After completing a series of concerts in the Hansen Planetarium, Douglas Spotted Eagle went into the studio last weekend to record his next album of Native American flute, "Stand at the Center." He did so under a bit of a cloud: A published report had put a harsh spotlight on his claims to an Indian pedigree, Lakota Sioux in particular.
The turmoil may even have helped, says Tom Bee, owner of Albuquerque-based Sound of America Records, for which Spotted Eagle records. The sessions seemed to have an added depth and emotion.The Utah musician agrees. "This album is extremely emotional. I'm trying to remain positive in this whole thing."
"Spotted Eagle," he wants people to better understand, is a name under which he performs. He is Douglas Wallentine. However, he lives a life rooted in Indian culture and philosophies, looks the part and his wife is Navajo.
"I never claimed to be on the Lakota or any tribal rolls," Spotted Eagle says. "The music is my vehicle or mode of communication. If I have offended anyone, a Native American or anyone, by my words or by my actions, I am sorry. I have never meant to exploit."
Bee also maintains there was no intent to mislead.
"When I first signed Douglas to this label he never represented himself as a full-blood or half-blood Lakota; he told me he was one-eighth Sioux. But he was not trying to come off as a `mighty warrior.' "
Still, both say Wallentine may not have even that degree of Indian blood in his lineage. Family tales hint at an Indian ancestor on his mother's side, but details are vague.
"He may have a nosebleed and lose his Indian blood," Bee says, "but he's told me that ever since he was a kid he's had fun with American Indian lore, and . . . even as a teen he would dance at the powwows.
"In his heart he is a full-blood plus. He's done nothing to hurt the culture, and in fact has done much to help," Bee argues.
Will Numkena, director of the Utah Division of Indian Affairs, recognizes that there is a possibility of some ill-feeling when non-Indians venture into the field of Native American arts, although he hasn't personally seen any particularly animosity toward Spotted Eagle.
"I think in general, American Indian people do resent some non-Indians who do try to pursue and make arts and crafts, because many American Indians do make a living in that dimension." Offense is especially taken if people try to sell such works as authentic Indian craftwork. Performances of what is claimed to be tribal vocal music can also cause affront.
Spotted Eagle's emotive flute music is more difficult to pin down in that way, he says. "How do you determine what is authentic? And I'm a full-blooded Hopi.
"And I do know that Douglas does contribute personally and donates proceeds from some of his performances to further the cause of the American Indian community, and so he is unselfish in that respect."
"I live my lifestyle as close as I think a Native American could in trying to help other people and in perpetuating the culture in what I perceive is a positive way," Spotted Eagle says. "Some people out there may not agree."
And he believes those attracted to his meditative flute, which has drawn attention in new age/adult contemporary circles, understand he's trying to do a little to help listeners find balance in their lives.
"Really, it's not me that's important." When people write or come up to him, he says, "it's always, `The music does this to me, the music does that.' And that's the important thing."