TSIANINA REDFEATHER has Cherokee Native as well as Creek Native heritage. Tsianina is pronounced: Chee-a-nee-nah. “Princess” Tsianina is her stage name in appreciation of her highly respected talent. Tsianina Redfeather sang and toured on many of the most distinguished stages in the world.
The play "Shanewis" (The Robin Woman), written by Charles Wakefield Cadman, was based on Tsianina's life. It was performed at the New York Metropolitan Opera in 1918, then later at the Hollywood Bowl and beyond. Her theme song was "Land of the Sky Blue Water". She also sang in several native languages.
"Princess Tsianina is remembered as someone who charmed the world as a mezzo-soprano, pianist, writer, composer and a politician who did much for her people. This remarkable woman truly deserved having the beautiful mountains [and village town] of Red Feather Lakes, named for her." ~ Red Feather Historical Society
~~~BELOVED WOMAN~~~
In Cherokee culture, Clan Mothers are historically high level elders who balanced the power of the Chiefs and kept them in line. A woman who rose to the highest level, which could be as high as the Chief — or even higher — was called a Beloved Woman. In Cherokee Tsalagi Language, she would be called Ghigau. Pronounced: Gee-gow. From this pronunciation, you can hear that it is not an easy word to remember and say smoothly in English.
Therefore, people have less accurately called descendants of Beloved Women, highly respected women, and other women who are role models, Princesses. Their most respected Cherokee title is Ghigau.
A more appreciated contemporary example of a performance role model title for a Native woman is the title earned by the female Powwow Lead Dancer of: “Powwow Princess”.
SHAWNA KELLY, the Author of AVIATORS IN EARLY HOLLYWOOD, also has Cherokee Native Heritage. She is Certified in Cherokee Culture History & Language by Cherokee Nation, 2012-2018. (See page 4.)
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FRANK CLARK was an Aviator Actor and the Chief Aviator of the spectacular aviation epic, HELLS ANGELS. His heritage is Irish and Cherokee. "King of the Air" Clark was one of the most dashing and daring of the Associated Motion Picture Pilots.
WILL ROGERS JR. is the youth actor and Cherokee on the cover. He is the son of Will Rogers, who was one of the most loved actors in American history. Cherokee Nation celebrates actor Will Rogers regularly.
IRA REED also performed in Howard Hugh’s aviation epic, HELLS ANGELS. Instead of bailing out in a mid-air crash, he risked his life successfully landing & saving the torn and burned airplane. Reed was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma in Cherokee Nation.
“CHIEF” WHITE EAGLE is the aerial performer’s title. (He was sometimes alternatively called Chief White Feather.) He had Cherokee heritage and was based at Venice Airfield.
“Chief” is an earned performance name for his extreme bravery. White Eagle performed wing walking and aerialist feats along with "King of the Air" Clark's thrilling flying. White Eagle risked and gave his life while bravely wing walking and aerialist stunt performing.
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ORMER LOCKLEAR, “The King of the Wingwalkers” has Lumbee Native Heritage. Locklear was rapidly rising into a superstar.
Filming of the Skywayman resulted in a fatal nosedive on Director DeMille’s Airfield. The film was still shown in theatres, with a percentage of the film's proceeds given to his family... (See pages 30-33+)