Rabbit Head-Hidatsa

This photo is from the Edward S. Curtis Collection at the Library of Congress. It is described as Hidatsa Indian posed, head and shoulders, facing right. It was taken circa 1908. 

Rabbit Head-Hidatsa

(Clicking on the photo's title will take you to the original photo at the Library of Congress)

The Hidatsa are a Siouan tribe living near the confluence of the Knife River with the Missouri in North Dakota. Their language is similar to that of the Crows. The name, Hidatsa has been said to mean 'willows.' The Hidatsa have also been known as the Minitari and Gros Ventre. Today the Hidatsa, along with the Arikara and Mandan (known as the Three Affiliated Tribes), reside on the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota.

You can find a lot of historical information about the Hidatsa, along with the Arikara and Mandan at the MHA Nation website. Just follow the link below to learn more.

MHA NATION  

Helena Nelson-Reed Native-Inspired Art

I always seem to find beautiful artwork on the Web completely by accident. Such is the case with the luminous and ephemeral art I stumbled upon by watercolor artist, Helena Nelson-Reed. When I found her Ghost Dancer painting the other day, I was blown away. 

Ghost Dancer

by Helena Nelson-Reed

I emailed Helena right away to seek permission to use some of her images, so that I could spotlight her beautiful artwork here on Native History Magazine. About Ghost Dancer, Helena said, "I created it after dancing for my brother during his 8th year of Sun Dancing. Sun Dance is different from Ghost Dance, of course, but the immersion, discipline and intensity of prayer focus is much the same. I can only imagine how those Ghost Dancers must have prayed with every fiber of their being."

Much of Helena's work is rooted in myth, fairy, folk and spiritual lore, and is often native-inspired. Her father was one-half Pawnee, so she is undoubtedly touched by her own native roots and heritage. 

Free Spirits

by Helena Nelson-Reed

The detail and passion put into each of her paintings is amazing, and it is often beautifully connected not only to the environment, but also to the life force of all beings, and life experiences.

Turtle Mother

by Helena Nelson-Reed

The Turtle Mother painting is one of my favorites. It instantly made me think of my mother, creator of Native History Magazine, because she so loved turtles. I wish I'd found this painting while Mom was still alive...I would have bought it for her. 

Helena's work is in private collections, and has also been featured on book covers, magazines, and CD covers. She also has a line of fabulous jewelry, calendars, and even greeting cards. 

You can see many more of Helena Nelson-Reed's artworks on her website, and in her Etsy shoppe.

Helena Nelson-Reed Website

Helena Nelson-Reed Etsy Shoppe

I extend a heartfelt thanks to Helena for being so gracious to allow me to feature her images here on NHM. I look forward to seeing where her inspiration leads her next.

Native Chiefs and Famous Metis

Native Chiefs and Famous Metis
(Native American History)

Overview: These inspiring true stories illuminate the courage and wisdom of five 19th-century Native leaders and famous Métis who fought against impossible odds to preserve the culture and rights of their people. The visionary Cree leader Big Bear sought peace and a better life, only to be hunted mercilessly and imprisoned unjustly. Jerry Potts, the legendary North-West Mounted Police guide and interpreter, helped smash the whiskey trade and negotiate treaties. Persevering through sorrow and defeat, these brave and steadfast men left a lasting mark on Aboriginal culture and the history of western Canada.

Chief Crowfoot (Isapo-Muxiha) is featured on the cover of this book. Crowfoot was born in 1821 and was the chief of the Siksika First Nation. He was also known to be a great warrior and orator, and he was greatly respected for his leadership and bravery. Though he fought in 19 battles, he was also well known as a peacemaker who viewed peace as the key to survival. Crowfoot died from Tuberculosis at Blackfoot Crossing, on April 25, 1890.

Clicking on the book's title will take you to its location on Amazon.

Chief Crowfoot on Life and Death

A little while and I will be gone from among you, whither I cannot tell.

From nowhere we came, into nowhere we go.

What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night.
It is the breath of a buffalo in the winter time.
It is as the little shadow that runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset.

Chief Crowfoot, Blackfoot Warrior and Orator

Native American Legends Sources

I want to share some resources I've found that provide a variety of Native American Legends to read, enjoy, and share.

Native American Legends

from Native American Genealogy

 Native Legends

from Ya-Native

Native Lore

from Stonee's WebLodge 

Native American Indian Legends

from First People

Native American Folklore by Tribe

from Native-Languages

Indian Legends

from Indian Legend

These are just a handful of resources that I've found on Native American Legends. There are many others that can be easily found with a simple Google search. But I hope you will find these useful, and a good starting point for further research and reading.