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Tuesday, February 17, 2009

The Blessing Way

[Navajo, detail of a quilt]
I was 19 when I found a copy of Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee in a rundown second-hand bookshop in Washington, D.C. I was intensely moved. Years later, I read about the Navajo and The Long Walk. Another huge wound. I wonder if this young woman was part of that Walk.
(Four generations have passed since Kit Carson "crusaded" against the Navajo. Thankfully, they are still with us. They are known as tenacious...adaptable...enduring...spiritual...)

6 comments:

  1. It is such a shame . It always makes me tear up when I am reminded of such disgraceful treatment of Native Americans. Sad. Your homage to them is very touching

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  2. We can learn great lessons from the Navajo. XOXOXO

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  3. Anonymous7:53 p.m.

    .....I have been sat here for quite a while now....trying to transfer my emotions into words....but I am finding it difficult!.....I am sure you must have thought long and hard when putting the pieces together.....they appear to have been very sensitively created....your admiration and respect for these people has been captured very well....Anon the Elder.....OOOOO

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  4. Hi! I’m Lynn and I have been enjoying your blog for several months. I just discovered The Artful Blogger and began setting up my blog.
    itsajulything.blogspot.com
    I have finally gotten the nerve to be known to other than my family.
    I hope to hear from you soon.

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  5. This indeed is very touching Colette. I love the gorgeous way you have pieced this most important detail of your quilt.
    The colors are wonderful, as usual =)

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  6. Collette,
    Your Native North american series of quiilts is truely wonderful! I love the fabrics that you ahve used. We lived for 6 years in OK where many many native peoples were forced to live. I got to know quite a few Cherokee, and Shawnee, Fox, Sioux. They have struggled to keep their cultures alive and to tell their tales. It was a real gift to get to know so many wonderful people. You honor them!!
    Hugs!
    Elizabeth


    Can't wait to see your line of stamps!!! How INCREDIBLY exciting!!!

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I really appreciate each and every one of you.