Art and the American Indian
The American Indian use of the arts is different than the manner in which the arts are used in North America today. Art is often separated from daily life. People often use the arts as an escape or recreation, to disconnect from the cares of daily life.

In contrast, Indigenous Peoples use the arts to connect with reality. It is seen as a chance to focus on life and to maintain our balance. Indigenous Peoples understand the reality of the continuum of the past, present, and future through the arts.

The arts are the bridge between generations, and between the physical and the spiritual aspects of life.

All the special moments of life are marked with song or dance: birth, death, marriage, maturity, manhood, womanhood, parenthood, graduation, morning, midnight, fasting and devotion. The full spectrum of life is expressed through the arts.

An amateur is one who does something for love, from the heart, not for pay. Among the Peoples, art is part of the community expression of life. All sing and dance.