Realest Natives

04/04/2025

Vera Spokane, Susie Kop-Lops. Umatilla. 1900

04/04/2025

I Wear Red For My Sisters!
Congratulations - Lily Gladstone for being the first Native Indigenous Blackfeet/Nimíipuu Female in its eighty one year history, to win the Best Actress at the Golden Globe Awards for her role in "Killers of the Flower Moon!"
❤️Get tshirt here 👇
https://usaprintstees.com/campaign/6mmiw
"The villains are fairly obvious in “Flower Moon,” but Scorsese asks audiences to take a wider look at systemic racism, historical injustice and the corruptive influence of power and money, intriguingly tying together our past and present." ~ Brian Truitt,
"Gladstone, in the rare Scorsese film that gives center stage to a female character, is the emotional core here, and it's her face that stays etched in our memory."
~ Jocelyn Noveck
“This is for every little Rez kid, every little urban kid, every little Native kid out there who has a dream and is seeing themselves represented in our stories told by ourselves, in our own words..." ~ Lily Gladstone
"We Are Still Here!" 🪶
Lily Gladstone supported
I think you will be proud to wear this Awesome T-shirt 👇👇
https://usaprintstees.com/campaign/6mmiw

04/04/2025

Happy 80th Birthday, Danny Trejo!
Danny Trejo, born on May 16, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, is a renowned American actor (of Mexican descent) known for his distinctive appearance and frequent roles as a villain in many action and crime films. Having endured a difficult childhood and many years in prison for drug-related and violent offenses, Trejo found a way out through participating in rehabilitation programs and becoming a boxing champion in prison.
Get yours tee: https://prideteeus.com/dreamshirt
His acting career began by chance when he was invited to be a drug counselor for a film, leading to many small roles and eventually major roles in films like "Desperado," "Heat," "From Dusk Till Dawn," and "Machete."
Besides his acting career, Trejo is also a successful entrepreneur with a chain of restaurants, Trejo’s Tacos and Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts in Los Angeles. He actively participates in charitable activities, particularly helping those struggling with drug addiction, using his life experiences to become a motivational speaker and advisor, positively impacting the community.
Danny Trejo's contributions to indigenous culture are significant. With his Mexican heritage, he takes pride in his cultural background and often uses his platform to raise awareness about the issues faced by indigenous and Latino communities. Trejo participates in numerous projects and events that support and honor indigenous culture while promoting the preservation and development of traditional values. He also leverages his fame and influence to advocate for the rights of marginalized communities, contributing to building a fair and respectful society that embraces cultural diversity.
Danny Trejo is not only an icon in the entertainment industry but also an active advocate for indigenous communities and their cultural values, consistently striving to make a positive difference in society.
I think you will be proud to wear this Awesome T-shirt 👇👇
https://prideteeus.com/dreamshirt

04/04/2025

"They must give themselves to Wakan' Tanka and live a spiritual life. They will have the peace that frees them from fear." --Frank Fools Crow, LAKOTA There are two wills available for us: self will and God's will. Our choice is: figure it out ourselves, or have the Creator involved in our lives. If we are honest with ourselves and look at past experiences, what are our lives like when we try to figure it out ourselves? Is there fear, confusion, frustration, anger, attacking others, conflict, fault finding, manipulation, teasing others, belittling others or devaluation? If these things are present, they indicate that we are choosing self will. What is it like if we turn our will over to the Creator? What are the results if we ask the Great Spirit to guide our life? Examples are: freedom, choices, consequences, love forgiveness, helping others, happiness, joy, solutions, and peace. Which will I choose today, self will or God's will? Creator, I know what my choice is. I want You to direct my life. I want You to direct my thinking. You are the Grandfather. You know what I need even before I do. Today I ask You to tell me what I can do for You today. Tell me in a way I can understand and I will be happy to do it.

04/04/2025

Little Crow and brother. Crow. 1880s. Photo by L.A. Huffman

04/04/2025

I Wear Red For My Sisters!
Danny Trejo, born on May 16, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, is a renowned American actor (of Mexican descent) known for his distinctive appearance and frequent roles as a villain in many action and crime films. Having endured a difficult childhood and many years in prison for drug-related and violent offenses, Trejo found a way out through participating in rehabilitation programs and becoming a boxing champion in prison.
Get yours tee: ( https://usaprintstees.com/campaign/native20 )
His acting career began by chance when he was invited to be a drug counselor for a film, leading to many small roles and eventually major roles in films like "Desperado," "Heat," "From Dusk Till Dawn," and "Machete."
Besides his acting career, Trejo is also a successful entrepreneur with a chain of restaurants, Trejo’s Tacos and Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts in Los Angeles. He actively participates in charitable activities, particularly helping those struggling with drug addiction, using his life experiences to become a motivational speaker and advisor, positively impacting the community.
Danny Trejo's contributions to indigenous culture are significant. With his Mexican heritage, he takes pride in his cultural background and often uses his platform to raise awareness about the issues faced by indigenous and Latino communities. Trejo participates in numerous projects and events that support and honor indigenous culture while promoting the preservation and development of traditional values. He also leverages his fame and influence to advocate for the rights of marginalized communities, contributing to building a fair and respectful society that embraces cultural diversity.
Danny Trejo is not only an icon in the entertainment industry but also an active advocate for indigenous communities and their cultural values, consistently striving to make a positive difference in society.
I think you will be proud to wear this Awesome T-shirt 👇👇
https://usaprintstees.com/campaign/native20

Native America MMIW Awareness - I Wear Red For My Sisters T-Shirt Copy Copy Copy Copy Copy shirts, apparel, posters are available at Usaprintstees

04/04/2025

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗘. 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘀, nominated by his granddaughter, was inducted into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame. His chuckwagon photograph was taken in northcentral Montana, 1902-08. Morris gained fame as a publisher, selling millions of photo postcards. His cards of C.M Russell images helped expose the Montana artist to a larger audience.

Another influential photographer was inducted in 2023: Miles City photographer L.A. Huffman is now in the MCHF, based on my nomination. I used Photoshop to improve sharpness and clean Morris’s photo a bit. If using a PC, click to clarify and enlarge. -Gary Coffrin

04/03/2025

Others don't seem to be interested in our excuses - they merely want performance. Alibis for lack of service, lack of ability to give a full measure of trust make a bad servant. And we are all servants, serving each other in one way or another. It is an unhappy one who is not depended upon for something. There is great satisfaction in being needed, even to the point of doing more than one is capable of. English divine Sidney Smith once wrote, "Try to make at least one person happy every day, and then in ten years you may have made three thousand, six hundred and fifty persons happy, or brightened a small town by your contribution to the fund of general enjoyment." We cannot move a step upon this earth without finding someone to serve. And as we serve each day, we never stop to consider how many we've made happy; but it should be very vivid in our minds how many we've made unhappy.

04/03/2025

Semeo or Umatilla Jim, Warm Springs, photo by Charles M. Bell, Washington, D.C. 1877

04/03/2025

Gil Birmingham is an American actor of Native American descent, born on July 13, 1953, in San Antonio, Texas, USA. He is of Comanche heritage and is well-known in the film and television industry with a career spanning many years.
❤️ Get your t-shirt: https://usaprintstees.com/campaign/i-wear-red0
Birmingham has appeared in numerous notable films and television shows. Some of his notable roles include Billy Black in the "Twilight" series, Albert Hosteen in "House of Cards," and Thomas Rainwater in "Yellowstone." He has also been involved in projects such as "The Lone Ranger," "Hell or High Water," and "Wind River."
A standout event in Gil Birmingham's career is his role in the "Twilight" series. Portraying Billy Black, a Quileute Native American and the father of a key character in the story, Birmingham attracted the attention of audiences and received much praise for his acting. This role helped him become an icon in the Native American community and garnered widespread recognition in the film industry. Birmingham has been vocal about the need for authentic portrayals of Native American characters and stories in film and television.
He has used his platform to raise awareness about the lack of representation and stereotypes faced by indigenous actors in Hollywood. Birmingham has spoken at various events and participated in discussions aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry.
Additionally, Birmingham has been involved in initiatives supporting indigenous youth and communities. He has worked with organizations focused on education, cultural preservation, and empowerment for Native American youth.
Overall, Gil Birmingham's advocacy work and efforts to promote indigenous representation in the media have been significant in addressing issues of misrepresentation and underrepresentation faced by Native American communities in Hollywood
Gil Birmingham is an American actor of Native American descent, born on July 13, 1953, in San Antonio, Texas, USA. He is of Comanche heritage and is well-known in the film and television industry with a career spanning many years.
Birmingham has appeared in numerous notable films and television shows. Some of his notable roles include Billy Black in the "Twilight" series, Albert Hosteen in "House of Cards," and Thomas Rainwater in "Yellowstone." He has also been involved in projects such as "The Lone Ranger," "Hell or High Water," and "Wind River."
A standout event in Gil Birmingham's career is his role in the "Twilight" series. Portraying Billy Black, a Quileute Native American and the father of a key character in the story, Birmingham attracted the attention of audiences and received much praise for his acting. This role helped him become an icon in the Native American community and garnered widespread recognition in the film industry. Birmingham has been vocal about the need for authentic portrayals of Native American characters and stories in film and television.
He has used his platform to raise awareness about the lack of representation and stereotypes faced by indigenous actors in Hollywood. Birmingham has spoken at various events and participated in discussions aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry.
Additionally, Birmingham has been involved in initiatives supporting indigenous youth and communities. He has worked with organizations focused on education, cultural preservation, and empowerment for Native American youth.
Overall, Gil Birmingham's advocacy work and efforts to promote indigenous representation in the media have been significant in addressing issues of misrepresentation and underrepresentation faced by Native American communities in Hollywood...🧡🧡.
❤️ I think you will be proud to wear this Awesome T-shirt 👇👇
https://usaprintstees.com/campaign/i-wear-red0

04/02/2025

SAMSON MEDICINE'S DAUGHTER was the likely inscription, since Samson Medicine, circa 1876 to 1944, was living on Montana’s Northern Cheyenne Reservation. The girl may be Jennie Medicine, reportedly 1902-1998. Photo dated from 1906-07. There were cowry (cowrie) shells on the girl’s dress, not elk teeth. (Click image to enlarge.)

BEFORE/AFTER. Photo #1 shows the original appearance of the small photograph, which had a soft focus. Photo #2 is the result of work in Photoshop. Another hour would have cleaned the image better, but not have revealed any more detail. The shot was among the 250 photos I scanned for the Range Riders Museum of Miles City, Montana. The images will later appear on the Montana Memory Project website. -Gary Coffrin

04/02/2025

𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐃𝐚𝐧 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞, whose real name is Geswanouth Slahoot, was a Canadian actor, poet, and writer of Indigenous descent. He was born on July 24, 1899, belonging to the Tsleil-Waututh (Salish) tribe, in a settlement near North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He became widely known for his acting career, especially in films portraying Indigenous characters.
📌 Available in our store: https://prideteeus.com/i-have-a-dream-make-america-great-again
Chief Dan George gained further prominence after his role in the classic film "Little Big Man" (1970), where he portrayed a wise, philosophical elder named Old Lodge Skins. This role earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, making him the first Canadian Indigenous person to receive such a nomination.
In addition to his acting career, Chief Dan George was renowned for his writing and poetry, expressing his love and reverence for Indigenous culture. His cultural contributions extended to writing books and essays, helping to spread and preserve the cultural heritage of the Tsleil-Waututh and other Indigenous peoples.
Chief Dan George was also a prominent social activist, advocating for the honoring and protection of Indigenous rights. He worked tirelessly to raise awareness on issues such as Indigenous leadership, environmental conservation, and fair treatment of Indigenous peoples in society.
Beyond his artistic career and social activism, Chief Dan George was also known as a speaker and spiritual leader for the Indigenous community. He often participated in events, workshops, and discussions to share knowledge, inspire others, and encourage confidence and pride within his community.
Chief Dan George also contributed to promoting education and community development among Indigenous peoples. He supported various educational and cultural projects, providing opportunities for younger generations to learn and thrive. He frequently engaged in educational activities and programs to foster understanding and respect for Indigenous culture and history.
To this day, Chief Dan George's legacy lives on through his artistic works, literature, and community activities, continuing to influence and inspire future generations about the importance of cultural diversity and the significance of protecting and respecting the rights of Indigenous communities.
📌 Available in our store: https://prideteeus.com/i-have-a-dream-make-america-great-again

04/02/2025

WHAT A CAPTURE! Buffalo were dangerously close to the photographer, and four wagons were in the background. THUNDERING HERD was the print’s title, even though the animals were lollygagging on what seemed to be high-desert terrain. Thundering Herd was the title of a Zane Gray novel that was made into a movie three times. I suspect that the shot was made at the production of one of those films. The photographer’s closeness hinted at a “domesticated” herd.

The USC archive listed the photographer as L.A. Huffman of Miles City (Montana), which was simply wrong. USC’s estimated date of 1875 was an absurdity since Huffman arrived at Miles City in 1879. Huffman’s price lists never referenced the splendid cinematic view. Conclusion: Great shot, unknown photographer, likely taken at a location used in filming Thundering Herd with a date closer to 1925 than 1875. Research and digital restoration of photo by Gary Coffrin.

04/01/2025

𝗭𝗮𝗵𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝗸𝗶𝘆𝗮-𝗸𝘂 𝗠𝗰𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗻 is an American actor of Native American descent, born on October 24, 1966, in Denver, Colorado, USA. He is of Hunkpapa Lakota heritage, a Native American tribe within the Lakota lineage. McClarnon has had a diverse and successful acting career, appearing in films, television shows, and on stage.
Get your tee: https://prideteeus.com/dreamshirt
One of McClarnon's most notable roles is as Mathias in the A&E television series "Longmire." This role helped him gain attention from the public and marked his presence in the film industry. McClarnon has also participated in other film and television projects such as "Fargo," "Westworld," "Barkskins," and "Doctor Sleep."
Beyond his acting career, McClarnon has contributed to Native American culture by portraying characters and stories of the Native American community on screen. His roles often carry a humanitarian aspect and reflect the issues and experiences of Native Americans in modern society. He has worked diligently to portray diversity and depth in his roles, helping to increase awareness and understanding of Native American culture and life.
By engaging in film and television projects and portraying Native American characters with sensitivity and authenticity, Zahn Tokiya-ku McClarnon has contributed to the diversification and development of the entertainment industry while honoring and respecting the culture of the Native American community. Additionally, McClarnon has been actively involved in social and political activities within the Native American community, using his influence to advocate for the rights and fairness of his people. Through his career and activism, he has become a symbol of pride and dedication to the Native American community, dedicating his life to shedding light on and contributing to the development and progress of this community.
Thank you for reading and liking the article
Get your tee: https://prideteeus.com/dreamshirt

03/30/2025

Inside the Arikara medicine lodge. 1908. Photo by Edward S. Curtis

03/28/2025

𝗜𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗨𝗗. Ignorance can explain this $500 eBay listing for an L.A. Huffman image. In 1880, Huffman photographed a bull train (the term of the era, although steers were typically used) on Main Street in Miles City (Montana) before the Northern Pacific Railroad had arrived.

IF(!) this were a real photographic print and hand-colored during Huffman’s lifetime, the price would be insanely low. However, the 11x14 inch print appears to have been mass-produced on a printing press during the 1970s. Real photographic prints, which were individually developed in a photographer’s darkroom, had continuous tones. However, printing press output had detectable patterns and gaps.

= 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 =
Worth of a printing-press reproduction of the image below might be $15 to $50, more if you like the frame. Starting in 1968, Coffrin’s Old West Gallery outsourced postcards and prints, all 11x14 inches, of Huffman images. All were printed in color. If you have doubts, a 10x loupe will more clearly display the patterns in printing-press reproductions.

The seller stated “produced in 1880.” The print was actually produced in 1973. The listing also claimed it was a “signed photograph.” Huffman rarely hand-signed prints, and a signature adds significant value. Instead, he often signed the negative, which then displayed a signature on each print made from that negative. Interestingly, Huffman and later Coffrin’s Old West Gallery also used rubber stamps to add signatures to prints. I still have one of those rubber stamps.

Text also stated the bull train was “hauling goods across the rugged terrain of Miles City.” Ha! Miles City had only flat terrain. Currently, the steepest grade in town is the slight climb when coming out of the NP underpass, which was completed in 1932, one year after Huffman’s death.

If you want to see more Huffman images, I recommend The Frontier Years (1955) and Before Barbed Wire (1956). Volumes can usually be found online (eBay, Amazon, Abebooks) for under $20 each. Both have extensive area history.

Jack Coffrin was not the first to sell printed reproductions of L.A. Huffman images. Circa 1905, Huffman himself began outsourcing collotype prints in various sizes and postcards from commercial printers. All were black and white prints, although some collotypes were later colored in Huffman’s studio. Coffrin sold unframed printed reproductions in a display folder for just $3.50. L.A. Huffman, in his price lists, did not distinguish between real photographic prints and reproductions. His collotype reproductions were excellent, but in today’s collector market, they are worth much less than Huffman's real photographic prints.

03/27/2025

Yesterday Deborah and I hiked in Makoshika State Park (Glendive, MT). "Wow" is the term that comes to mind.

Today we saw Medicine Rocks State Park (near Ekalaka, MT) and the excellent Carter County Museum. The park was spectacular, and the drive from Miles City was scenic.