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ON THE COVER
Pulitzer Prize–winning author and artist  N. Scott Momaday (Kiowa) cuts a wide swath through American culture with his brilliantly conceived and executed novels, poetry, plays and nonfiction works. By Daniel Gibson. Photo by Kitty Leaken.

FEATURES

Rez Biz: Growing Native Economies
Native Americans are the last American minority to arrive at the table of economic success, but they’re rapidly catching up, as seen in this look at the careers of Indian business leaders and a handful of innovative Native-operated business endeavors.
Introduction by Daniel Gibson.
Profile of Choctaw Chief Phillip Martin by Barbara Powell.
10 Leading Native Entrepreneurs and 10 Businesses by Rob McDonald (Confederated Tribes of the Salish and Kootenai).

Holiday Memories
There are as many ways of observing the holidays—both ancient and new—as there are families in America, as our authors recall. By N. Scott Momaday (Kiowa), Robert J. Conley (Cherokee) and Beverly Singer (Santa Clara Pueblo). Illustrations by Douglas Miles (San Carlos Apache/Akimel O’odham).

Holiday Gift Guide
Our annual suggestions in pictures and text of outstanding gift ideas created by Native artists and craftspeople.

Fiddling Up a Storm in Alaska
Get on down to the Athabascan Fiddle Festival of Fairbanks, Alaska, where hundreds of musicians and dancers gather every November for a major jam—Northern style. By Bert and Jane Gildart. Photos by Bert Gildart.

Healing Hands: Dr. Lori Arviso Alvord
Medical studies take on a whole new dimension under the tutelage of Dr. Lori Alvord (Navajo), surgeon, Dartmouth College associate dean of student and multicultural affairs, and best-selling author. By Deborah Krol (Salinan/Esselen).

DEPARTMENTS

Letters
We hear from folks in Tahiti and Norway, a reader upset with rodeoing, and an objection to our previous fashion section; and we correct a few errors.

Viewpoint
There are plenty of reasons why Native Americans make good business leaders, says the author, himself a successful entrepreneur. By D.J. Eagle Bear Vanas (Odawa).

On The Wind
A brief interview with Jai Lakshman, the new director of SWAIA; Koda the Warrior comic book; and the Cherokee Heritage Center. Plus, other important news in arts, the environment, business, politics, health and other realms of life in Indian Country. By Daniel Gibson.

Happening
Park City, Utah is home to the annual Navajo Rug Show & Sale, an event that weds great deals on fine Navajo rugs bought directly from the weavers to a great cause: raising funds for Navajo elders. Plus, details on other special events of Native interest across North America. By Daniel Gibson.

Spirit of the Harvest
Environmental and economic activist Winona LaDuke (Mississippi Band Anishinaabeg) shares her recipes for wild rice with cranberries and cashews, maple-glazed sweet potatoes and bannock-tasty holiday fare! By Beverly Cox and Martin Jacobs.

Galleries
We hit the beach for sun, sand and fine art at Len Wood’s Indian Territory Gallery in Laguna Beach, California, with its collection of outstanding California basketry and other Native arts from near and far. Also, brief looks at other Native-oriented galleries throughout the continent. By Russ Tall Chief (Osage).

Books
Our book editor unwraps a batch of books suitable for children and photo-oriented works just in time for Christmas. By Deborah Utacia Krol (Salinan/Esselen).

Music
Gary Small (Northern Cheyenne) hits a steady groove with his Santana-like guitar riffs melded to reggae and diced with blues, says our music editor, as heard on Small’s latest CD, Wild Indians. We also tune into Cry by the outstanding new quartet Coalition, and Sisters by Maisie Shenandoah and Elizabeth Robert. By j. poet.

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