Three Indian artists selected as NEA's National Heritage Fellows

Friday, August 22, 2014  

A Mohawk basketweaver, an Odawa quillworker and an Omaha singer have been named National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Henry Arquette. Photo by Martha Cooper Photo / TAUNY Archives

Henry Arquette is a member of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe of New York. He learned to make baskets from his father and grandfather out of black ash trees.

Yvonne Walker Keshick. Photo from NEA

Yvonne Walker Keshick is a member of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians in Michigan. She comes from long line of Odawa/Ojibwa quillworkers and is known for her intricate pieces that utilize traditional tribal symbols.

Rufus White. Photo from NEA

Rufus White is a member of the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska. He is the keeper of the tribe's traditional songs and leads a drum group.

"Today these artists' passion for their art can be seen both in their long and dedicated careers and their willingness to share their knowledge with new audiences," NEA Chairman Jane Chu said in a press release.

Arquette, Keshick and Wright honored at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., on September 17 and at a concert on September 19.

Get the Story:
Member of Omaha Tribe earns NEA's top honor (The Omaha World-Herald 8/21)