Slide Show of Pictures and Video of what we briefly shot during the Morongo Days Event...
Thanks Goes out to Wally Antone and Walter Holmes for the Invitation along with the Great BBQ!

10th Annual Morongo Cultural Heritage Days June 22-24th 2012

Discovering Apache History at the White Mountain Apache Reservation... 2012

May 2012 visit to the White Mountain Apache Reservation. I travelled with Wally Antone and Walter Holmes, who were invited guests to the Sunrise Ceremony of Angie Andreas. Her father, Big John Andreas (Cahuilla/Apache), was the host, and the event was overseen by Apache Medicine Man Larold Pinal. We were guests of the Apache people during this important ceremony for Angie, and we were asked to film and document what we could of her coming-of-age ceremony, which will be shown in a separate documentary. During a break, my group visited Theodore Roosevelt Indian Boarding School, and I was inspired to do this video after coming face-to-face with the Apache side of my heritage and feeling like I wanted to capture the emotion of the moment.

     Music by the White Mountain Apache people, Chris Haigh (song: "Joining All Nations") and Royaltyfreemusic.com (song: "Best Kept Secret").

Angie Andreas Sunrise Ceremony 2012

 These men and women know their Apache language , traditions, rituals ,that have been passed down to them through countless generation of elders form their tribe to Practice these dances, songs, ritual ,....The Correct Way.

It goes to show you how a People who have never been defeated can hold on to their traditions their way without outside influence up to a point. It was shared with me and my elders Wally and Walter, that just like with our people in southern California... People are learning how to Sing their songs , BEFORE they know what it means in their Language.: " SOME of the young ones know how to sing it but they Don't know what it means.. we are trying to change that." Just like we are trying out here. These Apache people I visited with all spoke their language everywhere I was , and they are worried? I was surprised to hear that was even an issue. Apache Traditions are Strong , and Rich in their love for their people. I'm Glad I went on this Trip with Uncle Wally Antone and Walter Holmes,,, Because i never would have witnessed this beauty of my people... thanks!

Third night with Angie Andreas during her White Mountain Apache Sunrise Ceremony (all Video and pictures) overseen by medicine man Larold..(Quote from Albert Chacon) "It is amazing..that Apache medicine, language and traditions are strong and intact. Everywhere we went... This city boy heard nothing but Apache being spoken. Following Uncle Wally and Walter around with a camera showing us what they see while it happens Is a whole experience by itself that I have enjoyed... I believe all of us experienced something profound.. Something like a revitalisation ....Big John Andreas was a great host and proud father of the one Girl this whole one sunrise ceremony was for. His request was to share this experience with all... To show Apache culture... Is alive and well!"