NAIHC assists tribes and tribal housing entities in reaching their self determined goals of providing culturally relevant, decent, safe, sanitary, and quality affordable housing for Native people in Indian communities and Alaska Native villages.
Founded in 1974, the National American Indian Housing Council, a 501(c)(3) corporation, is the only national organization representing housing interests of tribes and tribal housing entities across the United States. We currently have 267 voting members, representing 428 Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages. NAIHC also has 30 associate and individual members, organizations and individuals who support our mission. NAIHC promotes, supports, and upholds tribes and tribal housing agencies in their efforts to provide culturally-relevant, decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for Native people in American Indian communities and Alaska Native villages. Towards this end we provide training, technical assistance, research, communications and advocacy.
Want to know more? Click here: http://www.naihc.net/
Saturday, September 29, 2007
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.
Instantly recognizable world-wide, Singer's design themes continue to evolve and expand, as fresh ideas find realization in the form of her signature garments. A sought-after star at premier venues across the United States, her original PenSin™ line of clothing has amassed a long list of top awards and accolades at the Santa Fe Indian Market, Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market, Eiteljorg Museum Indian Art Market, and scores of others.
Samples of her work can be viewed and purchased at: http://pennysinger.com/index.htm
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.
Instantly recognizable world-wide, Singer's design themes continue to evolve and expand, as fresh ideas find realization in the form of her signature garments. A sought-after star at premier venues across the United States, her original PenSin™ line of clothing has amassed a long list of top awards and accolades at the Santa Fe Indian Market, Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market, Eiteljorg Museum Indian Art Market, and scores of others.
Samples of her work can be viewed and purchased at: http://pennysinger.com/index.htm
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
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
Friday, September 28, 2007
Tribal water taps Bush
By: John R. Crane
The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe hopes to use a $1 million federal grant for water improvements on the reservation.
The grant is part of a proposed federal package of more than $120 million for water-related projects across Colorado. The Water Resources Development Act of 2007, which includes the grant monies, passed the U.S. Senate Monday.
"To the West and rural America, water is our most important resource," Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., said in a statement. "I am pleased that Congress has recognized the importance of authorizing these water projects for Colorado."
Tom Rice, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe's environment director, said the tribe has numerous water and wastewater issues, including water lines - in need of repair - running from Cortez's water-treatment plant to the reservation.
"We have a variety of infrastructure water and wastewater needs that we need to address," Rice said. "We have a long list of water and wastewater needs we'll look at."
The complete article is here: http://www.nativebiz.com/community/News,op=visit,nid=16607.html
The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe hopes to use a $1 million federal grant for water improvements on the reservation.
The grant is part of a proposed federal package of more than $120 million for water-related projects across Colorado. The Water Resources Development Act of 2007, which includes the grant monies, passed the U.S. Senate Monday.
"To the West and rural America, water is our most important resource," Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., said in a statement. "I am pleased that Congress has recognized the importance of authorizing these water projects for Colorado."
Tom Rice, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe's environment director, said the tribe has numerous water and wastewater issues, including water lines - in need of repair - running from Cortez's water-treatment plant to the reservation.
"We have a variety of infrastructure water and wastewater needs that we need to address," Rice said. "We have a long list of water and wastewater needs we'll look at."
The complete article is here: http://www.nativebiz.com/community/News,op=visit,nid=16607.html
Honoring the Ioway tribe
By: Mary Challender
One hundred and seventy years after they were forced from their ancestral homelands, the Ioway Indians are being welcomed back to Iowa.
The reunion starts Saturday and Sunday with Ioway Heritage Weekend at the Living History Farms.
It continues through October with a world film premiere, a statewide Native Ioway History Week and Ioway Archaeology Month - all honoring the Indian tribe from which this state gets its name.
As many as 150 Ioway from all over the nation are expected to converge on Iowa for the festivities.
That would be the largest tribal contingent in the state since 1837, the year the federal government pushed out the Ioway to make way for advancing white settlers, according to John Palmquist, a retired Montgomery County farmer who has developed close connections with tribe members living in Kansas.
Check out the full article here: http://www.nativebiz.com/community/News,op=visit,nid=16611.html
One hundred and seventy years after they were forced from their ancestral homelands, the Ioway Indians are being welcomed back to Iowa.
The reunion starts Saturday and Sunday with Ioway Heritage Weekend at the Living History Farms.
It continues through October with a world film premiere, a statewide Native Ioway History Week and Ioway Archaeology Month - all honoring the Indian tribe from which this state gets its name.
As many as 150 Ioway from all over the nation are expected to converge on Iowa for the festivities.
That would be the largest tribal contingent in the state since 1837, the year the federal government pushed out the Ioway to make way for advancing white settlers, according to John Palmquist, a retired Montgomery County farmer who has developed close connections with tribe members living in Kansas.
Check out the full article here: http://www.nativebiz.com/community/News,op=visit,nid=16611.html
Alberta Metis to defy provincial hunting restrictions this fall
Canadian Press
EDMONTON - Alberta Metis will defy provincial hunting laws this fall by holding traditional community hunts outside of government-designated harvesting areas, their leader says.
Audrey Poitras, president of the Metis Nation of Alberta, said that if her people are charged they will fight in court to draw attention to the province's "regressive Metis harvesting policy."
"This is about tradition. This is not about somebody deciding where we have the right to hunt," Poitras said Thursday.
"If this has to end up in court, then we are prepared to do that."
Earlier this year the government replaced an agreement that allowed Metis to hunt and fish without a licence throughout the province with new rules that restrict such harvesting to areas near eight Metis settlements and 17 communities in northern Alberta.
Want to know more? Click here: http://www.nativebiz.com/community/News,op=visit,nid=16615.html
EDMONTON - Alberta Metis will defy provincial hunting laws this fall by holding traditional community hunts outside of government-designated harvesting areas, their leader says.
Audrey Poitras, president of the Metis Nation of Alberta, said that if her people are charged they will fight in court to draw attention to the province's "regressive Metis harvesting policy."
"This is about tradition. This is not about somebody deciding where we have the right to hunt," Poitras said Thursday.
"If this has to end up in court, then we are prepared to do that."
Earlier this year the government replaced an agreement that allowed Metis to hunt and fish without a licence throughout the province with new rules that restrict such harvesting to areas near eight Metis settlements and 17 communities in northern Alberta.
Want to know more? Click here: http://www.nativebiz.com/community/News,op=visit,nid=16615.html
A new image of Native Americans is still emerging
By: Lynne Harlan
During most of the 20th century, Native People in America saw our image in popular culture as the conquered nation, as cartoons and as silent actors in our own history. Now in the 21st century, we have an opportunity to define our image and make our own statements about our lives. Undoubtedly this opportunity comes because of financial stability. The opportunity sounds, at first, like a chance for a new beginning, but a closer examination reveals that our picture of ourselves is quite varied.
For once, we have to determine which side of our family to portray. Do we show the destitute Native community of the last century, which has been used for countless charities designed to benefit our people? Do we show the proud warrior on the plains, which never really fit our culture or personality? Or do we show the way our community really is with all our frailties, strengths and quirks?
Our definition of ourselves is important, because it is how our youth expect us to behave and it is how our elders see themselves. It must also account for the mixed images we have of our community, like mascots, old and new western movies and contemporary cultural icons seen in pop phenomena like “The Simpsons.” Our new image must show us as contemporary people who understand contemporary issues.
We must examine our values and work to create a self-image which is positive, but leaves room for change and differing perspectives.
For years, our tourism industry has seen the dismay when our culture is not as the visitor perceived. Often we have been told that our genuine culture is not really “Indian.” Many visitors do not recognize our true culture because it is not one of feathers and beads or flashy dancing. The foods we eat are viewed with disdain because they are of a Euro-American fare, as though we should be shielded from cultural interaction, and even those who try our traditional foods are disappointed because they don’t like the bland flavor of a pre-contact menu.
Our image is inherently tied to the tourists who sustain our economy, but also must portray the community those visitors will find when they visit. We can no longer afford to have a generation which doesn’t see our people as contemporaries in modern America, and now is the time for the redefinition to begin.
During most of the 20th century, Native People in America saw our image in popular culture as the conquered nation, as cartoons and as silent actors in our own history. Now in the 21st century, we have an opportunity to define our image and make our own statements about our lives. Undoubtedly this opportunity comes because of financial stability. The opportunity sounds, at first, like a chance for a new beginning, but a closer examination reveals that our picture of ourselves is quite varied.
For once, we have to determine which side of our family to portray. Do we show the destitute Native community of the last century, which has been used for countless charities designed to benefit our people? Do we show the proud warrior on the plains, which never really fit our culture or personality? Or do we show the way our community really is with all our frailties, strengths and quirks?
Our definition of ourselves is important, because it is how our youth expect us to behave and it is how our elders see themselves. It must also account for the mixed images we have of our community, like mascots, old and new western movies and contemporary cultural icons seen in pop phenomena like “The Simpsons.” Our new image must show us as contemporary people who understand contemporary issues.
We must examine our values and work to create a self-image which is positive, but leaves room for change and differing perspectives.
For years, our tourism industry has seen the dismay when our culture is not as the visitor perceived. Often we have been told that our genuine culture is not really “Indian.” Many visitors do not recognize our true culture because it is not one of feathers and beads or flashy dancing. The foods we eat are viewed with disdain because they are of a Euro-American fare, as though we should be shielded from cultural interaction, and even those who try our traditional foods are disappointed because they don’t like the bland flavor of a pre-contact menu.
Our image is inherently tied to the tourists who sustain our economy, but also must portray the community those visitors will find when they visit. We can no longer afford to have a generation which doesn’t see our people as contemporaries in modern America, and now is the time for the redefinition to begin.
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