BhamMama said:
Very touching!
Nah-i ge-se-i u-le-tsu-ya-s-ti, Na-quu dv-ga. Aho!
translated from Cherokee, He was brave, now fly. That's on my own cousins gravestone, should be on all of theirs that come back.
BhamMama, That is very beautiful, so eloquently stated. I'm sorry for your cousin's passing, and yes, that sentiment would be appropriate on all Native American memorials.
OT, but I have always been intriqued (for lack of better word) in Native American dance and culture. Chief Hawk Pope, Peter Buffet and Robert Mirabal are my favorite collaborators/musicians. I own both of the Spirit vhs/dvd's...
-my favorite being
Spirit: A Journey in Dance, Drums, and Song (1998)
Introduced by Kevin Costner, over 80 performers bring Peter Buffett's multicultural rock and dance spectacular to life with a powerful performance that combines the dazzle of Broadway and the power of contemporary music with the dynamic songs, chants and dances of Native American culture. Spirit will take you on an incredible journey as we learn to experience and find joy in our culture with amazing dancers, gorgeous costumes and heart stopping rhythmic music.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0500130/
-also visually stimulating is the sequel
Spirit - The Seventh Fire celebrates and honors the rich culture of this Nation's first people through Native American music, dance, regalia and song. Employing universal motifs and themes, Spirit - The Seventh Fire's story is told through live concert, contemporary and traditional music, epic film including National Geographic Imax footage, spectacular Native dance and traditional heart-pumping Native drum group performances. The Omaha World-Herald has proclaimed Spirit " ... poignant, sad, uplifting, thrilling and powerful."
Spirit - The Seventh Fire tells the dramatic story of one man's journey to find a balance between the culture in which he exists, driven by the "American Dream," and his roots, rich in heritage, tradition and connected to the natural world. It is a journey of self-discovery that renews within him the mystery, beauty and spirit of his ancestors and brings him to a magical place where his past meets his present.
http://www.spirit7thfire.com/