June 12

June 21, 2003 June 25, 2003

June 26, 2003

I'm shuttling on the bus down town with the Rodeo winos and they were joking around about going to the rodeo and relaxing away from the summer heat. A discussion began by no one in particular regarding whether or not the Wildhorse Casino should serve alcohol. There was sarcastic laughter filled with brutal irony to even ask the question among these doctors of alcoholic connoisseurship. Someone said they serve alcohol at the rodeo's "Let 'er Buck" bar.
And they have topless waitresses. They put 'em on mechanical bulls and let'em flop around. More laughter at the picture this image brought to everyone's evil minds.
Life on the rez, SkyHawk

June 28, 2003

The Rodeo winos Association exist on almost every Indian rez/reserve in North America. There are many names which make up these wandering forgotten people. Our fathers and mothers, uncles, aunts and cousins, our bros and sisters, or nephews and nieces, and once long lost friends. They find solitude in a bottle and laughter where and when they can. They are buried before they die on the streets, alleyways or hidden shadows from plain sight.
Tourists think all Indians are the walking dead peering out at the world thru blood shot eyes or sunglasses. They are precision clockworking flesh and blood moving to fulfill another day with cheap beer or cheap wine. They ask no one in particular if cheap red wine is better served cold with ice on these hot summer days.
Sitting in the shadows cast from the protective roof of the Pendleton Roundup Rodeo a lonely old Indian man sits at the top of the blue wooden bleacher seats sipping his wine. Is he imagining the rodeo in his mind as he stares out at the stadium's grassy grounds? Maybe, recalling when he was younger and stronger? Can he hear cheering of the crowd left over from the memories of a broncing horse and rider blasting out of gate number seven? And the rodeo announcing over the loud speakers, "Let'er buck!" Sitting in quiet of the shadows sipping cheap red wine. It's just another day for a Rodeo wino.
Yeeha! SkyHawk

July 3, 2003

4th of July on the REZ

REZnews: Everybody Powwow!
Tomorrow begins the rez' memorial to those that served in the Armed Forces for America. A parade, prayer memorial at the "wall of names" the rez built, and a reading of the names with full military honors to all those who served and died in the service. It is a good thing that Indian people do to in rememberance--Going back to the turn of the 19th century. Lots of history here on this little Umatilla Rez.Which also includes Cayuse and Walla Walla tribes. Then there is food!A mini feast.
In the afternoon if they haven't already done so there will be camp set up at the Wildhorse powwow. Bus loads of white people will come to watch the powwow and vendors from the Indian powwow highways will converge on this Umatilla Rez like buffalo in heat. 18,000 Native Peoples dancers in full regalia will compete for those 50,000 frog skins. An estimated 30 drum groups will also compete for big greenbacks. To see this up close and personal is experiencing Native Peoples culture in its contemporary setting--A time after Native myths walked this land. We have our new myth makers. The youth moving thru modern times trying to make a name for themselves as champion powwow dancers. A growing pride to be the best at what you do. Don't be fooled. Dancing in a powwow is something to work at and set goals for. It is not about the money. Enit?
To be a champion is something of an achievement at any level--Where
the blood, sweat and tears begin...Play ball!

July 31, 2003

Had a much needed hiatus at the Lake Roosevelt - Columbia River, Washington - with the sun ,fishin' and boatin' around was a "stress free therapy" weekend. Hikin' for the body and preparin' for the sundance in Montana and Blackfeet country. Sayin' see you later, Colville Rez - passin' thru more Indian country as my heart pounds faster for the Rocky Mountains. SkyHawk

July 31, 2003

Sundance Summer 2003

Let me call this a Blackfeet style Sundance with Assiniboine roots (arguments aside as to who holds the knowledge to the original sundance). This passed 17-20 July above the ridge of the Two Medicine River in the south and to the west, home of the Buffalo who comes to help my pitiful relations, stand the majesticRocky Mountains and was where our Sundance(s) were held. Also, this is from where our Blackfeet myths originated which gave meaning to our existence before the coming of the white man. We, sundancers had to endure a tremendous heat wave in the triple digits. The sun had no mercy on any living thing. The winds were like gusts across empty desert asphalt urban streets. There was a humility cast on every dancer and supporter by nature. Were these our self-made prisons of pain and suffering? Our prisons of self torture? What vow/promise did we make to test our human limits to the Creator? What keeps a man or woman going in the face of their toughest test?
Me, I had this funny experience at Roosevelt Lake-Columbia River on a little dingy boat. I was cruising around and the engine konked out on me. I was floating with one paddle in my hands and being tossed about by wakes made by speeding ski boats and rented Colville Rez tour boats. The memory of the cool waters made a big difference in my continuing with my commitment in the Sundance. The Creator was my coyote for a day and left no doubt that a good sense of humor goes a long way. Thank you all, my sundance brothers and sisters for being strong and there when I most needed you. SkyHawk

August 13, 2003

Well, my fellow buffalo/bison hunters this has been one tough tour
of my Indian Country/homeland. I will have many stories to tell.
And have received much inspiration for art works. Stay tuned. See you soon, SkyHawk

October 2007

May 2009

Sky's website birthday