Indian Country Traveler & Photographer

HONORING NATIVE AMERICAN VETERANS

Honoring Veteran's Day

November 11th

All photos by: ©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 highly honored as heros in all Tribal communities.

 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 2009, there will be an estimated 191,261 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 of pow wow festivals where veterans - who are honor guards and carry the flags - lead the opening procession during 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.  

Show your appreciation to a Vet by letting them know how much you respect their services to keep our country free.

 Photos By: ©Marilyn Angel Wynn/Nativestock.com

 

Flags of American Indians

Photos and story by: Marilyn Angel Wynn/Nativestock.com                     Nativestock Pictures is the largest supplier ofAmerican Indian Photographs

Each tribe has their own unique culture, language, symbols and now flags. Thanks to the Manataka American Indian Council. Here you will find official flags that represent each individual tribe. Their motto is "Show Pride in Your Tribe... Fly it High".

While traveling through a tribal community I'll generally photograph their tribal flag which usually fly's on a pole next to the stars and stripes flag in front of tribal offices. A quick snapshot of the flag works as a strong illustration in my photo collection that will represent a tribe's government. Many times throughout the year a publisher of educational materials will request a flag, logo or tribal government photo. My image collection has a great assortment that I just don't have on hand yet. When this happens, ordering a specific flag from the American Indian Council for a photo shoot is a must. They have the largest supply in the world.

 

These beautiful flags are not Wally World cheapies. Depending on what you order, flags vary in price from $15-$155 for each flag. Another company that I use is TME Flag Co. To encourage tribes to adopt flags, TME Co. has offered a grant program to ‘flagless’ tribes to design, produce, and sell their flags. So far the Apalachee, Chinook, Clatsop-Nehalem, Jatiboniku Taino, Munsee, Native American Indigenous Indian Community, Northern Tsalagi, Pokanoket Wampanoag, Sakaogon Chippewa, Shoshone-Bannock -- all have benefited from this program. I hope many more will.

 

Both companies flags are of the highest quality. Screened by the most modern acid-dye penetration process for brilliant, long-lasting colors. Each long-lasting 3' x 5' flag is made from high- strength, top-quality woven polyester bunting material. Four full rows of stitching in the fly and two rows of white canvas header are carefully sewn around the entire outside border to provide excellent durability.  Two real brass, weather-proof grommets. Made for indoor or outdoor use.

 

Sounds like an ad. But their quality is outstanding and the variety of choices are the best. There's over 131 authentic tribal flags available on their website. Including a variety of other American Indian flags such as historical, novelty, healing and freedom flags. Supplies such as flag poles and accessories can also be ordered.

 

Hands down the flag photo that I get asked for most is the Iroquois Six Nation Confederacy flag. I only wish that I could afford to buy or rent all the flags so that I could photograph each one flying magestically on a flag pole with billowing clouds dotting a blue sky in the background. Adding more imagery to an already larger than life extensive photo collection on Native American Indian cultures.

 

American Indian Tourism Conference 2010

Story by: Marilyn Angel Wynn

Located in the misty cedar forest of the Northwest Coast is the home of the Tulalip tribe in Washington State. This year this unique community of Coast Salish people hosted the annual American Indian & Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) conference at the outstanding Tulalip Casino resort hotel and convention center.

Since I've become the leading tourist to Indian Country destinations for the past 16 years, I just had to attend this conference for a second time. My company,  Native Stock Pictures, happily volunteered me to photograph this years entire 4-day event. It was like coming home as I remembered many of the faces of the Tulalip tribal members who I met during the Spirit Canoe Journey this past summer.  

Most of the 450 attendees commented on the spectacular rooms and awesome showers. I camped out in my RV and missed this amenity. However, as one speaker described the showers "since the water sprayed from the wall I felt like a salmon swimming through the current of a strong stream or ocean current. The attendees spent their days networking, taking workshops and consulting with top representatives from the government offices of Secretary of State, Federal Parks, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Small Business Association. While spending their evenings networking in the lobby, taking in a buffet dinner and later singing and dancing at kareoke. This group of business people know how to let loose and have fun.

  Over 450 attendees were there for the 4 day conference. There were artisan and vendor booths, who specialize in Indian Country travel,  set up throughout the hotel's convention area. An internet cafe zone was there for individuals who needed to stay in contact with associates, clients and family. Throughout the halls and sitting areas, there were small groups of attendees networking with tourism specialists.

One thing for sure is that Native people know how to feast on good food and laugh at all the jokes flying around. Vendors, related to the tourism industry, were there to offer their specialized services, about 12 Native artists set up booths to sell their arts and crafts and four workshops ran simultaneously throughout each day. 

The highlights for me at this year's AIANTA conference were meeting up with Ron Chapman Secretary of State Office, Patti representing the Tulalip tribe, Yada Yada of the Nevada Indian Organization, Ron Solomon Pueblo Cultural Center Board member, Walter Lamar of Lamar and Associates,  and Dr James of the Southern Ute Tribe.

AIANTA members also had to elect a new Board Member at Large and regional directors. I'm happy to announce that Ron Solomon, from the Laguna Pueblo tribe, was honored as the chair recipient. He's charismatic, a true leader, a listener and has a huge list of strong credentials listed on his resume to support his new position. He's just an all round wonderful guy who's going to take AIANTA to a whole new level. It's only going to get better with membership growth and new energy to help tribes bring tourism to their communities. Way to go Ron! Can't wait for the 2011 conference that will be hosted by the Yavapai Apache tribe and held in Fountain Hills AZ 

Native Wisdom Beauty Products

Story and Photography by Marilyn Angel Wynn

Generally I don't endorse products, especially on my blog. Except for now, I'll make an exception and mention Native Wisdom Beauty. I'm using some of their products and have been delighted to see real results.

Last fall I was in Denver for a family reunion. Through Facebook, I connected with FB friend Jennifer Wolf, a Ponca tribal member and Herbal Research Chemist. At that time my company, Native Stock Pictures, was interested in photographing Native American business owners. She volunteered as her profession was a research chemist who had been employed with the FDA (Food & Drug Administration). She also owned a small home-based business with a line of beauty products.

After we wrapped up our photo shoot, Jennifer gave me a few samples of her skincare products. She placed inside my camera bag a nice sized tin of Honeysuckle Body Butter and a bottle of her Blueberry Body Wash. It wasn't until I flew back home, unpacked when I began using her gifts daily. A few weeks later, I realized how my dry skin was improving. Scented with lovely flowery fragrances, I craved healthy living each time I used the delicious smelling cream or soap.

Jennifer's story is a familiar one today. Even though she had a prestigious career with the FDA, Jennifer dreamed to be a 'stay at home' mom. To financially help with the transition, Jennifer teamed up with her sisters to create Native Wisdom products. "As Native Americans, it was important to us to look to Mother Earth for answers on how to create natural products safe enough for a baby, but exquisite enough for the whole family" explained Wolf. All three sisters agreed to only use the finest potions used by indigenous cultures around the world.

Native Wisdom skincare products are all formulated with ingredients such as acai and blueberry extract, shea butter with honey and chamomile. Basically, anything that is good enough to eat! Native Wisdom Beauty combines traditional indigenous herbalogy with the latest in break-through technology to create  sumptuous products. Did I mention my own itchy dry crepe skin? It's starting to take on the look of it's plump youthful self again. After summer, my feet resemble #1 sandpaper and feel like that of a bristle pad. When I started to rub them with Native Wisdom's non-greasy body butter each night I was surprised at the outcome.

You are probably as skeptical as I would be reading this. It's just that these results are for real. The products work. BTW, except for the first gift samples during our photo shoot, I've not received any endorsements what-so-ever! I just think that a wonderful natural product should be shared with other consumers. Another plus is that a portion of online sales benefit the American Indian College Fund.

I'd be interested to know if any of you are already using these fabulous skincare products. Or if you start using any of the lotions or soaps by Native Wisdom then fill me in on your results. I know that I'll be ordering more from Native Wisdom soon.

NOVEMBER: National American Indian Heritage Month

 
Collection of various dolls from the Americas

Free Photos by: ©Marilyn Angel Wynn/Nativestock Pictures

The month of November is National American Indian Heritage month. 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, heritage and contributions 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. These are the First Americans whose ancestors have walked the earth of our nation for thousands of years. 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.

In celebration of American Indian Heritage Month, on Facebook, Nativestock Pictures is giving away FREE use of selected low res images for emailers, blogs, websites, etc. You can go to our Facebook page and check out the images posted randonly that are offered free of charge. It's like legally being able to steal these photos that celebrate Native American culture. Check it out because this offer is just for the month of November. A couple of the FREE photos are shown here on this page. Yes, you can use them for whatever purpose you need at no charge. Compliments of Nativestock Pictures.

Stack of arrows is the Iroquois Nation's symbol of unity.