Hold On To What You Must Do feat. Jack Maher

March 17, 2024 3

On today’s episode, author Jack Maher discusses his novel “Poppy: A Novel About A Colorful Colorado Life” and the titular “Poppy,” Eric Douglas.

Fayge and Mazal explore the incredible life of the man who, as curator for the Denver Art Museum, worked tirelessly to teach White America about and to love Native American art. His work still resonates today as the United States continues to grapple with its often bloody past with Indigenous Nations.

“Hold on to what is good, Even if it’s a handful of earth. Hold on to what you believe, Even if it’s a tree that stands by itself. Hold on to what you must do, Even if it’s a long way from here. Hold on to your life, Even if it’s easier to let go. Hold on to my hand, Even if someday I’ll be gone away from you.”
– Crowfoot, Blackfoot warrior and orator 1830 – 1890

Further Reading and Resources:
Arizona State Museum Gallery of Nampeyo Pottery

Dancers Entering Plaza by Red Robin

https://www.sandgoatmanorpublishing.com/

https://www.jeffco.us/1251/Hiwan-Heritage-Park

https://www.denverartmuseum.org/en/exhibitions/weaving-foundation

https://cudenverhistoryjournal.org/2022-volume-39/out-of-the-basement/

https://www.bpl.org/blogs/post/natalie-curtis-burlin-and-angel-de-cora/

Kramer, Barbara. Nampeyo And Her Pottery. Tucson: The University of Arizona Press, 1996
Marriott, Alice and Rachlin, Carol K. Dance Around The Sun: The Life of Mary Little Bear Inkanish. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Co., 1977
Parezo, Nancy J. The Indian Fashion Show: Fighting Cultural Stereotypes. Journal of Anthropological Research, Vol 69, Number 3. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico, 2013
Poling-Kempis, Lesley. Ladies Of The Canyons. Tucson: The University of Arizona Press., 2015
Sternberg, Barbara Edward’s, Anne Evans – A Pioneer In Colorado’s Cultural History. Denver: Center for Colorado & The West At Auraria Library, 2011
Story, Lewis Wingfield. The First Hundred Years. The Denver Art Museum., 1996

Sweetgrass Trading – A great website for Authentic Native American Foods and Gifts. Purchases support the Native Scholarship Program.

Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center – I haven’t purchased from them before, but they look like a decent place to buy from Lakota artisans and artists.

Quintana Galleries – A Native American owned and operated art gallery of First Nations, Native American, Arctic, and Mexican art in Portland.

Embedded Audio Clips in Order:

Plainsong: Fourth Communion Service “Missa Marialis” PECUSA 1940 Hymnal “Gloria” – Attributed to Winfred Douglas

Hopi Two-Step · Clark Tenakhongva Po’li – Traditional Songs Of The Hopi ℗ Canyon Records

Kehare Kazanu (Star of Evening ) Song from the Pawnee. Melody notated by Natalie Curtis

The Purple and Yellow Corn is My Mother · Clark Tenakhongva Hear my song, Hear my prayer – Songs from the Hopi Mesas ℗ Canyon Records

Golden Gate International Exposition, Treasure Island, 1939-40

Medicine Shield by Louie Gonnie, recorded at Jack Miller Studios – Canyon Records 2015

Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy – The Andrews Sisters

Testament of Freedom (Randall Thompson) – The US Army Chorus and Orchestra

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Thank you to April Keez for the use of the songs “Misfit” and “Grow Up” from the Album Mountainview. Find her album on Bandcamp.