Restoring traditional Indian names

The tribal council of the Pueblo Santo Domingo in New Mexico recently decided unanimously to change the tribe’s name back to that by which they identified themselves for centuries. They are now officially known as the Kewa Pueblo. This is as it should be–a giant step toward decolonization or decolonization. It’s a step taken over [...]

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Native Arts and Cultures Foundation announces guidelines for inaugural grants

The Native Arts & Cultures Foundation announced a call for submissions for its first round of grants to support the creative work of indigenous people in the contiguous United States, Alaska and Hawaii. Funding will be awarded to individuals, programs and organizations. A total of $300,000 is available for distribution in amounts of up to [...]

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Ghosts of Machu Picchu

Perched atop a mountain crest, mysteriously abandoned more than four centuries ago, Machu Picchu is the most famous archeological ruin in the Western Hemisphere and an iconic symbol of the power and engineering prowess of the Inca. In the years since Machu Picchu was discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911, there have been countless theories [...]

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Historical Society exhibit honors Indian soldiers

HELENA, Mont. (AP) – The Montana Historical Society is scheduling the Smithsonian Institution’s “Native Words, Native Warriors” exhibit to tour the state’s American Indian reservations. “This is a rare opportunity to honor Montana’s Indian veterans, and all veterans, as well as to honor the important work of retaining native languages,” said Society Director Richard Sims. [...]

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Native American Flute – The Wounded Musician and the River of Grace

By Stephen DeRuby Having a lifetime of experience as a musician, I extend to you an upcoming series of articles on the power of music and the Native American Flute. I will describe the short version of my musical path toward healing. First let me ask: What has heart and meaning for you? What touches [...]

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The oldest Native song?

LOS XTOLES (pronounced chi-to-les) – This piece of music is said to have been chanted by Mayan warriors in praise of the Mayan Sun God. This five-tone (pentatonic) melody, is also possibly one of the oldest melodies known to exist in the World. Los Xtoles has been notated in various Mexican folk music collections. Mayan [...]

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