Gladiator
17thDecember2005, 03:08
Red feather woman journeys to Malta
MaltaToday, Dec. 16, 2005
Come and journey back in time with Red Feather Woman also known as Rose Red Elk, as she takes you to faraway places, by blending storytelling with contemporary music.
http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/2005/12/11/tw/interview.jpg Red Feather Woman, a Native American storyteller, born on Fort Peck Reservation, Poplar, Montana and an enrolled member of the Sioux and Assiniboine tribes will be carrying out a public storytelling performance combined with music and visual effects, together with Maltese storytellers and folk music performers from the Narraturi 21 Group. She will be visiting Malta under the auspices of the Embassy of the United States of America, and the performances will be held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, at the Robert Sammut Hall, situated near the Gothic Chapel in Floriana. Entrance for the performance on Thursday 15 December will be free, however tickets must be collected on a first-come first-served basis from the US Embassy beforehand. (Tel. 2561 4147).
Rose has captivated audiences for over 16 years, singing and telling traditional stories to children and adults of all ages. Her audiences range from elementary, high school, churches, corporations, museums, theaters and universities throughout the United States. She has been inspired by the ancient stories given to her from her father and grandfather.
Red Elk Enterprises and Blatz Music released Red Feather Woman’s first album, entitled “The Keepers of the Earth”, featuring special guest, Native American Flutist, 2003 Grammy winner in the Native American category, Mary Youngblood, and includes four Native American traditional stories & four songs. Mary Youngblood won the Grammy Award in the category of Best Native American music album. Ms. Youngblood's third Silver Wave release entitled "Beneath the Raven Moon" has earned the coveted award. Often touted as the first Native American woman to professionally record the Native flute, Youngblood is now the first woman to win the Grammy in the Native American category. She has previously earned numerous other prominent awards from organizations such as the Native American Music Awards (NAMMIES) and the Association for Independent Music (INDIE award).
During live performances, Rose teaches her audiences to sing the chorus, thus continuing the storyteller’s tradition of passing on the message, and creating more awareness about our connection with Mother Earth. During her visit Red Feather Woman and Narraturi 21 will also be carrying out performances for Maltese school children.
Erika Brincat gets to ask Red Feather Woman a few questions before her performance in Malta.
How do you combine storytelling and music to captivate and educate your audiences?
I tell a story and have been inspired to write a song about the story. So after I tell the story, for instance, Medicine Woman, I play my guitar and sing a song about the story. It seems to be more entertaining and everyone loves music. The child with in us loves stories. It doesn’t matter how old, stories and music go hand in hand.
Do you also help to teach young Europeans and Americans the true Native American History?
Yes, I suppose I do. I will be publishing a book of my own short stories that will be an elder grandmother, teaching a young girl as she grew in different stages of her life. In these stories, I will be teaching true events of history that took place on the plains of what is now called the United States. Stories are full of lessons. It is important to me that the truth always be told. Too much has been written by non- Native Americans about our supposed history. It is time for we indigenous people to write our own history.
Can you explain to us in brief what a Medicine Wheel is and how does it embrace the Four Colors and Directions?
The Medicine Wheel has different meanings to different tribes who use it. I tell about the colours, as I was told by my father. The medicine colors are red, black, yellow and white. Each color represents nations. White man: keeper of the fire, black man: keeper of the water, yellow man: keeper of the air, and red man: keeper of the earth. Each has a gift to share.
Do ceremonial objects such as Native American Dress, Instruments, and Medicine Wheels and play an important part in your storytelling gatherings?
I wear my traditional dress. There are many styles, but the traditional style was buckskin from buffalo or deer. I wear white buckskin. I also have brown buckskin. I use a medicine wheel, and when I cannot carry it to a show, I try to use a visual slide or another object that has the red, black, yellow and white colors. I would say these things are important to my gatherings.
Is storytelling all about creating Peace, Awareness, and Healing?
Absolutely. Several of my stories create the awareness of peace and goodwill toward all men. One, the title track, “The Keepers of the Earth”, is about honoring our Mother Earth.
The true medicine people of my culture knew we are all connected. This includes all human beings, all living things. Everything has a spirit. I try to bring those important concepts to my stories and songs.
Describe to us the concept of your last album, and any new ideas you may be collecting to create your next CD?
The title track is about being keepers of the earth, so the CD has a very important message about this. There are also stories about a medicine woman, Nez Pierce; a legend of the hot springs in Montana and a funny story of where the wind comes from. The music suits the stories well, and is very easy listening.
My next album will be a blend of two traditional stories, and two of my own, in contemporary settings. The music is a bit more pop soft rock. I feel it is my best work so far. We are rounding the corner for completion. I feel it is important to maintain the old stories, but also blend the new with the old. I’m glad I will have this opportunity to do this with my art.
Can you explain to us how Music and Dance have the power to make us feel connected to the Earth, and heal our Bodies, Souls and Minds?
Music is universal, and the vibrations are important to tune into the universe. Dance is an expression of music. Our souls need music and dance to express our feelings.
My ancestors used singing as the new day began. They believed, as I do, that every human being has a song.
What type of visual effects do you use to enhance the message of your storytelling and music?
I have collected over the years a few beautiful slides of our Mother Earth. I feel they are quite awesome. My favorite scenes are oceans, mountains, trees, and children.
####################################################
Settecento should see this performance. These people are like the first Maltese - The Temple builders. They were connected to Mother earth and so do the first people of North America.
There is a relation and a cultural connection here. It will be worth attending. I do hope she is taken to see Hagar Qim.
MaltaToday, Dec. 16, 2005
Come and journey back in time with Red Feather Woman also known as Rose Red Elk, as she takes you to faraway places, by blending storytelling with contemporary music.
http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/2005/12/11/tw/interview.jpg Red Feather Woman, a Native American storyteller, born on Fort Peck Reservation, Poplar, Montana and an enrolled member of the Sioux and Assiniboine tribes will be carrying out a public storytelling performance combined with music and visual effects, together with Maltese storytellers and folk music performers from the Narraturi 21 Group. She will be visiting Malta under the auspices of the Embassy of the United States of America, and the performances will be held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, at the Robert Sammut Hall, situated near the Gothic Chapel in Floriana. Entrance for the performance on Thursday 15 December will be free, however tickets must be collected on a first-come first-served basis from the US Embassy beforehand. (Tel. 2561 4147).
Rose has captivated audiences for over 16 years, singing and telling traditional stories to children and adults of all ages. Her audiences range from elementary, high school, churches, corporations, museums, theaters and universities throughout the United States. She has been inspired by the ancient stories given to her from her father and grandfather.
Red Elk Enterprises and Blatz Music released Red Feather Woman’s first album, entitled “The Keepers of the Earth”, featuring special guest, Native American Flutist, 2003 Grammy winner in the Native American category, Mary Youngblood, and includes four Native American traditional stories & four songs. Mary Youngblood won the Grammy Award in the category of Best Native American music album. Ms. Youngblood's third Silver Wave release entitled "Beneath the Raven Moon" has earned the coveted award. Often touted as the first Native American woman to professionally record the Native flute, Youngblood is now the first woman to win the Grammy in the Native American category. She has previously earned numerous other prominent awards from organizations such as the Native American Music Awards (NAMMIES) and the Association for Independent Music (INDIE award).
During live performances, Rose teaches her audiences to sing the chorus, thus continuing the storyteller’s tradition of passing on the message, and creating more awareness about our connection with Mother Earth. During her visit Red Feather Woman and Narraturi 21 will also be carrying out performances for Maltese school children.
Erika Brincat gets to ask Red Feather Woman a few questions before her performance in Malta.
How do you combine storytelling and music to captivate and educate your audiences?
I tell a story and have been inspired to write a song about the story. So after I tell the story, for instance, Medicine Woman, I play my guitar and sing a song about the story. It seems to be more entertaining and everyone loves music. The child with in us loves stories. It doesn’t matter how old, stories and music go hand in hand.
Do you also help to teach young Europeans and Americans the true Native American History?
Yes, I suppose I do. I will be publishing a book of my own short stories that will be an elder grandmother, teaching a young girl as she grew in different stages of her life. In these stories, I will be teaching true events of history that took place on the plains of what is now called the United States. Stories are full of lessons. It is important to me that the truth always be told. Too much has been written by non- Native Americans about our supposed history. It is time for we indigenous people to write our own history.
Can you explain to us in brief what a Medicine Wheel is and how does it embrace the Four Colors and Directions?
The Medicine Wheel has different meanings to different tribes who use it. I tell about the colours, as I was told by my father. The medicine colors are red, black, yellow and white. Each color represents nations. White man: keeper of the fire, black man: keeper of the water, yellow man: keeper of the air, and red man: keeper of the earth. Each has a gift to share.
Do ceremonial objects such as Native American Dress, Instruments, and Medicine Wheels and play an important part in your storytelling gatherings?
I wear my traditional dress. There are many styles, but the traditional style was buckskin from buffalo or deer. I wear white buckskin. I also have brown buckskin. I use a medicine wheel, and when I cannot carry it to a show, I try to use a visual slide or another object that has the red, black, yellow and white colors. I would say these things are important to my gatherings.
Is storytelling all about creating Peace, Awareness, and Healing?
Absolutely. Several of my stories create the awareness of peace and goodwill toward all men. One, the title track, “The Keepers of the Earth”, is about honoring our Mother Earth.
The true medicine people of my culture knew we are all connected. This includes all human beings, all living things. Everything has a spirit. I try to bring those important concepts to my stories and songs.
Describe to us the concept of your last album, and any new ideas you may be collecting to create your next CD?
The title track is about being keepers of the earth, so the CD has a very important message about this. There are also stories about a medicine woman, Nez Pierce; a legend of the hot springs in Montana and a funny story of where the wind comes from. The music suits the stories well, and is very easy listening.
My next album will be a blend of two traditional stories, and two of my own, in contemporary settings. The music is a bit more pop soft rock. I feel it is my best work so far. We are rounding the corner for completion. I feel it is important to maintain the old stories, but also blend the new with the old. I’m glad I will have this opportunity to do this with my art.
Can you explain to us how Music and Dance have the power to make us feel connected to the Earth, and heal our Bodies, Souls and Minds?
Music is universal, and the vibrations are important to tune into the universe. Dance is an expression of music. Our souls need music and dance to express our feelings.
My ancestors used singing as the new day began. They believed, as I do, that every human being has a song.
What type of visual effects do you use to enhance the message of your storytelling and music?
I have collected over the years a few beautiful slides of our Mother Earth. I feel they are quite awesome. My favorite scenes are oceans, mountains, trees, and children.
####################################################
Settecento should see this performance. These people are like the first Maltese - The Temple builders. They were connected to Mother earth and so do the first people of North America.
There is a relation and a cultural connection here. It will be worth attending. I do hope she is taken to see Hagar Qim.