The Origin of Strawberries

Cherokee legend -

When the first man (a s ga ya) was created and a mate was given to him, they lived together very happily for a time, but then began to quarrel, until at last the woman (a ge ya) left her husband and started off toward the Sun land (Nundagunyi), in the east.

The man followed alone and grieving, but the woman kept on steadily ahead and never looked behind, until the Creator, took pity on him and asked him if he was still angry with his wife. He said he was not, and Creator then asked him if he would like to have her back again, to which he eagerly answered yes.

So Creator caused a patch of the finest ripe huckleberries to spring up along the path in front of the woman, but she passed by without paying any attention to them. Farther on he put a clump of blackberries, but these also she refused to notice. Other fruits, one, two, and three, and then some trees covered with beautiful red service berries, were placed beside the path to tempt her, but she went on until suddenly she saw in front of her a patch of large ripe strawberries, the first ever known.

She stooped to gather a few to eat, and as she picked them she chanced to turn her face to the west, and at once the memory of her husband came back to her and she found herself unable to go on. She sat down, but the longer she waited the stronger became her desire for her husband, and at last she gathered a bunch of the finest berries and started back along the path to give them to him. He met her kindly and they went home together.

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Do you know...

Penny Singer (Dine′) continues to earn recognition as the Southwest’s premier designer of American Indian-themed garments and accessories for men and women.

Commanding a distinctive presence at the forefront of the Native American Arts scene, Singer is a true Fashion Designer – a title which describes the full scope of her creative ability. The finished products of her skilled hands are not simply clothes and handbags; they are true works of wearable fine art of the highest caliber, keeping her new and even previously worn works in-demand from collectors, celebrities, entertainers, and those "in the know." A leading voice among her fellow alumni of the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), Singer's designs reflect traditional Native designs in contemporary form, while pushing the boundaries others find limiting.

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Nike unveils shoe just for American Indians

Associated Press

BEAVERTON, Ore. - Nike on Tuesday unveiled what it said is the first shoe designed specifically for American Indians, an effort aiming at promoting physical fitness in a population with high obesity rates.

The Beaverton-based company says the Air Native N7 is designed with a larger fit for the distinct foot shape of American Indians, and has a culturally specific look. It will be distributed solely to American Indians; tribal wellness programs and tribal schools nationwide will be able to purchase the shoe at wholesale price and then pass it along to individuals, often at no cost.

“Nike is aware of the growing health issues facing Native Americans,” said Sam McCracken, manager of Nike’s Native American Business program. “We are stepping up our commitment ... to elevate the issue of Native American health and wellness.”

Check out the complete article here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20980046