MORNINGSTAR STUDIO

Kwai Nidobak

The last gourd came full blown to my mind and it was simply a matter of putting it down, but this recent gourd was a struggle and I feel as if it shows.  I may revisit the topic again one day as I am not at all happy with it.  But, I did finish it and will let others judge for themselves.  It wouldn't be the first time some one tried to grab my work before I tried to put it in the  dumpster.

This was a problem from the get go.  The gourd its self was inferior and presented problems.  The uneveness of surface (hard and soft areas) made the burning uneven where I didn't want it to be and caused me to do more then I wanted to.  For whatever reason, the figures are stiff, but being a myth, that can pass.  Just such an important topic I expected more of myself and the results.  For now, I will let it be and move on.

The topic is Gluskape releasing the Abenaki from the Ash Trees.  (The only real hint of that is the arrows in the trees.)  Since the Wabanaki are the People of the Dawn, I used coloring and effects to try to give that clue.

Morningstar

Kwai, Nidobak

While I do not live in the state of Vermont or New Hampshire and am not enrolled in any tribe at this time, I do have a vested interested in the Abenaki as I have decendency from the Woodland People.  I have stepped back from a lot of the infighting and political nonsense that has divided the People for so many years hoping that this time, things might just settle down.  But it has worsened.

The Vermont Indian Commission which is a group intended to represent the whole of NA in the state, appear to have divided themselves and in doing so, further divided the People.  They have created their own web site on Face Book separate from the original one. The original one did not publish a lot of comments although there was a venue for it.  On Facebook, the main concern seems to be to publish some comments, but to moderate others.  Hardly representative of the general NA population.  I posted my opinion and it disappeared in an instant.  I wonder how many other comments have met the same fate?

I may not have served on a Native Commission, but I certainly have done my time on a lot of civic and political boards in my town.  We would heatedly discuss issues during meetings, but when the issues went to the public, it was generally with the support of the entire board/commission.  It was rare that there was 100% consensus on a given issue so there was always someone who had to bend to the greater will.  That does not seem to be the case with this commission.

In CT, the Indian Commission is given to supporting (or not) bills for the greater NA good.  Statements such as that written to the Legislature by the VT Commission are often issued on certain legislation and even some quiet discussion with members of the government take place.  But the Commission does not (by definition) view itsself as a political machine.  It does not give itsself the right to recognize tribes nor does it take the active role in demeaning others in public.  The VT Commission has taken on a most unprofessional attitude by doing this.  A group designated to serve all NA, cannot openly show distaine or hostility toward ANY NA group.  Nor do they have the right to prejudge them.  That is the State's role.   They do not have the right to demand proof of anything, either.  Again, that is the State's role.  In doing these things, the Commission is overstepping it's authority.

Perhaps, in this show of hostility, the state of VT should consider wiping the Commission clean of current members and starting again.  Either that, or to disband the Commission totally.  If it cannot function within it's intended purposes and serves to cause more hostility within the NA community, then they are doing more harm then good for the People.  That was not the intention of such a commission by anyone. Further, if they cannot agree on issues which are NOT within their perview, how will they find time and consensus on the issues that they should be working on?

Morningstar

Kwai, nidobak

I have not posted any new items lately because I have been working on a larger, more involved piece.  Earlier in my blog, I showed a photo of the roughed in version and now I am sharing photos of the completed work.

It is an illustration of "Gluskape fighting the Great Water Serpent" (or "How Woodpecker Got His Red Head").  The gourd will not be listed for sale here as it will be part of a show and sale at the Millbrook Gallery and Sculpture Garden this summer.  (Dates are in my show schedule.)  I hope to have at least two more ready to go with it.  It is the first in a series I have planned to do for several years now.  But, learning the stories, the gourd techniques, tools and possibilities, took time.  Now it is finally coming to together.

I hope you will take a moment to leave a comment here or in my guestbook reflecting how you feel about the gourd or my work in general.

Morningstar

Kwai, nidobak

It has been a while since I have written very much because I have been very busy with my latest gourd.  I am going to show it in it's raw stages and then later, I will, of course, show the finished project.  I am very excited about this line of gourds as I have been trying to start them for the past three years.  It has taken this long to find enough information and gain enough technical skill to begin the exciting voyage.

I am limited in the time I can work because of fibromyalgia, carpel tunnel and arthritis.  At sixty five, I finally have the knowledge and the body is giving way, but I am determined to finish my vision and I have only just begun.  To accomodate my short comings, I simply work short sessions of not more then four hours and then take a couple of hours off.  I try to use my hand braces as much as possible and when it isn't possible, I sleep with them on to rest my hands at night.  I think you can guess that this project means a lot to me.

Please remember, this gourd is in its roughing in stage which took approximately thirteen hours.  It is the story of Gluskape fighting the Water Serpent (or How Woodpecker got his Red Head.

Remember, I will be back when it is finished, but that will take a while.

Morningstar

Kwai, Nidobak

As the issue of Abenaki recognition once again comes before the VT and NH legislatures, the internet continues to carry many negative emails regarding various people or groups who proclaim to be Abenaki. I among them.

Because of that, I had a personal visit from Michael Benedict, Secretariaat of the Assembly of First Nation of Quebec and Labrador.  I later had questions and we exchanged more emails leading to the three I publish here with his permission.  They are not to be cut, pasted, downloaded or forwarded to anyone under penalty of law.

Morningstar

From: "Michael Benedict" <benedicm@cgocable.ca>

Date: January 9, 2010 9:57:17 PM EST

To: "Jeanne  Kent" <rkent3661@charter.net>

Subject: Puzzled...an answer to your question...

Good evening Jeanne,

According to my files, our very first contacts were in the month of August 2008 by e-mail. I had heard of you through an Abenaki google group that there was an Abenaki interpretor working as a teacher in Washington, Connecticut. I contacted the Institute of American Indian Studies in Washington to find out if they could put me in contact with you. They gave me your internet site. I wrote to you via your internet site to learn more about your Abenaki heritage and family tree.

I came to visit you at your home on Sunday, October 26th, 2008. The purpose of my trip was to get to know you and where your Abenaki knowledge comes from. As I mentioned to you during my visit, there has been and still is much controversy with the Odanak community and some off-reserve status members about people claiming to be Abenaki who do not have any tracable bloodline. There were numerous slanderous e-mails attacking individuals engaged in teaching the Abenaki language, culture and history as well as artisans. This sparked my interest and I set out to meet people, such as yourself, who were engaged in "Abenaki activities".

When we met, I gave you information about band enrollment and told you to ponder the possibility of submitting a request for band membership under the new Odanak membership code based on your geneaolgy.

Now, to answer your question, Yes, I did know of the criteria set forth for band enrollment under the new Odanak membership code before I came to visit you. However, I am not responsible for the registry itself and do not revise, approve or refuse applications for band membership. I am not an employee of the Odanak government. I am employed as fiscal advisor to the Assembly of First Nations of Québec and Labrador Secretariat. You may peruse our web site at the following address: www.apnql-afnql.com

I apologize if I left you with the wrong impression.

Sincerely,

Michael Benedict

****************************************************************

From: Jeanne Kent

To: Michael Benedict

Sent: Saturday, January 09, 2010 11:03 PM

Subject: Re: Puzzled...an answer to your question...

Kwai, Michael

To clear the air a bit, I hope I mentioned that I do not speak out language.  I use the Gordon Day dictionary on my website and it is so noted that it the source of the information.  Many people have never heard of the Abenaki or the Wabanaki and I wanted to use the language a little so that people would realize we are a living people.  Even if many of us are only descendants. I do not speak it and certainly cannot teach it.

What I teach at the Institute of Native American Studies is mainly a general overview of how the Woodland People lived.  Sometimes I touch on something that I know is Abenaki, but it is kept fairly general to cover the tribes of CT as well as in the New England area.  I do research to keep abreast of issues and research so that any information I use is as accurate as possible.  As an educator with two degrees, I have always made a point of researching information.  I am delighted that the Institute allows me to be an active part of the museum, but it has been at my insistence that they now use the word "descendant" rather then just Abenaki.  I have made it quite clear to them that none of us in the US are recognized and therefore, it might cause problems for them or me to mislabel things in any other way.  You can see on my website that I have also used a disclaimer so there is no confusion as to what is "Indian Made" vs what is "Made in the Indian Way".  Most people don't seem to care, but I do know the law and that collectors need to know this difference.

As for the designs I use, they come from the Wabanaki groups.  I have been buying old manuscripts from Frank G. Speck and other early anthropologists who recorded and labeled the designs by their tribal use.  I also visit museums and make notes directly from their collections.  These designs never come from the coats of chiefs, or medicine items.  Only general household items or beadwork on purses, etc.  It is not my intention to show disrespect to any designs which may have meanings not intended for the general public.

You are absolutely correct about slanderous emails.  Some have even attacked people at Odanak for not being of "enough blood line".  For some people, it seems there must always be controversy.  I went to Lake George this summer to attend the display of basket making by the Watso family and gave most of them my business card.  I am open to any questions about my heritage and make no false statements regarding it.  Should something be found to be an error, it is corrected as I continue to work on my genealogy.

Be assured that unlike some people, I have no desire to be a chief or hold titles and if I had a grandparent residing at Odanak, I would still not be in need of any subsidies or expect any kind of special benefits.  As you could see, I may not be rich, but I am comfortable and much too connected to my land to ever leave it.

Thank you for clearing up the reason for your visit.  I am much more comfortable now.  Please know I will always be available to answer any questions you might have. I hope if you have any questions, you will come directly to me regarding them.  It is the easiest way to clear the air.  

Please know that you are always welcome to visit when you are in the area.

Jeanne Kent

aka Morningstar

 **************************************************************************

From: "Michael Benedict" <michaelbenedict@cgocable.ca>

Date: January 11, 2010 12:37:42 PM EST

To: "Jeanne Kent" <rkent3661@charter.net>

Subject: Puzzled...an answer to your question...

Good afternoon Jeanne,

Thank you for your cander and honesty.  FYI, I am not in the business of judging anyone. I always look at both sides of an issue before forming an opinion. As far as I am concerned, educators, such as yourself, are always needed to shed light on Aboriginal issues in North America. As long as the educator is willing to do research and validate the information transmitted with recognized Natives, Native communities or organizations, then these people become an important resource and tool to help Natives fight the negative stereotypes that are projected by mainstream society.

As far as I am concerned, you are a help to our people, not a hindrance! Thank you for your warm welcome and rest assured, when I travel to CT I will look you up.

Be well and go in peace!

Michael Benedict

Kwai, Nidobak

As the year closes, it is time to give thanks to all who have helped me along the way.  Some with tangible assistance and others with moral support. As hard as a person works, it is rare that we can claim to have done anything completely alone.  So, blessings to all have been my patrons, followers, and friends.

Even though my web site has been operating for some time, I can never say "thank you" enough to the lady who helped me find the resource for creating it and helping me through those times when I was pulling my hair out because the computer and I just didn't see eye to eye. She continues to help me moderate another site.  Many Blessings.

This may have been a difficult year for people due to the economic down turn, but for me it was a wonderful year of professional gains.  It has been years since I have shown work in a gallery and this year was the first time showing my gourds.  Thanks to a friend I was part of a show at the Millbrook Gallery and Sculpture Garden in NH. 

I was also blessed to have three pieces purchased as part of a permenant display at the Roger William University in Rhode Island.  It does my heart good to know that my work is being recognized by an educational facility.

Then there was the wonderful adventure at the Qintcentennial of Lake Camplain where I showed my work and gave two talks during a very exciting week long event.  We were treated like special guests and had a wonderful time.  It wasn't like work at all.  Thanks to all the people who thought of giving me that opportunity and to the museum people who also made us feel very welcome.

I cannot say enough about the staff of the Institute for Native American Studies who thought to include me (and others) in a photo session which is now part of their permenant exhibit and for allowing me to be a village interpreter.  They never fail to support me by including me in their shows and providing important feed back which has helped me to develop professionally.  They work very hard there and it is an honor to be part of there ongoing growth.

I cannot forget Chiimney Point Museum for their support as well.  We are asked back each year, but I had to take two years off because of the knee surgery and my mother's passing, but they did not forget to invite me again this year.  Always a pleasure to be there; this year was great fun because I was interviewed for Siberian TV! LOL  It still makes me giggle.

And there is a special lady at the Tolland French Genealogical Society who has promoted my talks and secured two engagements for me.  Such friends cannot be measured in gold.

Most of all, I have to thank my loving husband who has supported me through all my surgery, down times and pain of loosing my mother and two long time pets this year. Moral support is important at such times.  He also has done the driving to and from events, helped me transport my set ups and pack it back up again.  He is ever giving me the courage to "go for it."  As our years pass, it is really time to do that.

For all of you who have taken time to stop by, to leave a comment, to be a part of my life, thank you and the Creator for being there.  May this year be wonderful, full of health and happiness, warm hearts and bodies, full tummies, and friends.

Morningstar

Kwai, Nidobak

I think a lot of people start thinking about years past around this time of year.  The holidays are the precursers of the end of another year in our lives.  They are also a time when we see children's eyes fill with hopeful expectations that once filled our own.

I can remember that when I was about nine, my mother and father had separated.  We were living in a renovated gas station.  My mother was a single mother with my sister and I as her responsibility.  Needless to say, things were lean and she wasn't in the mood for making a holiday.  I didn't understand it then, but many years later when I went through my own divorce, I did.  It is difficult not to become lost in one's own difficulties as an adult, leaving the children to survive on their own.  My sister was/is six years older them me so we stuck close together.  Back then, I think I still believed or wanted to.

With the atmosphere so dreary, we decided to do something to make it better.  We didn't have any money, but we did have ingenuity.  My sister and I went out and found a small pine tree in the yard.  Poor thing had only about four limbs and a top on it, but we thought it was beautiful because it was ours.  We filled a bucket with dirt to stand it up in.  Then with paper cards we found, we made some ornaments.  They were simple round shapes with pretty pictures in the middle.  I remember asking my teacher for a couple of pieces of construction paper.  Thankfully, she gave me some and we made a paper chain with it to wrap around the tree that badly needed filling.

We both went to bed not knowing what the next day would bring, but hope in children rarely dies even in the worst of times.  In the morning, there was a metal doll house with plastic furniture and a family inside for me to dream about my "someday". I thought it was wonderful!  Next to it was a deep red purse and pumps to match.  I thought they were the most grown up things I had ever seen and thought how lucky my sister was.  Somewhere, mom had found a few dollars to make Christmas.  We didn't realize, no one had made it for her.

Years later, my own divorce reminded me of that morning.  Alone, just new on the job and still running behind in bills, I offered art lesson certificates so that I could raise enough money to see that my own two children had a holiday.  Fortunately, more then one angel was sent.  Left with no heat in our bathroom and other problems, one of my students was given my certificate as a gift to get his mind off his own divorce.  He was a carpenter, but got advice from his co-workers and fixed the bathroom.  He fixed the hole in the wall and connected the heater all for a home-cooked meal.  As he said, all we can do is help one another.  Kindness is never forgotten..."just pass it on."

Again, my children had their dreams and though I prepared for their holiday, I had no illustions about my own.  I didn't even dare to hope until I went to school oneday and there in my mailbox was a Hersey bar wrapped in a red ribbon from another teacher who had also been there.  I wept.  It meant more to me then anything could have, because I knew without words, that she understood.  And that meant a lot.

So now that I have a nice home and a pretty Christmas tree with packages for those who I love and care about, I know that none of it is a given.  Some one out there may be alone this Holiday and maybe you think they want to be, but consider remembering them in some small way as others have done for me.  As the saying goes: "Pass it on."  

Happy Holidays.  May you all be blessed with good health and the  love of others.

Morningstar

Kwai, Nidobak

I recently had a request from a Choctaw man in Oklahoma to make a water canteen for him.  It was interesting to work from the few hints he gave me and to research what few designs I could find to create something he might like.  I am happy he was pleased with the result.  It is always a pleasure to learn about other Native cultures and such requests present the opportunity to do so.

His only request was for a red bear.  I gave him four of them.  The border designs seems to be common to many different tribes.  Perhaps the meanings vary, but the diamond pattern appears in almost all tribal designs regardless of geographic location.

Morningstar

Kwai, Nidobak

For those who may be in Connecticut, please be aware that I will be showing and selling my work at the Institute for Native American Studies for the first three weekends in December. Even if you do not make a purchase, it is an opportunity to see the work up close and personal. My two most recent gourds will also be on display.

There will be other vendors as well as me so it is worth a ride to find just the right , one-of-a-kind gift for someone.

Morningstar

Kwai, Nidobak

Over the past year I have felt old beyond my years with all the aches and pains, surgery and challenges of rehabilitation and healing.  But the past few days have been the kind of days I always look forward to.  The fall air, crisp and clear, has been right for encouraging yard preparations for winter.  And it comes as I enter a new state of my life.  I will turn sixty-five on November 9th, but my husband and friends surprised me with a party on Sunday.  We don't do a lot of parties and I had absolutely no clue that this was coming.

With the grace of the museum, I was lured there to return something and maybe pop in on a seminar on the Northeast Woodlands.  Of course, it was a ruse and I was taken completely off guard to see my friends and family there.  We were so surprised that we completely forgot to do prayer before the meal. I do hope Creator will understand.

It was a much needed reprieve from the many hours alone, working or sleeping through painful periods alone.  I am currently working on a long project.  It is a larger gourd then I have done before and has much more burning on the surface.  The challenge is always to push oneself further with each piece and this one certainly is further then I have gone in the past.

The most recent news was that my hands have advancing arthritis.  While this wasn't unexpected news, I did not expect it to have advanced as far as it has, so now I am going to stop doing the small decorative pieces and concentrate on the larger, more meaningful pieces I have been trying to get to for the past three years.  Once I began to hear the clock ticking on the use of my hands, I decided it is now or never.  I have worked all my life for this moment and it is now time to put forth my best. 

I hope people will like the work.  It will still incorporate Northeast Woodland designs, but will begin to illustrate the life ways and more as time goes by.  The research has been done; I have learned about wood burning and working on gourds.  Now, it is time to bring it all together in larger pieces.

It will take more time per piece, but I hope people will patiently anticipate each piece as they are completed. 

Morningstar