Soaring Eagle, April - May 2009

S O A R I N G E A G L E

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My people, the Indians—Swinomish Indian Chief Dan George, in “My People, the Indians,” Dialogue (Winter 1985): 130-31.

“I was born when people loved all nature and spoke to it as though it had a soul. . . . [But] then the people came. More and more people came. Like a crushing, rushing wave they came, hurling the years aside. And suddenly I found myself a young man in the midst of the twentieth century. I found myself and my people adrift in this new age, not part of it.

“We were engulfed by its rushing tide, but only as a captive eddy, going round and round. On little reservations, on plots of land, we floated in a kind of gray unreality, ashamed of our culture that you ridiculed, unsure of who we were or where we were going, uncertain of our grip on the present, weak in our hope of the future. . . .

“And now you hold out your hand and you beckon to me to come across the street. Come and integrate, you say. But how can I come? . . . How can I come in dignity? . . . What is there in my culture you value? . . .

“I must find myself. I must find my treasure. I must wait until you want something of me, until you need something that is me. Then I can raise my head and say to my wife and family, ‘Listen, they are calling. They need me. I must go.’

“Then I can walk across the street and hold my head high, for I will meet you as an equal. I will not scorn you for your seeming gifts, and you will not receive me in pity. Pity I can do without; my manhood I cannot.”

Chief Dan George (July 24, 1899 - September 23, 1981) was a chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, a Coast Salish band located on Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver, British Columbia. He was also an Academy Award-nominated actor and an author.

a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation

Dear advocatesAn introduction to RAIN by Shauna Engen, executive director.Page 2

Splendid Heritage: Perspectives on American Indian ArtUtah Museum of Fine ArtsPage 2

“WE SHALL REMAIN”By Forrest S. CuchCo-founder, Rising American Indian NationsPage 3

Community calendarof American Indian events.

Pages 4, 5

Our brandOur brand narrative and credits.Page 6

Why RAIN? New website Get involvedPage 7

A Bimonthly Newsletter Issue N° 1 — April / May 2009

Swinomish Indian Chief Dan George

1899 - 1981

rainRising AmericanIndian Nations

Saving American Indian LivesPage 8


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Splendid Heritage: Perspectives on American Indian ArtFebruary 10, 2009 – January 3, 2010

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts is pleased to present the landmark exhibition, Splendid Heritage: Perspectives on American Indian Art. Featuring 145 objects of unique artistry and powerful cultural expression, this world-class show presents a

wealth of early Plains, Plateau, and Northeastern American Indian material from the private collection of John and Marva Warnock.

Visitors to Splendid Heritage encounter 18th- and 19th-century American Indian objects

of unparalleled beauty and craftsmanship, including beaded tobacco bags, weapons, dolls, cradles, war shirts, dresses, moccasins and more – a majority of which have never been on public view prior to this exhibition.

“All of the objects in the exhibition illustrate how items of daily use can be elevated from mere utility to breathtaking examples of artistic skill and vision,” said Bernadette Brown, curator of African, Oceanic and New World Art at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts “Among the many masterworks are a Man’s Shirt from ca. 1860, with its exquisite wrapped quill design in iridescent yellow, red and blue; a Cradle made ca. 1860, which demonstrates the artistry of American Indian women; and a Pipe Bag created around 1875 that serves as a superb example of pictographic beadwork.”

Co-curator Emma Hansen explains, “In addition to their intrinsic artistry and creativity, such works are powerful and often multi-layered expressions of cultural knowledge, biographical and historical experiences, and a spirituality that guides all aspects of the artists’ lives.”

Visitors of all ages enjoy the innovative and engaging presentation of objects in Splendid Heritage and learn more about them in a variety of fun ways:

•A touch-screen kiosk offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the collection

•Interactive lift panels contain questions and answers for a younger audience

•A make-and-take table gives visitors the opportunity to create their own parfleche case

• Hands-on activity stations allow visitors to manipulate materials and learn about the artistic techniques of American Indians

• Splendid Heritage Family Backpacks, available for checkout at the front desk, explore the horse culture of the Plains Indians

• A creative gallery guide help families navigate through the exhibition

• MP3 players, complete with curatorial interviews, are available for checkout.

In addition, a variety of engaging public programs are available throughout the run of the exhibition to help children and adults learn more about the Plains, Plateau and Northeastern American Indians. Planned programming includes a Wednesday lecture series, a fascinating film series, art classes, family and community events, and an evening for educators. Most of the Splendid Heritage programming is free of charge. For more information please visit www.umfa.utah.edu or contact the Museum’s education department at 801-581-3580.

The Splendid Heritage exhibition is presented as an educational project in conjunction with We Shall Remain, the ambitious television series created by KUED. The Utah Museum of Fine Arts is pleased to contribute to the efforts of the We Shall Remain community coalition by providing the public with a greater understanding and appreciation of the art and culture of American Indians.

When Splendid Heritage ends its premiere run at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts in January 2010, the exhibition will embark on a multi-year national tour.

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts is located in the Marcia and John Price Museum Building on the University of Utah campus at 410 Campus Center Drive. General admission is $7 adults, $5 seniors and youth ages 6-18, free for children 5 and under, University of Utah students, faculty, staff and UMFA Members.

**Admission prices are subject to change; please visit our website for updated rates. Free admission offered the third Saturday of each month. Museum hours are Tue – Fri 10 am – 5 pm, Wed 10 am – 8 pm, Weekends 11 am – 5 pm; closed Mondays and holidays.

For more information call (801) 581-7332 or visit www.umfa.utah.edu.

D E A R A D V O C AT E S

The name RAIN—Rising American Indian Nations—has multi-faceted meanings for everyone who becomes involved in this wonderful organization.

Rain is very sacred to American Indians. Many tribes participate in a ceremony called “Sundance,” in which they fast from food and water for four days and three nights, learning quickly the value of a single raindrop falling from the heavens. Many offer thanks each time they take a drink of water. Out of this celebration and respect for rain, the name Rising American Indian Nations was conceptualized by the founders.

Forrest Cuch, a man with an undying passion for his people, once said to me, “Racism is hurtful, but to be invisible and ignored is demoralizing.” He has also told me that as a young boy he heard his pastor say, “The first shall be last and the last shall be first,” and he felt it was a prophecy for his people. The seed of hope for his people was planted in Forrest’s heart. Rising American Indian Nations is now becoming a reality, with the potential to nurture and grow that seed.

For me it is a symbol of hope for a man, once discouraged for his people, but now believing that RAIN will bring about the changes he envisions. As co-founder, I, too, have committed my heart to this cause. Rising American Indian Nations will bring clarity and awareness to the non-Indian community about what it can give back to the Indian people who lost so much. I believe that we can all learn from the past and find a genuine desire to see these beautiful people, our brothers and sisters, rise up, bringing the best of both worlds together in harmony and peace.

Warm regards,

Shauna EngenCEO & Executive Director

http://www.umfa.utah.edu/





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In my 33 years of government experience, primarily working with American Indian tribes, I have been disappointed with the effectiveness of state and federal programs meant to serve the tribes. I believe these programs have been ineffective because most of them were designed by non-Indian people to deal with non-Indian problems, and most of these programs respond only to symptoms of problems rather than the core.

In 2000, my lifelong friend and colleague, Dr. Mack Gift, and I designed an empowerment training program especially for Indians. The program replaces fear and hopelessness with positive information that empowers, increases self-esteem, and gives life tools to use in the future. In 2001, we secured a grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture to implement the empowerment leadership training program. Approximately 26 trainees completed the training program during the first year. The program received grants for two more successive years, resulting in 100 Indians successfully completing this training program.

Summative evaluation of this program indicated that it was extremely successful, with many trainees either securing suitable employment or assuming important leadership roles in their respective tribes.

Under our new organization, Rising American Indian Nations (RAIN), we would like to start-up the empowerment training once again. We are applying for grant funding and have engaged the University of Utah’s School of Social Work in conducting an independent evaluation of the training program. The evaluation found that the program was highly effective in providing a fast-track re-education of American Indian trainees and affecting quality job placement. We are looking forward to getting this powerful training program for Indian people started again.

In the meantime, please watch for the upcoming American Experience documentaries on American Indian history to be aired as part of PBS’s five-part series, "We Shall Remain." I am proud to say we had a part in establishing the local documentaries on

each of Utah’s Indian tribes. Back in 2006, when we learned that this national program would not include the five Great Basin tribes, we spoke up. We partnered with KUED Channel 7 and secured an appropriation from the Utah State Legislature that made these local documentaries possible. The documentary series begins on Monday, April 13, at 8:00 p.m. and and continues each Monday evening thereafter for five weeks. Each segment will begin with a 90-minute national program followed by our 30-minute local documentary. Enjoy.

By Forrest S. Cuch (Ute)

Co-founder, Rising American Indian Nations

Photo by B. Charlo/Kalispel Nation

“Tell me and I'll forget. Show me and I may not remember. Involve me and I'll understand.”

— American Indian Proverb


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American Indian Art of the Northeast and Plains

When: April 8, 15, 22, 29 and May 6Time: 6-8 p.m.Where: Utah Museum of Fine Arts

In this class co-sponsored by the UMFA and the U of U Lifelong Leaning Program, participants will spend time in the exhibition and explore the customs and traditions of Native people both before and after European contact. The class will focus on their adaptation to new environments, spiritual life, and the function of art within their communities. The class will be taught by Splendid Heritage co-curator, Bernadette Brown. Advanced registration is required by calling 801-587-5433, code LLPOT 685-001. Fee is $116 for UMFA Members and $129 for non-members.

Weber State University American Indian Council Presents its 38th Annual Pow Wow

When: Saturday, April 11, 2009Time: 1 p.m.Where: Weber State University, Shepherd Union B.

Social Benefit Pow Wow: “Awakening A Traditional Spirit”

Grand Entry…………………..………………1:00 p.m. Closing Song………………………………….8:00 p.m. Host Drum:…………...Red Spirit – Ft. Duchesne, UT Master of Ceremonies:…………….…...Harold Begay Arena Director:…………………...……….Nino Reyos Spiritual Advisor:………………….....Winston Mason Head Man/Woman Dancer:…………………..….TBA

Food Concession Opens at 11:30 a.m. Admission: $4 w/o Non-perishable item & $3 w/ Non-perishable item **All proceeds gathered will go to support the Indian Walk-In Center in Salt Lake City, UT** For more information please call Jeff Simons (801) 626-7333 or by Email: [email protected]

After the MayflowerKUED Channel 7 (Utah) Television Broadcast

When: Monday, April 13, 2009Time: 8 p.m.

This show begins in New England in the 1620s, at the time of the so-called “first Thanksgiving.” In March of 1621, Massasoit, chief of the Wampanoag, negotiated a diplomatic alliance with a scraggly band of English settlers for the benefit of his people. It was a gamble that paid off for several decades, as Indians and colonists coexisted in relative peace. A half-century later, as a brutal war flared between the English colonists and a confederation of New England Indians, the wisdom of Massasoit’s choice seemed less clear.

Community Calendarof American Indian Events


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We Shall Remain: The PaiuteKUED Channel 7 (Utah) Television Broadcast

When: Monday, April 13, 2009Time: 9:30 p.m.

A thriving horticultural society, the Southern Paiute were a peaceful, foraging people whose social ties created a network that spread throughout the Western Rocky Mountains, the Colorado Plateau, and the Great Basin. But as different groups and cultures vied for control of the West, the once independent Paiute people faced unfulfilled promises, poverty, dependence and profound loss. Today, the five bands of Paiute -- Shivwits, Koosharem, Kanosh, Cedar and Indian Peaks -- unite to celebrate their restored status at an annual, inter-tribal gathering where youth have the opportunity to learn tribal cultures and traditions.-Photo Credit: Webb Chappell

Tecumseh’s VisionKUED Channel 7 (Utah) Television Broadcast


This show tells the story of the Shawnee leader Tecumseh and his brother, Tenskwatawa, known as the Prophet. In the years following the American Revolution, the Prophet led a spiritual revival movement that drew thousands of followers from tribes across the Midwest. His brother forged a pan-Indian political and military alliance from that movement, coming closer than anyone since to creating an independent Indian state.

-Photo Credit: Lauren Prestileo

We Shall Remain: The UteKUED Channel 7 (Utah) Television Broadcast


For hundreds of years the Ute bartered or negotiated with outsiders in their territory, and fought when necessary. They maintained their homeland and hunting grounds, which ranged across the basin and plains that would one day become Utah and Colorado and into parts of Wyoming and New Mexico. Today, many work to keep their culture and their language alive, which presents particular challenges for the young people.

UMFA Film Series - Cheyenne Autumn

When: Saturday, April 25, 2009Time: 2:00 p.m.Where: Utah Museum of Fine Arts

Trail of TearsKUED Channel 7 (Utah) Television Broadcast


This show explores the resolve and resilience of the Cherokee Nation, who resisted removal from their homelands in the Southeast in every way they knew: assimilating, adopting a European-style government and legal system, accepting Christianity, and even taking their case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

-Photo Credit: Billy Weeks

We Shall Remain: The NavajoKUED Channel 7 (Utah) Television Broadcast


They call themselves Diné, “The People.” To the rest of the world, they are known as Navajo. Dinétah, this homeland, is the largest reservation in the United States. KUED profiles a rich culture and recounts the survival of the Diné from their origins to their present status as a "nation within a nation" and their continuing push toward true sovereignty.


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Our brandPeace Justice Education Environmentalism Humanities and Cultural Arts

rainRising AmericanIndian Nations

Design Firm: Katapult Design

Brand Architect: Jim Detjen

Graphic Artist: Raymond C. Morales


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Why RAIN?In the year 2000, Forrest S. Cuch and his lifelong friend and colleague, Dr. Mack Gift, talked about what would be the most effective and meaningful way to help American Indian people overcome their despair and hardships. Collectively, Cuch and Gift had worked with American Indian people and other groups in poverty for more than sixty years, Cuch as a tribal education program manager and planner, and Gift as a college instructor and group trainer. Both agreed that a program that provided a fast-track re-education of Indian people—one that provided critical information and social skills training—was needed. They combined their years of training and experience to create empowerment training that would become the training model of Rising American Indian Nations (RAIN).

Cuch and Shauna Engen formally established RAIN on April 6, 2007. RAIN’s concepts evolved out of years of frustration on the part of Cuch, who witnessed countless failures of federal and state programs and systems, including the education system, to make noticeable differences in the lives of American Indian people. Cuch’s observations became very clear after he became director of the Division of Indian Affairs for the State of Utah in 1997. Programs designed to assist mainstream Americans, Cuch noted, are not necessarily effective for Indian people, whose culture and background are unique. For example, many college scholarships available to American Indians essentially go unused because most Indian students drop out during their freshman year. Cuch wants to see funds put into effective or alternative school programs and college preparation that would prepare American Indian youth to succeed, with or without a scholarship.

Failure in education, noted Cuch, leads to systemic failures in other areas, including employment, welfare dependency, poor nutrition, troubled families, inadequate and ineffective social services, child or foster care, detention, and eventually the penal or court systems. Tragically, these circumstances eventually culminate in early death for many American Indians. With it’s motto of, “We solve problems, we do not respond to symptoms,” RAIN is a viable effort to help American Indian people based upon proven techniques that work.

No one is certain when the idea of RAIN actually began. What is certain is that its concepts were collectively placed in the minds and hearts of several key persons who have come together to put forth a viable and meaningful effort to assist the indigenous people of this region, Utah’s American Indians.

New websitewww.RainUtah.org

We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our mission and programs to provide effective training and technical assistance to American Indians that will empower them to become leaders who will make major contributions to humanity.

Get [email protected]

EducationRAIN produces a bimonthly newsletter to both American Indians and the non-Indian community to promote an understanding of the differences in cultures.

AwarenessRAIN raises awareness of current American Indian affairs by highlighting important issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.

VoiceRAIN provides an avenue for the American Indian voice to be heard.

EventsRAIN promotes events that increase public appreciation of American Indian culture.

VolunteersRAIN solicits help from those interested in becoming involved.

PerformanceRAIN promotes American Indian performers.

FundraisingRAIN raises funds for American Indian empowerment training.


8 © 2009 Rising American Indian Nations, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Saving American Indian LivesRAIN was created to save American Indian lives. We are losing so many people to early and preventable death, especially among the youth. 'Suicide is the second leading cause of death among American Indians ages 15 to 24 who live in the Indian Health Service areas. Suicide among American Indians and Alaska natives is 70% higher than that of the general U.S. population. 1 I have experienced this great loss and trauma in my own family. This has got to stop! Will you please join Shauna and me in doing what we can to counteract this destructive trend among American Indian people?

In the near future we anticipate an open house to celebrate the official unveiling of RAIN and our advocates program. For now, please

attend our presentation on April 14th at the The City Library in Salt Lake City to learn about our indigenous people and how you can get involved.

Very sincerely,

Forrest S. Cuch

Co-founder, Rising American Indian Nations

1According to Committee Chair Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), Senate Select Committee. 2009, Attias, CQ HealthBeat, 2/27.

In AppreciationRAIN is proud to recognize the individuals and businesses who have given so generously. They are the reason we are able to move forward with our mission.

$100,000 and above

$25,000 - $99,000Katapult Design, LLC

$10,000 - $24,999James R.E. Detjen

$5,000 - $9,999

$2,500 - $4,999Ms. Barbara Jones BrownFirst Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City

$1,000 - $2,499

$1,000 and belowMary Ann Gardner

Volunteer SupportJason Darger Shauna EngenDavid GraceDardi Kunz Panache Group, Inc. Trisha Wrigley

AdministrationShauna Engen — CEO & Executive Director Trisha Wrigley — Volunteer Services DirectorMack Gift, Ph.D. — Empowerment DirectorDardi Kunz — Advocacy Director Gordon Fuller — Construction Services Director

Executive BoardShauna EngenDuane Moss, J.D.

Board of AdvisorsForrest S. Cuch (Ute) Joseph Myers, Jr. (Pomo) Mari Myers (Ute)Charles Denny (Chipewa, Cree & Ute) Jason DargerBrian J. Allred James R. E. Detjen Barbara Jones Brown

Make a difference by giving support to the voice of Rising American Indian Nations (RAIN) and help bridge the gap of two cultures through

education and information that will in turn open the heart of the community to our Indigenous

People. Your contribution supports our projects, all chosen for their effectiveness and the

significant impact they have on the community.

Know that your donation will be used to treat the source of the problem, not the symptoms. Please

donate to RAIN today.

www.RainUtah.com

or

(801) 651-0539

Documents

Soaring Eagle, April - May 2009