Independent news from the Indigenous Media Freedom Alliance

Harvest Moon Ball announces John Pepion as 2011 featured artist

Brianna Bragg, left, and Shilo George explore themes such as Indigequeer identity, Two-Spiritness, disability, boundaries, survivance. Photo illustration by Jarrette Werk and Shilo George

Artist Monte Yellow Bird, right, at Harvest Moon Ball, East Glacier, Mont.

I’m looking forward to the ball this year. It’s always a great time of year to be up in Blackfeet country and in Glacier National Park. A few tickets are still available. Buy them soon however because this show always sells out.  — Jodi Rave

By Jenna Tatsey

The Annual Harvest Moon Ball Committee announces John Pepion as the 2011 featured artist.  John Pepion is a rising contemporary ledger artist whose artwork stems from his personal life and cultural history while also incorporating the colorful designs of the Blackfeet.  John was inspired by his grandfather Daniel “Webb” Pepion Sr. who was the first person to influence his artwork.  John later worked with Ernie Pepion and Terrance Guardipee, who both became major influences in his life.  John attended the United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, N.D. and received his associate of arts degree in art marketing.  In 2008, John graduated from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, N.M. with a bachelor of arts degree in museum studies.

The 15th Annual Harvest Moon Ball is on Saturday, Sept. 24.  The theme for this year’s ball is “Celebrating Victories: Past ~ Present ~ Future.” Turquoise and silver apparel is preferable.

Monte Yellow Bird Sr., another renowned Native American artist, will be returning for the third year as the Master of Ceremonies.  Not only will he mesmerize you as emcee, but he will also dazzle you with his vibrant works of art.

The festivities will begin at 5 p.m. with a hosted reception and silent auction.  At 6:30 p.m, behold the breathtaking art pieces in the live art auction.  Immediately following the live auction will be a dance that will continue until the end of the ball at 12am.

Tickets for the event are $75 per person or 10 for $650; it’s best to get them early because tickets are limited and they go quickly!  Guests of the Harvest Moon Ball will receive a discounted hotel package for $99 + tax at the East Glacier Park Lodge.  Call 406.226.5600 now to make your reservations!

On behalf of the Blackfeet Community Foundation, we hope to see you all at the 15th Annual Harvest Moon Ball at Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier, Mont.  Please call (406) 338-2992 to reserve a ticket or for more information regarding the event.  You can also visit our website www.harvestmoonballblkft.com.

Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Jodi Rave Spotted Bear is the founder and director of the Indigenous Media Freedom Alliance, a 501-C-3 nonprofit organization with offices in Bismarck, N.D. and the Fort Berthold Reservation. Jodi spent 15 years reporting for the mainstream press. She's been awarded prestigious Nieman and John S. Knight journalism fellowships at Harvard and Stanford, respectively. She also an MIT Knight Science Journalism Project fellow. Her writing is featured in "The Authentic Voice: The Best Reporting on Race and Ethnicity," published by Columbia University Press. Jodi currently serves as a Society of Professional Journalists at-large board member, an SPJ Foundation board member, and she chairs the SPJ Freedom of Information Committee. Jodi has won top journalism awards from mainstream and Native press organizations. She earned her journalism degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder.