Paul Owns the Sabre: Carrying the torch with art

By Brenda Norrell
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Paintings by Paul Owns the Sabre, Lakota from Cheyenne River, S.D., went on display Sunday at the Intertribal Friendship House in Oakland, Calif. Owns the Sabre spoke on the cultural genocide underway in the United States and the horror of boarding schools for Indian people. Owns the Sabre said he will hold a special giveaway and give all his paintings away, as they were not done for money. He encouraged Indian youths to learn their songs and their language, and to do their art. The reception included a meal of buffalo stew and fry bread and songs by the All Nation Singers. Among the guests were Long Walkers Harry, Aisyln, Tomas and Brenda, who accompanied Owns the Sabre on the Longest Walk northern route across America in 2008. In a tribute to Owns the Sabre, it was pointed out that he had undertaken a lifetime of walks and runs across America. The show of paintings continues through Dec. 13. Photo Brenda Norrell