Expiration Date the movie

This is just the trailer but I just wanted to add it to this blog so that others will know about it. So that when you get a chance to see it...see it. Its a very nonconventional movie about a young native guy who is destined to die by a milk truck just as his forefathers have. So he gets ready for the day of his 25th? birthday.

Osama Likes Frybread

This short film is about a lot of different subjects rolled up into one: Osama Bin Laden, Navajo reservation, environmental degradation, poverty, bureacracy, and culture. I think its pretty hilarous.

another music video by War Party

The video has the best and worst of two worlds. It says one thing which can be great yet its inter-mixed with something from something over powering almost trying to "bring a new method" that says, "we're still here" and "we can too." The message of what people want to see and what they are trying to break from but have no control of. "This right here!"

Representation or lack of...

This video reminds me of my little brother, Cyrus, who was shot while he was drunk by a distressed young guy. This video says a lot and represents the need of representation. A kinda of call out of dis-order using an overtone of unity. I'l like to meet these guys and ask them a few questions.

This fill neat in that they use graffiti. I took a work shop in Pawnee on graffiti and learned that its a form of communication and can be positive. I think a lot of people including me have stereotypes. There's a message for sure and its a form of art. The words they use is opposite from the one above.



This lead me to this video. It's a cry of distress. I kinda know what its like to grow up on the rez but more importantly a border town. The feeling of having to be "reserved" meaning extremity in a bi-polar mindset, black or white, there's almost no middle ground.

Modern Warriors

I had the pleasure of meeting the rapper, QUESE IMC, at work in Pawnee, OK last summer. He's part of an organization called, NVisionIt and they tour different reservations presenting positive alternative outlets for Native youth. There's a huge demand for this style of help because native youth are "falling between the cracks" and being left behind. There is a high rate of suicide, alcoholism, among just a few that are devastating different native communities as a result of colonization. Some may say this is old news or that its surreal but its in your face. As a native and as someone who went through the today's war that's still going on, I admire the "warriors" of today who can go back out to the "trenches" and help the wounded. We call them Modern Warriors, envision (Nvision) that!

Here is their promo video.



I was in this documentary. See if you can find me.

Michael Franti and Spearhead: I Know I'm Not Alone

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKVYHE98lKY

This was the first song I heard by Michael Franti and I had to get his album. Luckily, my husband got one from a radio dj in Mancos. I love the music video even better. This is another inspirational place I go if I'm feeling suppressed or unappreciated and far from space. I love his music so much. He makes fighting all the more worth it. Everyone deserves music!!!!

Practical Activism

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zhvf4zwVT0

This video is really inspirational for me. The music really grasps the images and the images grasps the lyrics. Whenever I feel conquered or hopeless, wrapped up in the rest of the world's "busyness" I can come to this video and recover. The strength heard in one of the speakers was great. This is where it's at, higher education and we do pay to gain knowledge. There are certain means that need to come to an end and proactivism is the way. You see something as vile, agitating, undesirable, staight up evil...step it up. Speak up. This is the time to say with all the energy you have inside.

Dances of Life

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BoNmpvkavo

I really admire the culture of the Maori tribe and have come to respect the stories behind their dances and songs. One of my all time favorite movies is "Whale Rider" and the representation of their tribes strength and endurance. I know its not all fine and dandy. A movie can say one side of a story and there actually be another. The violence and depredation from colonization is still present today but for their traditions to still be taught today is a sign of tremendous dedication towards something that can be long standing seven generations from now. I like that and its defininately inspiring.