Have you heard of Poo-Pourri?

You, too, can now be a proud party pooper!

I first heard about the stuff from my Mom about a year ago and figured it was another one of her strange Bed Bath & Beyond purchases.  Then, a few weeks ago, while browsing the Internet, I came across a hysterical ad for the product.  Like all of the commenters, I thought it was an amazing piece of marketing material…Unlike most commenters, I knew it was a real product.  After doing a bit more research, I saw that the Amazon product reviews were really great and the company behind this “magical, natural potion” was getting a lot of web traffic.  So, I decided to write a story about it (in a similar, witty/sarcastic tone and style) for Fusion (the new ABC/Univision joint-venture).  I hope you enjoy!

It’s well-established that women deal with issues deucing (yes, pooping!), especially in public restrooms. Whether it’s at school or at the office, women don’t tend to confidently stroll to the restroom like their male counterparts. Instead, women seek refuge in the furthest, least trafficked bathroom and flee the scene immediately. It’s so embarrassing for some women that the walk out of the bathroom has been referred to as “The other walk of shame.”

…to continue reading, please click here.

 

Please follow me @amystretten.

“Sopranos Azteca” – Hot New Video from A Tribe Called Red x Javier Estrada

Still from “Sopranos Azteca” by A Tribe Called Red x Javier Estrada

Just when you thought A Tribe Called Red couldn’t get any better, they come out with a fierce new music video with incredible Monterrey-based DJ Javier Estrada!

Not only did this collaboration produce “Sopranos Azteca” – a visual/musical feast for the eyes and ears, but they are promising that this is just the first video of a three-part series!  (I think I’ve died and gone to heaven!)

As Isabela Raygoza of Remezcla.com explains, this piece (like the majority of the group’s music videos) leverages more than just classic Hollywood fodder about Native people and intoxicating, hard-hitting, “pow wow stepping” beats:

“…it goes further into history highlighting today’s most common misconceptions about colonization. Dubbing the popular TV series The Sopranos, the characters discuss the meanings behind Columbus Day and the indigenous populations, bringing both sides of the debate to light: whether Columbus was a slave trader who inspired the genocide of indigenous people or a grand conquistador and hero to America. “

What I love most about ATCR (and other young, Indigenous artists I’ve come across in recent years) is their desire to both celebrate and honor Native traditions (be they music, visual imagery, stories, etc.) and push the conversation forward – carefully carving out a unique, creative presence into the foreseeable future.  We are just as relevant as ever thanks to musical pioneers like A Tribe Called Red.

***

If you’re in the Tri-State Area and are dying to experience an Electric Pow Wow, you should definitely be at SOB’s in New York City next Saturday (May 31st)!  A Tribe Called Red will be holding it down, representing Ottawa and Canadian Aboriginals (whether they know it or not!), so be sure to find a way to get there!

But, if you can’t make it to NYC, ATCR will be Pow Wow’ing in these other fine cities this summer:

May 26 Montreal – Eastern Bloc

June 01 Boston –  Good Life

June 19 Winnipeg – Winnipeg Jazz Festival

June 20 Regina – TBD

June 21 Edmonton – The Works Festival

June 22 Ottawa – Special Event

June 23 Peterborough – Ode’min Giizis Festival

July 08 Ottawa – RBC Ottawa Bluesfest

Aug 03 Montreal – Presence Autochtone

***

If you love Indigenous arts + culture stories like this one and are interested in news featuring rising creative Native minds from the US, Canada, and beyond, please consider signing up for updates on the launch of my newest project NativeRemix.com!  You will be notified via e-mail as soon as the site goes live!

We are still looking for more bloggers, videographers, and photographers, as well as artists to feature!  If you, or someone you know, would like their work published or promoted on NativeRemix, please e-mail editor@nativeremix.com.

Please follow us on twitter @TheNativeRemix and “like” us on facebook/NativeRemix!  (We also welcome any advertisers who would like to reach our audience.)

I hope to see you next week!

-NativeJournalist

NativeRemix.com has a new logo!

Thank you to everyone who entered my logo design contest at 99designs.com!  And, thank you to everyone who gave me their input on the designs I was considering!

Here is the design I have chosen…I hope you like it!

Click the photo to sign up for updates on the launch of NativeRemix.com!

NativeRemix.com is a multimedia arts + culture news site for Indigenous youth of the U.S. and Canada that is currently in development.  The site will feature work created by artistic Native talent from all parts of Indian Country with a focus on the younger, Indigenous audience.  

We are currently looking for writers/bloggers as well as Native artists (musicians, singers, DJs, dancers, painters, photographers, videographers, fashion designers, etc.) who would like to be featured on our site.  We also welcome advertisers who are interested in reaching our target audience.

If you, or someone you know, would like to be a part of NativeRemix.com, please send an e-mail to: editor@NativeRemix.com!

Please sign up for updates on our launch date at NativeRemix.com,  follow us on Twitter @TheNativeRemix, and “like” us on Facebook: NativeRemix!

Thank you again to everyone for your support thus far!

Have a wonderful weekend,

-NativeJournalist

A chance to win $200! & New Indigenous Arts + Culture News Site Launching Soon!

This photograph doesn't really relate to my project, but I adore it. (As you can see by my Twitter account: @amystretten)

As some of you may (or may not) know, I’m a Tow-Knight Center for Entrepreneurial Journalism fellow (please excuse the horrid photograph– I didn’t get to choose it!) and am creating a multimedia arts + culture Indigenous news site for Indigenous youth of the United States and Canada called NativeRemix.com.

Below is a video about our “pitch day” – when I won a seed grant to fund the project!

The mission of the site is to provide creative, culturally relevant content to Native youth, highlighting the growing international Indigenous artistic movement.  (So, instead of focusing on sad, depressing news – you know, those stereotypical stories EVERYONE has heard over and over again – we’ll focus on the inspiring, uplifting stuff.)  And, I’m lucky to have an amazing team of Native content producers on board to help me get this project off the ground!

NativeRemix.com will feature profiles on cutting edge Indigenous artists like Aboriginal DJ group A Tribe Called Red, singer/songwriter Kyra Climbingbear, rising fashion designer/artist Sho Sho Esquiro, burgeoning comedy group The 1491s, and accomplished “Thoshography” photographer Anthony “Thosh” Collins!

Those are just some of our ideas…We want your ideas, too!

The purpose of the site is to expand the platform Native artists currently have and be the “go to” place for creative Native content from all corners of Turtle Island!  We’re taking a for us/by us approach to reporting on the Native art world.

With that said, we’re still looking for writers, content producers, and advertisers.  If you want to share your take on the latest Native fashion trend or artistic movement in your community, send your thoughts to us at editor@nativeremix.com.  We welcome content submissions from any and all Native writers, bloggers, journalists, artists, and fans alike!  This is your opportunity to add your voice to the conversation and have people take note.

If you have a product or business (say, an Etsy store or t-shirt company) that you would like to advertise to Native youth (age 14-34) and the young at heart!, consider being one of our founding advertisers and e-mail editor@nativeremix.com for more information about incentives and our ad rates.

Please sign up for updates on the site and our scheduled launch date, by signing up at NativeRemix.com!  (You will be rewarded with a free A Tribe Called Red album download for doing so.)

…Please help us out and spread the word – Our success depends on you!

You can follow NativeRemix.com on Twitter (@TheNativeRemix) and “like” us on Facebook (FB/NativeRemix)!  Your support is much appreciated!!!
And, again: If you, or someone you know, would like to contribute to the site or be featured by one of our writers/content producers, please be in touch! E-mail editor@nativeremix.com to submit comments/questions/suggestions, story ideas, etc.

[NativeRemix.com = Native culture…Remixed!]

Now, for the important stuff…

So, how can you win $200?  It’s easy! – Just enter my contest at 99designs.com and create a winning logo for the NativeRemix brand!  If you’re not a designer, you could encourage a friend who is a designer to enter and split the winnings however you see fit!

I would LOVE for a Native designer to win, so please tell all of your friends to take a shot!

Have a great weekend…and good luck to anyone who enters!

-NativeJournalist

Just Announced: “A Tribe Called Red” Summer Tour Dates!

Ottawa-based Aboriginal DJ group, A Tribe Called Red, has just announced their upcoming Summer ’12 tour dates!  I am thrilled that they will be returning to New York City on May 31st for a performance at SOBs!  (I will definitely be there…let me know if you will, too!)

Here are the dates the group has scheduled so far.  I highly recommend you check them out!  An “Electric Pow Wow” is something everyone should experience at least once…if not regularly! 😉

May 3: Toronto – Drake Underground
May 4: Vancouver – W2 Café
May 12: Ottawa – Electric PowWow @ Babylon
May 26: Montreal – Festival Sight&Sounds @ Eastern Bloc
May 31: NY – SOBs
June 19: Winnipeg – Winnipeg Jazz Fest

Sign up for tour updates and newly scheduled shows on their Facebook events page.  I suggest you post a comment there and request a tour date for your city…people are already starting to do so!  Maybe ATCR will be able to stop by a venue near you!

Check out the profile piece I shot/produced/edited about A Tribe Called Red (featuring commentary from Native American arts + culture journalist, Vincent Schilling) and the growing “traditional Native culture remix” movement – I think I may coin this term 🙂 – after meeting up with the group during ImagineNative in Toronto last fall!

-NativeJournalist

Artist Profile: A Tribe Called Red

Check out my work-in-progress…

Ottawa-based DJ Trio, A Tribe Called Red, holds what they call “Electric Pow Wows” in various cities around Canada and the U.S. in an effort to celebrate and preserve their culture. We recently caught up with the group during a performance in Toronto. Here is Amy Stretten with the story.

-NativeJournalist

I’ll be at this year’s ImagineNative film + media arts festival next week!

I can’t wait to attend this year’s ImagineNative film and media arts festival in Toronto next week (October 19-23)!  It’s my first time going and I’m really looking forward to what’s in store. 🙂  I really miss Canada and my Aboriginal peeps up there!

While in Toronto, I’ll be filming the amazing DJ trio “A Tribe Called Red” during their performance at the opening night party for a project I’m working on.  I had the privilege of working with these guys on a package I did for APTN National News this summer about the controversy over an Irish showband called “The Indians.”  They really are incredibly talented!  Don’t take my word, though…check them out for yourself on soundcloud.

More to updates on ImagineNative to come!

-NativeJournalist

First Nations Performers Open 2010 Winter Olympics

Aboriginal dance groups performed during the opening ceremony

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Canada’s Indigenous communities helped open the 2010 Winter Olympics Friday night. Aboriginal performers danced during the entire march of nations for the games (which have been dedicated to luger Nodar Kumaritashvili of the country of Georgia, who died on impact in a horrific crash on the sliding track during a practice run at Whistler).

The excitement of the opening ceremony sharply contrasted the grief that many felt from the tragedy that occurred earlier in the day. There were more than 50,000 ticketholders in the stadium during the first ever Olympic opening or closing ceremony held indoors.

Approximately 2,500 athletes from 82 countries are participating in the games. First-time Winter Olympic medal contenders include the Cayman Islands, Columbia, Ghana, Montenegro, Pakistan, Peru, and Serbia.

-NativeJournalist

Native American Women in Film Series

LOS ANGELES, CA – This is SO exciting!! The Autry National Center and UCLA Film and Television Archive are holding a film series dedicated to the work of Native American women in film! I am SO going to this!

Native American Women in Film series
Sunday, January 24 2010, 2:00pm – 4:00pm

The Autry National Center and UCLA Film and Television Archive Present

Native American Women in Film

Special support provided by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

January 24 and February 21, 2010, 2:00 p.m.

Free with museum admission

The Autry National Center, in association with the UCLA Film and Television Archive and with special support provided by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, examines the portrayals of Native Americans in contemporary film through a two-part series. The screenings of shorts and feature films will include a discussion with Georgina Lightning (Cree), director of Older Than America (2007), and Irene Bedard (Inupiat Eskimo/Cree), actor in Edge of America (2003), about Native American women working in the film industry and the obstacles and opportunities for established and emerging Native American filmmakers. This film series is tied to the Autry’s upcoming exhibition, Home Lands: How Women Made the West, opening in April 2010.

Native American Women in Film Schedule

Sunday, January 24, 2010, 2 p.m.

Older Than America
(2007, 102 min.) U.S.
Director: Georgina Lightning (Cree)
Executive Producer: Audrey Martinez (San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians)
Producer: Christine Kunewa Walker (Native Hawaiian)
Actors: Adam Beach, Georgina Lightning, Wes Studi, and Tantoo Cardinal

This accomplished first feature explores a dark reality that has shaped generations of Native American experience cross the U.S. and Canada—the Indian boarding school. A woman’s haunting visions reveal a web of intrigue that reaches out from the past in a cry for justice and healing.

Goodnight Irene
(2004, 14 min.) U.S.
Director: Sterlin Harjo (Creek/Seminole)
Producer: Chad Burris (Chickasaw)
Actors: Casey Camp-Horinek, Robert Guthrie, Jon Proudstar

Two young men have a life-changing encounter with an elder in the waiting room of an Indian Health Service clinic.

Sunday, February 21, 2010, 2:00 p.m.

Edge of America
(2003, 105 min.) U.S.
Director: Chris Eyre (Cheyenne/Arapaho)
Writer and coproducer: Willy Holtzman
Produced by Showtime Productions
Actors: James McDaniel, Wes Studi (Cherokee), Irene Bedard (Inupiat Eskimo/Cree), Delanna Studi (Cherokee), Eddie Spears (Lakota), Geri Keams (Navajo), and Tim Daly

Inspired by a true, made-in–New Mexico story, this upbeat feature follows a girls’ high school basketball team as they learn how to win. Led by their coach, the girls discover the values of passion, dedication, and discipline as they climb from the bottom of their division to compete for the state title. Edge of America was the opening night film at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, and it tells a story about cross-cultural communication, the values of community and commitment, and the thrill of victory.

Horse You See
(2007, 8 min.) U.S.
Director: Melissa Henry (Navajo)
In Navajo with English subtitles.

Ross, a Navajo horse, explains the very essence of being himself.

Museum admission is $9 for adults, $5 for students and seniors 60+, $3 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for Autry members, veterans, and children 2 and under. Admission is free on the second Tuesday of every month.

Location: 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Contact: (323) 667-2000

For more information, click here.

Enjoy!
-NativeJournalist

Google (and the world) celebrates Michael Jackson’s birthday

Today's Google logo is a tribute to Michael Jackson

The King of Pop is again remembered by what is decidedly the most well known search engine on the world wide web: Google.com! Google changed the double-Os in it’s name to an image of Michael Jackson’s feet with his famous sparkling white socks and black penny loafers

On a side note…Yesterday I had the chance to meet choreographer and director Kenny Ortega who was directing Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” concert, but is now directing the film with the same title as a tribute to the work and legacy of the King of Pop. I’ve heard there will also be some moments here and there in the film that show the softer, human side of Michael Jackson. (I hope I will get to see it in theatres!) Yesterday I also met Michael Jackson’s old personal assistant and assistant to Ortega since 2007, James Phares, who shared with me some very touching memories of Michael Jackson. He told me how thoughtful, sensitive, and loving he was with all those he came in contact with.
Read more about Kenny Ortega and his work at his website.

While I was never lucky enough to meet Michael Jackson, I have been a huge fan of his since I was a little girl. I used to dress up in this weird color-block outfit that was black on one side and white on the other and match my shoes and socks (and hairbands even!) and perform “Black or White” for my family in our living room. I loved that video because it was the only pop video I knew of that blended so many scenes from cultures from around the world (not just those representing “black” or “white”), including my own. Seeing Native Americans dancing in a music video (not to mention Michael Jackson’s music video!) made me feel as the only-Indian-girl-at-her-school-practically-her-whole-life, like my culture and I mattered. My people were not just worthy of respect, but we were cool, too! Michael Jackson has meant a lot to me throughout my life not just because he is the best performer to ever live, but because of where he stood with the human rights movement, bridging the gaps between so many different peoples, and continually poking holes through the racial glass ceiling. He will always be my hero and my inspiration to dare to dream the impossible. I love and miss you Michael…Happy Birthday!

Check out Michael Jackson’s website here.

I’ll leave you with what I think is one of Michael Jackson’s best videos!