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ON THE COVER

Rosario Rivera Gutierrez (Zapotec), 14, from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in the southern portion of the state of Oaxaca, is dressed in her finest to go to a Vela, a traditional fiesta in honor of a patron saint or virgin. The Zapotec women of the Isthmus wear elaborately hand embroidered skirts and huipiles (short tunics) with oversized flowers that fill every inch of cloth. The women’s heavy gold necklaces and earrings made of solid gold centenario coins are a show of wealth and prestige. A faux braid wrapped with brightly colored ribbons crowns her outfit. Photo by Judith Haden.

FEATURES

Handmade in Oaxaca: The Heart of Native Mexico
Center of the Zapotec, Mixtec and numerous other Indian cultures of Mexico, Oaxaca nurtures a plethora of Native arts. We take an in-depth look at the region’s famous black pottery, textiles and wood carvings—particularly alibrijes (monster-like animals), and touch upon other well-known arts and crafts. Plus, we also provide details on visiting the region’s many outlying Native villages, museums and historic sites, as well as attending special events. By Ron Butler. Photography by Judith Haden.

Shadow Wolves: Cutting Trail
A look at the elite and little-known agents of the U.S. Custom Service and Border Patrol, who rely on the skills of their ancestors to track drug runners, illegal immigrants and others along the U.S.-Mexico border. By Gregory McNamee. Photography by Terry Moore.

Tantoo Cardinal: Leading Woman of Native Cinema
Sit down for a conversation with Tantoo Cardinal (Cree/Metis), star of numerous films such as Legends of the Fall, Dances With Wolves, Black Robe and Smoke Signals, as well as television programs including DreamKeeper, Lakota Woman, The Lost Child and A Thief of Time. By Brian Wright McLeod (Anishinaabe).

Gary Avey: A Tribute
The founder, publisher, and for many years the editor, of Native Peoples passed away on Dec. 20, 2005. A review of, and salute to, his superlative life. By Daniel Gibson.

DEPARTMENTS

Viewpoint
There are remarkable similarities in the history and current lives of the Maori people of New Zealand and the American Indians of the Great Plains, such as the importance of retaining one’s language, as explained by someone familiar with both cultures. By Jo Sanders (Lakota).

On the Wind
Plans are being finalized for a new $40 million museum in Palm Springs, California for the Agua Caliente Band of Mission Indians. Also, other important news in the arts, education, the environment, business, politics, sports, health and other realms of life in Indian Country. By Daniel Gibson.

Happening
We drop into Palm Springs for the annual film festival hosted by the Agua Caliente tribe, paired this year with a gala dinner and special art exhibition organized by Blue Rain Gallery. Plus details on other special events of Native interest across North America. By Daniel Gibson.

Collections
Lorne Balshine of Vancouver, British Columbia has amassed one of the finest private collections of Inuit carvings in the world, which fill almost every nook and cranny of his abode. Story by Richard Walker (Mexican/Yaqui) and Molly Neely-Walker (Snohomish/Skagit). Photography by Francis Cheng.

History
Paiute educator, advocate and author Sarah Winnemucca (1844–1891) was a remarkable woman by anyone’s measure. A look at her life and times. By Sally Zanjani.

Pathways
We tour the north and east coasts of Vancouver Island, British Columbia visiting the Kwakwaka’wakw, Laichwiltach, Cowichan and other Coast Salish peoples and their spectacularly beautiful homelands and wildlife. By Isabel Nanton.

Galleries
A pair of galleries on Main Street in Scottsdale, Arizona—Faust Gallery and King Galleries—provides a terrific range of fine Native arts, from outstanding pottery to eye-catching jewelry, textiles and other works. Also, brief looks at other Native-oriented galleries throughout the continent. By Russ Tall Chief (Osage).

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