fbpx

Series 3, Program 6: The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Indians *

Introduction:

Elder Wisdom Feature: Adeline Miller:

Brian Bull shares the story of Adeline Miller who was "born up in the mountains during huckleberry time." Now a tribal elder, she reminds her children and grandchildren of their origins through song, dance, and laughter.

Speaking Native:

Don Addison tells us that three native languages survive on this reservation today: Northern Paiute (also called Numu), Sahaptin (or Eecheeshkeen), and Wasco, known as Kiksht.

Sacred Landscape:

Judy Bluehorse Skelton talks about berries, including huckleberries, blackberries and raspberries, which burst with nutrition, and what the tribe is doing to ensure there will be plenty to pick in the future.

Tribal Rhythms:

Nico Wind introduces us to the music of the Warm Springs tribe presented by traditional singer, Carlos Calica, who is the keeper of the Art Mitchell drum. This drum belonged to his grandfather and is a drum Carlos sang on as a child.

Health and Healing:

Rose High Bear introduces us to the tribe's diabetes coordinator Evelyn Umtuch, and to Delores George, who reminds us that "people talk about alcoholism, but food can kill you too."

Artist's Circle:

Bruce Crespin highlights the rediscovery of Wasco basketweaving by tribal artist, Pat Courtney Gold who is internationally recognized for the art of full-turn twining. She shares her travels across the country to visit museums with Wasco baskets in their collections and how she reconnected with a basket purchased by Lewis and Clark in 1805.

Turtle Island Storytellers:

Darlene Foster shares first contact stories she learned from her mother, who learned them from her grandmother. "They always told stories about how my ancestors knew before the pioneers came that they would come in. They would flow in like a river."


* Segment transcripts and participant biographies can be found on the Wisdom of the Elders Web site.