PACIFIC NORTHWEST FOLLIES!

Arigon returns from an adventurous jaunt to the Land O' Lattes!

Isn't 2007 off to a fast start? No moss gathers under our Diva, Arigon Starr. She just flew in from Seattle and boy are her arms tired......AAAAAAY! Arigon found time to visit with old friends and new and has lots of tales from Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia.

As many of you faithful readers know, Arigon has a bunch of irons in the fire -- and is juggling such diverse projects as spec scripts, commisisoned scripts, "Super Indian," singing gigs, promoting "The Red Road" and providing more artwork for upcoming publications. She's also continuing her column in "News From Indian Country," in addition to checking out all of the Oscar nominated movie projects. "A complete tangent, for sure, but it's important for actors/writers to see what's out there and what people are doing," said Arigon. "Good excuse to knock off work and go see a picture show, ennit," she laughed.

Arigon's first stop was driving to Vancouver, Canada to visit her new friends at "Think NDN," a weekly radio show on CFRO-FM. The station is community based. The show is hosted by the vibrant, beautiful Suzette Amaya, who was joined by D.W. Robinson.

"It's been a long while since I've been to Vancouver," Arigon said. "The city was as pretty and fun as ever. It was hard not to lose focus and shop til I dropped on Robson Street." CFRO-FM's studios are in East Vancouver, an area that is part of a "clean-up" plan. " Suzette and Darrell both told me that the area is a part the infamous Vancouver serial killer case. "Some of the disappearances took place near the studio. I'm glad they didn't tell me that ahead of time, AAAY!" said Arigon. "Several of the victims were Native women, which made me incredibly sad. The homeless folks that are still in the area are being pushed further east because the Winter Olympics are coming in 2010."

The hosts expertly talked with Arigon about her recent travels and projects and she performed several songs live. "There are so many great, young Native folks out there working hard to make sure the community is represented," stated Arigon. "What a joy to spend time with two committed, connected First Nations radio hosts."

Arigon returned to Seattle and made time to attend a lecture by Pulitzer Prize winning author N. Scott Momaday at the University of Washington. "I think everyone knows what a big UW fan I am. Any excuse to hang out in Husky Territory!" said Arigon. Momaday read from his books, plus an upcoming play he's doing about the Original Bear Meets Yaweh. "The Original Bear and God have a very interesting conversation about baseball -- which had the packed house rolling," laughed Arigon. Many folks from the local Indian community were there including the two local Native Theater companies Red Eagle Soaring's Martha Brice and Frieda Kirk from Red Earth. Both companies are working hard to showcase the talents of area youth and talented professionals in the Pacific Northwest.

Many at the event spoke of the sudden death of filmmaker Phil Lucas. "I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Phil Lucas, but I knew plenty of people who knew him. He directed my all-time favorite PBS special on the American Indian Dance Theater," remarked Arigon. Phil Lucas was beloved by the Native and filmmaking communities. "It felt kind of weird to go to a memorial service for someone I didn't personally know, but so many of the folks who were at the Momaday reading encouraged me to join them at Bellevue Community College." Hundreds of people gathered at the Carlson Theater on the campus where Phil Lucas taught. "You could just tell that he was an admired and respected instructor and contributor to the Native community.

Many folks spoke about his mission to remind people that Native people were very much in the present. I sat next to Frank Brown, who was the subject of Mr. Lucas' film "Voyage of Discovery." The documentary told the story of the Heiltsuk Nation from Bella Bella, British Columbia and the return of the Canoe Culture. I had no idea," marveled Arigon. People came from thousands of miles away to pay tribute to the prolific director. "Tears were shed -- but it reminded me that you can never know the impact you make on people's lives." Arigon also met folks from the University of Washington and the Daybreak Star Center. "We've got some plans in the works for me to return to Seattle for some community shows," beamed Arigon. We'll let you know when we get the details!

Arigon was also joined by Wacky Productions' CEO Janet Miner during the trip.

"Janet and I love the shopping and eating Seattle has to offer. Plus, Janet's cool sister Ellen Perry lives there. She's a great host and it's always fun to hang out in her hip Central District neighborhood," smiled Arigon.

The pair shopped in downtown, Phinney Ridge, West Seattle and in Fremont. "I make it a point to visit The Red Door in Fremont for steamed mussels," she sighed. "Those mussels are all about yummy!"

One of the high points of the trip was performing at Elaine Miles' benefit for her mom Armenia.

"Elaine and I have been talking about this event since last year. She confided in me that the family was strapped with medical bills from Armenia's cancer treatments. It was a big thing for her to share with me because I think people have this misconception that once you have success, your money troubles are over," stated Arigon. "Health Care in America is in a shambles. The circumstances affecting Elaine and Armenia are playing out everywhere. People can't afford to be sick."

To help the family, several of Elaine's friends organized a fund-raising dinner at the Mt. Virgin Church near Seattle's Central District. "Elaine told me that the Quinault Tribe donated the fine salmon and friends worked all day to smoke the fish. The kitchen was staffed and the buffet table was heaving with food donations from all kinds of folks."

Performers included Arlie Neskahi, Ulali's Pura Fe, violinist/storyteller Swil Kanim, a local drum group and Red Earth's Frieda Kirk.

"It was an emotional day for everyone. I really think Elaine didn't know how many people cared and how much people wanted to help. It was doubly sad when Elaine told everyone that her nephew had recently re-connected with the family. The two of them were close - and her nephew gave her a hard time about not telling people about what the family was going through. The tragic capper on the story was that the nephew had been killed in a car accident the same day as the dinner. I really felt for her. Indian women are supposed to be strong -- but sometimes we go too far the other way and have trouble asking for help when we really need it," said Arigon.

The dinner was a great success, but is a stop-gap towards the increasing medical expenses for the Miles family. "I remember my Mom telling me how many thousands of dollars were spent on the last medical care my father received before he died. My father Ken Wahpecome was chronically sick for fifteen years and had been through a bunch of operations and experimental treatments," mused Arigon. "I'm thankful both of my folks had medical care through the military and their government jobs. It breaks my heart that Elaine had been going through this alone," Arigon sighed. "However, it reminds me that it's okay to ask for help -- and to have faith in friends, family and community to come through for you."

If you're interested in donating towards Armenia's medical expenses, you can mail a check payable to Elaine Miles at P.O. Box 891, Redmond, WA 98073.

"Elaine said folks are continuing to send checks -- especially after hearing about the benefit dinner. There are plans for another fund-raising concert," said Arigon. "It really feels good to help people. You definitely get more out of it than what you put in."