CHEYENNE SPOTLIGHT: Each week we feature a member of our community (Cheyenne and non-Indian alike) who is doing something positive. This helps offset the negative impression of us so often portrayed by the major media and may inspire others. Most important, when the Spotlight shines on people, I think it makes them and their family feel good. We could use more of that and it’s my favorite part of this feature.
JOHN WOODENLEGS MEMORIAL LIBRARY
ALSO HOME TO ART!
When you think of a library—books come to mind. Right? Of course, that’s true at the John Woodenlegs Memorial Library at Chief Dull Knife College, but the facility also houses a remarkable collection of art related to the Northern Cheyenne.
A large color photograph of John Woodenlegs graces the entrance. Portrayed in his younger years, he is every inch the handsome and distinguished Tribal Leader.
The Library houses four extraordinary paintings completed by famous tribal artist Denver Horn, Sr. in the late sixties. The huge murals (measuring about ten by six feet) depict four scenes from tribal history: Head Chief and Young Mule on Charging Horse Hill; the division of Little Wolf and Morning Star Bands on the return from Oklahoma; buffalo hunting and a Cheyenne antelope hunter. The Library collection also features a smaller Horn painting of Chief Dull Knife also known as Morning Star.
“These are priceless copy righted works,” Librarian Joan Hantz noted. “They make the Library a very special place.”
A very exceptional display includes 33 portraits of tribal elders (now deceased) taken by Michael Crummet in 1993. These were to be a traveling exhibit, Hantz explained. “But the community liked them so much, that the collection never traveled. It just stayed here,” she smiled.
Library patron, Bridgette Spang who was there during the interview for this story there noted that one of the portraits is the grandmother of Richard Spang, her husband.
The collection of tasteful black and white photographs includes: Jenny Morrison; Myrtle Pittman, Maude Fighting Bear, Anne Shoulderblade, Harriert Littlebird, Eva Small, Andrew Whitehawk, Clarence Medicinetop, Wilford Spang, Teddy Gray, Richard Fisher, Mary Looks Behind, Ferm Littleoldman
Albert Long Jaw, Julie Lone Elk, Theresa East Man, Henry Sioux, James King, Pauline Blackwolf, Claude Bearquiver, Nora Flying, Sara Yellowfox, Lucy Three Fingers, Thelma Two Two, Donald Hollowbreast, Isabelle Scott, Grace Strangeowl, Harry Littlebird and Cecelia Walksnice.
As part of the Library’s archival efforts, a short biography of each of these people will be developed. Linwood Tallbull, Historical Researcher will be working on this project. Hantz noted that all the elders approved these photographs and selected the photo they wanted to be in the exhibit.
The Library also contains a rich variety of carvings, sculptures and “Cultural Sharing Kits” . Some are by local artists such as Ron Yazzi, a CDKC student; others were donated by library patrons, such as Ann Gallaspy. Joan herself is a collector of bird nests which are also displayed along with obsidian and pipestone. Two beautiful display cases of pine and glass were donated by Ben Nighthorse Campbell. From time to time, the Library also displays local artwork. They have featured photography by John Youngbear, artwork from Lame Deer Elementary and High schools and of course CDKC students.
“All of this wonderful art reflects the spirit of the Cheyenne people and culture,” Library Director Hantz smiled. “The community loves the artwork and I think it makes them feel more at home here.”
Next week: Archives and collections
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PUBLISHER’S VOICE: Critter Committee Report
On Wednesday, January 11th a small, but determined group of
folks held the first meeting of the “Critter Committee”.
This new group brings together animal lovers who are very
concerned about the stray dog problem on the Reservation. Actually,
the subject of cats and horses also came up.
Every single person in the group has tried on an individual basis to get something done about the problem. As Jesse Martinez, Environmental Health Technician said “There are at least a 1,000 dogs in the Lame Deer community and a good number of them are strays.”
This has led to attacks on people; dog fights; pitiful creatures afflicted with mange and starvation and it makes for a dangerous situation for pedestrians, including children going to and from school buses.
The Tribe has adopted an Animal Control Ordinance, a good step. But, no one and no tribal entity has assumed responsibility for enforcing this Ordinance. Several meetings with tribal officials have been held and all agree that there is a problem. But, that’s as far as it has gone.
There are numerous aspects to this problem: there is no longer a place to hold the Spay/Neuter Clinics; there is no animal control officer; we don’t have an animal shelter; there is no allocated funding etc.etc.
And apparently, we are not alone. Audrey Arpan researched this problem as a CDKC student several years ago and couldn’t find one single example of a Reservation or Tribe that has an Animal Shelter.
But, Northern Cheyennes are trail blazers. We have a long tradition of honoring dogs in our history. No one is suggesting anything otherwise. We are suggesting that we act humanely by caring for stray animals and making this a better community. Maybe we can become a model for other Tribes.
So, we are going to advocate as a group for some change. President Spang agrees that we have a problem and has already committed to attend our next meeting which will be February 13th at 1:30 pm at the Employee Lounge at the Lame Deer Clinic. We welcome other animal advocates to attend as well. There is strength in numbers.
As a first step, the Critter Committee is going to conduct a survey to see if other people think there is a problem. Look for more information about this in future issues.
If you want to help or get more information, contact Sis Elliott who is the Acting Critter Committee Coordinator at 477-6449.
In closing, this is fair warning to our tribal officials and tribal programs that might be able to help. You will be hearing from the Critter Committee.
Job Title Closing Date
Openings @ St. Labre Campus, Ashland, MT:
Accountant I January 20, 2012
Administrative Assistant – Major Gifts January 20, 2012
Evening Dishwasher/Custodian January 20, 2012
Executive Assistant to the Executive Director January 27, 2012
SL Instructional Aide Open Until Filled
House Parent Open Until Filled
Opening @ Pretty Eagle Catholic Academy, St. Xavier, MT:
Maintenance Technician I or II January 20, 2012
First Student Bus Driver @ Ashland campus – contact Dennis Huber: 784-2448