The Amazing Glen Canyon / Horseshoe Bend

Glen Canyon, which is part of the massive canyons in Arizona and Utah, is where Horseshoe Bend is located. Edward Abbey, American author and environmentalist wrote that Glen Canyon was “a portion of earth’s original paradise.”

Many fail to realize, the water in this particular area was once much deeper.

In 1963, a dam was created to form Lake Powell as a reservoir. One of the goals at that time was to create hydroelectricity.

Since that time, numerous groups have asked for the dam to be removed allowing for the waterway to return to its natural stated.

Prior to construction of the dam, archaeologist conducted extensive surveys of the canyon in that area finding Native American tools, knives, ceremonial sites, graves, and more.

“A great photograph is a full expression of what one feels about what is being photographed in the deepest sense, and is, thereby, a true expression of what one feels about life in its entirety.” – Ansel Adams

A Mix of Scottish and Indian Music

Arvel Bird is his name and he comes to get down with his mixture of Scottish and Indian heritage. He calls himself a “Celtic Indian.”

Notice the Scottish plaid hanging from his waist?

While on stage, he performs by switching between a traditional Indian flute and then playing the fiddle in a fashion that would make Charlie Daniels proud.

The diversity within his performance is quite fascinating, and enjoyable to listen to.

Arvel has a background for music. When he was younger, he attended Arizona State University on a music scholarship. He later went to Champagne/ Urbana, IL studying classical violin. His teacher was Hungarian violinist Paul Rolland, who is quite famous in the music world.

Before making Nashville his home, he actually toured with the original Rhinestone Cowboy - Glen Campbell for seven years, starting in 1986. Once in Nashville, he toured with Loretta Lynn, Tom T. Hall, Ray Price, Louise Mandrell, and Clay Walker.

Indian Pow Wow

Stated by an Indian named Red Cloud (Makhpiya-luta) in April of 1870:

"In 1868, men came out and brought papers. We could not read them and they did not tell us truly what was in them. We thought the treaty was to remove the forts and for us to cease from fighting. But they wanted to send us traders on the Missouri, but we wanted traders where we were. When I reached Washington, the Great Father explained to me that the interpreters had deceived me. All I want is right and just."

Native American

His long black hair stood out among the tourist that lined the streets of lower Broadway in Music City. He wore a single grizzly bear claw around his neck adorned with a turquoise stone.

He walked with a purpose, strong and proud. He stood about six foot two, if not taller. As we talked he confirmed that he is a Native American Indian. I shot a few photos of him and in conversation he said that he plays both lead and bass guitar around the Nashville area.

History tells us that Native American Indians thought of the grizzly bear as being a mighty force, which they are. No doubt, it is one of the most powerful and fierce animals to come up against in the woods.

Some Indians today wear a grizzly bear claw from their neck as it is thought to ad protection to them and bring good health. In fact, the grizzly has long been a part of American Indian rituals and celebrations.

At one point, there were about 50,000 grizzly bears living in North America. Today, the numbers are thought to be less than 2,000.

Native Americans Population:

The National Congress of American Indians reports that 2.9 million American Indian or Alaska Natives live in the United States today. That number accounts for 0.9% of the total U.S. population.

Alaska has the highest population of American Indians followed by Oklahoma and then New Mexico. 

Old Lodge Skins in the movie Little Big Man stated: "This boy is no longer a boy. He's a brave. He is little in body, but his heart is big. His name shall be "Little Big Man."