News n Updates
~ Corine Fairbanks
The American Indian Movement of Southern California (AIM-SoCal) called for a day of action against Wells Fargo Bank on Saturday, November 3rd, to draw attention to the illegal eviction of Niko Black, a terminally-ill Native American woman in Garden Grove , California . The day of action began with a 9am protest at the Wells Fargo Bank branch located at 14211 Jeffrey Rd., in Irvine, where AIM-SoCal, together with affiliated organizations and members of the public demanded justice for Black, beginning with recognition of the court order allowing Black to remain in her home. AIM-SoCal was joined with people in other cities in similar demonstrations demanding Justice for Niko Black in this campaign against Wells Fargo.
Niko Black’s case has quickly gained attention with a petition on Change.org (with more than 121,000 signatures as of 11/6) and an article in the Huffington Post. Black’s story is only the most recent account of outrageous and inhuman behavior toward poor and working class people perpetrated by Wells Fargo. Federal Judge Elizabeth Magner best characterized the bank’s behavior in April of this year: “[Wells Fargo] prefers to rely on the ignorance of borrowers or their inability to fund a challenge to its demands.”
For more information, email aimsocalifornia@ymail.com or visit the following links:
PETITION:
http://www.change.org/petitions/wells-fargo-don-t-break-the-law-leave-cancer-patients-alone
INFORMATION:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=B793OYIqQ-s
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151160765128759.449262.589423758&type=3
Buffalo Field Campaign is one of Whisper n Thunder's partners. Check this out:
Wild is the Way! In celebration of Buffalo Field Campaign's 15 years in the field working in defense of America's last wild buffalo, we have launched a new line of merchandise. We are very excited to offer you these lovely and practical items that you can use every day to show your love for wild bison and support the work of Buffalo Field Campaign.
New merchandise includes: "Wild is the Way" tee shirts, bumper stickers, limited edition Klean Kanteen water bottles and pint cups, plus beautiful "Love, Respect, Protect" notecards, and our celebrated 2013 Wild Bison calendars. All proceeds from the purchase of these items go directly to the front lines, legal and policy work of Buffalo Field Campaign. Treat yourself or give as gifts. Order today!
Please visit our bison goods page to view and purchase this beautiful new merchandise.
https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/t/11564/shop/shop.jsp?storefront_KEY=554
Whisper n Thunder Cookbook
We are so excited about our Whisper n Thunder Healthy Living cookbook! Our cover - shown below.
This image is from a painting by David Greg Taylor. We are honored to have it as our cover! To learn how you can purchase and help support the various program efforts of Whisper n Thunder go to the link below. Thank you so much!
https://www.createspace.com/3716198
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Whisper n Thunder
Collaborative Partnerships
Whisper n Thunder is pleased to be in partnerships with the following organizations. We work together for Impact and Empowerment.
Heard Museum Library & Archives
Employees of Aramark, Las Vegas Convention Center
Native Lights Candle Shop, Madawaska Maliset First Nation
Southern Nevada Association of Pride, Inc. Las Vegas
Love Program Las Vegas
People for Hope
Cheyenne River Gas Company
Lakota Plains Propane
D & R Propane
Bob's Gas Service
Jewelry by Two Dawns
Fire Talk Productions: Nell Cole, Producer
November 8, 2010: News Worth Remembering!
The Whisper n Thunder Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Whisper n Thunder has been accepted into the Billie Jane Baguley Library and Archives of the Heard Museum in Phoenix, AZ. The Heard Museum is known as the foremost showcase of Native American art and culture in the U.S., revealing the cultures of Native American tribes through exhibits, demonstrations as well as displays of artwork from contemporary Native American artists. The Billie Jane Baguley Library and Archives of the Heard Museum is a comprehensive research facility that includes information about indigenous art and cultures from around the world and an unparalleled resource file containing information about more than 25,000 Native American artists.
We are honored to be a part of this most prestigious collection.
Banner Graphic: www.firstpeople.us
Summer 2013
Eckman Fine Art Workshop
Sculpture Depot
Loveland, Colorado
PAPER CASTING: YOUR MOLDS & THE ECKMAN METHOD
MAY 15TH, 16TH & 17TH, 2013
This 3-day workshop will cover the essential techniques required to cast a paper sculpture using the Eckman Fine Art method, from start to finish. For more information http://www.sculpturedepot.net/clay-wax-tools/workshops.asp
Fall 2012
Whisper n Thunder's First WINDS Scholar Launches Blog
Grownup Navajo
Whisper n Thunder is pleased to fully endorse Grownup Navajo: The Kinaalda through a Modern Lens. Written by our first WINDS Scholar, Jaclyn Roessel, this extraordinary blog shares with the world the Origins of the Kinaalda, Jaclyn's personal journey as well as insights into Navajo culture as seen through the 'lens' of the Kinaalda ceremony. Be sure to check regular for the latest posts as well as her archives. The blog can be found at the following link:
www.grownupnavajo.com/2012/10/24/origins-of-the-kinaalda/
http://www.grownupnavajo.com/2012/10/03/grownup-navajo-a-journey/
Congrats Jaclyn! Well done indeed.
September 30, 2012
SHAWN MICHAEL PERRY
Recording artist Shawn Michael Perry posted great news this morning!
“WE ARE IN CONSIDERATION FOR 9 NAMMY CATEGORIES !
SONG /SINGLE OF THE YEAR,
BEST ROCK RECORDING
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
BEST PRODUCER
BEST COUNTRY RECORDING
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
BEST POP RECORDING
BEST COMPILATION RECORDING
RECORD OF THE YEAR
WE ARE HONORED FOR YOUR CONSIDERATIONS PLEASE VOTE FOR OUR ARTIST AND HIS MUSIC....
WWW.SHAWNMICHAELPERRY.COM THANK YOU ALL....!!!!
Everyone at Whisper n Thunder wishes Shawn and crew the best. What a great list of nominations, recognizing the talent and hard work of this artist who cares deeply for all, an in particular the youth of this world. We commend you Shawn!
July 1, 2012
The Meeting of Many Nations
Natalie Brown
On Saturday, April 28, youth and adults from The Owl and Panther Project traveled to Sells, Arizona to meet with Tohono O’odham elders and youth. This day of cross-cultural sharing included over fifty people from many countries including Bhutan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Somalia, and the United States.
The Owl and Panther Project is funded by the Hopi Foundation and is “a unique group designed to help families affected by trauma through expressive arts.” Iskashitaa Refugee Network’s Resource Coordinator Natalie Brown and Community Education Coordinator Kathy Zaleski volunteered with the Owl and Panther Project and had the joy of joining them on their journey to the Tohono O’odham Nation.
The day was packed with activities and began with a photo scavenger hunt to make the bus ride go a bit faster. The youth were excited to identify the birds, plants, and landmarks throughout the journey. Many thanks go to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Marie Long especially for assistance with funds and availability of knowledgeable docents to share their insights throughout the day.
Upon arrival at the Tohono O’odham Cultural Center and Museum, we were greeted by Tohono O’odham youth and elders. Tohono O’odham women taught the women and girls present how to play toka, a traditional game for women only that is similar to field hockey and very competitive. Toka begins with traditional singing and was a great fun for all.
Later in the day, Tohono O'odham women demonstrated their skillful tortilla making. As their guests each took turns making tortillas, we learned the word for 'flat bread' in many languages and realized that most cultures have some equivalent: chapati, roti, naan, etc.
Food continued to be a unifying force as we began our global feast. Many participants brought food to share that was traditional from their homelands. The Iraqi dolmas (stuffed grape leaves) were just one of the big hits of this meal! Iskashitaa Refugee Network was happy to supply locally harvested grapefruit and loquats, which were left as gifts for the Tohono O’odham since citrus is not abundant on the reservation.
After we ate, a local Tohono O’odham band provided wonderful music and soon everyone was dancing! The day concluded with traditional storytelling and poetry writing. I think all present would agree that this was a day none of us will soon forget! Many thanks to all who were involved in making this great day a success!
June 12, 2012
The Battle of the Greasy Grass and Its Echoes Today
Preparations to Honor the Victory and Enjoy the Multimedia Event
~ Maureen Brucker
Now is the time. As the lazy days of summer approach you might want to think back to another time and place.
Prepare for this adventure by borrowing, if necessary, a laptop, an iPad, or at least an iPhone.
Select a location out of doors, possibly in the shade. Some place where you might sit on the ground. After all, Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse were very comfortable in camp but there were no padded chaise lounges carted across the plains on travois. Be sure you have internet access at the location you plan on or copy the article and download the videos ahead of time.
Once all this is ready, take the time and awareness to recognize and honor the passing of the Summer Solstice on June 21st. The tribal ancestors certainly did in that ever growing camp on the Rosebud in the summer of 1976. You might even read through the first section ending with Sitting Bull’s sun dance at this time to experience the time line in an authentic manner.
As June 25th approaches, decide on the time of day you will devote to this multimedia article -- The Battle of the Greasy Grass and Its Echoes Today. Perhaps early morning intrigues you – when the camp was awakening and the women were about their cooking and gathering chores. Or maybe 3 pm draws you – the time Custer attacked the main camp. The timing enhances the experience and permits you to focus in a reverent way on the events of that day.
Finally, at the appointed time, grab your chosen electronic device, a pitcher of cool water to drink, some fruit or maybe some meat to snack on, and settle in for an enjoyable time celebrating the Native victory over the Seventh Cavalry at Greasy Grass Creek in southern Montana.
For more information:
This is a Lakota Description of some of the events of June 25th, 1876, from a traditional Lakota perspective from a talk given in Denver by Joseph Marshall at the Tattered Cover Bookstore in Denver. He spends a fair amount of time impressing on people the sheer size of this encampment. Mr. Marshall also takes the time to connect this battle to Wounded Knee almost 15 years later.
http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/198247-1
On the Oglala Lakota reservation even today, there are remembrances and celebrations yearly on June 25th. The following piece describes one such event and the significance for the community.
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/video/The-Battle-of-the-Greasy-Grass.html
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Whisper n Thunder
Global Gathering
2013
Plans are underway to hold a 2 day event in Phoenix in 2013. We are looking for your input! What month is best for you to make this event? Remember Phoenix is HOT in the summer months...
There will be music, keynote speakers, workshops, vendors. A celebration and strategic event.
Plan to be there! Let us know if you'd like to help, have a vendor booth, or take part in this event.
bkfidlin@hotmail.com
Thanks!
Art work by Jim & Patty Eckman. All rights reserverd. To purchase Eckman art work please contact Jim and Patty at:
http://eckmanfineart.com/works_miniature.html
