This program presents a musical portrait of the Native American artist and flute player Doc Tate Nevaquaya, who was named an “Oklahoma Treasure.” Doc Tate has been credited with single-handedly reviving the art of Native American flute playing, because of his pioneering recording made by the Smithsonian Institution. Illustrated by clips from television programs, historic photographs, images of his own art works and even the events of a live pow-wow, this documentary program illuminates Doc Tate’s life and his accomplishments as an artist, as a musician and as a Comanche leader. Featuring Charlotte Nevaquaya, Doc Tate’s wife; Edmond Tate Nevaquaya, Doc Tate’s son; Doris Littrel, owner of the Oklahoma Indian Art Gallery; and Dr. Richard Payne, flute maker and collector. Also featuring Dr. Paula Conlon, Doc Tate’s biographer; Dr. Morris Foster, author of “Being Comanche”; and Dr. Mary Jo Watson, Native American Art Historian. Filmed in Oklahoma by Joseph J. Friedman, Director of Photography.
Produced and Directed by Eugene Enrico.
Funded, in part, by Oklahoma Humanities and NEH.
DVD, 28:30
