NEWS FROM HIGH SPIRITS FLUTES

Memorizing poet and civil rights activist, Mya Angelou is very well known in the United States. Angelou lived a rich life full of adventure, travel, and struggle. During her early adult years, she worked in numerous unusual fields. In 1993, Angelou performed at the first inauguration of Bill Clinton, becoming the second poet after Robert Frost to ever perform at a presidential inauguration. 

One of Mya Angelou’s most well-known works is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Through her publication, she discusses personal aspects of her life. Active in the Civil Rights Movement alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, Angelou is regarded as a respected spokesperson for African American culture and African American women. Her works focus on themes of identity, family, culture, and travel. 

Mya Angelou’s quote “music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness,” paints an emotional and relatable portrait of profound musical imagery. 

Soaring 6,000 feet above the Arizona desert is our beautiful home in Patagonia, known as Sky Islands. Home to unique species of plants and animals that flourish in a non-traditional southwest environment. Sky Islands connect the Sierra Madre of Mexico with the Rocky Mountains of the United States, resulting in climate changes that can be experienced within the same day. High Spirits Flutes really is its own island in the sky!

Today we honor and celebrate the immense contributions that Native American People have made to the world. We recognize the suffering they have endured, the resiliency they have demonstrated, the sacrifices they have made, and the beautiful culture they have shared with us. Today we stand united in support of our indigenous community, their rights, and freedom. 

Here are seven ways you can honor and celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day:

1. Support Indigenous businesses, authors, and artists.

One influential Native American poet to check out is Mark Turcotte. He is the author of four books of poetry. Read his poem titled "No Pie," in Exploding Chippewas, an emotional retelling of a mother and son heading off the reservation to purchase a slice of pie in a nearby town and the racism and heartache they faced. 

2. Learn the true history of Native Americans

Schools often teach the rose-colored version of Native Americans breaking bread with Pilgrims. Muting the suffering and genocide of the indigenous people, while depicting the culture as stoic and exploiting stereotypes. Indigenous People have an important history worth sharing and preserving through truth and integrity. Begin by searching for the truth, learning from the indigenous people and tribes around you, and exploring the stories and retellings of Native American authors, poets, and artists. 

3. Attend a virtual or in-person event 

Many colleges and community colleges host events to educate and shed light on the truth of the indigenous people and their culture. Tribal leaders and artists often share their stories, history, and discuss the impact of cultural appropriation. 

4. Learn to appreciate the land you live on

Research the indigenous history of where you live and show your appreciation by doing something kind for the environment. Give life by planting a tree that symbolizes your respect and gratitude for both the earth and Native American history. 

5. Join the fight to end racist mascots

Athletic institutions often ignore the insensitive and disturbing exploitations of indigenous people. The National Congress of American Indians sheds light on this subject while striving to end the era of harmful mascots. 

6. Share the truth with your children

There are many children's books introducing children to indigenous history and culture that they will not learn about through mainstream media and textbooks. Visit your local library or search online for children's books written by Native American authors that strive to tell the truth. 

7. Learn to play the Native American Style Flute

Native flutes have a long history beginning with the indigenous people. Native American Style Flute music provides relaxation, fosters musical creativity, and shares a musical culture rich in history and beauty. 

Shop our collections of High Spirits Flutes.

Kahlil Gibran was considered a poet, painter, and philosopher during the Romantic movement. Although Gibran lived primarily in the United States, he was born in Bsharri, Lebanon, which at the time was considered Syra. Gibran was the most influential in Arabic literature. Gibran explored realism themes through a direct writing style that resonated with his readers. 

In 1923, Gibran’s publisher, Alfred Knopf, published Gibran’s famous book, The Prophet. Gaining popularity in the 1960s, The Prophet offered dogma-free universal spiritualism that led people away from their orthodox religion. Gibran encouraged people to be non-judgmental and open-minded. 

Gibran’s great affinity for the arts shines through his beautiful quote merging music, language, spirit, and peace. 

Few records exist on the history of the native flute. North American indigenous people did not have a written language pre-Columbian time but instead, preserved their history through storytelling. Many theories of the native flute begin with holes drilled into tree branches by insects or woodpeckers.   

During the nineteenth century, Plains-style flutes were believed to originate from the Northern Ute tribe. Plains-style flutes were made of wood and had a duct cut into the flute's body. There is debate over the distinction between the Plains-style and the Woodlands-style flute. Such differences include the use of a spacer plate, the flue's placement, and the mouthpiece's design. 

Unfortunately, the Federal government suppressed Native cultures, and traditional practices of making and playing the flute nearly became extinct until the 1960s. 

Today, the native flute is widely played throughout the world. Flute Circles are bringing people together of all cultures and backgrounds to appreciate the beauty and sound of the traditional native flute.

 Jean Paul Friedrich Richter lived from 1763 through 1825 and was one of the most influential writers of the Romanticism literary movement. However, the literary complexity of his works paired with intellectual allusions present challenges for modern readers, so his works are often left unread. Paul was well-known for his humor and the controversial writing of his time. He was often regarded as 'the poet of secular religion and humanism' by Romantic poet Eichendorff and compared to Goethe and Schiller by others. 

Paul's quote "the flute is the true magical rod that changes all it touches in the inward world; an enchanter's wand at which the secret depths of the soul open. The moonlight that shines into our hearts," can be found in his novel The Twins Walt and Vult. Combining the topics of psychology and philosophy, Paul's novel explores the concepts of identity between two non-identical twin characters. Each character represents an ambiguity that modern-day cultures have altered into their own unique adaptations. Throughout the years, Walt and Vault's characters have taken on multiple forms of appearance, sexual orientation, and ethnicity. 

Walt and Vault is one of Paul's lesser-known works compared to his more famous novels Titan and Hesperus. We hope you enjoy this beautiful quote encompassing the magic of the flute, the flute player, and the atmosphere of October as much as we do!