Indian Country Traveler & Photographer

First Thanksgiving

The Pilgrims were not in good shape. Nearly half died their first brutal winter. They were without survival skills, lived in dirt covered shelters and there was a shortage of food. They needed help.

What is now known as Connecticut, the Powhatan Indians brought the Pilgrims food, taught them how to hunt, farm the land and shared their ancestral knowledge of medicinal plants. They were also taught to preserve berries, teas and other foods to help them through the cold winter months.

Harvest was a time of sharing. Together, the Wampanoag Indians and the English Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony (what we now know as Plymouth Massachusettes) celebrated the year's bountiful harvest with a feast. 

The First Thanksgiving in the New World. 

 photos by: ©Marilyn Angel Wynn/Nativestock.com

Blizzard Hits Pine Ridge & Rose Bud Rez Hard

  ©Marilyn Angel Wynn/Nativestock.com

As you very well know by this blog site, my heart, photographic passion and specialty is within Indian Country. Most recently there has been a devastating blizzard that has created tragic havoc in 2 communities that already have their fair share of challenges. I've been fortunate to visit and photograph Pine Ridge and the Rosebud Reservation twice. Just last year was my most recent trip to South Dakota. After reading the attached news bulletin, I immediately sent a check along with a large box of assorted children's books that relate to Native America. The box was shipped to the He Dog School on the Rosebud Rez. I rarely pass any donation information on like this. However, I feel that this time is an exception.I hope that you too can find something to donate to one of the three relief centers listed within this article. A donation of money, winter coats, gloves, boots and food would greatly be appreciated in this moment of crisis.

Read on for the scoop

Native American Veterans Honored

All photos copyrighted: ©Marilyn Angel Wynn/Nativestock.com

In many Native American languages, the translation for soldier, warrior, protector and helper are all the same word. Native American people who served in the United States armed services are greatly honored in the American Indian community.

 It is a remarkable fact that Indian people served the United States long before they were even given United States citizenship. In fact, between 1917 and 1918, over 10,000 Native American people enlisted into the armed services to serve in World War I. Although this was the greatest number of enlisted peoples from any one ethnic culture, citizenship (with the right to vote) for Native Americans was not granted until 1924.

According to the Defense Department, as of December 2005, nearly 20,000 Native American/ Alaskan native people are serving in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force. By the end of 2006, there will be an estimated 181,261 Native American veterans, according to the Veteran's Administration. The National Native American Veterans Association estimates that 22 percent of Native Americans 18 years or older are veterans.

In Native American culture, veterans have always held a position of honor. In the days before "discovery", they honored those who protected their tribal members. Today there are many gatherings where veterans - who are the honor guard and carry the flags - lead the opening procession during the Grand Entry.

From serving as scouts and guides in a young Colonial Army to the cold mountains of Afghanistan and hot deserts of Iraq, Native Americans have answered the call.

 All photos copyrighted: ©Marilyn Angel Wynn/Nativestock.com

Author Tony Hillerman Dies

http://www.latimes.com/video/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=3070414

Tony Hillerman, 83, dies; bestselling mystery author provided insight into the native people and culture of the Southwest

Not that I read many of his books but I always have been an admirer of author Tony Hillerman. Like my photography, he began writing contemporary mystery novels set in the Navajo region of the Southwest, in part, he once said, because "they have a fascinating religious philosophy and a lot of good values."

Navajoland is one of my favorite regions to travel and photograph. Being that my husband Doug is in law enforcement may be another critical reason for admiring Hillerman's novels, whose mysteries featured two Navajo tribal policemen and were known for providing insight into the native people and culture of the Southwest.

Beginning with "The Blessing Way," published in 1970 and introducing Lt. Joe Leaphorn of the Navajo Tribal Police, Hillerman wrote 18 novels featuring Leaphorn and the younger officer Jim Chee and set in the sprawling Navajo region of New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.

The longtime Albuquerque resident, whose novels were known for their atmospheric blend of contemporary crime and traditional tribal beliefs and customs, remained something of a critically acclaimed cult favorite until his 1986 novel "Skinwalkers" propelled him onto bestseller lists and his mysteries, including "A Thief of Time," began selling millions of copies.

Hillerman, whose novels have been published in more than 30 languages. In 2005, he received the Los Angeles Times Book Prizes' Robert Kirsch Award for lifetime achievement for having "reinvented the mystery novel as a venue for the exploration and celebration of Native American history, culture and identity."

"I want to write an entertaining book," Hillerman told Newsweek, "and I'd like people to see the strength and dignity of a culture I admire." Wow! my shared feelings and aspirations too. Read on as I could not have said it any better. "It's always troubled me that the American people are so ignorant of these rich Indian cultures," Hillerman once told Publishers Weekly. "I think it's important to show that aspects of ancient Indian ways are still very much alive and are highly germane even to our ways."

In 1987, Hillerman received the "Special Friend of the Dineh" award -- dineh means "the people" in Navajo -- for his "accurate and sensitive portrayal of the strength and dignity of traditional Navajo culture." Hillerman's autobiography, "Seldom Disappointed," was published in 2001. His most recent mystery was "The Shape Shifter," published in 2006.

Many of his books became iconic movies and are available on DVD such as Skinwalkers, A Thief of Time and The Dark Wind. All filmed on location in Navajo Country with Native American actors. He portrays his Native American characters realistically and how the reservation is today. His incredible work and introductory to Indian Country will be sorely missed. Poking around my library this morning that contains over 500 books on Native America, I came across an unread Hillerman book titled "Hunting Badger ". I'm anxious to begin reading it's pages that will take me to the enchanting lands of Navajo Country and it's people.

To the Hillerman Family: Your father was a national treasure. My sympathy for your loss. He was like a key that unlocked the gate, welcoming visitors to experience a vast region of Indian Country. And for his readership... We will always desire just one more Hillerman novel.

November is American Indian Heritage Month

©Marilyn Angel Wynn/Nativestock Pictures

After nearly a century of advocacy, National American Indian Heritage Month was first recognized through joint resolution by Congress in 1990. Now recognized annually, November is a time to learn more about the history and heritage of Native American peoples.

Proudly join our nation in observing American Indian Heritage Month during November. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, there are nearly 2.5 million American Indians in our country. Their rich history speaks to us through the names of our cities, lakes, and rivers; the magnificent ruins of ancient communities; and most important, the lives of the people who retain the cultural, spiritual, linguistic, and kinship bonds that have existed for thousands of years and still continues strong today.

With a collection of over 125,000 pictures solely depicting Native American Indian culture, that represents over 100 tribes, Nativestock Pictures is a website used by people of all ages. Each photograph, whether traditional or contemporary, are accompanied by informative captions.