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ON THE COVER
Irene Bedard
From Anchorage, Alaska to New York City, the dramatic calling of Irene Bedard has led this Inupiat Eskimo/Cree actor to roles in Lakota Woman, Naturally Native and Smoke Signals. With her theatrical and Native roots firmly established, the voice behind Pocahontas celebrates two new releases this year, The Lost Child and Wild Flowers. Bedard glimmers in a 14K gold, inlaid pendant and bracelet, courtesy of Ray Tracey Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico. By Daniel Gibson, Photography by LeRoy DeJolie Navajo

FEATURES

Inside "The Lost Child"
The Lost Child, a Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation, is scheduled to air this fall on CBS. Based on Yvette Melanson's memoirs, "Looking for Lost Bird," the film introduces a sensitive, contemporary subject-forced adoption. While on location in Arizona, Native cast members Irene Bedard, Tantoo Cardinal and Kimberly Guerrero-Norris share their convictions about The Lost Child, as well as the achievements and challenges they encounter in Hollywood. By Douglas Miles San Carlos Apache

Gifting Traditions of the Plains
For the Lakota, the ritual of Christmas and gift giving is just over one hundred years old; yet the age-old custom of give-aways-rooted in generosity and survival-is a year-round practice to honor family and friends. In this spirit, the Native Peoples Holiday Gift Guide celebrates old and new lifeways through a vibrant collection of Plains-inspired gift ideas. By Delphine Red Shirt Oglala Sioux, Photography by Hilary Wallace

Holiday Gift Guide
'Tis the season to shop! For crafts, adornments, apparel and furnishings, that is. A treasure-seekers guide to Native America's finest shops, galleries and trading posts.

Furniture From a Native Vision
From his studio located at Seattle's Pier 55, Blackfeet furniture artisan Ernie Apodaca offers hand-crafted, leather upholstered "functional art." By Patty Talahongva Hopi

Environmental Recovery: Colorado River Indian Tribes
The Colorado River Indian Tribes reservation in Parker, Arizona develops a model environmental and cultural preservation project, the Ahakhav Tribal Preserve. By Joe Baker Delaware Tribe of Indians, Photography by LeRoy DeJolie Navajo

Artist Profile: C.S. Tarpley
The glass vessels of C.S. Tarpley fuse molten glass, metalwork and universal motifs. Combined, his contemporary forms parallel his pursuit towards balance in art, identity and life. By Charleen Touchette

Collections: James T. Bialac Collection, Part II
The dialogue continues between author Joel Harnett and Bialac, on individual pieces of this hundred collection span. By Joel Harnett, Photography by Mark Hendrickson

DEPARTMENTS

Letters
Gracious words from Lloyd Kiva New; Nebraska students make a difference.

Viewpoint
The Lost Child, a Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation airing this fall is based on the memoirs of a Native woman's experience with forced adoption. A Native actor and co-star of the film shares her own experiences with adoption, foster care, lost identity and reunion. By Camille Nighthorse Gordon (Hualapai)

On The Wind
Nursing mother, environmental advocate and Vice presidential candidate Winona LaDuke presses for treaty rights, human needs and civic engagement. An 1872 Haisla Nation totem pole heads home to British Columbia.

Happening
The Canadian Aboriginal Festival, a celebration of First Nations music, dance, art and commerce. Also, take in the Native American Music Awards, the Eiteljorg Museum Harvest Celebration and more.

Spirit of the Harvest
Passed down for generations, timeless recipes for Old-fashioned Mince Meat Pie and Plains-style Pemmican bring to heart the traditions of our grandmothers.

Focus on Education
The Cheyenne Eagle Blanket—designed by Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell and commissioned to raise funds for scholarships—preserves the economic and commemorative tradition of American Indian trade blankets. By Suzette Brewer Cherokee

Pathways
Western North Carolina-via the Blue Ridge Parkway, experience the history, art and delicacies of Cherokee country. By MariJo Moore Cherokee

Reflections
Galleries healing communities: artistic responses to the human condition.

Galleries
The Rain Dance Gallery in Bethesda, Maryland, acquaints audiences to topical work by Leonard Peltier in celebration of American Indian Heritage Month.

Museums
White Mountain Apache Museum and Cultural Center. Pine filled mountains, historic sites and cultural materials embody the rich heritage of the Apache.

Book Reviews
"World War II and the American Indian" by Kenneth William Townsend examines the complex forces that shaped Indian participation in World War II. Also, "In the Bear's House," a collection of poetry, prose and illustrations by N. Scott Momaday, and a new children's book, "Crazy Horse's Vision," by Joseph Bruchac.

Film/Video Reviews
"How to Trace Your Native American Heritage," a video guide to establishing Native heritage and "finding your place in the circle of life." Plus, "Indigenous: Live @ La Zona Rosa" rocks Texas.

Music Reviews
Bill Miller's new album Ghostdance—a heartfelt collection of simply—produced tracks combining grace and guitars; and recent releases from Casper Loma-Da-Wa and Tiger, Tiger.

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