Post by Okwes on Apr 2, 2007 19:16:58 GMT -5
Owners hope Native American store will help preserve cultures
The Associated Press
LINCOLNTON, N.C.
To its owners, Richard Eagle and Maria Morning Glow Thomas, the Rising of the Eagle is more than just a store.
Since opening four years ago, the establishment, located on N.C. 27 East, has become an American Indian cultural center.
"We are here to keep the Native American culture alive," said Richard Eagle. "I feel like we have been placed here to help and assist people."
The vision for the store came to the couple during reflection. Richard Eagle is of Cherokee descent, while Maria Morning Glow is Spanish and American Indian.
Both wanted to bring their history to the people of Lincoln County.
"It was really a vision that both of us had. We decided that when we're in the mountains to bring it to fruition," said Richard Eagle. "We also felt by introducing the Native American culture to Lincoln County and the surrounding areas we can be of financial and spiritual assistance."
Working with relatives in the southwestern United States and the North Carolina mountains, the couple offers items ranging from jewelry, moccasins, blankets, dolls, well-known dream catchers from 1-inch to 30-inches and American Indian regalia costumes.
Some artifacts and artwork date as far back as 1840.
Maria Morning Glow also offers traditional beadwork classes and American Indian flute lessons. In fact, CDs of authentic flute music are among the store's most popular items.
"They love the flute music," she said. "We have a lot of massage therapists and doctors offices who come in for the flute music."
Richard Eagle said the store is capable of appraising items. They also provide services including exterior and interior decorating, and have recently employed an herbalist. Richard Eagle is also a qualified ordained shaman, and is available for events.
"We offer services such as singing, dancing and drumming for special occasions such as parties and banquets," he said.
Education is also one of the biggest focuses of the store. An American Indian history museum sits next to the showroom that is open during regular store hours.
The couple says that on many occasions people come into the store with questions about items they acquired or found.
Historically, Lincoln County was home to six American Indian tribes, including the Cherokees, Catawbas and Flatheads, said Richard Eagle.
"We have a lot of people who come in and say they found arrowheads in their yards," said Maria Morning Glow.
Reaching out to the community is something the couple also feels passionate about. They are open to speaking at schools, churches and other community organizations.
Currently the couple is looking to acquire land to bring powwows to the area.
"There are approximately 500 tribes in the United States and Canada, and they are offering their participation to and for the public," Richard Eagle said.
"We feel that four powwows a year will bring 200,000 people to Lincoln County from the spring of the year to the fall. It will be a great environment for families and provide great access for businesses and county government."
Until then, the couple is content spreading their culture to the community.
"Lincoln County supports us 100 percent," Richard Eagle said.
The Associated Press
LINCOLNTON, N.C.
To its owners, Richard Eagle and Maria Morning Glow Thomas, the Rising of the Eagle is more than just a store.
Since opening four years ago, the establishment, located on N.C. 27 East, has become an American Indian cultural center.
"We are here to keep the Native American culture alive," said Richard Eagle. "I feel like we have been placed here to help and assist people."
The vision for the store came to the couple during reflection. Richard Eagle is of Cherokee descent, while Maria Morning Glow is Spanish and American Indian.
Both wanted to bring their history to the people of Lincoln County.
"It was really a vision that both of us had. We decided that when we're in the mountains to bring it to fruition," said Richard Eagle. "We also felt by introducing the Native American culture to Lincoln County and the surrounding areas we can be of financial and spiritual assistance."
Working with relatives in the southwestern United States and the North Carolina mountains, the couple offers items ranging from jewelry, moccasins, blankets, dolls, well-known dream catchers from 1-inch to 30-inches and American Indian regalia costumes.
Some artifacts and artwork date as far back as 1840.
Maria Morning Glow also offers traditional beadwork classes and American Indian flute lessons. In fact, CDs of authentic flute music are among the store's most popular items.
"They love the flute music," she said. "We have a lot of massage therapists and doctors offices who come in for the flute music."
Richard Eagle said the store is capable of appraising items. They also provide services including exterior and interior decorating, and have recently employed an herbalist. Richard Eagle is also a qualified ordained shaman, and is available for events.
"We offer services such as singing, dancing and drumming for special occasions such as parties and banquets," he said.
Education is also one of the biggest focuses of the store. An American Indian history museum sits next to the showroom that is open during regular store hours.
The couple says that on many occasions people come into the store with questions about items they acquired or found.
Historically, Lincoln County was home to six American Indian tribes, including the Cherokees, Catawbas and Flatheads, said Richard Eagle.
"We have a lot of people who come in and say they found arrowheads in their yards," said Maria Morning Glow.
Reaching out to the community is something the couple also feels passionate about. They are open to speaking at schools, churches and other community organizations.
Currently the couple is looking to acquire land to bring powwows to the area.
"There are approximately 500 tribes in the United States and Canada, and they are offering their participation to and for the public," Richard Eagle said.
"We feel that four powwows a year will bring 200,000 people to Lincoln County from the spring of the year to the fall. It will be a great environment for families and provide great access for businesses and county government."
Until then, the couple is content spreading their culture to the community.
"Lincoln County supports us 100 percent," Richard Eagle said.