibit will emphasize the special relationship the Sami have had with Alaska Native cultures and will include archival photographs, tools and household items that document the history of the Alaska Sami. Stories and anecdotes will be collected for publication and programs and workshops on the Sami culture and reindeer subsistence will be scheduled in the communities where the exhibits are taking place.

ANHC OCTOBER FUND RAISER FOR THE EXHIBIT INVOLVES REINDEER PROJECT DESCENDANTS FROM NORWAY AS WELL AS ALASKA
The October 26th fundraiser will be the first time that many Alaska Natives with Sami ancestry will have a chance to meet each other and learn more about the Sami culture of today. Opening greetings will be by Norwegian Consul Anton Zahl Meyer; Sami and Alaska Native Elders will be honored guests.

The afternoon will include an auction of valuable Sami and Alaska Native arts, a Sami lavvu (traditional tent), reindeer stew, showing of the contemporary video "Living with Reindeer," a raffle of Sami and Alaska Native books, crafts, toys, Sami yoiking (traditional singing) and a reindeer lassoing demonstration.

The Master of Ceremonies will be Alaska State Senator Dr. Donny Olson, who is a descendant of the Reindeer Project; the auctioneer will be Angelo Buffis, Jr. from Nome. Rose Fosdick, Kawerak Native Herders Association, and Andy Miller, jr., president of the Nome Eskimo Community Tribal Council will be on hand to greet people.

Visiting Sami guests from Norway include yoiker Ande Somby; Ellen Inga Haetta, president of the Kautokeino Reindeer Herders Association; Gunvor Guttorm, Master Crafter from the Sami College in Kautokeino; and Johan Mikkel Sara from the Norwegian Sami Parliament.

-END-

The Alaska Native Heritage Center is an independent, nonprofit that is open year-round as a gathering place to celebrate, perpetuate and share Alaska Native cultures; it is a place for all people. It is located at 8800 Heritage Center Drive in northeast Anchorage, just off Muldoon Road North near Bartlett High School. For more information about other events and programs, visit www.alaskanative.net

Kay E. Ashton
Development Manager and Public Relations
Alaska Native Heritage Center
www.alaskanative.net
Fax: 907 330-8030
Phone: 800 315-6608
907 330-8055

10/18/03

Register today for IFP/Chicago's 12th Annual Independent Filmmakers Conference, October 31 - November 2, 2003!

Bob Berney from Newmarket Films will attend!

The Conference is a unique, weekend-long event at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago that offers opportunities for Midwestern filmmakers to push their independent projects ahead. Full Conference passes start at only $50!

OVERVIEW
Conference highlights include panels and workshops focused on indie filmmaking, the Flyover Zone Short Film Festival, premieres of the independent films 21 Grams and Monster, and of course, the Opening Night film and party! The Opening Night film will be the Chicago-made feature film, Uncle Nino, starring Joe Mantegna and Anne Archer.

PANELS AND SPEAKERS
Some of the panel discussions will include:

• Financing Your Indie Dream
• The State of Independent Film Distribution
• Super Low Budget Filmmaking

The Conference will feature respected experts in the independent film:

• Bob Berney, president of Newmarket Films. As former senior vice president of IFC Films, Mr. Berney oversaw the distribution of My Big Fat Greek Wedding and the critically praised Y Tu Mama Tambien.

• Robert Salerno, producer, of such films including Sling Blade, All the Pretty Horses and 21 Grams, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu and starring Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro and Naomi Watts.

• Mark Damon, chairman and chief executive officer of MDP Worldwide, a production, distribution and financing company. Damon has produced over 100 films, including the critically acclaimed World War II drama, Das Boot.

• Mark Horowitz, distribution consultant, who served as president of Alliance Atlantis Pictures International, distributors of films such as Neil Jordan's Double Down, the teen hit Slackers, David Cronenberg's Crash and Neil Labute's In the Company of Men.

DISCOUNT RATES AVAILABLE AT DOWNTOWN HOTEL
Coming from out of town? We have a special discount rate arranged with the Best Western River North Hotel located in the heart of Chicago for just $85 a night. When booking a room please request the IFP Chicago Rate. The River North Hotel offers every amenity to accommodate your stay, including free guest parking and an indoor pool. To reserve your room, call corporate reservations at 312-467-0819 or if you have questions or concerns please call Fantasy Greene at 312-467-0800 ext 121

Special thanks to our Conference sponsors that include A to B Rentals, AICP, Avid, AirTran Airways, Chicago Film Office, Columbia College, Comm Direct, DGA, Filmmaker Magazine, Fletcher Chicago, Hilton Chicago, Illinois Film Office, Indiana Film Commission, Independent Film Channel, Kat Lei Productions, Kodak, Michigan Film Office, Missouri Film Commission, Nevada Film Office, SAG-Indie, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Screen Magazine, and WGA-East. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and also by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

For the Conference schedule visit http://www.ifp.org, call 312-435-1825, or write mail to:rcowing@ifp.org