In recognition of Native American Heritage Month in November, MassLive asked readers to identify people who are leaders from the Indigenous community throughout the state, working to make a difference in their own area of interest, be it politics, education, business or the arts.
MassLive will publish profiles of these leaders through November. These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
Amalia Fourhawks, a Northampton-based artist, with a portrait of her husband Leonard Fourhawks. (Hoang ‘Leon’ Nguyen / The Republican)Leon Nguyen
Amalia and Leonard FourHawks
Age: Amalia FourHawks, 66, and Leonard FourHawks, 88
Community: Florence
Their story: Amalia FourHawks and Leonard FourHawks have been using old and new art forms to create and honor their Native culture their entire lives.
“Both of us grew up working with Native crafts, and once we were together, our different artworks took on a collaborative theme of combining the old and the new, creating art-forms based on traditional Native stories, designing jewelry with a modern twist, and furthering our message of a vibrant and active Native culture,” Amalia FourHawks wrote to MassLive.
Native culture, she said, is not just about historical images, adding that culture is “still very much alive, active and evolving.” It’s also not limited to one type of art.
“Art doesn’t have to be paintings or drawings — it can be a sculpture, or a movie, or any other item that can be viewed or touched,” she said.
The idea is to simply reach people — and make them think.
“Art is also a great medium to reach people, to make a statement or generate thought,” Amalia FourHawks said.
The two are also active in educational programs about Native life, and political advocacy, including speaking at governmental hearings.
In her words: “Read, read and read. Learn about the subjects you are passionate about and be sure to know all the facts, all the sides of the stories, all the reasons for doing what you do. If your gifts tend to writing rather than public speaking, learn to write in a concise and persuasive manner. If you are better with a crowd, rehearse, practice and be able to articulate your points.”
We’re always open to hear about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
