I Love Native American

10/02/2025

10/02/2025

She sang at Carnegie Hall, but the critics often just called her ‘the Indian Princess.’ 🏛️

This was the reality for Tsianina Redfeather Blackstone, a Muscogee singer born in 1882 in what was then Indian Territory, now Oklahoma.

Her journey started at a federally funded boarding school in Eufaula. Later, with the help of Oklahoma’s first congresswoman, Alice Robertson, she went to Denver to study voice professionally.

Tsianina rose to become a celebrated mezzo-soprano, performing in famous venues across the country, including for U.S. presidents.

She worked closely with a composer named Charles Cadman. Together, they created songs and operas that blended Native American themes with classical music, like the well-known piece, “From the Land of the Sky-Blue Water.”

But her success came with challenges. In the 1920s, many reviews focused more on her heritage than her incredible talent, a subtle prejudice she had to face throughout her career.

Despite this, she used her platform to be an advocate for Native representation in the arts. She wasn't just a performer; she was a trailblazer who worked to carve out a space for her people. 🎤

Tsianina lived a long life, passing away in 1985 at the age of 102, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and groundbreaking artistry.

Sources: Smithsonian archives, PBS, The New York Times reviews

09/29/2025

https://789store.com/bring-it-in-to-see-the-native-colors