NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE
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NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
CONTENTS
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53 STYLE 09 12 14 15 16 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 30
FALL’S FIERCEST BOOTS THE MOMENT: S MIRANDA HANDBAGS 6 HOT EXTRAS FASHION NEWS AUTUMN HEAT BACK TO BUSINESS TIME TO BUTTON DOWN CHRISTIAN WEAVER’S TRAVEL ESSENTIALS MY STYLE: RED$KIN THUNDACAT THE WEEKENDER MAN OF STYLE: SIMON MOYA-SMITH A NEW LINEAGE LONG HAIR DON’T CARE HOW TO BE: A GOOD GYM MEMBER THE MASTERS OF STYLE
33 THE BEST OF NATIVE MEN’S FASHION
ART
36 DECK MEETS ART 37 INSPIRED NATIVES
CULTURE
39 ERNIE PANICCIOLI
LIFE
40 CHEF RICH FRANCIS: ON FOOD & STYLE
RADAR
58 HE KEPT HIS PEN MOVING 60 BOOKS: OFF THE PATH
CONTRIBUTORS KELLY BEDONI Kelly Bedoni is Navajo from Monument Valley, Utah. He currently runs a blog about men’s fashion and lifestyle. “I’m inspired by the tourists that visit [Monument Valley]; also trips overseas had a big influence in what I wear and how I like to present myself in what I wear.” A few fun facts about Bedoni is that he’s a powwow performer since the age of 7, and has traveled with his family all over the U.S. and most of the major cities in Europe. “It was a great experience.” Bedoni shared his picks for the Weekender Look on page 24.
BRANDON ECOFFEY A member of the Native Max team, Brandon Ecoffey is of the Oglala Tribe and was born and raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. He is a national award-winning journalist for his work as managing editor of Native Sun News out of Rapid City, SD. Ecoffey earned his education at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH and his certified personal trainer license from the National Federation of Personal Trainers. Ecoffey wrote the first ever Native Max’s guide to being a good gym member.
MEEK WATCHMAN Meek Watchman is the founder of Sacred Sani, Inc., a non-profit mentorship program dedicated to young Native women in pursuit of their personal, professional and academic achievements. Performer and poet working towards an MFA in Creative Writing from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Watchman is also a Public Relations Consultant based in the southwest. She also specializes in graphic design and photography, serving clients in Alaska and the Lower 48. Author of Sacred Sani Blog. Watchman captured the talented MC Rhetorik in downtown Santa Fe.
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE
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M AGAZINE
EDITOR’S WELCOME HERE AT NATIVE MAX, we’re beyond excited to bring you the first ever, Native Gentlemen’s issue. The Gentlemen’s Issue focuses solely on Native men, from style and grooming to stories of life and inspiration. We covered Native men who are innovators of art and entertainment and the leading trailblazers of men’s fashion. However, what we’re most passionate about of this issue is what we learned from Native men who are leaders in their communities. Being a gentleman in Indian Country and beyond is more than just sporting your most dapper wear or acting the coolest- it’s how you introduce and present yourself to a crowded room. It’s how you give back to your family, friends and community. To genuinely exhibit qualities such as respect, humility, dignity, kindness and good-character to others is what it takes to be a gentleman. What the Native Max team and I have learned from this issue is that all around Indian Country, we have men stepping up and raising the bar on the expectations that we and mainstream society has for Native men. They are proving that Native men are more than the stereotypes of the drunken indian, the deadbeat fathers, and criminals. These men are successful and they are leaders. They are exactly the kind of gentlemen we need inspiring our future generations. Enjoy!
KELLY HOLMES FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Editor in Chief KELLY HOLMES Executive Managing Editor JOHNNIE SISNEROS Marketing Team MARCUS TSOSIE & BECCA KIRK Beauty/Fashion Contributors HELEN ORO, CHELSEA CHEE & KRYSTINA BIA Staff Writers GIA BOLTON, DARYL BEGAYE, NOEL ALTAHA, RYAN YOUNG, JOLONZO GOLDTOOTH, TYREL BEGAY, ANTHONY BURRIS & EVERETT BAXTER CONTRIBUTORS SUNNY REDBEAR, PETER EWAN, DEREK NEZ, HEATHER HUSSEY-VAN GAALE, CHER THOMAS, SHAAX’SANI, ISAIAH CALABAZA, CELENE TAPPO, STELLA FULLER, DARLENE MIRANDA, ALANA ALANIZ, LEAH PLUMMER, KELLY LYNNE, RUDYLEE JR., BEN GREY FEATHER, CHRISTIAN WEAVER, OWEE RAE, MICHAEL DUNKLEY, KELLY BEDONI, SIMON MOYA-SMITH, JORDAN LOWRY, SID BAD MOCCASIN, MUJJO, SHAYNE WATSON, LARGO PHOTOGRAPHY, SHAWN YAZZIE, NATAANII MEANS, ARIK SANDOVAL, PENNY SINGER, JAMIE OKUMA, SHONIE SECODY, REGINA STILL SMOKING, LOUIE GONG, ANNAWON WEEDEN, DOMINIQUE TSINNIE, PATRICK TAH, TATANKA MEANS, SARAH AGATON HOWES, ERNIE PANICCIOLI, RICH FRANCIS, CREESON AGECOUTAY, BILL STEVENSON, SCOTTI CLIFFORD, LARRY PRICE, KENDRA DUNN, PATRICK HUBBELL, TATANKA MEANS, MATIKA WILBUR, JACOB PRATT, WALT POURIER, NADYA KWANDIBENS, JAMIE AGUILAR, JESSICA ATSYE, MICHELLE CROWFEATHER, ROCHELLE LEMAIGRE, NOEL ALTAHA, DON JAMES, MEEK WATCHMAN, SHELDON TENORIO, ADRIAN L. JAWORT,
NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE is published (starting June 1, 2014) eleven times per year by Native Max & Other Media Ventures, LLC. To obtain additional copies, please email info@nativemax.com. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. COPYRIGHT 2013, Native Max & Other Media Ventures, LLC. Published in Denver, Colorado, by Native Max & Other Media Ventures, LLC. Native Max & Other Media Ventures LLC cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Native Max & Other Media Ventures LLC takes no responsibility for ommissions or errors. We reserve the right to publih and edit any content submitted. All rights reserved.
Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, USA
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MAKE US PROUD
REVITALIZATION BY INNOVATION Peter Ewan and the team behind a language mobile app determined to perserve the Ahtna language By Johnnie Sisneros Above: Peter Ewan
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Understanding that so many of the younger generations are drawn to technology and social media, he had the idea to create an app that would help preserve and revitalize the Ahtna language and make it more accessible for those wanting to learn. “Language preservation is important to all of the Athabascan people. Many people have lost their ability to speak the language,” says Ewan. “Language is culture.” However, the creation of the app was not without its challenges. “I started this app three times, but was unable to finish it, until now,” he says. “The main challenge was time; we are all limited on what we can contribute, with full-time jobs and families. It takes time and resources to input the data for the app. We faced financial restraints because of the developer fees, platform costs, and domain costs.” In April, the Ahtna Giligak language app was released on both Android and Apple platforms. The app also found supporters in the Copper Valley School District, who would like to implement the app into their curriculum for students to use. Now that the app has launched, the next step for Ahtna Giligak is developing a game aimed towards young children between the ages of 3 and 6, to help them learn the Ahtna language while having fun.
NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
Above: A screenshot of Ewan’s language app, which is available for download on most mobile devices, including Androids and Apple devices
Do you have a story to tell? Make us proud by sending us your inspirational story to info@nativemax. com. Please include an essay of 250 words or less and a high res photo of yourself.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF PETER EWAN
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arbra Meek wrote in her book, We Are Our Language: An Ethnography of Language Revitalization in a Northern Athabaskan Community, that “language revitalization requires more than just linguistic rehabilitation; it demands a social transformation”. This is exactly what Peter Ewan, Ahtna Athabascan of the Udzisyu (you-jish-you/Caribou) Clan from Copper Center, Alaska, is hoping to achieve with the creation of the Ahtna Giligak, a mobile app that Ewan and his team developed to help revitalize the Ahtna Language for future generations. Ewan grew up in Alaska but found himself attending college at Eastern New Mexico University where he graduated with a degree in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations. After graduating, he began designing websites and doing marketing and public relations for small businesses. His wife, Amber, also graduated from ENMU and is one of the Ahtna Giligak team members as well. The rest of the team includes, Derrick Sinyon (Ahtna), a photographer and graphic designer; Philip Baur, who helped with data entry, and Samuel Johns (Ahtna/Gwiching) aka Rebel, a musician and close friend. A few years ago, as he was searching for a copy of the Ahtna Dictionary, Ewan realized that there wasn’t a good electronic version available.
STYLE NEUTRAL BROWN Besides black, we find brown boots just as versatile.
FALL’S FIERCEST BOOTS The boot season is upon us! See our top two favorite styles of the moment: overthe-knee, mid-length and neutral-brown PHOTO BY DEREK NEZ
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STYLE
FALL 2014 READ ON TO REVIEW THE NATIVE MAX FASHION TEAM’S TOP TREND WE’RE ABIDING BY THIS MONTH: BOOTS PHOTOGRAPHS: DEREK NEZ In between the open-toe-sandalsseason and sweater weather, boots are the perfect addition to any fall outfit. Our must-have material: leather
MID-LENGTH Hitting somewhere between the knee and the ankle, the mid-length boot is a classic that will last you this season—and beyond. Pair with a skirt or leggings for a simple yet elegant look.
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STYLE
TREND REPORT
OVER THE KNEE This style has been spotted on celebs and models alike throughout the years. Instantly dress up a casual outfit by switching to over-the-knees.
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STYLE THE MOMENT
COZY HANDBAG A purse is every woman’s must have. This cold season, we’re opting for a cozy handbag from S Miranda. Their handbags feature intricate designs of leather and Pendleton™
LARGE “EVERYTHING” HANDBAG; S MIRANDA; PRICE UPON REQUEST; SMIRANDAHANDBAGS.COM
PHOTOGRAPH BY HEATHER HUSSEY-VAN GAALE
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PHOTO COURTESY OF CHER THOMAS
HOT EXTRAS
1. BEADED CUFF, ETKIE; $148; ETKIE.COM
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PHOTO COURTESY OF ISAIAH CALABAZA
2. STONE CUFF, FEATHERS & BEAUTY PHOTOGRAPHY; PRICE UPON REQUEST; FACEBOOK: FEATHERS & BEAUTY PHOTOGRAPHY & JEWELRY
6. STONE HAIR BARRETTES, ISAIAH CALABAZA; PRICE UPON REQUEST; FACEBOOK ISAIAH CALABAZA
3. PENDLETON POWWOW TOTE BAG, CHER THOMAS DESIGNS; $65; CHERTHOMASDESIGNS. COM
PHOTO COURTESY OF SHAAX’SANI
Up your accessories game with a pendleton tote, chic necklace, bold cuffs and a smooth hair piece
4. SEALSKIN CUFF, INDIGENOUS PRINCESS; PRICE UPON REQUEST; INDIGENOUSPRINCESS.COM
PHOTO COURTESY OF KRYSTINA BIA
NATIVE BLING
5. BOW BEAD NECKLACE, URBAN TURQUOISE; PRICE UPON REQUEST; FACEBOOK: URBAN TURQUOISE ACCESSORIES BEAUTY DESIGNS
STYLE
FASHION NEWS
ORLANDO DUGI FASHION SHOW IN DURANGO, CO
What started as a love for designer handbags and an online luxury purse rental business, the Miranda women launched S Miranda, a line of chic handbags made of genuine leather and Pendleton™ material. The ladies design their purses in three signature sizes – the small “everything” handbag, the large “everything” handbag and small fringed clutch. Check out S Miranda’s handbag up close on our ‘The Moment’ feature a few pages back!
For more fashion news, head on over to nativemax.com!
A FAMILY AFFAIR
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Stella Fuller, Darlene Miranda, Alana Alaniz, and Leah Plummer. Photo by Kelly Lynne Fotos
Designer Orlando Dugi will be hosting a fashion show in Durango, CO, Saturday, November 15, 2014. The show begins at 5:30 p.m at the Fort Lewis College Ballroom, 1000 Rim Drive, Durango, CO 81301. The show offers general admission, premium seating and VIP tickets. It's unclear what collection Dugi is planning to present in his show, but we know it'll be a great presentation.
SHO SHO ESQUIRO IN J AUTUMN FASHION SHOW 2014 Kaska Dene and Cree fashion designer Sho Sho Esquiro was given the opportunity of showing in the J AUTUMN FASHION SHOW 2014, which was the first ever fashion show held atop the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France on October 31st. The show was hosted by model and entrepreneur Jessica Minh Anh, who’s known for hosting fashion shows in various landmarks around the world. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE
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AUTUMN HEAT No need for sweaters and coats in some parts of the country; Southwestern designer RUDYLEE JR shows us autumn-style in the desert of New Mexico.
PHOTOGRAPHER RUDYLEE JR ASSISTANTS MARLENE / LORENA ROBERTS
HAIR & MAKEUP MELISSA M. VIGIL / LORENA ROBERTS MODELS LESLIE TAFOYA / MIR / RAEDAWN SKEETS
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STYLE HIS STYLE
BACK TO BUSINESS The line between on-the-clock and after hours has never been blurrier. Now make the effortless change from work to play with an unstructured blazer. It’s effortless sophistication added to whatever else you’re wearing
MODEL: WYATT LEONARD; EASTERN SHOSHONE
BLAZER: PORTER & ASH; $50; TJ MAXX BUTTON UP: JUST A CHEAP SHIRT; $12.99; TJ MAXX SWEATER: STYLIST’S OWN PANTS: STYLIST’S OWN
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STYLE HIS STYLE
TIME TO BUTTON DOWN
Award-winning First Nations musician, Ben Grey Feather (Métis Cree) shares with us his laid back approach to looking sharp in the ever popular 90's rock throwback: the button down shirt
< As Ben demonstrates, you'll look much cooler in a fitted button down shirt. No point in sporting a baggy one. v A bold move: pairing both your button down shirt with a pair of pants in the same color scheme.
PHOTOS BY NIIKO SOUL
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STYLE
CHRISTIAN’ WEAVER’S TRAVEL ESSENTIALS If anyone knows a thing or two about Christian Weaver, Shinnecock, it's that he's a business man and travels constantly. Weaver shares with us his travel essentials
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1. HANDMADE TIE BY RES ISPA USA: My two very close friends own Res Ipsa USA. They make incredible ties, shoes, and bags. This tie was handmade by the same gentleman that made Ralph Laurens ties. 2. BERTUCCI WRIST WATCH: So not always running on Indian time! 3. WRISTBANDS BY SAKS FIFTH AVENUE: My own personal wrist bling. 4. FIVE PANEL HAT BY LEROY JENKINS LIMITED: One of my best friends owns LJ and they put out some fresh gear!
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STYLE
MY STYLE RAPPER RED$KIN THUNDACAT
RAPPER RED$KIN THUNDACAT PROVES HIP HOP ARTISTS CAN BE DAPPERWhen do you wear a suit? Any chance I get. My fraternity dinner formals once a month, or to special events. You mentioned you had a stylist. Sahar Khadjenoury helped me pick the suit and gave me style tips, like how the suit has to be tailored, smoky-grey color would look nice, etc. She even looked up good locations to shoot at close to me while she was in Italy. I was also wearing Thundercat boxer briefs. What are you wearing in this shot? Shoes are Versace, belt is Louis Vuitton, suit is Billy London. Photo by Owee Rae Shot taken in Tuba City, AZ
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STYLE
THE WEEKENDER The perfect pieces to fire up your weekend style
“Fall is now upon us. To find a cozy attire for this season, we have here is the Weekender Look. When you want to relax, but still look stylish, invest in these pieces. Maybe visit a coffee shop or get lunch with friends.”
Holden Street Wool socks by Stance; $14; stance.com
Red Wing Moc Toe Boot (Men); 169.90; Nordstrom.com
Bear Bull shirt from Sho Sho Esquiro; $40; shoshoesquiro.com
Want more personalized looks put together by our Native Max fashion team? Head on over to nativemaxmagazine.com!
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Selvidge Denim Jean from American Apparel; $140; americanapparel.net
SHO SHO ESQUIRO TEE: SHOSHOESQUIRO.COM; BOOT: NORDSTROM.COM; DENIM: AMERICANAPPAREL.NET; SOCKS: STANCE.COM
Picked by fashion contributor Kelly Bedoni (Navajo)
STYLE
MAN OF STYLE: SIMON MOYA-SMITH
Simon Moya-Smith, Oglala Lakota, is so polished and poised every time you catch him on the news; a crisp buttoned-down shirt finished with a fresh blazer is his signature getup when he’s set to appear on screen. Out of the spotlight, Moya-Smith is just as dapper in a casual dress shirt and slim jeans. However, Moya-Smith’s attitude and confidence is just as indelible and distinctive as his style, which is why we selected him as this month’s Man of Style. TEXT BY KELLY HOLMES | PHOTO BY NOEL ALTAHA
Every time you're featured on television, you're style is always so refined and suave. What style mentality do you keep in mind when you go for an interview on live? I invariably take a coat – a blazer – and a buttoned down shirt to go with the thing. I make sure every inch matches, of course, but the slacks or jeans… they aren’t always my focus when I go on TV – it’s my shirt and blazer. Most of these news shows film you from the waist up anyway after they cake you in make-up. Overall, I try not to look like some buttoned-down pompous conservative pundit. I’m a journo and I’m there to argue our side and the facts – but some of these folks won’t take you seriously if you don’t look the part. It’s the game, really. The blazer and shirt are my political boxing gloves, I suppose. Sometimes you’ve got to wear them to get in the ring with these people. But I don’t always
follow that rule. I didn’t when I went on the BBC, but we still went toe-to-toe, so maybe it’s all in my head. What are your absolute must-haves when traveling? My pens, scratch paper, laptop, iPad, headset, cell phone – all of the necessary human things, but clothing? I try to pack the most I can into the smallest bag. I love to run, so I try to leave room for a pair of running shoes and gym clothes, and then there are my blazers and a couple pairs of dress shoes just in case I’m doing two different gigs. I also take my pipe; it’s my grandfather’s, he gave it to me. It’s part of my writing ceremony – my oddball bastard process. I have a quill, too. I spin it through my fingers when I’m ruminating. I wish I could take my massive typewriter. I absolutely adore clicking and clacking that thing, but it’s heavy as all hell. It’s king of a beast, and not easy to haul from
hotel to hotel and from plane to plane. But I make do with the journo tools I have. Clothing, though? All of it’s ink-stained somewhere – on the sleeve or pant leg. I look like I’m a painter, but I’m not. I just drip ink all over myself and on the pages I rip into. What is your key wardrobe piece when you know you’re going to make a special appearance? My watch. I’ve got a couple – a number of them, actually; and I try to pair them with what I’m wearing. People do eye your timepiece – it’s the coups de grace of your outfit in that moment when you reach out for someone’s hand or gesticulate wildly in heavy debate like I want to do. Right. Your watch says a lot about you and your taste. You can be in all black – and I often am – but your watch does speak mountains about your taste in accessories.
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STYLE
A NEW LINEAGE There’s a new tee brand in town, and it goes by LINEAGE. Founder and designer Jordan Lowry (Lumbee/Tuscarora) aims to combat misappropriation of the Native culture with his new apparel line. Read on to find out why he’s on our list of Best New Native menswear Designers of 2015. WHERE I’M FROM I am a tribal card-carrying member of the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina. Also I am part Tuscarora too. THE INSPIRATION BEHIND LINEAGE CLOTHING The inspiration came when I was noticing more misappropriation of our culture. I realized I was in a unique position to make a change. I became upset at people wearing headdresses and cheaply-made Native Halloween costumes. I started an Instagram with the intention of initially making stickers but noticed more Native American apparel companies and thought, “hey I can do that better,”; so out of frustration and innovation, Lineage was conceived. Lineage was founded in my apartment in Greensboro, NC. Lineage will allow me to educate people
on our unique culture and inspire them to look within their own lineage. Together we can achieve the much needed change our culture needs, hence my tagline: Educate, Inspire, Achieve. THE REASON FOR LINEAGE Lineage is defined as: lineal descent from an ancestor; ancestry or pedigree. I figured this name would be quite fitting for a Native American clothing line. THE MISSION OF LINEAGE Quite simply put, our overall mission is to educate generations about our proud Native American culture and rich history. We want to inspire people to look into their own lineage as well. Our company firmly believes it is important to better understand our past so we can strengthen our future.
LINEAGE ON MISPREPRESENTATIONS OF NATIVE CULTURES My thoughts behind this are that I am trying to raise awareness for cultural misappropriations against our culture. People need to understand it is not okay to wear traditional war bonnets or headdresses to music festivals, or dress up as “Indian” for Halloween. It is extremely disrespectful and should not be tolerated in any shape or form. IN OUR SIGHTS FOR LINEAGE Ideally I would like to see Lineage grow and begin to make some sort of social impact and raise awareness. I would like to develop an education foundation to assist Native Americans with educational tools and resources. Also, I would like to
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grow the company to be able to offer a more diverse product line while partnering with other Native designers to sell their products on my online platforms. My ultimate goal is to be a recognized brand here in the U.S. and get involved with social issues and really make a long lasting impact. WHAT MAKES LINEAGE DIFFERENT We try to merge modern design aspects with Native American culture and traditional designs. I believe we take a unique approach to designing our clothes. We also want to be perceived as much more than just another clothing line. We strive to establish a community and get involved in social issues. We want to make a long lasting impact.
STYLE
LONG LIVE LONG HAIR THIS MONTH: We focus about long hair of the Lakota men and women
Many see having long hair as a custom of their tribe, yet some view long hair as just another trend. This month, we focus on the traditional and cultural meaning behind long hair of the Lakota people. BY SID BAD MOCCASIN & KELLY HOLMES MODEL: MAVERICK GREY HORSE
Long hair is infused with our ni (Lakota word for spirit), and is a physical representation of our DNA. Our hair is cherished and links us to the rich and illustrious past as Lakota People. The hair is traditionally worn long and is normally only cut during certain times of the year depending upon circumstances, such as a death or protocols pertaining to family customs. Some of the different styles Lakota men and women do is part their hair down the center in two braids, with the exception of the men who may prefer to wear what is now called a
â&#x20AC;&#x153;scalp lockâ&#x20AC;?. The scalp lock is normally a small portion of the hair on top-center and back of the head between the two braided sections - that which is in a diamond-shaped square and is braided with a feather or other hair ornament is attached, such as waphesa. During certain Lakota ceremonies, men, women, and children wear a scalp lock with eagle feathers or plumes attached to it; for example: naming ceremonies. If the hair is to be cut or shortened for any reason, it must be rolled into a ball and burned. This custom has two meanings of origin: The
first theory began during recent Lakota history of the first contact with Europeans; the hair was burned for purification and cleansing of the body due in part to European illnesses and diseases. The second: by burning the hair, it symbolized the releasing of the spirit within the hair follicles. By burning the hair, it is said by Lakota elders that no person is able of witching or doing harm to you if they were able to obtain your hair to perform bad medicine.
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STYLE
HOW TO BE: A GOOD GYM MEMBER
What does it take to not be an epic douche in the gym? Now, I would hope that this question is one that any gym goer has asked themselves at some point in their fitness journey. Unfortunately, I have come to understand that many have not performed this exercise in self-reflection; while others who have displayed extraordinary douchiness in the gym, simply enjoy being a douche. So with that in mind we hope this list of five dos and don’ts makes you a more pleasant person to train next to in the gym. If there is one lesson to be learned from this entire list it is do not under any circumstances become known as the creepy guy at the gym. To prevent this do not douse yourself in cologne, body spray, hair gel or show up in color coordinated neon clothing. You do not have swag. You look like a flagger on the highway. Do not try to go #Beastmode when training near beautiful women and most importantly do not offer advice on form –she likely knows more about this fitness life than you do. And brother, please stop staring in to the mirror at the super-hot yet utterly horrified co-ed across the gym. In reality she should
Our Life Editor BRANDON ECOFFEY shares a few etiquette techniques when at the gym
call the police on your stalking ass. When we were children there was a simple task that most of us had to master as we developed both physically and intellectually –as all humans do. That is the ability to recognize and delineate between differently shaped and sized objects. The big key fits in the big lock, this piece of the puzzle goes there….it is a pretty simple concept. Thus, in the gym, the weights are coordinated by size and weight and are assigned their own unique places where they are to be stored. Most likely in the same exact place where you originally picked the weight up. Please put it back. I remember a time in my life when I could pull in to a parking lot and park in one space for a little bit and then another and whoever else wanted to use one of these parking spaces just had to wait until I was done or find a different one. Wait… Ok, I never had that happened and anyone doing this is obviously demonstrating douche like characteristics. It’s very much like this in the gym. When certain people put light ass weights on four separate machines and proceed to bounce from one to the next while the rest of us who came to train are like the driver without a parking place that
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is being a douche. Be considerate some of us have real weight to lift. Excessive gear is both a stylistic downfall and a message telling those who once thought that you had a life, that you don’t. Now it is important to recognize that some folks in the gym are athletes and the tools they bring to the gym are a necessity. You are not one of these people. There is no need to bring any more than two of these items in any combination on to the gym floor: Lifting gloves, straps, headband, chalk, sunglasses, knee wraps, leg warmers, Beats headphones, magazines, or an excessively over-sized water bottle. Remember, the number of objects you bring in to the gym is directly proportional to your level own personal level of douchiness. We don’t make the rules we just live by them. On a serious note nobody likes the guy in the gym who is excessively smug or looks down on those who are possibly just beginning their fitness journey. Often times in the fitness world we forget that we train to be healthy in all parts of life and anyone who is making an effort to improve themselves are doing it for their own personal reasons. Maybe these reasons are selfish or maybe their reason is that they want to live long enough to watch their children grow. Help each other Respect for all in the gym will prevent you from being a douche. Brandon Ecoffey (Lakota) earned his education at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH & his certified personal trainer license from the National Federation of Personal Trainers.
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STYLE
SHAYNE WATSON FASHION DESIGNER What are your must haves when you travel? At least one pair of dress shoes: black, white, burgundy, brown, navy blue; and my favorite Nike sandals. When I travel it's all about the shoes that make my wardrobe up. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like my major wind- whatever I feel to wear, shoes-wise is how I feel that day. It's always important for me to have dress clothes ready to wear because you will never know who you see and what opportunity can come upon you in that very moment.
THE MASTERS Top Native guys share how they project the best versions of themselves morning, noon and night.
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What can you not leave the house with, style-wise? I can never leave my home without my Boston's cap, especially in town because sometimes I never have enough time to do my hair. Also on top of everything, my cell phone is an important accessory of mine. It's always a necessity to have on hand every second of my life [laughs]. It's a style these days, that you should always have your phone in your right hand.
STYLE
SHAWN YAZZIE ADMISSIONSNORTHCENTRAL UNIVERSITY
OF STYLE
Gentlemen dress in a way that piques the curiosity of others. Their dress emits confidence by promoting posture; so invest in a tailor because one tailored suit feels better than ten sloppy ones. Gentlemen do not hide behind their dress or create barriers from human interaction; they leverage first impressions. Most importantly, when an impression is made, have something to offer. A properly groomed and dressed gentleman gives the impression of intellect and character; donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t disappoint. Dress with an understanding of your convictions; as Native Americans our dress and the colors we wear incorporate many of our teachings; understand and embrace how you choose to express yourself and our people. Understand the small things are what make great things possible so prepare for work the same way you prepare for interviews. Prepare for practice the same way you prepare for games, and prepare for each day as it were a ceremony. Lastly, care; just not too much. I strive to be as well kept as I can but I intentionally leave items in their natural state. No one wants to be around someone that is obsessive and comes across stiff or promotes fashion at the expense of function.
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STYLE
NATAANII MEANS PERFORMER What’s your fave Native menswear designer? My favorite designer; well that’s a tough question because I love street wear, and everyone is heavy on the t-shirt game now. I have to go with Tatanka Clothing. What are your must haves when you travel? At the least five turquoise necklaces, a bracelet; I always keep three medallions on me, and sets of clothes. I only wear Native designers’ t-shirts, mainly Tatanka Clothing and OXDX but I’ve been rocking some things from Native Couture and Warpaint Apparel also. How do you usually style your hair? I’ve always done the one braid. I can’t just keep my hair out. It’s always been in a braid even when I sleep. So the one braid and two braids Lakota-style when I’m in public, or if I have the time to part my hair [laughs]. It’s tough sometimes. My dad was always sharp, and taught us to always look our best. How does hip hop influence your style? From the streetwear aspect, the whole swagger of how the 90’s emcees carried themselves really influenced me. I dress to match my attitude. I’m fun, I like to be comfortable. I wear my Jordan slides and trunks, because I’m from the rez; everyone rocks that [laughs]. But I personally like 501 Levi jeans, some nice Chuck Taylors’, and a Tatanka Clothing, OXDX or other Native-designed t-shirt. I always show love for my people.
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THE BEST OF NATIVE MENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FASHION A first of it's kind style manual just for Native men of Indian Country. We bring to you the best in Native men's fashion, from accessories and shoes to street and traditional wear.
PHOTO BY ARIK SANDOVAL 33
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DARLA USES THE KNIFE
COURTESY OF PENNY SINGER
KELLY HOLMES
STYLE
BEST IN TRADITIONAL SHIRTS DARLA USES THE KNIFE & PENNY SINGER Men's traditional shirts are crossing over into everyday wear, and we're currently obsessing over this trend. Our pick for Best in Traditional Shirts: Lakota designer Darla Uses The Knife and Dine designer Penny Singer. Each designer intricately weaves every shirt with their respective tribe's symbols and meanings.
PENNY SINGER
NATIVE GORILLA
BEST IN STREETWEAR TATANKA CLOTHING, NATIVE GORILLA & OXDX CLOTHING A graphic tee is always a staple in a Native man's closet. We selected Native Gorilla, OXDX and Tatanka Clothing.
TATANKA CLOTHING
JAMIE OKUMA
SHONIE SECODY
COURTESY OF JAMIE OKUMA
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SHAYNE WATSON
NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
OXDX CLOTHING
BEST IN JACKETS JAMIE OKUMA & SHAYNE WATSON These brilliant artists create their own masterpieces, but when it comes to coats, Luiseño/Shoshone-Bannock artist Jamie Okuma and Dine fashion designer Shayne Watson are our picks for best in jackets.
STILL SMOKING DESIGNS
BEST IN GLASSES HELEN ORO DESIGNS A pair of glasses always compliments an outfit just right; give yourself Native flair with a pair boasting a beaded design.
COURTESY OF DOMINIQUE TSINNIE
BEST IN TIES STILL SMOKING DESIGNS & CHER THOMAS DESIGNS
COURTESY OF HELEN ORO
COURTESY OF CHER THOMAS
COURTESY OF GINA STILL SMOKING
CHER THOMAS DESIGNS
STYLE
Right now, there’s no accessory more essential than a tie; more importantly, a Native-designed high quality one. Our selection in ties - Still Smoking Designs and Cher Thomas Designs.
COURTESY OF TATANKA MEANS
Artist and activist Louie Gong (Nooksack) was the mastermind behind the original hand-drawn Coast Salish Vans shoes. Unsatisfied with the selection of shoes offered at the time, Gong grabbed a blank pair of sneakers, a Sharpie and personalized them in a way that reflected who he was as an individual. Merging traditional Coast Salish art with his mixed heritage and influences from his urban surroundings into a unique design, this spontaneous act of self-expression started a movement of personalizing shoes and other popular accessories with tribal designs.
COURTESY OF ANNAWON WEEDEN
COURTESY OF LOUIE GONG
BEST IN SHOES EIGHTH GENERATION
BEST IN JEWELRY DOMINIQUE TSINNIE, FIRST LIGHT FASHION AND TATANKA CLOTHING Our go-to selection for men’s jewelry: a beaded cuff by Dominique Tsinnie, a bolo-tie from First Light Fashion, a beaded medallion by Tatanka Clothing.
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ART
DECK MEETS ART
Blackfeet artist Louis Still Smoking has added skateboard decks to his list of mediums. His deck, which hosts his popular DEFY design, is now on display in an invitational exhibit. BY: KELLY HOLMES PHOTOS BY: REGINA STILL SMOKING Louis Still Smoking is one of twenty-seven artists who took their art to a blank skateboard deck, which is now on display in an invitational exhibit from October 6th to November 14th, 2014. This dynamic exhibit, named The Deck Show, called upon a diverse selection of talent within the Montana community and beyond, in which Still Smoking is the only Native American artist to have a skateboard deck in the exclusive exhibit. Selected artists were provided blank skateboard decks as their canvases and were challenged to create an all-original design using their medium of choice
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over the past summer. Some artists used illustration, paint, metal and collage. The decks featured in the exhibit are available for purchase in a silent auction, where viewers may bid throughout the duration of the exhibit, culminating in a closing reception and end of auction Thursday, November 13th from 6-8pm. Sales of the deck art will benefit the artist, Bozeman High School Art Club and Gallatin Valley Skatepark Association. The Deck Show is a collaborative community effort between the DeWeese Gallery, Gallatin Valley Skatepark Association and World Boards.
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ART
INSPIRED NATIVES Louie Gong has gone from an artist and activist to a fully-fledged entrepreneur with his own creative brand 8th Generation. Now from Gong comes Inspired Natives Project, a first of its kind project which combines art, business and education together.
TOP: Promo for Inspired Natives Project LEFT: Pueblo of Acoma artist Michelle Lowden is the first artist of the Inspired Natives project
By: Kelly Holmes
GONG NOTICED THE AMOUNT of Native artists struggling to meet the production demands of their goods, and the lack of knowledge about developing products without the proper capital needed to do so; all key problems Gong has faced himself when starting up his business years ago. With the desire to help others a natural quality of his, Gong set out to find talented and driven Native artists like himself and in a collaboration of assisting them with rebuilding their business and brands, launched Inspired Natives Project. Is Inspired Natives both an entrepreneurial and educational initiative? It's an entrepreneurial initiative in the sense that the project involves a strategic regional expansion for Eighth Generation while offering the Inspired Natives a guided leap into the often intimidating or financially inaccessible world of producing product in quantity. They participate in all stages of product development and sell directly to their fans and customers. The idea is that they will be able to finally meet demand for their artwork. It’s an educational initiative because we want to share our ideas about economic justice for cultural artists. Although the aesthetic of our work is present in stores across America,
there is hardly any collaboration with cultural artists. When companies choose to use fake cultural art or consumers choose to buy it, it perpetuates a system in which Native artists are robbed of capacity-building collaboration opportunities and Native companies are robbed of shelf space. There are tangible costs of cultural appropriation. What do you look for in an artist before collaborating with them? It’s definitely not a charity project, as people often assume when you work with cultural artists. I’m picking great artists who are also go-getters who want to develop their business knowledge. The idea is that we will be able to help each other be successful rather than the just getting the art and running away with it. Obviously you help bridge the gap of an artist meeting the demands for their product; does this come naturally to you? How do you assist an artist with this problem? Helping others is natural for me. In fact, before I ever imagined being an artist myself, I was trying to support community-based artists by digitizing their art and showing them how to make prints. I’m also very active as a volunteer with numerous local non-profits; Advisory Board roles
with two national non-profits. I work with each Inspired Native collaborator differently depending on their current skill set and long term goals. It can range from guiding them through creation of their first formal business and ecommerce website to tutoring them on digital art skills to developing a joint marketing strategy. When we need to work on something beyond the scope of my knowledge, I connect them with the people who helped me over the same hurdles. You know firsthand running a business is not easy. What qualities does one must possess to become successful? I think – anecdotally speaking - there are more apparel businesses per capita in the Native community than any other, so there’s lots of competition. In order to be successful, I think you have to be uncommonly driven and you have to have the art chops. If you aren’t driven to work harder than the competition, you may stand out for a minute but the hard workers will eventually surpass you. And having the right machines isn’t enough either. If you don’t have the art chops to either create your own art or set up/ adapt the art of others, you will probably struggle to put out a consistently good product.
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ART
SARAH AGATON HOWES ANISHINAABE
Sarah Agaton Howes, Anishinaabe, is one of the two artists with the Inspired Natives Project. When her beadwork and Ojibwe floral designs caught the eye of Gong, she was immediately added to the project and was taught the structure and operations of an e-commerce business by Gong himself. Explain a little bit about your artwork. Up to this point, my work has been primarily custom work. I do a lot of beadwork and moccasin-making in my home and around Minnesota and Wisconsin. I focus on our Ojibwe floral-style beadwork as well as making lots of ear candy! I learned beading from my mom and brother when I wanted to start dancing. My brother told me that if I wanted to dance, I needed regalia and then I needed to bead. Now days, I help support my small family with my husband Jeff, two kids through my custom work. I feel fortunate to have been able to do what I love to pay the propane bill. In addition to my custom work, I provide moccasins for the community babies through our prenatal nursing program, as well as many pairs of funeral moccasins to help send people on their journey. I teach moccasin-making and beadwork at the local treatment center, community centers, and language camps. My work is, luckily, in high demand and the wait list is long as I work usually while my kids are playing or sleeping. How did you get involved with Inspired Natives Project? As my kids got older I wanted to take my work up a level. When I began talking to Louie about the project and how Native artists should be out there with our designs. How we should be able to provide our community with our own designs and artwork. I saw how I would be able to do my custom work but also provide beautiful, functional products with our design aesthetic on them. What’s it like working with Louie Gong and his project? I could hardly believe this was real! Louie is one of my favorite artists, and I (like many Native artists and organizers) really admire the service and art he does. Working with Louie and the Inspired Natives Project
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LEFT: Anishinaabe artist Sarah Agaton Howes with her two children. RIGHT: A phone case and earrings Sarah designed in collaboration with 8th Generation, featuring her signature design
feels like I won the Native art lottery. I feel so fortunate. Louie has offered me his mentorship and ongoing support from the beginning. We have worked together on website development, how to take quality photos, utilizing social media, and this is all apart from the actual products we have collaborated on. He has walked me through the minute yet roadblock-type details of embedding, SKU, product variants; all the way down to aligning photos. Very few people would take the time to mentor another artist in this kind of detail. I would have never been able to bring my work online with this kind of quality without that support. I could show you the inside and out of beads, but have never embedded a Youtube video on a blog nor did I know what that was until a few weeks ago. [Laughs] Where do you see your business going after joining Inspired Natives? This is only the beginning. I am very excited to continue learning and growing. Our community deserves to do more than survive. We can thrive. I’m on the edge of my seat for the future. One of your signature designs is Ojibwe floral. What’s the meaning behind this design? We have always decorated with what we saw around us. I was taught that we also would bead designs to teach about our medicines when they were outlawed by the Christians. It’s covert art. So perfect, eh? And often times Ojibwe floral is on black velvet. I was taught that the Jesuits would throw their cloaks out when they were worn out, and being the resourceful people we are, we began to bead on them. We call beads “manidoominens”, or little spirit beads. All art probably has that energy, that ability to glow, but when beadwork is done right, it glows.
CULTURE
ERNIE PANICCIOLI GIA BOLTON talks to the hip hop photographer Ernie Paniccioli about his favorite place to shoot and his most memorable subject captured Ernie Paniccioli’s (Cree) grand career started with capturing graffiti art that dominated throughout New York City in 1973, during which time the culture of hip hop began to rise. Armed with a 35-millimeter camera, Paniccioli singlehandedly recorded the entire hip hop evolution from the very beginning to today, much like Gordon Parks and the Civil Rights Movement, or Edward S. Curtis’ monumental prints of the Native people of North America. Revered as the “hip hop photog-
rapher”, Paniccioli has been in the forefront documenting the greatest cultural movement since rock and roll, and has captured historic faces such as Grandmaster Flash, Queen Latifah, Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., Eminem, Frank Sinatra, Liza Minelli, John F. Kennedy and Britney Spears. Paniccioli is also a painter, public speaker and historian, and the author of Who Shot Ya? - Three Decades of Hip Hop Photography. In May 2014, Paniccioli was inducted into the Hip Hop Hall of Fame. Paniccioli has had his works published in countless books portraying the evolution of hip hop, iconic magazines such as Seventeen, Time and Rolling Stone, and on television shows that document the rising careers of popular hip hop artists, all in a span of nearly two decades. Aside from published pieces, Paniccioli’s photos were featured in exhibitions nationally, along with CD album covers. You are well known for being the “Hip Hop Photographer”, world renowned photographer to the stars of hip hop. In all your
years of work, who is the most memorable working with and why? Frank Sinatra and The Dalai Lama; because they were globally known and respected. What kind of cameras do you use? All kinds of cameras; I prefer Mamiya 645 because of the size of the negative and the powerful quality of my images. What are your most favorite places in this world you have gone to capture what you do and why? New York City; because of the vibe and the endless visuals. Would you do it all over again the same way, if not, what changes would you make? I try not to think like that, time moves forward, not backwards. Why are you considered the Hip hop Photographer? Only one man has been able to capture four decades of hip hop photography and all five elements. In truth, I created the job title, “hip hop photographer”.
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LIFE
CHEF RICH FRANCIS: ON FOOD & STYLE Simple, clean and bold is how Chef Rich Francis (Tetlit Gwich’in and Tuscarora) describes his personal style, and the meal he'd prepare for a first date.
Chef Rich Francis has certainly established his reputation as a leading First Nations chef who is taking aboriginal cuisine to the main stage of the culinary world. In addition to his signature dishes and upscale restaurant District Red, Chef Francis is also known for his laidback attitude, striking confidence and gentleman-like attributes in which he instills into his own children.
1.
What are three words that express your style? -Clean, simple, bold.
2.
What meal would you prepare to impress a date? -[Laughs] A date? Hmm, again probably something clean, simple and bold.
3.
What are your must haves for your pantry? -Our four sacred medicines: tobacco, cedar, white sage and Sweetgrass. Basically anything pre-contact that’s incredibly unique to colonized-palettes. These indigenous pantry items are the foundation of my cuisine.
4.
COURTESY OF RICH FRANCIS
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What’s your advice for your sons on being a gentleman? -To be honest, my sons have always been raised with good manners and allowed to make their own decisions and its reflected in both their personalities differently. They honour their mother deeply, and step into their roles as protectors of their sister. My only advice to my sons would be to keep doing what they are doing. They'll one day make amazing husbands and fathers but for now they're my boys, I'm very proud of them.
SPECIAL FEATURE
GENTLEMEN’S
ISSUE
2014
GENTLEMEN DEFINED We ask today’s influential Native men what it means to be a gentleman in Indian Country today, plus pressing questions regarding top issues Natives face. BY KELLY HOLMES AND CHELSEA CHEE
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CREESON AGECOUTAY PLAINS CREE FIRST NATION How do you define a gentleman of Indian Country today? I define that person as someone who still helps their Mushum or Kokum with things at home, whether it be financially, through hunting and dropping off food or through a weekly chore like cutting the grass in the yard or just going for plain visits. We always need to spend time with our elders and listen to them. I feel many of our people don’t do that enough or we’re too busy focusing on other things in life. I also define a gentleman in Indian country as one that not only gives back to their family but one that gives back to their community. One that is always helping out through fundraisers, round dances, powwows or ceremony. Another important sign of an indigenous gentleman is a man who can be a responsible father and be there for their children, no matter what. If things are not working out between you and the mom of your children, remove yourself from the situation and just be there for your children in whatever capacity you can, whether it be financially, spending time with them or giving them a call. Regarding our missing Indigenous sisters: How does this issue affect you?
CREESON AGECOUTAY: PHOTO BY BILL STEVENSON
I was raised from my single mother and my two sisters, so having Indigenous women in my life is so very important to me. They taught me how to love, understand, show empathy and work hard towards your goals. I can’t imagine how many families who lost their loved ones and are living without those life lessons. I grew up watching the news and seeing more of our Indigenous sisters murdered or missing is heartbreaking to me. That is somebody’s mother, sister, granddaughter and family member. Being First Nation myself, the loss always hits close to home. Something needs to be done so that these families can have closure. All of my close relatives are Indigenous women as well and I can’t imagine losing any of them. This is a serious issue in society and it needs to be addressed.
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SCOTTI CLIFFORD OGLALA LAKOTA How do you define a gentleman of Indian Country today? This is a great question. Native men have this age-old stigmata, you know, the Savage appeal. Of course, it was a branding to say the least. I would say that Native men are just that, “Gentle” Men. Because after all the machismo-bismo and patriarchal views set aside, a true Native man is well-balanced. This means he is not worried about his ego, or what others think of him. He is more concerned with protecting, providing, and paying attention to his family and relatives. He is calm and assertive, just like the sun! How does the epidemic of suicide affect you? I think that this question can elude from the lack of the first. I feel that the “S” word affects us all. I personally believe that we should not give this act any attention. But of course, Natives are so loving in times of death that we will honor the life that one has lead no matter what. I just feel that we must teach our adolescents that there is no waking up from this act. It hurts us all. But if we can be accountable and responsible with and for our youth at the start, they won’t leave us with such a big mess to clean up later. More movements supporting the care of Mother Earth are popping up all over Indian Country, how do you take part? This issue is extremely important. Let’s say it this way: if you are Native, you should care about your grandmother. Our relationship with Grandmother Earth is the first and most important one. We see this everyday in America: we should not put our grandmother’s in old-age homes. This is like putting something aside when there is no more use. How we treat our families is simply how we treat the Earth. Once again, we need to be accountable and responsible, just like with our children. We aren’t able to just hop onto another planet after we ruin this one. We need to be mother-lovers, not mother-f**kers. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE
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ANNAWON WEEDEN MASHPEE TRIBE OF THE WAMPANOAG NATION In this day in age, do you feel the celebration of Columbus Day is damaging to the Native people? In any day or age Columbus Day is an atrocity for any race, particularly the human race. In these days of ISIS, terrorism continues to be an ongoing problem. Despite this, terrorist acts toward indigenous people continue with far less media coverage and awareness. Promoting a celebration of Columbus’ actions is no less disturbing for the indigenous people of Turtle Island than it would be for Americans celebrating acts of Al-Qaida or the Taliban during September 11th or Jewish communities celebrating the actions of Hitler. Columbus’ “discovery” is a complete farce. His actions that followed were far less laughable or anything worthy of celebration in my opinion. No honor there whatsoever, regardless of race. How important is it to preserve our cultures and traditions?
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For this and many reasons, it is very important to understand the history of our tribes and nations. Our country has been overpopulated by European immigrants, ideals, architecture, languages, currencies, traditions, most of what we know as American culture is derived from every culture other than any of the many Native American cultures. As an eastern tribal representative, it is very important to exercise our traditions. As some of the first tribes to feel impacts of colonization on this continent, I feel it is very important to preserve the traditions that we were forced to cease during such times. Traditional teachings help establish healthy communities: mind, body and spirit. Mentally, physically and spiritually healthy communities. Language is a vital component seeing how much I’ve personally learned about our cultures when studying our traditional language. As an education specialist over the past twenty years, it is also important to teach our tribal youth that our culture and tradition goes far beyond the usual song and dance that I see being used as the only form of cultural preservation in some communities. What other means can one help preserve the traditions and cultures of their tribe? Traditional foods, local resources, environmental lessons, seasonal cycles, gender roles, cultural protocols are all great ways to promote cultural survival in any tribal community. These are the many areas I am
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fortunate to focus on through the work that I do. Visiting public schools has been my primary occupation for the past fifteen years. Fortunately, for our Wampanoag community, the state curriculum frameworks require public school students to learn about us specifically in 3rd grade social studies. This platform allows me to enter the schools to deliver far more awareness beyond the specifics mentioned in those same framework requirements. It’s a personal pursuit to insure national curriculum frameworks mention our Wampanoag history due to our direct involvement in the American Thanksgiving holiday, which is highly misrepresented as well. How do you preserve your cultures and traditions? As of the new millennia, I made the personal choice to promote the traditions of our northeastern region while participating in powwows around the country. Eastern War Dance is a category, along with women’s Eastern Blanket, found only on the eastern seaboard. Fortunately, popularity and curiosity has allowed dance specials for our eastern categories to take place in areas such as the Pacific Northwest among tribal communities of the Diné and First Nations. These are just a few ways I actively preserve cultural traditions while doing my best to make a difference toward improving our relationship with one another and within our environment.
PATRICK HUBBELL NAVAJO What is your definition of a gentleman? What are qualities attributed to a gentleman? My definition of a gentleman is as basic as someone who first has self-respect. From there, this person will easily and genuinely be able to exhibit others qualities within a gentleman such as respect for others, humility, dignity, kindness, and a sincere character about them. Do you think you embody any of these qualities? I certainly try to aspire to these qualities as it is imperative for myself, wife and daughter, and also for the rest of my family and extended relatives. I know I fall short in many ways but I feel there is always room for anyone in improving in all of these areas.
Is there anyone you know that embodies that definition and those qualities? If so, who and why? I definitely would say these qualities exist in the men that raised me - my father, my grandfather. But I also have witnessed and experienced others such as important teachers throughout my life, spiritual leaders within my community, and also some of my closest friends who have been there for me. Would you like to share any thoughts with others on being a gentleman? Self-respect is key. Being a gentleman is a term that can be associated with both men and women and it goes a long way with how one gets along with their fellow man and woman.
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SHAWN YAZZIE NAVAJO What is your definition and qualities of a gentleman? The first word that comes to mind is ‘control’. My father taught me that as a man we strive to live a life of self-discipline by controlling our actions and emotions. Through sports my father taught me that, “When people look at you they shouldn’t be able to tell if you are up by 10 points or down by 10 points. Control yourself through winning and losing as your dignity reflects your faith.” I believe gentlemen conduct themselves in a way that gives others a calming sense of confidence. A vulnerability takes place when we give our trust to others and gentlemen live in a way that trust and honor is at the foundation of the way they treat others; so opening a door becomes more than just opening a door. An arm to hold symbolizes an anchor and the gentleman navigates his date like a captain at sea. A gentleman has no ego, only objectives that lead to bettering those around him. Giving thanks is heard more frequently than requests. At the heart of a gentleman is a firm foundation built upon the strength of their identity and ability to self-actualize. I was raised by my Comanche/Sac & Fox mother, aunts, and a grandmother as an infant and boy; in turn, my brothers and I were taught by women about how to be a man. I attribute my mother with instilling the lessons of striving to be a gentleman. As a single mother she would tell my siblings and I daily that, “You come from royal bloodline and are the sons and daughters of kings, queens, and chiefs. You are my princess and princes.” Our mother’s words gave up hope when our lives did not reflect that. My brothers and I were nurtured by a wonderful, gentle, and loving mother but we were all emotionally unstable. Eventually my brothers and I moved to live with my military veteran father, uncles, and grandfather. Life was very much opposite, as we did not speak much to one another but learned how to work with precision and through observance. My grandfather who was a WWII Army Veteran, ran a farm in Moenave, AZ and my brothers and I spent our time with him. We raised livestock and crops and did not have running water or electricity. We slept in a Hogan and a one room shack. We participated in Native American Church ceremonies and took sweat weekly with our relatives to help us to learn how to be men. Is there anyone you know that embodies that definition and those qualities? If so, who and why? The strongest memory I have of a gentleman is watching my grandfather wake up to tend to the fire before the sun rose. He would place a cast iron on the fire then begin to press out his long sleeve button-down shirt, pants, and would use the steam from the coffee pot to shape his cowboy hat. He would then get dressed and put on his belt, bracelets, watch, and finally his ascot, which he wore because he didn’t like his collars getting dirty. This was his daily routine before we would work in our field. He taught me that no detail is too small and all work is honorable work. If it’s important to the individual, it is important and he showed me how to stand taller and hold myself to a higher standard. He displayed such a force of will as to command respect from me, the animals, and the earth we worked with to produce watermelon, corn, squash, and apricots. My grandfather, Eddie Chee Yazzie, was my man among men and true gentleman. I saw my grandfather live long enough to become a humble man who when picking up his American flag from the dry cleaners would shake then kiss the hand of the female cashier. He would open doors for other grandmothers and was generous in complimenting other men. I was fortunate to have a grandfather and father that have epitomized so many gentlemen qualities but they were also men enough to admit their shortcomings and to encourage me to learn from other
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great men. I would encourage other Native American men to not settle, keep your expectations of the men you associate with and do shy away from solitude. What more would you like to share with Native men on being a gentleman? As Native American men, we have intellectually learned what a man represents but emotionally we struggle with trying to lead when many of us were groomed to simply survive. Many of us were raised in single or no parent households so developing needed appreciation for mother and father figures is a challenge that pushes us to tactfully look at the world around us. To exhibit gentlemen and masculine qualities, we have to allow ourselves to be vulnerable and believe in the highest forms of self-actualization. A question asked can be “how can I become a king when I feel like a peasant?” At times you will have to piece together in your heart and mind the man you are striving to become. I watched military men prepare themselves, the land, and their instruments for ceremonies. I have seen the morning light touch the hands of these men after an evening of worship and knew that their honor was not earned that night but everyday leading up to it. Sacrifice, work ethic, precision, service, compassion, gentleness, smiles, hugs, laughter, and self-control. The whispers of approval, encouragement, a handshake, and a hug earned from your uncles, father, and grandfathers after a ceremony help build character in young men. Unfortunately, many of the men in my life placed their roles as fathers, spiritual advisors, teachers, etc. above their role as a husband, confidant, and equal partner. Most of all, I have learned that as a husband and father, a true gentleman earns the love and trust of his significant other only through appreciation, compassion, and respect. A man’s love for the woman in his life is the greatest instrument of teaching he has to offer his children. Our children and youth don’t get to witness their parents date and court one another; they simply see the monotony of trying to fulfill basic needs. It is a gentleman’s duty to help build the selfworth of those around them and no one is more important than their significant other.
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TATANKA MEANS SERIOUSLY FUNNY Native Max talks to Tatanka Means about his careers, the qualities of being a gentleman in Indian Country and working with his father for the very last time.
BY KELLY HOLMES PHOTOGRAPHS BY MATIKA WILBUR
TATANKA MEANS WAS IN mid-dialogue, conversing with another figure of eminence of Indian Country at his table, which displayed posters, DVDs and t-shirts from his apparel line. Although I interviewed Means about a month ago, this would be the first time I’d meet him in the flesh. I made my way across the crowded room excitedly, anxious to make the acquaintances of Means, and Chase Iron Eyes. It was the night of the 11TH Annual American Indian Achievement Awards Gala in Denver, CO, where Means was set to entertain and Iron Eyes was the master of ceremonies. I was instantly greeted with a smile and a handshake upon introducing myself, which put me at ease. He stood tall and confident, sporting a suit that seemed to fit him perfectly. After a joke about how
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his “platform shoes” made him taller, I showed him cards that I made of his Native Max Magazine cover photo. Means displayed his cards on his table and explained how much he enjoyed the interview for our cover story. In between photos and autographs with fans, he admitted he couldn’t wait to see how the Gentlemen’s Issue will be, and even shared with a few onlookers his cover photo and that I was the editor-in-chief. I sensed the qualities of humility and friendliness from Means. Within the few minutes of our initial introduction, I knew he was a fun person to talk to, and not the least bit reclusive. To admit I was nervous would be a bit of an understatement. I’ve only heard of and seen Means. I watched him act out
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various roles from an Apache warrior to an alien on the big-screen, laughed at his comedic standup videos on the internet and seen various modeling posters and photos around Indian Country, including the 2006 edition of the 21ST Century Skins Calendar, in which he helped bring to life. I expected Means to be distant, with that same bold, serious look you may have seen from his headshots that often circulate online. Anyway, back to my interview I had with Means some time ago. There’s no doubt he’s multi-talented and strongwilled. Upon realizing his interest in acting and modeling, and passion in comedy back when he was a closet comedian, Means fed more into his uncontrollable entrepreneurial spirit by launching his own apparel line,
Tatanka Clothing. He constantly advocates for reinventing the stereotypical image Hollywood still projects on Natives and encourages one to maintain and preserve their Native culture. Still possessing the virtues of being humble and respectful, Means isn’t at all hesitant to crack a joke or make one smile. Months ago, I knew he would be the perfect Native man to feature as our cover model, seeing as he fits the element of our Gentlemen’s issue. NATIVE MAX: Many people don’t know your full name. What is it? TATANKA MEANS: My full name is Tatanka Wanbli Sapa Xila Sabe Means. NM: Can you explain the meaning of it? TM: It translates into English as Black Buffalo Eagle. The Xila Sabe part is Omaha and means Black Eagle, which was given to me by my maternal grandpa. People are always like, “but what’s your real name?” It is my real name and not a stage name. I got teased in school about my name and because I had long hair. Then Kevin Costner’s western era didn’t help at all. But now I’m glad I have it; it’s a hard name to live up to. Shout out to all the young men out there with long hair keeping it real. It’s hard brushing out those tangles and shaking off those teasing comments. Take care of your hair. NM: Can you share a little bit about your childhood? TM: I can’t. [Laughs] I was pretty accident prone; always in the ER at IHS. I liked extreme sports. Rez-extreme. I rode a lot of horses growing up and eventually became a bullrider. I started boxing when I was around 12 years old. I was getting bullied at school and was falling in with the wrong crowd and needed a positive outlet. My mom took me to the Damon Bahe Boxing Gym in Chinle and I realized how much of a badass I was not. I boxed for six years, winning a few national titles and state championship titles. I learned a lot from boxing– self-discipline, training, eating and sacrifice. From bullriding I learned a lot of mental exercises and visual preparation. My dad really supported my boxing because he used to box, and so did all of my brothers. I don’t compete anymore but I still train five days a week. NM: When did you decide to get into acting? TM: I first got into acting when I did stunt work on a small film they shot on my rez. I was broke and needed the work and I was willing to get paid to get hurt. After the movie came out and I saw it, I became more interested in acting as a profession and started auditioning for roles. I did not have any formal training or experience when I started auditioning so I put a lot of work into training and getting educated in the art. I always like the saying: Hard work beats talent, when talent fails to work hard. NM: What about comedy? TM: The stand-up comedy began after I was gaining momentum in my acting career. I was invited to speak at a youth conference that, my current comedy partners, James NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE
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Junes and Ernie Tsosie were performing at. After the show was over I approached Ernie and was interrogating him and James on their methods for creating and writing. I was telling them how much stand-up had amazed me and that I had always been a closet comedian, performing only for my family. They invited me out to open up a show they were doing two weeks after that. I loved it. Now I have been performing all over North America for the past six years. I hit some bumps in the beginning that definitely made me consider quitting, but I had good support and encouragement from my family, my 49 Laughs Comedy family and the late great Charlie Hill. NM: Where do you find the topics and inspiration for your standup comedy? TM: The bulk of my material is purely observational, things I’ve witnessed. Comedians are watchers and listeners. We pay attention to everything, looking for the humor in situations and circumstances all of the time. I like to observe humans, how we act around one another; our personas and alter egos, especially on the internet. I’m always writing down notes of things that I find entertaining in everyday life. NM: You also have your own apparel line, Tatanka Clothing. What was the idea behind it? TM: I launched it in 2007. I was working a full-time job and taking college classes at the same time to support my acting career.
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I always wanted to start my own t-shirt line for ideas that I had and wanted share. I did the complete opposite of what they advise in business school. I left my job to pursue one of my dreams and purchased all of my own screen-printing equipment with credit cards. I do not advise this to anyone, but sometimes I cannot stop and rationalize with my own entrepreneurial spirit and I just do. Every now and then it works out. My t-shirt concepts were to make some cool creative designs that would educate as well as instill some pride and awareness in our culture. I think we accomplished that. NM: It looks like you juggle a lot with acting, comedy and being an entrepreneur. What’s a normal day like for you? TM: Some days I am traveling either by car or plane; some days I am printing shirts for Tatanka Clothing. Others I am auditioning, booking shows, doing paperwork or on a movie set filming. NM: How do you balance all of your careers together? TM: My wife keeps me balanced. If it weren’t for her I would never stop and take a break. She’s the greatest supporter who keeps me grounded and fed. The balance between work and life is hard when you work for yourself. I am always striving to do better and do more. Days, nights and weeks can get hectic when I travel, film, perform, speak, give my daughter her nightly bath and read to her. I have learned
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I have to take care of myself mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. I work out regularly because without it I feel the tension and stress start to build up in my body. I need that outlet and alone time. When I am home I have to leave my phone to take a walk with my wife and daughter and take a break to be with my family. The balance is hard. To be busy is a good problem to have, but it is hard to maintain control. It’s a blessing and I am thankful. NM: Now back to acting, you’re slowly making your way into starring in mainstream films and television shows, such as A Million Ways to Die In the West and The Host. How do you prepare yourself for a role that’ll be on the bigger screen? TM: Constant practice and preparation. Anything you want to be good at takes practice. You have to be prepared so when the time comes you are ready. Being a full-time performer has also helped improve my abilities. Learn as much as you can and don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and try new things; try different techniques with your art and work. NM: Do you deal with racism or stereotypes in Hollywood? What are some examples? TM: We get type casted and pigeon-held by the Native stereotype a lot. I don’t think of myself as a Native actor; I prefer to be known as just an actor. I play all kinds of
different roles with a wide variation of characters. I have made a commitment to myself to not accept anymore roles being offered to me that are low quality westerns that put our people in a bad light and tell a historically inaccurate fictional fantasy story. We need to recognize our power and accountability to uphold our people to much more than grunting on screen with a mean face. We are much more talented than that and deserve better. Native filmmakers are allowing us this opportunity by creating our own projects. If Hollywood won’t give it to us, we’ll do it ourselves. NM: How do you advocate for the appropriate casting of Natives actors for Native roles in Hollywood? TM: I show up to each and every audition prepared, studied for, early and ready to give it my best. My goal is to be so damn good that it is clear there are no other choices. NM: Looking at Natives in film of this century, do you feel they are accurately or positively representing Natives of
Indian Country, on and off-screen? TM: Native people in Hollywood have been red-faced and misrepresented since the beginning of Hollywood. We were placed in the same category as unicorns, dragons and hobbits. That is what Hollywood made us look like to the world, and that is still the world’s view of us in a lot of places. Like “Indians? I thought we killed you all. There’s still some left?” Then they have perspectives on us that we are still in the Dances With Wolves era or that we are all alcoholics or rich beyond our dreams from casinos, which is of course all such untrue bulls***. The stereotypes that America and the world have about us are outrageous and so infuriating. With Indian people in film we are creating our own stories now, giving ourselves a new image in the modern day. Native filmmakers are the ones who are reinventing our image in Hollywood in a positive way and creating a positive path for us now and for the future in storytelling on screen. We as actors, performers and filmmakers need to unite and quit supporting the stereotype by being involved in low budget, low-quality, historically inaccurate period pieces. We
can’t be afraid to say, “This is a garbage project about our people and I don’t want anything to do with it”. Once a Native person is a part of something like this, it gives some wacked credibility like, “This guy says it’s ok. So they [Native people] all agree and it makes it all fine”. This happens all the time in films about Indian people. We need to take a stance; this is our chance to make a difference on the larger scale of what is being made about our people. NM: How do you deal with the reality of living in two worlds while preserving life and culture and adjusting to the modern surroundings? TM: My dad always said the hardest thing in the world is to be Indian. Now I know and agree. It’s hard work. We do both because we have to. People can just be Native and exist and claim when it is convenient, but to live it is another thing. To maintain culture and language, to reach out, to preserve what we have is work; hard work. Our ceremonies are difficult and it takes a lot of time and energy. To live your ways everyday and teach your kids that way of life takes a lot of effort. But in the
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end it’s the only way for me, it’s the only way I know. It’s how I was raised, and the reward of having an identity and knowing where you come from and being able to pass that on is a beautiful thing. NM: Did your father have any influence in the career paths you chosen? TM: My dad influenced every part of my life. He continues to influence my daily choices and how I live, what I live for and what I want to be. He supported everything I did. I believe he just wanted me to be happy and successful in whatever it was I chose to do, and to experience life away from home and out of my comfort zone. NM: Have you tagged along with your father when he was starring in his films while growing up? Can you please name a few of his films that left a lasting impression on you? TM: I was on set with him for a month when he was filming Last of the Mohicans in North Carolina. That was cool. I got to hang out on a few other sets and watch. He played Jim Thorpe one time in a movie called Wind Runner, which was cool. And an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm, that was a good comedy. All of his roles were memorable, his charisma and on-screen persona were amazing. I’m glad and thankful for the time spent with him during
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those shoots. NM: Tiger Eyes was the last film that you and your father worked on together. Looking back what was that experience like for you and did you think that it would be the last film you did with him? TM: I never thought that would be our only father-son film together. After I was casted they asked me what I thought of my dad coming on board to play my dad. At first I was not up for the idea because I was like, “shoot, my first starring role. I want my own independence”. I wanted to spread my wings and fly. I thought if my dad was involved I would be overshadowed. [Laughs] I am forever grateful he agreed and got involved. It was a learning experience I will never forget. A master’s class in acting that I never knew my dad possessed. I am so thankful to the Great Mystery for giving me that gift and opportunity. The memories from filming together are irreplaceable. NM: You were selected to be featured in our Gentlemen’s Issue, where we highlight motivating, inspirational and empowering Native men throughout Indian Country. What do you think it takes to be a gentleman in Indian Country?
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TM: I think being responsible in all aspects is very empowering. Being balanced mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually is empowering. I believe in respecting our relationships with family members, loved ones and community members; we all have our place in society. No one is perfect but giving our best effort and trying to do the best we can is self-satisfying. Being alcohol-free, drugfree, smoke-free, abuse-free, fast food-free and sucker-free are all obstacles to avoid and overcome to becoming truly free. I am not perfect. I try hard to be a good person. I want my daughter to grow up in a family of love and respect, which is my role as a father and husband and it’s a beautiful responsibility not to be taken lightly. To be a young man in Indian Country today there are many opportunities to help our communities, our youth and elders, to help build strong relationships and take care of the ones we love. There has been a lot of damage done in our homes, on our lands and the affects of it are harsh realities we deal with everyday. The damage caused, the hurt we see and feel inside is not an excuse to continue the cycle of hurting others and ourselves. I accept the difficulties, I take responsibility for my own struggles and obstacles, and in return I only hope to be a better husband, father, brother and son.
NATIVE MAX FEATURE
THE TRUE GENTLEMEN OF INDIAN COUNTRY Throughout Indian Country, we have men stepping up and raising the bar on the expectations that we and mainstream society have for today's Native men and presenting their roles as leaders in their communities. To help in celebrating the accomplishments of these Native gentlemen, we've featured Jacob Pratt, Walt Pourier and Christian Weaver. By: Kelly Holmes Editing by: Johnnie Sisneros
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JACOB PRATT DAKOTA / ANISHNAABE Jacob Pratt, Dakota and Anishnaabe from Cote First Nations, is a man of many talents. He is a well-respected performer, public speaker, and social entrepreneur. He's involved with a number of various business ventures, including Urban Native Magazine, and he's the founder of Wambdi Dance. Giving back to the community and helping Native youth is important to Pratt and it is the foundation of Wambdi Dance, an organization that allows indigenous dancers to share their talents, both traditional and modern, with youth worldwide.
When did you decide to create WAMBDI, and what inspired you? I started Wambdi in 2012. As a musician, dancer, and public speaker I started to get over-booked and noticed two things. First, that some other performers were struggling and secondly, that organizations or communities didn’t know where to find good performers or role models for their youth. So I started Wambdi, wondering if I could try to meet both of those needs. Soon not only was I meeting those needs but my company took on a life of its own and I was trying to keep up with it. In a way it took on a life of its own and started growing. How do you feel you and WAMBDI are giving back to the Native communities with your performances? With Wambdi, we have a number of different goals. First we try to help performers get work doing what they love. We also have a group of young performers that we call the Young Wambdi, who we want to help and develop by working alongside us. We do this in hopes to help them with their futures. We do a lot of other events like culture camps, motivational speaking and much more. We are often providing them to First Nations youth, and with these kinds of program we hope to encourage and empower the next generation while instilling a strong sense of identity and motivation. Lastly we try to give back to our community whenever and however we are capable.
PHOTO BY NADYA KWANDIBENS
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You're also a model and actor. How did you get into modeling and acting and is it still a big part of your career? I got into modeling simply by requests. People started asking me to model for them and that was the start of that. As for acting, since I was a child I always secretly wanted to be an actor, so I decided to pursue that dream. While I’ve been in school I have been trying to work into the industry. Now that I’m going to be done with school I am going to have more time to dedicate to my acting goals and hopefully people will see more of me in the future. What major projects are you currently working on? Soon as I’m done with school I do have a few dance performance pieces I want to
PHOTO BY NADYA KWANDIBENS
develop and to make my second album. Additionally I also have two TV shows. The first is a cartoon series called Louis Says on APTN. In this cartoon I’m the lead character and we are currently going into our second season. The other big project I’m involved in is another TV show called Wild Archaeology. On this show I am the host, and we are currently in production and filming our first season. In this show we travel all across Canada going to archaeological sites learning about them and how they are important and connect them to the community. So far we have gone to some beautiful places and done some amazing things. My favorite episode so far was the one I got to scuba dive. How do you balance being an entrepreneur, owner of WAMBDI and your acting and modeling careers? Well my life is generally very busy. I sometimes have to make difficult choices and focus on one thing rather than the others. Balancing business, school, and my personal life is a delicate balancing act. However, nothing worth doing is easy and if you want to succeed you have to work for it. The key to balancing things for me has been building a strong team within Wambdi that allows others to take on more responsibilities. My acting takes a lot of time when it’s time for me to do that so I need to be prepared months in advance for when I’m away. Basically all of these things keep my life interesting. You’re ultimately striving to motivate the youth, and making a difference in Indian Country. What drives you everyday to wake up and do all that you do?
I guess I have always been motivated by a few things that I was taught and learned growing up. First, I was always taught that when you do something you should think of your people first. I ask myself, “If I do something how can I help others?” This has guided me in many things that I have done. Unless I see not only a benefit to myself but others around me, I won’t pursue it. When I think about our Native youth I think back to myself at their age. I was never considered smart, and was even told many times that I would never amount to anything; then I remember all the young people that I saw who were just like me not only surprise me or other people, but also themselves by doing amazing things. I truly believe in the untapped potential of our Native youth. They only need a little responsibility, guidance, an opportunity and one person to believe in them and they will take care of the rest. My motivation and drive comes from setting goals and knowing that in order to reach them I have to put in the work. If you wait for people to do something for you, you will likely be waiting forever, so you might as well put on your hustle and make it happen yourself. How do you define a gentleman in Indian Country today? I think a gentleman is a man who is first and foremost respectful to those around him, especially women. A gentleman is somebody who takes pride in himself and what he does. For a Native man he is a person that is proud of his ancestral history and does his best to represent his nation in the modern world. He strives for success and helps others succeed along his path. That is what a gentleman is to me. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE
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When did you decide to launch your graphics design business? We launched Nakota Designs Advertising Design and Graphics as a freelance business first way back in 2004, I think. [Laughs] I used to work for some of the local ad agencies here in Denver.
COURTESY OF WALT POURIER
How did the suicide epidemic affect you? Just like everyone else in Native Country it seems, it hit close to home within the family circle. It also hit a lot of friends and relations around us, to bury a child especially one that committed suicide affects us all deep within our hearts and souls. I heard a saying, "Suicide doesn't take the pain away. It just gives it to someone else," and that pain goes to all of us still here on our human journeys. We’re left to carry the burden of the pain. It’s tough, but I do see and feel a lot of hope to come. I see this suicide epidemic coming to an end; we just got to believe it to be, make it so and it will be.
WALT POURIER OGLALA LAKOTA Walt Pourier, Oglala Lakota from Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, is well known throughout the South Dakota and Colorado Native communities. A business man with his own graphics design company, Pourier plays an active role in suicide prevention activities around Denver, CO and the Pine Ridge Reservation. What makes Pourier and his mission different is how he combats suicide in his projects. Instead of speaking about suicide and how it affects the community, Pourier promotes a campaign about living life positively, a sort of alternate approach of subliminal messaging.
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What is your mission with Stronghold Society? Stronghold Society is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to instilling hope and supporting youth movements through ‘Live Life Call to Action’ campaigns. Our mission is to inspire confidence, creativity, hope, and ambition for the youth of Native and non-Native communities. We’re inspiring youth through skateboarding, music, art and design, film, photography, writing, spoken-word; whatever creative expressive means are available. We want to encourage youth to take action to live a healthy life in mind, body, and spirit through the diverse means of skateboarding, arts, and creative movements. Stronghold Society’s goals are to promote healthy ways of life, outlooks for youth of all races through skate competitions, media campaigns and community outreach work. To create and sustain skate parks in Native American communities through resources collected and/or developed by Stronghold Society. To empower young Native American girls to live life to its grandest through communi-
What inspired this organization? This current generation inspired this movement. What does it take to be in your position with all that you do? It takes a lot of faith, a lot belief in yourself, your community, and in humanity. It’s about utilizing the moments, the tools we have; utilizing social networks to share in grand ideas. We are in the midst of the storm, the dark times seem to be upon us; there is a Lakota philosophy that states, “The black birds fly to warn us of the approaching storm, of hard times to come, but it is not to create fear. It is to create compassion and unity. A time when communities come together to ride out the storm and to gather at the stronghold, because once the storm passes we get renewal. A clearer outlook at life and what’s ahead. Blue skies, fresh air, renewal and rebirth.” This stuff keeps me awake at night, because I can “see” a bigger picture of hope out there, and I just want others to see it too. You once mentioned using some sort of subliminal messaging to combat youth suicide. Can you explain this? We don’t say suicide prevention, we say ‘Live Life Call to Action’. The youth and our communities hear “suicide” all the time, from documentary film crews, newspapers, etc. “Suicide, suicide, suicide, suicide...” It begins to have an effect on the mindset about who we are. In this case, it is not us. We know it exists and
we are not trying to ignore the abuse, we just take another approach to the efforts to end the abuse. If we say “live life, live life, live life, live life...” instead, it has a positive effect on the mind set and becomes more inspiring. It is who we are, inspirational beings. In fact “to inspire” means “to be in spirit or connect to a spirit”. Isn’t that who we are as Native people? We are meant to be inspirational in all we do, every movement we make we are simply reminding people of who they are. Let’s get back to this truth. I heard a saying, “the further back we look, the further forward we can see.” Let’s get back to the way of life our ancestors believed in; living life to its fullest each and every day. You were selected to be featured in the Gentlemen’s issue, where we focus on Native men who are hard at work striving to make a difference in their communities. What do you think it takes to be a gentleman in Indian Country today? Simply realize it isn’t about you as a man, it is about women; about the female and the feminine energies and the role that has on the balance of all of life. It’s about prophecy, about the balance of the feminine energies on the raise. The “age of the daughters” is upon us; it is time to put our egos aside and recognize this truth. I was raised by my mother and three sisters. Now I have a wife and three daughters. Of course my dad, grandfather, uncles and brother had roles in my life, but it was the females in my life starting with my grandmothers on to my daughters that made all the difference in who I am today. They made me the man I am. I see this, I know this and I live by this.
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ty gatherings offering support and guidance. To develop ongoing projects to empower our youth to live life. It’s a movement; it’s prophecy, it is a way of life.
CHRISTIAN WEAVER SHINNECOCK
Christian Weaver is definitely an innovator of Native arts and crafts. A few years ago, Weaver, whose of the Shinnecock Nation, launched NDNCraft, a first-of-its-kind online e-commerce platform that gives Native artisans full control of selling their crafts, without dealing with commission rates or fees. You founded NDNCraft, an online marketplace for Native artisans to sell their products easily. What was the idea behind this? I wanted to create a vehicle for Indigenous artists to sell their arts, designs and craft work to the entire world. I wanted to give these artists a platform to own and run their own online boutique and thus NDNcraft.com was born. What was the most challenging part of launching NDNCraft? Having a website that’s as detailed and user friendly as ours is a huge task. I hired some great developers and a designer that shared my vision to make it happen. With so many artists not able to sell at a high platform other than through email or phone, do you feel this connects that gap?
Absolutely. With galleries taking a huge commission and the pow wow trail being so taxing on vendors, NDNcraft.com provides a low impact/high return platform for our artists. As an artist and designer myself, it was very important for me to make sure my fellow Native artists are celebrated and appreciated. You were selected to be featured in the Gentlemen’s issue, where we focus on Native men who are hard at work striving to make a difference in their communities. What do you think it takes to be a gentleman in Indian Country today? Treating others how you would like to be treated is the key to anyone being a gentleman. Taking note of the details is essential. I strive to make a difference by setting a good example and working hard to keep it traditional.
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RADAR
HE KEPT HIS PEN MOVING We get to know MC Rhetorik, a down-to-earth Native kid who’s a hip hop artist and fluent speaker of his Native language. By: Noel Altaha Photos by: Meek Watchman He’s got what we need and he is about to give us a whole lot more with his first album debut, “Abstract Thoughts”. I’m talking fresh new music from a cat with a lot to offer and he’s ready to share his talent with the world. He goes by MC Rhetorik but his name is Sheldon Tenorio. He’s Santo Domingo Pueblo from New Mexico and a fluent speaker in his Native language. NMM interviewed MC Rhetorik about his recent emergence as a hip-hop artist and the first impression I got is a down-to-earth Native kid with a style of charming transparency. Both qualities may not initially come to mind when thinking about hip-hop artists because many artists boast about materialistic things or feed into their ego whereas MC Rhetorik comes off as poise and honest. Or as one of my friends says, “it’s refreshing to talk to someone who keeps it one hunnit”. The music scene in general, but
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particularly throughout Indian country, can be a rough place for struggling artists to make a name for themselves but MC Rhetorik has entered the game and is not looking back. He performs as a solo artist and is in a group with Nataanii Means called “True Pride Music”. MC Rhetorik joined the group in 2011, the group I totally started by a friend Warren Kane Bointy who passed away. The members keep his vision alive by performing through Indian Country. MC Rhetorik sees his group as a beautiful blessing. MC Rhetorik grew up in New Mexico and attended Santa Fe Indian School. He describes his childhood as not having one because he had to grow up quick since he was raised in a single-mother household where his grandmother and brother also lived. Honesty appears to be a value in his life because he shares not so happy truths about his childhood. An ongoing struggle in the relationship with his mother and not having a father figure forced MC
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Rhetorik to lose out on a regular childhood. These challenges became strengths for him because he believes the maturity prepared him mentally and emotionally. “I would go to bed thinking there’s more for me out there. I was here for a specific reason.” Something was out there for MC Rhetorik and it came in his adolescence when his teacher, Ms. Montana, required the class to start writing. She gave her students a composition notebook and the freedom to write about anything. So MC Rhetorik did and he liked it to the point he says he got lost in writing. To this day he can be seen in the studio with a pen and pad. He reflects back on a point in his life where he used writing to make a breakthrough connection with his mother since their relationship had underlying tension. He wrote her a letter and read it to her. His mother heard all of his feelings, the good and the not so good feelings and the result was a common understanding of one another. He says, “Honestly if it wasn’t
RADAR
for writing I don’t know where I would be.” In high school his teacher Ms. Shellow encouraged him to “keep his pen moving.” This nugget of wisdom stuck with MC Rhetorik as well as the relationship. They remain in contact today. The transition from writer to lyricist happened in high school and it’s also where he came up with the name MC Rhetorik. The word rhetoric means the art of persuasion and he chose the name so he could influence others to think deeper about his lyrics. At the time it was over political issues such as elections and then candidate Barack Obama. MC Rhetoric describes his style as “free and wild” and is a creative artist who poetically balances feelings and thought. He describes his process of writing songs as putting a puzzle piece together with a lot of pictures and he pulls inspiration from a million different places to make one final picture.
“It’s simple for me to be so complex, I hit every style of writing like martial arts.” MC Rhetorik says that in collaboration with his True Pride Music group everyone’s style is uniquely different but with the same vision. The creative space in the studio consists of throwing ideas off each other but also seeing it as a competition among one another. It is not always possible to make studio time with everyone so that’s when MC Rhetorik joins forces with outside artists. He has a connection with an artist from Texas who sends him beats. These beats are used in his upcoming album, “Abstract Thoughts” set to drop November 2014. To promote his album he has upcoming shows but the reality of life on the road is not for the weak. In the past he has performed in Durango, Colorado and venues on and off reservations throughout New Mexico, Montana and Arizona. It
takes massive amounts of time and energy to do what one’s passionate about. The alluring illusion of being a performing artist is just that, an illusion. There are times on the road where he says they do not know where their next meal is coming or where they’ll be sleeping. “We don’t have time to sleep. It is very demanding on our body, mind and spirit but what keeps me going is the passion. I know that at any particular show I have the potential to reach one person and flip their day or mind and that’s a success all in itself ”. There is vibe MC Rhetorik gives off and its infectious. This can best be described as hope. Hope for his people and hope for the future of thought provoking music. MC Rhetorik refers to himself as a Native American hip-hop artist from New Mexico. He’s got a style of lyrical diversity unique to the game and he is here to shake it up and wake people up.
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BOOKS Gritty storytelling, unique perspectives and thought-provoking. From Adrian L. Jawort and fellow Montana writers comes Off the Path. From a talented collective of today’s top contemporary Native American writers, who all hail from Montana, comes Off the Path; an anthology of fearless storytelling. Off the Path features works by Native Americans Adrian L. Jawort, Cinnamon Spear, Luella N. Brien, Eric Leland Bigman Brien and Sterling Holy White Mountain. “You'll be sure to find life, love, hardship, and true beauty off the beaten path as your mind forges a new trail into a place you've never been.” explains Jawort of the book. Jawort, Northern Cheyenne, is the creative genius and editor behind Off the Path, with three of his stories inside. Upon meeting fellow Northern Cheyenne member Cinnamon Spears, who’s also known for her documentary on rez basketball, Jawort was intrigued by her talents of storytelling and creative writing. “I was blown away by her prose and storytelling talent. I was thinking I'd help her get it published somewhere.” However, the problem Jawort foreseen with getting Spear’s works published is actually common for most Native American authors. “It likely wouldn't get to people who would relate to it the most. I'd sent out a novel to various indie publishers, they'd always said it was fascinating, trippy, and well-written at the very least, but they were leery of it on because of the potential backlash due to some of the edgier content.” Jawort immediately acted upon his vision of publishing his own collection of stories and launched his publishing company Off the Pass Press. “Why don't we just make our own books so we can get them directly into the hands of Montanans and Natives? I'd studied the industry for years, and the time just felt right especially after reading Ms. Spear's work.” Off the Path is indeed a compilation of stories that are relatable on many levels, for Natives and non Natives alike. “I’ve gotten nods for every story in there at one time or another. Sometimes it’s because they relate to a
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Off the Path, a compilation of stories written by Montana Natives. $11.66, amazon.com story so well.” Since the stories often take place on reservations or rural areas in Montana and contain commonly used language dialects and phrases, readers are able to connect to the stories and the characters. “Something we all hope to inspire is, ‘finally, someone is writing about us in an artistic way where we aren’t patronized as mere victims of statistics. We’re shown as living, breathing, complex people.’” With Off the Pass Press, Jawort hopes to help catapult careers of upcoming Native writers by pairing them next to professionals. “While rounding up writers for Volume 2, one reader made a passing comment about, ‘Wow. Are you sure you want my story next to writing like this?’ It was kind of in jest, but to clear any potential doubt I told them not to doubt their abilities or their own unique voice.” Jawort is expecting to release Off the Path Volume 2 sometime after Thanksgiving, in which the book’s boundaries expand beyond Montana’s borders. “We have a Native Hawaiian writer, a Maori writer from New Zealand, and writers from South Dakota and the southwest as well.” Within the next year, Jawort anticipates publishing an all-female anthology along with a collection of poetry with his press company.
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