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:
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
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
Keep the conversation going on our NEW Substack!
Thank you to April Keez for the use of the songs “Misfit” and “Grow Up” from the Album Mountainview. Find her album on Bandcamp.
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