Do you have a specific memory that stands out in your mind when you were young?
"I was born with it. My late mother and father taught me everything that is traditional."

How is your life different from your parents or grandparents?
"Culture tells me about everything, the wind, the rain, the sun, the morning dew, the evening down."

What traditions from the past do you still continue to practice?
"Tradition tells me I live with everything around me. My home, my livestock, my land and the water."

What was your impression on having your photograph taken?
"I am inspired to have my photo taken because the weaver has a lot of traditional Dine. Weavers today care for our grandkids and tells them all about our traditional ways."

What do you see for the future?
"I always pray for my self, my children, and my grandkids. We walk in beauty!"

Given name: Ruth Benally
Date of birth: August 26, 1923
Place of birth: in Hogan on Big Mountain
Tribe: Dine
Maternal clan: Mexican Clan, Red Tall House Clan
Paternal clan: Red Tall House

Do you have a specific memory that stands out in your mind when you were young?
"When I was four years old, my first trip in a wagon "buggy" to a trading post with my parents. I was with my older brother (6 years) and my little sister (2 years). It was spring time. My family had sheep and goats at home. My main happiness and joy was being around the little ranch with little lambs and little baby billy goats. Mostly, I liked a little brown puppy, a boy pup. He grew up and was a good sheepherder. A good strong dog and good defender of the sheep in keeping the coyote away. Then I learned to ride horses, and I found one that I liked, and he liked me also. I rode him for herding sheep, and fed him lots of corn that my parents raised. At the age of seven years, I went to school at Fort Defiance, Arizona."

How is your life different from your parents or grandparents?
"After going to school, I did not have much time to be with my parents. My mother died before I went to school. I only went back home in the summer for a while. Then my father married again. I had tuberculosis. I spent about three years in the hospital. I continued studying while in the hospital, but finally ran away back to my home. I helped my father and my stepmother for a couple years, then left and went back to the school. I was about 18 years old then. Finishing high school, I then went to college for one year. I married just before entering the army, and three years after getting married, my wife died."

What traditions from the past do you still continue to practice?
"Having seen some pueblo ceremonial paintings by Fred Kabotie (Hopi), for the first time at the Santa Fe Art Museum, I became interested in painting. In the year 1940, I began to study at the Santa Fe Indian Art School. The Santa Fe Indian Art School taught a lot of good Indian artists. Navajo, Apaches, Pueblos and other tribes learned Indian arts. Becoming well known are Allan Houser, Gerald Nailor, Ben Quintana, Joe Herrera, Quincy Tohoma and others. Art teacher, Dorothy Dunn (white woman) was a very good teacher and helped a great deal to promote Indian art, especially paintings. Now there are many good Indian artists, painters, sculptors, silversmiths and others. With the encouragement and help from the Navajo Tribal government, many Navajo artists have established their own studios or shops."

Native name: HASKAY YAHNE YAH
Given name: Harrison Begay
Date of birth: Not recorded. My parents did not have a calendar. They only know I was born in the fall of the year 1914. So my date of birth — I made it November 15, 1914.
Place of birth: Navajo County, White Cone, Arizona
Tribe: Navajo
Maternal clan: Zuni Clan, White Corn
Paternal clan: Walk Around Clan / Near Water Clan

Do you have a specific memory that stands out in your mind when you were young?
"I distinctly remember my father's advice in which he said, "When you meet a person, shake his/her hand firmly and then look him/her in the eye until he/she looks elsewhere." Also, he said, "Through and by education, learn the skill and profession of the non-Indian and you will be as good as he is in whatever he does." I kept this advice in mind in receiving my college degree and retiring from the federal service as an accounting supervisor."

How is your life different from your parents or grandparents?
"While I am still the same person, my style of life has radically changed. The struggle to exist for basic needs, such as, subsistence food, manual labor, lack of utilities in a one room Hogan, transportation by horse and wagon, no medical facilities being available, were difficult. After military service during World War ll and receiving academic training in college and moving off the Navajo reservation, I obtained the means to integrate into the contemporary life style. However, the rich native cultural and spiritual visions have enriched my life."

What traditions from the past do you still continue to practice?
"My childhood experience and exposure to the tribal cultural customs and traditions were ingrained and became part of me. This has given me a deeper appreciation of my parental influence and tribal traditions and customs. The urge to share the cultural influence has resulted in my starting a family performing arts Native American dance group. The group performs a variety of dances and songs for the public to inform the attendees of the origins, significance and purposes of the dances."

What was your impression on having your photograph taken?
"I was somewhat cautious because my photograph might be used for commercial use and sold for monetary purpose which would not benefit me. Later, I was assured that this was not the purpose, which calmed my suspicion."

What do you see for the future?
"By passing on my cultural background to my children and grandchildren, they will carry on the presentations of the dances to the public."

Native name: RODNEY KINTAI CHIINII
Given name: Rex Peter Redhouse
Date of birth: November 20, 1919
Place of birth: Teec Nos Pos, Arizona (near four corners)
Tribe: Dine, Navajo
Maternal clan: Bit'aanii
Paternal clan: Kontachiinii (The Redhouse Clan)

Do you have a specific memory that stands out in your mind when you were young?
"Herding sheep, climbing rocks, and helping to work the cornfields and just being a kid."

How is your life different from your parents or grandparents?
"They never really speak English and lived off the land, hauling water, growing corn, beans and squash."

What traditions from the past do you still continue to practice?
"Traditional prayers and medicine men."

What was your impression on having your photograph taken?
"I liked that we had a good time looking for places to take pictures. Near the Anasazi ruins where the pueblos lived in the canyon caves."

What do you see for the future?
"Working for National Geographic."

Native name: RAN OR WALK AROUND ANGRY
Given name: Eddie Draper
Date of birth: April 22, 1966
Place of birth: Ganado, Arizona
Tribe: Dine, Navajo
Maternal clan: Red Bottom Clan
Paternal clan: Water Flowing Together Clan

Do you have a specific memory that stands out in your mind when you were young?
"Government Boarding School, where we weren't allowed to speak Navajo. That experience stays with me always, some good, but mostly negative experiences."

How is your life different from your parents or grandparents?
"My parents still have no electricity or running water. I live in the city with all the amenities of modern life."

What traditions from the past do you still continue to practice?
"Mainly prayer, meditation and sweat lodge ceremonies."

What was your impression on having your photograph taken?
"When Mr. Auerbach approached me for my picture to be taken, I just agreed. I didn't fully understand his work."

What do you see for the future?
"Many of the things I saw and experienced as a child will not be the same experience as our children have. I am afraid some of the old traditions will not be carried on."

Given name: Jonathan (John) Thompson
Date of birth: February 5, 1962
Place of birth: Flagstaff, Arizona
Tribe: Navajo
Maternal clan: Kinyaanni (Towering Horse)
Paternal clan: Many Goats

Do you have a specific memory that stands out in your mind when you were young?
"I remember going to the trading post in the summer with my grandmother to haul water and buy hay for the horses. It felt like a long trip then, but it was only about twenty miles. The roads were very bumpy and dusty, and the whole time I remember thinking about buying candy. My grandmother usually gave me a couple dollars and I could sure make it go far, or so it seems when you are young. When we got there, I would go into the trading post and look around and talk to other kids who were there doing the same thing as me, hauling water, buying hay and food. It seemed like we were there forever, filling the water barrels took a long time. When my grandmother was done, I would help her load everything into the bed of the truck and we would get back on the road to head home. I remember that I was only allowed one or two pieces of candy because I had to make the rest of the money last until the next time we came back."

How is your life different from your parents or grandparents?
"There are vast differences in how I live today than how my parents and grandparents have lived their lives. I had a very strict Christian up bringing while I lived with my mother's family. We also had very little money on which to live. It was a very difficult life. I then lived with my father's side of the family and learned about the traditional ways of the Navajo people. My father was better off than my mother's family so some of the struggles I had experienced when I was very young were easier to deal with. When I went to high school in Flagstaff I learned about the non-native way of life and lived in the city for the first time. I have been living in Tucson for seven years and I have been exposed to many other cultures and people. I have become independent of my family, yet I still go home as often as possible. I find myself living with modern conveniences and the ability to explore more opportunities than what my parents and grandparents experienced."

What traditions from the past do you still continue to practice?
"There are many traditions that I incorporate into my daily life. One is my native language, that I use as often as I can. My language is very important to me because at home at Black Mesa, many relatives do not speak English. I must use my language to stay in touch with my family and culture. Another tradition I apply everyday is the use of prayers. Every morning I go outside and face the east and pray to the creator for the great blessings onto the four directions. Then, I go running, a tradition representing strength. Another Navajo tradition I follow is striving for the beauty way of life. This means that I always look forward everyday without looking back. I look for the good in all things, people, and situations, and treat others with respect. All of these things are very important to me in a traditional sense."

What was your impression on having your photograph taken?
"I was pleased with the overall experience of having my photograph taken. Gary made me feel very comfortable and I felt absolutely no pressure. I was at ease through the whole experience. I was very excited to see the finished results. When I saw the final platinum print it was quite amazing to see. I love the depth of the picture, the textures, and the realism. It reminds me of pictures of Native Americans from the past. Being photographed for such a project (Smithsonian) is very flattering. It made me feel very special and made me proud to be able to represent my people to potentially a vast number of other people from around the world. Also, having a photo that will last for such a long period of time makes me value it as something I can pass on to my family for generations to come."

What do you see for the future?
"I am very optimistic for the future. I see Native people earning more and more respect for who they are and for their history. I see more and more modernization of the reservations in terms of utilities, education, and infrastructure. I see recovery and relief from the mining industry in Black Mesa where my father and grandmother struggled to live a traditional life against the pollution and contamination the mines have created on the land. I see many more Native people getting out into the world and contributing to society as a whole, not just to their own people. For myself, I see success in whatever path I am guided down."

Given name: Tamara Lake
Date of birth: November 30, 1977
Place of birth: Tuba City, Arizona
Tribe: Navajo
Maternal clan: Red House Clan
Paternal clan: Born for the Bitter Water Clan
Year photograph was taken: 2003

Do you have a specific memory that stands out in your mind when you were young?
"I remember going to the trading post in the summer with my grandmother to haul water and buy hay for the horses. It felt likea long trip then, but it was only about twenty miles. The roads were very bumpy and dusty, and the whole time I remember thinking about buying candy. My grandmother usually gave me a couple dollars and I could sure make it go far, or so it seems when you are young. When we got there, I would go into the trading post and look around and talk to other kids who were there doing the same thing as me, hauling water, buying hay and food. It seemed like we were there forever, filling the water barrels took a long time. When my grandmother was done, I would help her load everything into the bed of the truck and we would get back on the road to head home. I remember that I was only allowed one or two pieces of candy because I had to make the rest of the money last until the next time we came back."

How is your life different from your parents or grandparents?
"There are vast differences in how I live today than how my parents and grandparents have lived their lives. I had a very strict Christian up bringing while I lived with my mother's family. We also had very little money on which to live. It was a very difficult life. I then lived with my father's side of the family and learned about the traditional ways of the Navajo people. My father was better off than my mother's family so some of the struggles I had experienced when I was very young were easier to deal with. When I went to high school in Flagstaff I learned about the non-native way of life and lived in the city for the first time. I have been living in Tucson for seven years and I have been exposed to many other cultures and people. I have become independent of my family, yet I still go home as often as possible. I find myself living with modern conveniences and the ability to explore more opportunities than what my parents and grandparents experienced."

What traditions from the past do you still continue to practice?
"There are many traditions that I incorporate into my daily life. One is my native language, that I use as often as I can. My language is very important to me because at home at Black Mesa, many relatives do not speak English. I must use my language to stay in touch with my family and culture. Another tradition I apply everyday is the use of prayers. Every morning I go outside and face the east and pray to the creator for the great blessings onto the four directions. Then, I go running, a tradition representing strength. Another Navajo tradition I follow is striving for the beauty way of life. This means that I always look forward everyday without looking back. I look for the good in all things, people, and situations, and treat others with respect. All of these things are very important to me in a traditional sense."

What was your impression on having your photograph taken?
"I was pleased with the overall experience of having my photograph taken. Gary made me feel very comfortable and I felt absolutely no pressure. I was at ease through the whole experience. I was very excited to see the finished results. When I saw the final platinum print it was quite amazing to see. I love the depth of the picture, the textures, and the realism. It reminds me of pictures of Native Americans from the past. Being photographed for such a project (Smithsonian) is very flattering. It made me feel very special and made me proud to be able to represent my people to potentially a vast number of other people from around the world. Also, having a photo that will last for such a long period of time makes me value it as something I can pass on to my family for generations to come."

What do you see for the future?
"I am very optimistic for the future. I see Native people earning more and more respect for who they are and for their history. I see more and more modernization of the reservations in terms of utilities, education, and infrastructure. I see recovery and relief from the mining industry in Black Mesa where my father and grandmother struggled to live a traditional life against the pollution and contamination the mines have created on the land. I see many more Native people getting out into the world and contributing to society as a whole, not just to their own people. For myself, I see success in whatever path I am guided down."

Given name: Tamara Lake
Date of birth: November 30, 1977
Place of birth: Tuba City, Arizona
Tribe: Navajo
Maternal clan: Red House Clan
Paternal clan: Born for the Bitter Water Clan
Year photograph was taken: 2003

Do you have a specific memory that stands out in your mind when you were young?
"I remember living out in the country in a frame house where in the winter we traveled by horse and sled to the round dance hall where we did our social drumming and dancing. During those early years as an innocent child, isolation from the dominant society allowed for deep introspection into who I was before I started going to structured schools."

How is your life different from your parents or grandparents?
"Like my parents and grandparents, I grew up adapting to rules of living from public school and Christian religion. During those early years I was distracted from practicing certain traditions and rituals but I was fortunate to have a father and mother who allowed me to return home at different times in my life to participate and learn ceremonial processes."

What traditions from the past do you still continue to practice?
"Early in my life I did not realize that I was being imprinted by the behavior and example of my grandfather who in his own quiet way schooled me in what it means to be respectful. That is hard to retain when those around you are taught that competition and conquest are more important than the Christian golden rule. As a rule of thumb today, I strive to stay teachable amidst a world bent on self-reliance through corporate global expansion. The old ways teach us the benefit of cooperation and peaceful co-existence, but it is hard to practice them when you have to live in two worlds."

What was your impression on having your photograph taken?
"Gary Auerbach and I met at a Pow Wow in 1999 on the San Carlos Indian Reservation where he asked me to pose for him with his Edward Curtis-style camera equipment. Even though the finished photographs speak for themselves, I have to commend the photographer for the sensitivity and devotion he has shown in seeing his subjects as real people. In our fast moving world, the traditions of Native Americans often go unnoticed and it is people like Gary Auerbach and others that take the time to show the rest of the world that American Indians continue to make a place for themselves in a changing world."

What do you see for the future?
"Our forefathers still whisper to us through the spirits that when the "sacred hoop is mended" then and only then will man be able to overcome the prejudice that has been around for a long time. And again, I heard it once said that to 'change the man is to change the world' but it takes one, then two and then more to bring this to pass."

Native name: Little Warrior
Given name: Gerald Robert (Bob) Red Elk
Date of birth: December 3, 1946
Tribe: Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda (Assiniboine), Blackfeet
Maternal clan: Mother Earth
Paternal clan: Father Sky (Star People)

Do you have a specific memory that stands out in your mind when you were young?
"Being sent out at age five with a limited amount of jerky and water. First time a full day at age five. One day and one night at age six. Three days and two nights at age seven. Four days and three nights at age eight. Five days and four nights at age nine. At age ten, I went to accomplish my first edible "kill". You had to find your own water source. My generation was the last to go through this ritual. The clan marked the cheeks of the child to prevent anyone in the tribe from helping the trainee during the ordeal."

How is your life different from your parents or grandparents?
"I have been assimilated into the white man's culture. It is difficult to follow the old Indian ways. Travel and transportation of any kind is no longer by horse and wagon. Barter was a way of life. We lived off the land. Courtships, marriage, childbirth were community efforts. Building homes, growing crops and rituals were events in the lives of my parents and grandparents."

What traditions from the past do you still continue to practice?
"I try to speak my language (Kickapoo) as much as I can. I was discouraged in trying to speak the language of my tribe when I was a youngster. I try to teach the new generation their tribal language. Keeping respect for the things in nature around me. Not to destroy animals for "sport". Only to take what is necessary to survive."

What was your impression on having your photograph taken?
"I felt honored to be able to represent my tribe. At 82 years of age, I am one of the oldest members of my tribe."

What do you see for the future?
"I am afraid man is polluting his own nest. There is no future unless he learns to respect the land, animals and his fellow men!"

Native name: KA—KEE—KE—TO-HA
Given name: Alexander Okemah
Date of birth: June 13, 1921
Place of birth: Harrah, Oklahoma
Tribe: Kickapoo
Maternal clan: Buffalo
Paternal clan: Bear

Do you have a specific memory that stands out in your mind when you were young?
"I was raised to be a well bred lady with good morals and much respected values. I have danced ballet, tap, and jazz since I was three. I often took piano lessons and enjoyed Girl Scout camp. But, when I was in sixth grade, I looked in the mirror and the image of myself had faded. I did not see myself as a "white" girl, with beautiful features. I saw myself with dark skin, and dark brown hair and it left me confused. I wonder whether other people saw me as an "Indian" or a "white" girl. On the inside, I was white, but on the outside I was Indian."

How is your life different from your parents or grandparents?
"I am adopted and was raised in a non-traditional atmosphere. As a young adult, a gentlemen friend by the name of Thomas introduced me to the Pow Wow world. Just barely eighteen I experienced the best summer of my life. In the fall of 1999, I was accepted to Haskell Indian Nations University and learned more about the Indian way of life than I can ever have imagined through any book."

What traditions from the past do you still continue to practice?
"While attending Haskell Indian Nations University, I began to learn how to dance, 'Fancy Shawl'. It's not a traditional dance. It is a contemporary move rather than for contest. The regalia worn by the dancer is represented by symbols of the dancer's tribe. I have also had the pleasure in participating in a peyote meeting while living on campus. I did make my entrance into the arena at the Kiowa Pow Wow and also had a giveaway."

What was your impression on having your photograph taken?
"When Gary took my picture I felt that he had captured me in a time of true love. I knew no boundaries of time because that is the way Thomas (my fiancé) made me feel. In one of my photographs, I am looking up at Thomas and I can't see his face because the sun was so bright. But I know every little detail of his face and at that particular moment he was a gentleman and I was a lady."

What do you see for the future?
"I am now engaged to a man from the Tohono O'odham tribe from Arizona. We have a beautiful daughter together and two sons that are wonderful. We plan to raise our children with all the knowledge of our people that will be passed on to their children. We value education and family and hope that one day our children will do the same."

Given name: Tiffany Sue Prater
Date of birth: May 7, 1978
Place of birth: Okeene, Oklahoma
Tribe: Cheyenne, Arapaho
Maternal clan: Bison Clan

Do you have a specific memory that stands out in your mind when you were young?
"Trust no one!" I am learning to get past that one. No real parental memories."

How is your life different from your parents or grandparents?
"I think I am a little smarter regarding technical items and live at a much faster pace. In some ways, my life is a little more dangerous."

What traditions from the past do you still continue to practice?
"Eating and giving thanks!"

What was your impression on having your photograph taken?
"It was nice to have a picture that will outlast me or my family. Sad though, that there are not too many of us left."

What do you see for the future?
"Tribal extinction. It is inevitable. Get all the pics now while you can, for we belong to a dying people."

Given name: Thomas Lee Tiger
Date of birth: November 23, 1972
Place of birth: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tribe: Euchi/Delaware
Maternal clan: Round Foot
Paternal clan: Eagle Clan

Do you have a specific memory that stands out in your mind when you were young?
"Family. There were eight boys and three girls in our family. We grew up as a "unit of oneness." Where the hurt of one is the hurt of all and the honor of one is the honor of all. Our parents guided us with kindness and compassion and took care of our basic needs, but also stressed upon us the importance of caring for one another. Secondly, since we lacked modern conveniences, we were able to use our imagination and be creative in our thinking — from making toys with rocks, hunting, developing games to being artistic."

How is your life different from your parents or grandparents?
"Three basic differences. Media, Mobility and Employment. Media enables us to know what the rest of the world is doing, current events, communications. Mobility, no longer confined to the Pueblo, able to travel places we only dreamt about. Attend schools, universities, access to shopping centers, etc. Employment, educational employment is available on the reservations through economic development programs or nearby cities/towns. This enables the majority to sustain a good standard of living. Unfortunately, as an agricultural people, we no longer farm or grow crops as before."

What traditions from the past do you still continue to practice?
"All things that were here before the Europeans arrived — songs, dances, ceremonies, rituals. We "ALL" pueblos live in two worlds. Adapting to the ways of the dominant society yet still maintaining all tribal ceremonies."

What was your impression on having your photograph taken?
"It is not only an honor for me, but for my family, my tribe, and native people. Mr. Auerbach is a person who I believe respects the way of life of our people. He made me feel important to represent our peoples; therefore, I didn't hesitate to work with him and his lovely assistant, Tamara."

What do you see for the future?
"Unfortunately, because of the inter-tribal and inter-racial marriages, the tribes are losing the native tongues and songs. This is simply because the first language learned is English. Secondly, the move of the US government to abrogate all treaties with Native Americans — we are in danger of losing our tribal rights and sovereignty."

Native name: THURR-SHUN (Sun Rising)
Given name: Joe L. Jojola
Date of birth: November 2, 1945
Place of birth: Isleta Pueblo Indian Reservation, New Mexico
Tribe: Isleta Pueblo
Maternal clan: Eagle People
Paternal clan: Earth People

Do you have a specific memory that stands out in your mind when you were young?
"Thinking about this photograph, I reflect on my memories of schooling here in Arizona. I attended a small rural public school in the town of Stanfield, Arizona. Stanfield was a cotton farming community made up primarily of Tohono O'odham, Mexicans, African-Americans and Anglo peoples. It was a diverse community and like many rural communities it had its own rules regarding segregation. This rural community, like so many others, was at times a difficult place to grow up in. It was a life of extreme poverty and hardship, but despite that, within our own individual communities there was strength and support. I like to think this support and strength helped a few of us to succeed in the outside world."

How is your life different from your parents or grandparents?
"My life now and my parents' lives are nearly worlds apart. My grandparents' lives might as well be in another universe. This is how far apart our lives are. My grandparents' home was in a small village in Sonora, Mexico. The village like all other O'odham homelands was a desert place. In contrast, I live in mid-town Tucson and all that entails, but at the same time I like to think I have a tether that always connects me to the way they lived. I have memories, ways of behaving, and ways of speaking that I get from their "worlds". So in some ways we are close enough to have many things that continue to connect my life to theirs. This is a good thing."

What traditions from the past do you still continue to practice?
"There are various traditions I continue to practice. Some are of a personal nature, which I will not say anything about. I can say though, that many of the traditions are highly influenced by the Catholic Church. I still observe events and practices around religious holidays and so forth."

What was your impression on having your photograph taken?
"This photograph was taken to commemorate my being awarded the prestigious MacArthur Foundation award in the summer of 1999. The photograph was taken to accompany an article about my award and the work leading up to it. This photograph was one of several that were taken as a result of this award.

What do you see for the future?
"Native Americans have always had struggles. The future I think will continue to offer struggles, struggles from without the tribal communities and from within. I think we acknowledge this as being a part of our existence here and so will continue to work at educating ourselves on the best ways to deal with these struggles."

Given name: Ofelia Zepeda
Date of birth: March 24, 1954
Place of birth: Stanfield, Arizona
Tribe: Tohono O'odham
Year photograph was taken: 1999

Do you have a specific memory that stands out in your mind when you were young?
"Yes, I do have a specific memory. I remember when I went to my grandma's house in Navajo Land. Over there she didn't have a rest room in her house. There was an outhouse outside. Outside the house there was a handle bar tied to a rope that was tied to a tree. I swung on it. That day she killed a sheep and we ate it; it was good. There was no electricity either. I was about eight years old."

How is your life different from your parents or grandparents?
"My life is different from my grandparents. They didn't have electricity at their house. They didn't have running water. They had to walk almost everywhere they went. Today, I have electricity, running water and a car, so I don't have to walk everywhere. I'm glad I live the way I live today."

What traditions from the past do you still continue to practice?
"I don't really actually practice traditions, but I do attend a Sunrise dance once in a while. I like Sunrise dances."

What was your impression on having your photograph taken?
"I wasn't into it in the beginning, but it got fun. We got to go to little streams, and other cool spots to take photographs. Now I enjoy when you take photographs of my family and I like the way all the photographs with the backgrounds are traditional like. They look awesome dude."

What do you see for the future?
"I see for my future that I will be a doctor or an artist like my dad. I will have a normal sized house and maybe one or two children. That is what I see for my future."

Given name: Rebekah Miles
Date of birth: August 9, 1992
Place of birth: Globe, Arizona
Tribe: San Carlos Apache / Navajo

Do you have a specific memory that stands out in your mind when you were young?
"When I was young, I watched my uncle oil paint on the riverside. The tourists used to buy his 5x8 paintings for a very small fee. I also helped my uncle in his shop (where I am now); he was the very first individual to have a shop at the Pueblo. I gained a lot of experience in working with people and meeting people from all over the world. Even now more."

How is your life different from your parents or grandparents?
"I got to see the better things in life. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to express myself through the many talents that were taught to me. The bread baking, various cookies, pies of different ingredients, the bead work in jewelry and dress. The pottery making and design and most of all the ability to better educate my mind in order to associate with people. This came at an early age of 14 when I started helping my uncle, Albert Lujan, at his studio. I have been in this business ever since."

What traditions from the past do you still continue to practice?
"I still participate in all our cultural activities within the community."

What was your impression on having your photograph taken?
"I'm used to people and tourists asking to take my picture; although they pay me a small fee. Sometimes I wonder if they sell or make money from my photos."

What do you see for the future?
"I hope that my family keeps up the traditions in this manner as a way of making extra money and also to teach their children the ways of our heritage."

Native name: OUTSTANDING DANCER WITH A FLOWER Given name: Crucita L. Romero
Date of birth: April 21, 1920
Place of birth: Taos Pueblo
Tribe: Taos Pueblo
Maternal clan: Lujan Family
Paternal clan: Conchs Family

Do you have a specific memory that stands out in your mind when you were young?
"Having a grand time. All I did was plant corn, squash, beans, wheat, pumpkin and alfalfa. Getting wood with a wagon and a team of horses."

How is your life different from your parents or grandparents?
"I think my life was almost the same as my parents and grandparents. They were very poor and I was too growing up. The grandparents were more strict and more old fashioned. No English was spoken. I ate on the floor like they did."

What traditions from the past do you still continue to practice?
"I still practice my traditional beliefs. I am the most spiritual and am a special believer in my traditions. I always carried out my beliefs and ways of life. When my children were growing up, I made sure we all ate on the floor. No paper plates, we ate with our pottery dishes."

What was your impression on having your photograph taken?
"Enjoyable! I have always liked to have my picture taken at any time or at any place. I enjoyed posing."

What do you see for the future?
"Nothing but trouble. They will be using airplanes for all the fighting. Our children are using drugs and alcohol and getting in trouble."

Given name: Teresino Jiron
Date of birth: December 8, 1900
Place of birth: Taos Pueblo
Tribe: Tiwa - Taos Pueblo
Paternal clan: Big Earring Clan