Native American Arts Initiative Project
Final Report, Phase Two

Introduction

The Native American Arts Initiative (NAAI) is a project of the Michigan State University Museum and is funded by a grant from Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA). The project started in the fall of 2000 and has the purpose of strengthening Native American arts in Michigan. This report covers the second year of this three year project. Our first year was actually nearly a year and a half in length due to health issues for the project's co-coordinator. Thus, this second year's report covers only about six months' activities as we get back on a regular fiscal year schedule.

Native American artists remain little known outside of their immediate communities in spite of several attempts to develop organizations and to coordinate promotion on a state-wide basis. Existing state arts and cultural support systems are under-utilized by Native American artists. The NAAI is a means of assessing the needs of the artists and developing new or expanded methods to meet these needs through establishing programs and funding opportunities that are culturally sensitive.

Readers should note that this report for phase two of the NAAI is an addendum to the first year's report and is best understood if thought of in that manner. While the process discussion for the second year will stand alone, much of the rest of this report builds directly on the content and conclusions from our previous report.

We will first discuss the process and activities that occurred in the NAAI second phase. Next we will outline the comments received from the project participants, and lastly we will put forth recommendations for implementing the final phase of the project.

Process and Activities

On July 31, 2002, from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM, we convened a meeting at Nokomis Learning Center in Okemos, Michigan. (see attached announcement letter and participant list). Our invitation list included all 74 participants from our first year's Regional meetings as well as numerous other interested parties. The agenda for the meeting was to review the report and recommendations from our first year. Our object was to assess the accuracy of our analysis and subsequent recommendations and to make sure that we had adequately incorporated the concerns that had been put forth at our Regional public meetings held in the first year.

Participants included native artists: potters, beadworkers, modern dancers, traditional native dancers, singers, basket makers, porcupine quill box makers, birch bark cutout artists, storytellers, and writers. In addition to the artists, attendees included museum directors and staff, educators, and interested non-Indian public representatives.

Twenty-two people attended from all across the State. We held a general overview, and then discussed the background and comments portion of the report. We then discussed each of the nine recommendations. Comments were made on the appropriateness of these recommendations and we discussed priorities and strategies for implementing them. A few additional comments were sent by email or communicated by telephone.

We had light refreshments upon arrival and following the main discussion we served dinner. The discussion continued informally during dinner. The proceedings were recorded on cassette tape as well as written notes taken. A sign up sheet was provided for participants to provide current addresses and phone numbers.

Most of the participants were in attendance the whole meeting. A few people arrived after we commenced the meeting, with one person arriving after 5:00 PM due to work schedules.

Comments

Our discussion of the definition of Indian was right on target. Many people had thoughts on this topic with this portion of the discussion taking nearly one third of the meeting. We also talked about the creation of public art by Indian artists with the advent of new developments in tribal communities such as casinos and new government buildings. The creation of an ombudsman's office was also a major topic of concern.

Line by line comments on the nine recommendations from phase one project report:

1. Establish an ombudsman's office to deal with Native 'American arts and issues and give technical assistance to artists' organizations.

This recommendation was agreed upon by consensus to be the number one priority. Past non-productive artist surveys were commented upon. The lack of continuity in the several starts and stops in creating artist organizations and artist support efforts was a concern for attendees. It was noted that all other recommendations are dependent upon the establishment of a permanently staffed office to coordinate the activities.

One issue identified was who would the ombudsman work for: Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs? Michigan State University Museum (perhaps in the traditional arts program)? A new organization? No location was identified as being a priority. The group felt that the most important thing was for consistency. This need for consistency and lower key long term activity as opposed to a vigorous but short term existence was emphasized.

2. Continue the cataloging of Native American artists.

The only comments on this recommendation were that we needed the ombudsman's office in order to accomplish this cataloging, keep updating the catalogue, and to efficiently distribute the information to artists and the general public.

3. Establish and maintain a website with links to artists contact lists and tribal outreach contacts.

The attendees supported this recommendation but also noted that we need the permanent office to maintain the website. Discussion included the need for keeping the site updated and for more educational materials to be on the site.

4. Establish a Native American Arts Festival.

Members of the group discussed various other festivals around the country and how they felt it helped bring attention to native artists. This idea was on the priority list but it fell behind the ombudsman's office and the concern for non-enrolled artists falling through the legal system established by the Native American Arts and Crafts Act and its amendments.

Writers workshops, storytelling festivals, film and theater productions, visual arts exhibits, dancing and music activities were all supported for inclusion in a statewide festival. What remained unclear was whether or not to have such a festival in one central location each year or have the event move around to different areas of the state much as the National Folk Festival changes its location every three years.

5. Establish Native American Arts Awards.

The comments on this goal are nearly identical to #4 above.

6. Strengthen support of existing Native American programs.

One participant suggested that we convening a meeting of potential funders for the implementation phase of this project. It was suggested that another outcome of this whole project might be strengthened funding for the traditional arts apprenticeship program.

7. Establish guidelines for arts and cultural organization regarding language use that is culturally appropriate and factual.

No comments were put forth on this recommendation either supportive or nonsupportive other than some time spent on a discussion of the terms "Indian", "Native American", or "First Nations". Several of the attendees felt that it was time to switch to "First Nations" similar to what is used in Canada to describe native peoples.

8. Develop and promote a standard procedure for recognition of non-enrolled individual native artists.

A long discussion ensued on this topic. Some attendees felt that we should arrive at a definition and adopt it ourselves. It was pointed out that the problem is that federal law requires that a federally recognized tribe must recognized the un-enrolled artist in order to qualify as an Indian artist under the definitions of the law.

This recommendation became the number two priority based on the length of time and discussion spent on it. Attendees were very supportive but the diversity of discussion demonstrated the complexity of the situation. Further discussion, perhaps at a meeting called only on this issue, will be necessary to create any draft language that attempts to deal with this problem. The necessity for informing tribal governments of the effort and working with them in adopting any propose statutes to implement a standard procedure was discussed. Once again the need for an ombudsman's office to coordinated this effort was noted.

9. Convene a meeting to review these recommendations and develop strategies to implement them.

It was noted that we accomplished this recommendation by nature of the meeting we arranged to secure these comments.

Steps to Implementation

Following the publication and subsequent stakeholder review of the recommendations in our first report, we now suggest several implementation steps for the final phase of the Native American Arts Initiative:

• Establish the location and staffing of an ombudsman's office for Native American (First Nations) art in Michigan.
• Convene a statewide meeting of artists and tribal government officials to draft a proposed procedure for the recognition of non-enrolled Indian artists as provided for within the Indian Arts and Crafts Act.
• Identify qualified personnel to work with the native communities and artists.
• Convene meetings of potential funders interested in furthering this project.
• Continue with the on-going development of the website and listserv.

Conclusion

While we must acknowledge that the current funding situation for arts projects is uncertain, for all of the reasons outlined in our reports on this project we believe that it is important for the future of Indian artists that steps be taken to provide for implementation of this project's recommendations. The endorsement of the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs for these recommendations would be of great assistance in securing further funding either from MCACA funds or outside sources whatever the budget situation may become both in Washington and Lansing.

We believe that during the final phase of this project we will be able to achieve success in outlining the location and a funding plan for the ombudsman's office for Indian art in Michigan. We also will have developed a proposal to tribal governments within the state for a recognition process for non-enrolled Indian artists to seek recognition as Indian artists. The subsequent final implementation of these recommendations will depend on securing administrative funding and approval by tribal legislative action.

Report prepared by Frank Ettawageshik and Marsha MacDowell, February 2003


Attachments

[Copy of Invitation Letter for Statewide Meeting]

Dear Participant in the 2001 Native American Arts Initiative:

This letter is your invitation to attend a meeting to continue the process we all began last year at the regional meetings for the Michigan Native American Arts Initiative. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2002, at the Nokomis Learning Center from 2:00-7:00pm. Nokomis is located at 5153 Marsh Road, Okemos, Michigan, near the Meridian Mall a few minutes drive east of the Michigan State University Campus in East Lansing.
As you will remember, regional meetings were held around the State to gather information on Native American Arts: What are the needs of the artists? Who is seeking collaboration with the artists? How can we best work to develop assistance and programs to meet these needs? Many people attended these meetings and participated in the discussions. We have considered all of the comments we received in person at the meetings, as well as the comments we received by phone, email, mail and in person at various cultural gatherings during the last year. These comments have been included in the report that accompanies this letter. Additionally, the input has been analyzed and recommendations have been made. This report is the first of three that will be a part of this project. You should consider this first report as a draft, subject to review and recommendation.
Our meeting on the 31st will consist of discussions on the comments and recommendations, any revisions that may be necessary, and most importantly, strategies to implement the recommendations. Following the afternoon discussions we will have a feast for all participants featuring traditional foods: turkey, wild rice, pumpkin pie, etc. At the request of our caterer, we ask that you email, fax or phone your RSVP by July 25th in order to help us prepare adequate food.
We hope that you will be able to attend. Please read the report and be ready to give us feedback on our progress so far. If you are unable to attend and wish to comment, please send us your input and it will included in our discussions at the meeting.
We want to thank you for your help in the last year. The input that you provided will help us to develop programs that will help Native American artists throughout the state.

Sincerely,

Frank Ettawageshik
Marsha MacDowell
Susan Krouse

RSVP and/or send comments to MINativeArts@musuem.msu.edu, phone 517-333-3316,
or fax to 517-333-0947. Please include name and if anyone will be coming with you.

[Participant List for Statewide Review Meeting, July 2002]

Frank Ettawageshik, 202 Centerlawn St., East Lansing, MI 48823 PH 517-333-3316 fettawa@freeway.net

Susan Applegate Krouse, MSU Museum, East Lansing, MI 48824 PH 517-353-9468 susan.krouse@ssc.msu.edu

Marsha MacDowell, MSU Museum, East Lansing, MI 48824 macdowel@msu.edu

Amy Harris, UM Exhibit Museum of Natural History, 1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1079 PH 734-763-4191 aharris@umich.edu

Chris Ash, 3040 Byron Cener, #4, Wyoming, MI 49509

Jim Anderson and Patricia Shackleton, Anishinaabegamig, 14248 Dunn Rd, Haslett, MI 48840 PH 517-675-7649 anishinaabegamig@yahoo.com

Sally & Bob Thielen, 12112 Davison Rd., Davison, MI 48423 PH 810-653-4674

Kira Berman, UM Exhibit Museum of Natural History, 1109 Geddes. Rm 4506, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1079

Larry Plamondon, 7800 Biindgen Trail, Delton, MI 49046 PH 616-623-8677

Rich Guiymond, MI Art Education Association, 649 Bingham Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 PH 906-632-0781

Laura Drew, Program Director, Artrain USA, 1100 N. Main Street, Suite 106, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 PH 734-747-8300 x236

Keith Jacobson, 1339 West Farnum, Royal Oak, MI 48067 PH 248-467-0466

Ally Krebs, Youth Education and Activities Program, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, 2 Ice Circle, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 PH 906-605-7010 or 605-7056 akrebs@saulttribe.net

Shauna Whitepigeon, 202 Centerlawn, East Lansing, MI 48823 PH 517-333-3316 whitepig@msu.edu

Rochelle Ettawageshik, 202 Centerlawn, East Lansing, MI 48823 PH 517-333-3316 rochelle_49@hotmail.com

Andrew Gibson, 818 N. Fairview Ave., Lansing, MI 48912 PH 517-371-2293 gibbers02@hotmail.com

Debra K. Muller, 2490 Eastlake Ct., S.W., Grandville, MI 49418-1123 PH 616-257-8882 debrakmuller@aol.com

Robin & Eva Menefee, 725 Ridgewood Ave., Lansing, MI 49810 PH 517-393-7236 robin_menefee@yahoo.com

Judy Pierzynowski, 1201 W. Barnes Rd., Leslie, MI 49251 PH 517-244-1149

Shiela Perizynowski, 1201 West Barnes Rd., Leslie, MI 49251 PH 517-244-1149







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