Flute Tales:

The Native American Flute (http://www.worldflutes.org/) has become enbedded in my heart, writings and presentations. I use my flutes to tell stories that my audiences enjoy hearing because many are their stories. Here is an overview of how one of these Flute Tale presentations unfold.

I begin with an honour song for my Kokum. I ask my listeners to stand. For that song, I like to play an old NA classic such as the Lakota flute song. I often open on one of my Swampfox flutes (http://swampfoxflutes.com/). Migizi, pictured here, is one of seven spectacular flutes Swampfox created and performs on in our book The Seven Sacred Teachings.

I then touch on the history of musical instruments...the drum, the rattle..and the flute...bone, antler, clay and wood. I share my Billy Crowbeak (http://www.woodpeckercreationsflutes.com/) elk antler flute shown here.

The NAF (Native American Flute) has carved its place in history as well as in legend. Some legends touch on the flute itself while others are merely enhanced by its haunting beauty.

The first story I share is aptlyThe First Flute. This story, or a variation of it, is shared by many Nations. I had wanted to tell it from the time I fell in love with the flute . And I wanted to feature the art of Ojibway/Cree artist Keith Nolan since I discovered his work three years ago (http://www.keithnolanart.com/). All I needed was for my Kokum to move me... Friend and flute maker Brent Haines (http://www.woodsounds.com/) introduced me to Jan Michael Looking Wolf (http://lookingwolf.com/) over the phone one sunny afternoon as I toured through central Alberta. Jan Michael, Kalapuya, is an accomplished flutist. My Kokum brought us together and the rest is soon to be history. The First Flute is being published by Red Deer Press. ...The flute I tell this story by is one of Dale's of Fallen Branch Flutes (http://fallenbranch.com/index.html). These are a few lines from our book and the flute shown here is one of Keith's paintings...

There was a boy whose name was Dancing Raven. Dancing Raven lived on the plains - somewhere east of here.

There was nothing remarkable about where Dancing Raven lived…a few hills framing the skyline...a shady village next to a rambling brook… And there was nothing remarkable about his village…scattered teepees…foraging dogs …tethered horses.

There was nothing remarkable about where he lived, however there was something remarkable about Dancing Raven.

Dancing Raven was a dancer. He danced all the time. When other boys were off learning to hunt or trap, Dancing Raven would be found near the creek… dancing. When other boys were out on the plains playing lacrosse or wrestling, Dancing Raven would be found near the creek…dancing. When other young men began wooing the maidens of their hearts' desires, Dancing Raven would be found near the creek…dancing. Though he was brave in battle and capable of leading the buffalo hunt, Dancing Raven preferred dancing. It was said that he was born with a hand drum for a heart and the song of Lark guiding his spirit....

The second story I share is a story of how things came to be, Raven's Greatest Creation. This story is rooted in legends of the west coast and highlighted with overtones of eastern, Ojiebwe/Chiippewa tellings (those of my Grandfathers). Whether Raven created us or was merely the Creator's messenger is not important. What is important is that we originate from somewhere special and that we each have a unique gift. The flute through which I share Raven's Greatest Creation is THE most spectacular flute artistically crafted by Brigitte and Mac Lopaz (http://www.whirlwindstudios.com/index.htm). Raven's Greatest Creation will feature Brigitte's art and Mac's flute playing. Here are a few lines and a look at one of Brigitte's spectacular paintings..."to keep his daughter company..."

It All Began When…

…Creator's daughter fell from heaven toward the Great Waters below.

Two magnificent swans caught and lowered her onto the back of a giant Turtle.

She soon fell in love with the water dwellers and they, with her. One by one, these dove into the depths of the waters in an attempt to fetch her land on which she might live. All failed but for the little water rat who returned with a fistful of earth that grew into Turtle Island.

To keep his daughter company, Raven dreamed and then created four-leggeds, flyers and crawlers.

Then, Raven created his best work ever....

Mary Racet, one of my Grandmothers, was Menominee. Though I know little to nothing about her/our people, I am learning. One our stories is of how fire came to Turtle Island. I tell that story through one of Billy Crowbeak's flutes (http://www.woodpeckercreationsflutes.com). I am working with the talented David Jean (http://www.angelspeak.ca/) on this upcoming book. David is painting a series of drums that will serve as the illustrations for the telling. Here is an excerpt:

Before two leggeds walked on Mother Earth, winter had taken hold of everything. Life had become impossible. Deep, cold snow covered every corner of Turtle Island. It was at that time that four leggeds, swimmers, crawlers and flyers gathered for a Great Council.

Someone was heard to say, "We are going to die. Unless someone goes to Creator for help, we will not live through this winter. The cold is harsh and the snow is too deep to find food."

Bear spoke softly yet all heard. "Before we approach our Creator, let us be clear about what we know. We know Creator is giving. Creator has given us everything we have. For that, we are thankful. We know Creator is forgiving. Even though we make mistakes, Creator continues to provide for us. For this, we give thanks. And we know that Creator loves music. Nothing is more innocent and pure than song. Again, we give thanks."

My next story is Beneath Raven Moon... It is another testimony to my good fortune as a writer. The book will be released in the spring of 2010. My partners in this are artist Andy Everson (http://www.andyeverson.com/andy.html) of the K'omoks and Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations and Mary Youngblood (http://www.maryyoungblood.com/). Andy was my partner in I am Raven that won the 2008 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards Gold Medal for best Multicultural Picture. Here is an excerpt:

Have you ever heard of Woodpecker Moon? Of course you haven't.

Have you ever heard of Blue Jay Moon or Prairie Chicken Moon? Of course not. They don't exist.

However…if you ever find yourself beneath Father Sky on a quiet, endless night when Grandmother Moon surrounded by All Your Relations the stars is at her fullest, you had better watch out! Because then, you will find yourself under the power of the Matchmaker! Then, you will be beneath Raven moon.

For this telling, I share a modified Crowbeak flute. My good friend, Metis artist Dennis Weber, painted Grandmother Moon on a ball that serves as the bird on Billy's beautiful flute.

I have no idea where my Kokum will lead me next. I am a little anxious and I am grateful to all those flute makers and performers who inspire me on my journey.

Here are pictures of a few more of my flutes.