INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' VOICE

Doreen Bennett Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngati Raukawa, Te Arawa and Te Wainuiarua. My life’s work is reflected my belief to restore traditional values, beliefs and practices as the basis for our Maori families to forward in today’s world.
Mashu White Feather of the Chickamauga, Ani Gaduwa Tsalagi (Cherokee) and also Osage. 

Our guest tonight - Melanie Tallmadge Sainz

Melanie Tallmadge Sainz (Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin) is a visual and performing artist, cultural arts presenter, and social justice advocate. She currently holds the title of Founding Director of Little Eagle Arts Foundation, an incubator for new and emerging Native artists that promotes the arts, creativity, and community. Melanie’s professional experiences include Education Specialist at The Heard Museum, Education Assistant at the Arizona Community for the Arts, Art Department Chair at Phoenix Country Day School, and professional teaching artist for Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona. Melanie is married to jazz bassist Felix Sainz, Jr. and mother to their two adult children, Amado and Felisia Sainz.

Melanie held the title of Miss Indian America XXVI in 1980, and she earned her BFA and post-graduated coursework in Art Education from Arizona State University, and a Minority Business certificate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her art has received awards at the University of Wisconsin, The Heard Museum, William King Regional Arts Center, Southern Highland Craft Guild, American Indian Contemporary Arts Gallery, and The Eiteljorg Museum. Her work is dedicated to the human virtues of physical, mental, spiritual and emotional balance and encourages others live in harmony with all living things.