(Oraibi Hopi Village, Northern Arizona, now abandoned. Public Domain photo.)
I was blessed with the opportunity to work with the Native American tribes in Northern Arizona when I worked in Flagstaff: Navajo, Hopi, Apache, and Supai. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Not only did I work with them in a medical capacity, but also as a psychiatric nurse. I met a lot of wonderful people, a lot of talented artists, and learned a lot about Native American culture.
Hopi/Tewa artist Duane Koyawena. Photo from Arizona Daily Sun.
Duane was one of my co-workers. He is not only an incredible artist, but a beautiful human being. Here’s an example of his work:
This painting won 1st prize in Fine Arts, Tahisma Art Show.
In 2017, I commissioned Duane to create a painting for my daughter for Christmas, which she loves. If you are interested in Duane’s work, please visit his website:
He also paints fabulous murals for community and corporate interior and exterior design.
A musical tribute to Native Americans all across America: a blend of Native American instruments and voices with western instruments and music. This clip features Gods & Heroes, Dela Dela, and A-La-Ke. Length: 9:55 minutes and worth watching for the music and the artwork.
Gathering of Nations Pow Wow in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A National Geographic video by Keeley Gould. 700 tribes gathered over 3 days to celebrate Native American cultural heritage. Length: 4:10 minutes and worth watching for the information and dancing.(Havasu Falls, Havasupai Indian Reservation. Photo by M. Quinn)
Dawn Pisturino
November 22, 2021
Copyright 2021 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.
[…] enjoy. I wouldn’t have even thought of it but I was reminded of it when I saw a post on dawn pisturino’s blog about her time in nearby Flagstaff. Call me crazy but if you look at the artwork in packaging and […]
WOW, what a beautiful tribute Dawn. 🙏🏽 Oh girl, what a blessing it is to learn about the diverse cultures within our nation’s melting pot. I hope to get back out to the southwest again one day. My husband and I were only in the area for a week and there was so much we didn’t get to see and do. PBS had a wonderful documentary about the many tribes of the land way before it became the U.S.A. Oh, how fascinating.
Yet, having first-hand experience is a treasure that I am sure you will always cherish. Thanks so much for sharing a memory from an experience that many people do not talk about nor know about. 👏🏼💖🦋🎨🎶✨🥂
Thank you Dawn. We are certainly looking forward to getting back out that way. I agree with you that the short time we were out there, we felt that special spiritual quality you speak of. It’s a different flavor from the east coast, which we are accustomed to. I love learning about culture and customs that bring us together in such a strong and profound way. I appreciate you girlfriend! 🤗🙏🏼😍
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Dawn Pisturino's Blog 
you are great a lot of experience and knowledge please share with me about experience
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I will keep posting about my experiences! And thank you for posting about your experiences as a magpie farmer!
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there is no effective choice in old age other than raising livestock with minimal capital
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You are the first person to inspire me. thank you… wish you the best
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You’re very kind. Thank you!
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Nice ❤️
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Hey Dawn your post reminded me how much i liked that southwest/Navajo style artwork so I’m throwing up a post on it.
That would have been an interesting time for you.
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Yes, it is beautiful artwork! And I’ve met so many Native Americans who are naturally great artists! I look forward to your post.
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[…] enjoy. I wouldn’t have even thought of it but I was reminded of it when I saw a post on dawn pisturino’s blog about her time in nearby Flagstaff. Call me crazy but if you look at the artwork in packaging and […]
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WOW, what a beautiful tribute Dawn. 🙏🏽 Oh girl, what a blessing it is to learn about the diverse cultures within our nation’s melting pot. I hope to get back out to the southwest again one day. My husband and I were only in the area for a week and there was so much we didn’t get to see and do. PBS had a wonderful documentary about the many tribes of the land way before it became the U.S.A. Oh, how fascinating.
Yet, having first-hand experience is a treasure that I am sure you will always cherish. Thanks so much for sharing a memory from an experience that many people do not talk about nor know about. 👏🏼💖🦋🎨🎶✨🥂
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Yes, there is a lot to see and do, and there is a special spiritual quality about the Southwest. I hope you and your husband do come back, Kym!
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Thank you Dawn. We are certainly looking forward to getting back out that way. I agree with you that the short time we were out there, we felt that special spiritual quality you speak of. It’s a different flavor from the east coast, which we are accustomed to. I love learning about culture and customs that bring us together in such a strong and profound way. I appreciate you girlfriend! 🤗🙏🏼😍
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Thank you, Kym, and I’m glad we met on WordPress. You have so much wisdom and compassion!
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A beautiful post, Dawn. I had the pleasure of attending a Powwow in Prescott before the pandemic.
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I bet that was a wonderful experience!
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It was amazing. 🌞
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This is awesome!
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Thank you very much!
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What a beautiful post. I bookmarked it to look at the art and videos more thoroughly when I have more time.
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Thank you very much!
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A beautiful blog. I’d like to reblog it! Uta
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If you want to reblog or link, that’s fine with me! Thank you!
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Thank you! 🙂
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Very nice!
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Beautiful. But the horror of what was done can never be forgotten.
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