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ON THE COVER

Artist Fritz Scholder (Luiseño) is not afraid to follow his creative instincts wherever they may lead him. Photo by Mark Hendrickson.

FEATURES

Fritz Scholder: A Lust For Life
An in-depth look at and conversation with a leading figure of the contemporary Indian art world, including a glimpse back at his formative years in Santa Fe; his views on life and death; discussion of his current work, exhibitions and a new book; and the role of an artist in the world. By Daniel Gibson.

Back to the Plaza: Santa Fe Indian Market 2001
An overview of what’s happening at this year’s Indian Market, within Market itself and Santa Fe as a whole—including the galleries, museums and music venues. Plus, a Resources Box to help you plan your visit. By Gussie Fauntleroy.

Birchbark Canoe: Back from the Brink
The birchbark canoe, an extraordinary example of the ingenious skills of North America’s historic Woodland Native cultures, is returning to the waters of the Northeast in a movement that blends art, history, traditions and spiritual pursuits into a physical object of beauty and finely crafted function. By C. Ted Behne. Photography by Darel Gabriel Bridges (Passamaquoddy).

History Revisited at the Infamous Little Bighorn
Clouds of contention still swirl over the hallowed ground of this famous battle site, where Custer lost his life, as renewed effort is made to provide a Native perspective of the conflict. Also provided are details on visiting the site. Story and photos by Bert Gildart.

Shinnecock Culture Revealed in Superb New Facility
A new museum and living history center opens on the Shinnecock reservation on Long Island, unveiling a rich and largely unknown culture on New York City’s doorstep. By Helga Christine Morpurgo. Photography by Patti Courville.

Artist Profile: Jamie Okuma
Meet the winner of the 2000 Santa Fe Indian Market “Best of Show” award, whose extraordinary dolls transform playthings into unique, collector-quality works of art. By Antonio Lopez. Photography by Walter Bigbee (Comanche).

DEPARTMENTS

Letters
A reader writes to ask why there is no national holiday devoted to recognizing the important contributions of Native Americans; another points out the existence of Choctaw Code Talkers.

Viewpoint
Businessman Gene Keluche (Wintun) delves into the opaque realm of trans-border and cross-racial politics created by the ceaseless flow of people across the face of the Earth, and in particular the Hispanic-Indian association of the Southwest.

On The Wind
A profile on the Koahnic Broadcast Corporation; a Hyatt resort opens in Puebloland; Houser mural escapes wrecking ball. Plus, other news of interest and importance to the Native American community. By Daniel Gibson.

Happening
Drop in on the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Arts & Crafts Fair, the premier gathering of New Mexico’s Pueblo artists, July 21–23 at lovely Nambe Falls. Plus, other exciting events nationwide. By Daniel Gibson.

Spirit of the Harvest
A little-known treat of the Pueblo people, their tasty fruit pies, is savored this issue. By Beverly Cox and Martin Jacobs.

Focus on Education
“Babes in the Woods: Tribal Colleges Reach Out to Children” explores youth-oriented education at various Native colleges. By Suzette Brewer (Cherokee).

Pathways: Among the Pueblo Homelands
Join a tour of the nine pueblos of northern New Mexico nearest Santa Fe, with descriptive passages on each pueblo’s history and current life, and tips on what to see, when to go, artist studios/galleries, fees, contact information, etc. By Daniel Gibson. Photography by Murrae Haynes.

Discovering
A new section provides quick glimpses into the lives of generally unknown Native artists, beginning this issue with profiles on world-class dancer Marla Bingham (Mashpee/Wampanoag) on page 86 and potter Yellow Sky (Diegueño) on page 88.

Collections
We continue our look at the exceptional collections of Joy and Howard Berlin, this time touring their home in Carefree, Arizona. By T.R. Tall Chief (Osage). Photography by Dan Coogan.

Galleries
Eagle Spirit Gallery in Vancouver and Scottsdale provides an outstanding selection of art by Northwest Coast and Inuit artists, including wooden masks, bentwood boxes, and bronze, glass and stone carved sculpture. By T.R. Tall Chief (Osage).

Museums
Take a magical mystery trip back to the heyday of artistic fervor at the Institute of American Indian Arts in IAIA Rocks the ‘60s. By Michael Tsosie (Mojave) and Andrea Hanley (Navajo).

Books
An honorable tribute or a tasteless rip-off? A new book delves into a heated debate of Native sports team mascots in Team Spirits: The Native American Mascot Controversy; and a look at an excellent summer travel companion book, Crazy Horse: A Photographic Biography. By Alan Tack.

Film & Video
The compelling story of a sorely oppressed minority is told in Black Indians: An American Story, while an inspiring true story of endurance and perseverance is spun in Geronimo and the Apache Resistance. By David Claudio Iglesias (Kuna).

Music
Our music critic hangs with the hot young Lumbee pop diva Jana, takes a brief look at recent work by Robert Mirabal and Jay Begaye, and posts a disclaimer for Sacred Spirits II. By j. poet.