A word has power in and of itself. It comes from nothing into sound and meaning; it gives origin to all things.

Indians are marvelous storytellers. In some ways, that oral tradition is stronger than the written tradition.

I sometimes think the contemporary white American is more culturally deprived than the Indian.

The turn of the century was the lowest point for the devastation of Indian culture by disease and persecution, and it's a wonder to me that they survived it and have not only maintained their identity, but are actually growing stronger in some ways. The situation is still very bad, especially in certain geographical areas, but there are more Indians going to school, more Indians becoming professional people, more Indians assuming full responsibility in our society. We have a long way to go, but we're making great strides.

My father was a painter and he taught art. He once said to me, 'I never knew an Indian child who could not draw.'

If you believe in the power of words, you can bring about physical changes in the universe.

The highest human purpose is always to reinvent and celebrate the sacred.