2014 is off to an exciting start and I cannot wait to share the exciting experiences that lay ahead.
Earlier this month I received a phone call from a fellow Lac du Flambeau tribal member, Dr. Selene Phillips, at the University of Louisville asking if I would be interested in participating in the University's Native American Appreciation Night. Unfamiliar to exactly what that meant at that institution, I needed some clarity. And it turns out the University of Louisville has dedicated the last home game of the season to give thanks to the astounding contributions of two of their star players, who are both tribal members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla (Oregon) and are sisters! It took a minute to connect that the University of Louisville went as far as honoring the Schimmel sisters and their heritage as this never happens on a scale like this. This is the first time in history where two American Indian sisters have made such an impact to lead a prestigious basketball program such as Louisville to a National Championship game. As soon as it took me to realize that the invitation to participate in the University's dedication to the Schimmel sisters was real I said, "I'm in." Hundreds of other tribal dignitaries, youth, and programs throughout Indian Country are attending the game and I couldn't be more honored to pay tribute to one of the most celebrated American Indian athletic accomplishments in history.
Upon our return home we'll be visiting the Wisconsin Governor's Conference on Tourism in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. I'll be participating in a roundtable discussion on Native Tourism in the State of Wisconsin. Historically, tourism has lacked in Indian Country for a number of reasons. Since the inception of reservations, Indian communities have been out of sight, out of mind and many people don't realize we still exist. Tribal Gaming has, of course, brought a flux of visitors to our communities, but tourism is more than Tribal Gaming. Coming from a Tribal community, I know firsthand of the rich and beautiful opportunities our communities can offer the world. It is an experience unlike any other to visit a Tribal community and I am extremely privileged to be able to travel and experience so many other Tribal communities. I feel a great sense of pride to be able to contribute to such a meaningful focus area for not only Wisconsin's Tribal communities, but the State of Wisconsin as well. I couldn't be more honored to represent such a beautiful community. I will be discussing the possibilities as well as benefits of highlight Native American artists and culture throughout the State based on my experiences with the International Institute of Wisconsin, Visit Milwaukee, and the World Flute Society's Inaugural Convention which is being held in Eau Claire, Wisconsin this summer. I am hosting as Master of Ceremonies and the Native American flute will be on center stage with enthusiasts from all over the globe. My workshop at Dillman's Bay Resort about the Native American flute has always been a vision of mine and, of course, I will discuss the planning and goals of the workshop on the Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe Reservation. My main goal is to expose visitors and those interested in American Indian culture in a genuine way, one that honors our heritage and our history - an experience one will remember. I'll also get to meet Jordy Nelson of the Green Bay Packers! I'm such a big fan and that alone is worth attending the conference. I'll post some pictures with smiles all around. Please visit www.wigcot.org for more information.
Also excited to announce, I'm going to be an "artist in residence" at the Indian Community School of Milwaukee for the remainder of the school year. It is with extreme humility and honor to be able to share that I've worked in any capacity with the next generation. My goals are to expose students to the instrument, share some of its uses in historical and modern society, instruct how the instrument is played and how to make songs, and personally develop as an instructor. For those unfamiliar with the Indian Community School of Milwaukee it is an amazing facility and an organization that boasts a vision that inspires the work I do, to develop a strong identity through teachings and ways of learning that are unique to American Indian people. I've also been given the opportunity to use the space to record my next album and I cannot tell you how excited I am to have studio space. You have to see the Indian Community School one day! To learn more about the school please visit www.ics-milw.org. I'll also be posting some photos as I work with such gifted and talented children.
On the horizon is the 20th Anniversary of the Anishinabemowin-Teg Language Conference in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. I will be delivering the children's program for the internationally attended Ojibwe language immersion conference. I've been spending a lot of time planning, practicing, and anticipating working with Anishinabe aabinoojiiyag (Ojibwe/Potawatomi/Odawa youth). Hundreds of champions of the Ojibwe Language Revitalization movement will be in attendance and I cannot emphasize how excited I am to showcase my community in such a way. Please visit www.anishinaabemowin-teg.org/ for more information.
So yes, we've been busy! Thank you so much for your time. If you haven't done so yet, please purchase a copy of "The Song of Flower" before they're all sold out. Red Notes is coming soon!
Baamaapii (Until next time!),
Darren Thompson
Earlier this month I received a phone call from a fellow Lac du Flambeau tribal member, Dr. Selene Phillips, at the University of Louisville asking if I would be interested in participating in the University's Native American Appreciation Night. Unfamiliar to exactly what that meant at that institution, I needed some clarity. And it turns out the University of Louisville has dedicated the last home game of the season to give thanks to the astounding contributions of two of their star players, who are both tribal members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla (Oregon) and are sisters! It took a minute to connect that the University of Louisville went as far as honoring the Schimmel sisters and their heritage as this never happens on a scale like this. This is the first time in history where two American Indian sisters have made such an impact to lead a prestigious basketball program such as Louisville to a National Championship game. As soon as it took me to realize that the invitation to participate in the University's dedication to the Schimmel sisters was real I said, "I'm in." Hundreds of other tribal dignitaries, youth, and programs throughout Indian Country are attending the game and I couldn't be more honored to pay tribute to one of the most celebrated American Indian athletic accomplishments in history.
Upon our return home we'll be visiting the Wisconsin Governor's Conference on Tourism in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. I'll be participating in a roundtable discussion on Native Tourism in the State of Wisconsin. Historically, tourism has lacked in Indian Country for a number of reasons. Since the inception of reservations, Indian communities have been out of sight, out of mind and many people don't realize we still exist. Tribal Gaming has, of course, brought a flux of visitors to our communities, but tourism is more than Tribal Gaming. Coming from a Tribal community, I know firsthand of the rich and beautiful opportunities our communities can offer the world. It is an experience unlike any other to visit a Tribal community and I am extremely privileged to be able to travel and experience so many other Tribal communities. I feel a great sense of pride to be able to contribute to such a meaningful focus area for not only Wisconsin's Tribal communities, but the State of Wisconsin as well. I couldn't be more honored to represent such a beautiful community. I will be discussing the possibilities as well as benefits of highlight Native American artists and culture throughout the State based on my experiences with the International Institute of Wisconsin, Visit Milwaukee, and the World Flute Society's Inaugural Convention which is being held in Eau Claire, Wisconsin this summer. I am hosting as Master of Ceremonies and the Native American flute will be on center stage with enthusiasts from all over the globe. My workshop at Dillman's Bay Resort about the Native American flute has always been a vision of mine and, of course, I will discuss the planning and goals of the workshop on the Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe Reservation. My main goal is to expose visitors and those interested in American Indian culture in a genuine way, one that honors our heritage and our history - an experience one will remember. I'll also get to meet Jordy Nelson of the Green Bay Packers! I'm such a big fan and that alone is worth attending the conference. I'll post some pictures with smiles all around. Please visit www.wigcot.org for more information.
Also excited to announce, I'm going to be an "artist in residence" at the Indian Community School of Milwaukee for the remainder of the school year. It is with extreme humility and honor to be able to share that I've worked in any capacity with the next generation. My goals are to expose students to the instrument, share some of its uses in historical and modern society, instruct how the instrument is played and how to make songs, and personally develop as an instructor. For those unfamiliar with the Indian Community School of Milwaukee it is an amazing facility and an organization that boasts a vision that inspires the work I do, to develop a strong identity through teachings and ways of learning that are unique to American Indian people. I've also been given the opportunity to use the space to record my next album and I cannot tell you how excited I am to have studio space. You have to see the Indian Community School one day! To learn more about the school please visit www.ics-milw.org. I'll also be posting some photos as I work with such gifted and talented children.
On the horizon is the 20th Anniversary of the Anishinabemowin-Teg Language Conference in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. I will be delivering the children's program for the internationally attended Ojibwe language immersion conference. I've been spending a lot of time planning, practicing, and anticipating working with Anishinabe aabinoojiiyag (Ojibwe/Potawatomi/Odawa youth). Hundreds of champions of the Ojibwe Language Revitalization movement will be in attendance and I cannot emphasize how excited I am to showcase my community in such a way. Please visit www.anishinaabemowin-teg.org/ for more information.
So yes, we've been busy! Thank you so much for your time. If you haven't done so yet, please purchase a copy of "The Song of Flower" before they're all sold out. Red Notes is coming soon!
Baamaapii (Until next time!),
Darren Thompson