Albuquerque, NM (January 13, 2009) The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC), in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention presents, “Through the Eyes of the Eagle:  Illustrating Healthy Living for Children,” a national touring exhibition of original illustrations used in a series of children’s books on healthy living.
The exhibition runs from January 31, 2009 through May 25, 2009 in the Center’s Avanyu Gallery and features vibrant artwork by Patrick Rolo (Bad River Band of Ojibwe, Wisconsin) and Lisa A. Fifield (Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin, Black Bear Clan).
The books are a four-book series written by Georgia Perez, a community health representative who lives in Nambe Pueblo in New Mexico. Developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Diabetes Translation in collaboration with the Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee and the Indian Health Service, the books foster awareness about the importance of healthy eating and physical activity for diabetes prevention.  
The stories continue traditional Native American storytelling practices, while addressing a relevant issue in today’s society. Wise animal characters and a clever trickster coyote are featured in the books and engage the lead character, Rain That Dances, and his friends in the joy of physical activity and healthy eating.  The titles of the books in the series are: Through the Eyes of the Eagle, Plate Full of Color, Knees Lifted High and Tricky Treats.
“Through the Eyes of the Eagle: Illustrating Healthy Living for Children” reflects the Center’s commitment to addressing contemporary Native issues through the arts.   According to CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation, American Indians and Alaska Natives are disproportionately affected by diabetes. The data show that American Indians 15-19 years old are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than other ethnic groups. The division has established many programs and initiatives to help American Indians and Alaska Natives manage and prevent diabetes. They also fund 11 tribal nations, urban Indian programs and tribal colleges and universities. According to Ron Solimon, President/CEO of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center said, “This exhibition will help bring attention to these alarming health trends.”
 
To accompany the exhibition, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center will offer Healthy Art Programs designed for children ages four to nine years old and their families on the following dates:
January 31: Opening Program for Grown Ups – 6 pm to 8 pm in Chaco Rooms I & II
Book I – Through the Eyes of the Eagle
February 01:      Family Day – outdoor and indoor Healthy Arts Activities for all ages:  12 pm – 3 pm
•      Traditional bread baking
•      Shopping for Healthy Foods in our Pueblo Children’s Store
•      RezAerobics Fun Classes
•      Art, Storytelling and Music for Strong and Healthy Bodies
Book II – Knees Lifted High
March 01: Family Health Day, all day events starting at 9 am with the Native Diabetes Wellness Program in the IPCC Silver & Turquoise Rooms
March 01 – 03: Caitlin Baker (Muscogee Creek) Storyteller at the IPCC East Entrance - call for times.
March 02 & 03: Healthy Arts Program with the Native Diabetes Program, Loralei DeCora (Ho-Chunk Winnebago), Eagle Book Talking Circles in Chaco Rooms I & II – call for times
Date to be confirmed in March:  Healing Arts Workshop with international artist Sam English (Chippewa). Please call 505.724.3654 for more information.
March 21:  Healthy Bodies- Healthy Choices!   Pueblo House at IPCC. Please call 505.724.3604 to reserve a Field Day.
Book III – Plate Full of Color
April 4 & 25:  Cooking classes with Pueblo chefs each Saturday at the  IPCC Pueblo House 9 am – 11:30 am.  Call 505.724.3654 to reserve a place for the price of admission – limited spaces available.
Book IV – Tricky Treats
May 02: Tricky Treats Improvisation Day for Children! IPCC Pueblo House 9 am – 11 am and 1pm – 3 pm.
“Join us for this beautiful and important exhibit,” says Marth Becktell IPCC Interim Museum Director. Our collaborators are from near and far, from science and art. Together we are a terrific crew working to find creative ways to head off diabetes among all of us. Come and experience these works of art curated by IPCC’s Amy Johnson, (Isleta/Navajo)  with Teaching Artist Gregg Analla (Isleta/Laguna).
The exhibition originated at the CDC’s Global Health Odyssey Museum in Atlanta, which is organizing the national tour.   Admission to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center includes all events.  Admission prices are:  Adults $6 – New Mexico residents $4 – Seniors 62+ $5.50 – Students $1