Pura Fe’s Spanish name translates as “Pure Faith”, given to her by her Father who was from Puerto Rico, who sang as well. Pura Fe was born and raised in New York City by her Tuscaroran Mother, a classically trained Opera singer who toured with “The Duke Ellington Orchestra”. Pura Fe’s musical inheritance comes from her Mothers family of gifted female singers and count as the fourth generation of seven singing sisters in a row through the maternal line. “Singing is my first language!”.
“Our voice stems out of North Carolina, our ancestral homeland of the Tuscarora Nation”. Pura Fe’s Mothers family of mixed ancestry, Indian, Black and Scott-Irish is “the experience” of many Southern and Eastern Nations that endured slavery, removal, deportation, through colonization and commercial genocide. “The Underground Rail road which trailed through Indian occupied territories through Canadian borders is “the crossroads” and “cross blood” that runs through every Jazz and Blues pioneer I can think of”. Charlie Patton the first King of the Delta was Choctaw. Scrapper Blackwell, Duke Ellington, Lina Horne, Jimi Hendrix, Little Richard, Tina Turner, Chaka Kahn, Don Cherry, Charles Mingus, The Neville Brothers, Taj Mahal, Thelonious Monk and many more…! “This story needs to shine…Hallelujah…for the Red, Black on Blues”!
This “Renaissance woman” is the founding member of the internationally renowned native woman’s a capella trio, ‘Ulali’, and is recognized for creating a new genre, bringing Native contemporary music to the forefront of the “mainstream” music industry.
Pura Fe has studied and performed with ‘The American Ballet Theatre’ company’, has been in several Broadway musicals and TV commercials. She has sung for ‘The Mercer Ellington Orchestra’, countless Jazz, R&B, Rock bands and has stamped her distinct vocals on many recordings, demo’s, jingles, music videos and movie sound tracks/trailers through out her career. She was nominated for a Juno Award (Canadian Grammy) with ‘Kanatanaski & Pura Fe’ for best aboriginal music video.
She’s appeared on Jay Leno’s ‘The Tonight Show’, UK’s ‘The Late Show’ and Brazil’s ‘Joe Suares Show’ with Ulali and Robbie Robertson. Pura Fe has toured world wide, in concert halls, festivals, nightclubs, universities, Pow Wow’s, conferences, campaigns and endless benefits…for environmental and humanitarian rights.
Here's her website: http://www.purafe.com/index.html
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Do you know...
Frank C. Dukepoo is a full-blooded American Indian of Hopi and Laguna heritage. Born on the Mohave Indian reservation, in Arizona, he received his early education in the Phoenix area, In 1973 he graduated from Arizona State University with a Ph.D. in zoology (genetics). He, is the first Hopi to have earned a doctorate and one of six Indians nationally who hold earned doctorates in the sciences. He is one of only two Native American geneticists in the country.
His background includes teaching at San Diego State University, administrative executive positions with the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, Washington, D.C. He is the former Director of Indian Education at Northern Arizona University (NAU), Flagstaff. Presently, he is a faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences and Special Assistant to the Academic Vice President at NAU.
For the past I 0 years he has expanded his interest in the area of retention and motivation. In recent years he has gained considerable reputation as one of the country's outstanding motivators of Indian students. He is the former Director of a NSF-supported science program that has gained national recognition for 100% retention of Indian students. Dr. Dukepoo is the founder, incorporator and Director of the National Native American Honor Society. This nationally-recognized exemplary program includes about 2,000 straight-A Native American students representing some 190 schools in the continental United States, Alaska and Canada.
In addition to retention and motivation studies, his other research interests include the study of birth defects in Southwest Native Americans and, albinism and inbreeding among the Hopi Indians of Northern Arizona. He is attempting to map the albino gene and has made two films pertaining to his research. The Whizkids production has received the ABC Excellence Award in Children's Programing, Telly Award and the School Library Journal Award. In 1995, the production was accepted for airing by the Minnesota Public Television. He has been featured on radio talk shows pertaining to motivation of Indian youth and ethics in human genomic research in Indian communities. Currently he is developing culturally-relevant science material, science modules and science kits for elementary students. As an amateur magician he gives "Mind, Magic and Motivation" shows to Indian youth.
As a professional, he is a member of numerous scientific and educational societies and organizations and is a founding member of SACNAS (Society for the Advance of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science and AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society). He also serves as a consultant to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of Education, National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Southwest Development Laboratory and the Far West Laboratory. He also provides training and gives in-service to teachers, numerous Indian tribes and the Department of Economic Security (Child Protective Services).
His numerous awards include the John Hay Whitney Fellowship, Ford Foundation Fellowship, listing in Who's Who of American Indians, Bo Jack Humanitarian Award, Iron Eyes Cody Medal of Freedom Award, Outstanding Educator of The Year Award (National Coalition of Indian Education) and "Premier" status and "Exemplary" Awards for programs he devised and directed in working with American Indian youth. In 1995 he was named "Indian Man of the Year," inducted into the "Indian Hall of Fame," listed in "Past and Present Indian Leaders" and selected for inclusion in "Bibliographies of Outstanding Native Americans." In 1996 he was named "Hopi Of The Year" and received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" for service to Indian people.
He's also listed in 100 Native Americans Who Shaped American History.
His background includes teaching at San Diego State University, administrative executive positions with the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, Washington, D.C. He is the former Director of Indian Education at Northern Arizona University (NAU), Flagstaff. Presently, he is a faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences and Special Assistant to the Academic Vice President at NAU.
For the past I 0 years he has expanded his interest in the area of retention and motivation. In recent years he has gained considerable reputation as one of the country's outstanding motivators of Indian students. He is the former Director of a NSF-supported science program that has gained national recognition for 100% retention of Indian students. Dr. Dukepoo is the founder, incorporator and Director of the National Native American Honor Society. This nationally-recognized exemplary program includes about 2,000 straight-A Native American students representing some 190 schools in the continental United States, Alaska and Canada.
In addition to retention and motivation studies, his other research interests include the study of birth defects in Southwest Native Americans and, albinism and inbreeding among the Hopi Indians of Northern Arizona. He is attempting to map the albino gene and has made two films pertaining to his research. The Whizkids production has received the ABC Excellence Award in Children's Programing, Telly Award and the School Library Journal Award. In 1995, the production was accepted for airing by the Minnesota Public Television. He has been featured on radio talk shows pertaining to motivation of Indian youth and ethics in human genomic research in Indian communities. Currently he is developing culturally-relevant science material, science modules and science kits for elementary students. As an amateur magician he gives "Mind, Magic and Motivation" shows to Indian youth.
As a professional, he is a member of numerous scientific and educational societies and organizations and is a founding member of SACNAS (Society for the Advance of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science and AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society). He also serves as a consultant to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of Education, National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Southwest Development Laboratory and the Far West Laboratory. He also provides training and gives in-service to teachers, numerous Indian tribes and the Department of Economic Security (Child Protective Services).
His numerous awards include the John Hay Whitney Fellowship, Ford Foundation Fellowship, listing in Who's Who of American Indians, Bo Jack Humanitarian Award, Iron Eyes Cody Medal of Freedom Award, Outstanding Educator of The Year Award (National Coalition of Indian Education) and "Premier" status and "Exemplary" Awards for programs he devised and directed in working with American Indian youth. In 1995 he was named "Indian Man of the Year," inducted into the "Indian Hall of Fame," listed in "Past and Present Indian Leaders" and selected for inclusion in "Bibliographies of Outstanding Native Americans." In 1996 he was named "Hopi Of The Year" and received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" for service to Indian people.
He's also listed in 100 Native Americans Who Shaped American History.
Cocopahs to celebrate heritage of tribe, neighbors
By: Darin Fenger
A huge public feast followed by traditional dancing and singing will mark the 11th Annual Cocopah Cultural Celebration, a time when the tribe shares its own culture and celebrates the cultures of neighbors and friends. The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Cocopah Reservation West, located northwest of Somerton.
The Cocopah Indian Tribe began holding its annual celebration in 1996, when the tribe was then celebrating the opening of its museum, which will be open for tours Saturday.
"The Cocopah Museum and the Elders Cultural Council members established this day to recognize, respect and enjoy the tribe's cultural identity and history," said Liz Pratt, spokeswoman for the tribe. "This celebration is an opportunity for the tribe to share its culture through music and dance, celebrating with surrounding, neighboring communities."
But the tribe doesn't stop at celebrating Cocopah culture. The tribe also invites artists and performers from other cultures to participate in the event. This year the lineup of entertainment will include performers from other tribes, as well as a Hawaiian dance group called Hui O'hawai'i of Yuma.
"The tribe sees this day as a chance to recognize and respect all cultures," Pratt said.
Want to know more about the Cocopah museum? Check out this website: http://www.itcaonline.com/tribes_cocopah.html
A huge public feast followed by traditional dancing and singing will mark the 11th Annual Cocopah Cultural Celebration, a time when the tribe shares its own culture and celebrates the cultures of neighbors and friends. The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Cocopah Reservation West, located northwest of Somerton.
The Cocopah Indian Tribe began holding its annual celebration in 1996, when the tribe was then celebrating the opening of its museum, which will be open for tours Saturday.
"The Cocopah Museum and the Elders Cultural Council members established this day to recognize, respect and enjoy the tribe's cultural identity and history," said Liz Pratt, spokeswoman for the tribe. "This celebration is an opportunity for the tribe to share its culture through music and dance, celebrating with surrounding, neighboring communities."
But the tribe doesn't stop at celebrating Cocopah culture. The tribe also invites artists and performers from other cultures to participate in the event. This year the lineup of entertainment will include performers from other tribes, as well as a Hawaiian dance group called Hui O'hawai'i of Yuma.
"The tribe sees this day as a chance to recognize and respect all cultures," Pratt said.
Want to know more about the Cocopah museum? Check out this website: http://www.itcaonline.com/tribes_cocopah.html
A real honor: Collaborating with tribes on name changes
Editorial Indian Country Today
Confronting problems together is so often declared an American value that one is tempted to believe it is true. In fact, it is completely characteristic of American democracy that any issue is open to dialogue, delay and disagreement. The perpetual debate regarding place names and mascots considered offensive by Native peoples offers many examples of both successful collaboration and doomed obstinacy. As with most conflict, genuine compassion and educated decisions are critical to reaching a resolution.
In the midst of a Major League Baseball playoff series between the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians, caricatures of Indian faces and accoutrements flooded stadium seats and television sets. There are wide-ranging opinions from Native and non-Native people on the effect and gravity of Indians as sports mascots. But there is no question that allowing the practice to continue makes it possible for individuals (and groups) to freely mock Indian songs, dances, traditional dress and languages. ''It's Tribe time now,'' reads the Cleveland Indians' rally towel. ''Go Tribe'' and ''Indians win!'' are common sentiments. But only, it seems, inside the ballpark. Imagine such passionate, public outcries by non-Natives in support of tribal sovereignty or other important issues. There is no honor in paternalism, and ironic cheers for Indian mascots turn fun sporting events into virulent arenas for racism and ignorance.
Native peoples scored a moral victory four years ago when the Arizona State Board on Geographic and Historic Names approved the renaming of Squaw Peak in Phoenix to Piestewa Peak. The new name honors the heroic service of U.S. Army Pfc. Lori Piestewa, who is believed to be the first American Indian woman killed in combat on foreign soil and the first U.S. female soldier killed in the Iraq war. Though the road was fraught with controversy, the strong leadership of Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, long an ally of Indian tribes in the state, made all the difference and the name change was made well within Arizona's standard five-year waiting period. Piestewa Peak is now a monument to the courage and pride of the young Hopi soldier, mother of two children, who made the ultimate sacrifice for her nation and country. It is a victory not only for Native Americans who share and admire Piestewa's traditional values, but for all Americans who believe in duty, honor and sacrifice.
Read more here: http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096415957
Confronting problems together is so often declared an American value that one is tempted to believe it is true. In fact, it is completely characteristic of American democracy that any issue is open to dialogue, delay and disagreement. The perpetual debate regarding place names and mascots considered offensive by Native peoples offers many examples of both successful collaboration and doomed obstinacy. As with most conflict, genuine compassion and educated decisions are critical to reaching a resolution.
In the midst of a Major League Baseball playoff series between the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians, caricatures of Indian faces and accoutrements flooded stadium seats and television sets. There are wide-ranging opinions from Native and non-Native people on the effect and gravity of Indians as sports mascots. But there is no question that allowing the practice to continue makes it possible for individuals (and groups) to freely mock Indian songs, dances, traditional dress and languages. ''It's Tribe time now,'' reads the Cleveland Indians' rally towel. ''Go Tribe'' and ''Indians win!'' are common sentiments. But only, it seems, inside the ballpark. Imagine such passionate, public outcries by non-Natives in support of tribal sovereignty or other important issues. There is no honor in paternalism, and ironic cheers for Indian mascots turn fun sporting events into virulent arenas for racism and ignorance.
Native peoples scored a moral victory four years ago when the Arizona State Board on Geographic and Historic Names approved the renaming of Squaw Peak in Phoenix to Piestewa Peak. The new name honors the heroic service of U.S. Army Pfc. Lori Piestewa, who is believed to be the first American Indian woman killed in combat on foreign soil and the first U.S. female soldier killed in the Iraq war. Though the road was fraught with controversy, the strong leadership of Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, long an ally of Indian tribes in the state, made all the difference and the name change was made well within Arizona's standard five-year waiting period. Piestewa Peak is now a monument to the courage and pride of the young Hopi soldier, mother of two children, who made the ultimate sacrifice for her nation and country. It is a victory not only for Native Americans who share and admire Piestewa's traditional values, but for all Americans who believe in duty, honor and sacrifice.
Read more here: http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096415957
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