Ok Folks . . . .here at long last is the story behind why I will No Longer make or market Native American Flutes.

This past winter I was in a running battle with the United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian  Arts and Crafts Board. . . (Yes Folks, this is the very same group that manages the Mineral rights and enforcement in the United States). . . .(it is this group that has oversight of all deep water exploration . . .and we know how that turned out . . .Drill a mile-deep well in search of oil and have no back-up plan . . .Then develop an agency that figures out why they had no plan or waived the permitting process . . .then Congress can hold FIVE different Congressional investigations as to what went wrong ). . .for they were threatening a huge fine and jail time for anyone (in this instance...ME!) who was not Native American and was marketing their flutes as Native American Flutes. I contacted them by phone to tell them I have been making flutes for over 15 years and that my web site clearly stated that I was not Native American . . .In fact, I believe that I have gone to great pains to explain to folks that I am just a guy that loves to play and build these flutes.

It was to be of no matter to the woman I spoke with . . .

"Sorry sir, you can no longer use the term "Native American Flutes" on your web site or on any of your literature . . ."

I explained to the agent that some eight years ago I had received a letter from her office advising me of the same offense, and that I had complied at that time . . .for the term "Native American" was not in the statute at all . . .

"We changed some of the wording. . ." the agent said

I explained that the English language word for this flute was exactly that . . .The Native American Flute . . .and that each tribe in its own language had a special word for this flute if, in fact, they had a flute at all . . .and that the Native American people's have no ownership of the English language . . . .

I further explained  that I am often invited by various Native American groups to perform at their Festivals, Pow-Wows and to perform for their groups . . .they knew who and what I was . . .and they seemed to enjoy the passion with which I did it .

"No matter" said the agent in charge . . .

The Law is the Law after all "

"You can use the term  "in the style of the Native American Flutes" or "Native American Style Flutes"

To be totally honest, I felt as if someone had hit me in the stomach with a two by four . . .

Given the fact that there are so many problems in the country . . .mostly budget related . . .but much to do with a severe shortage of morality and knowing what the right thing to do is . . .

Now this letter was apparently sent to all makers of the flutes in question . . .and most of them, including myself ,changed the wording on our web sites . . .

But . . .to be truthful, I have never felt good about it . . .

I just checked the term "Native American Jewelry" on Google  . . .and I guess there are no non-native makers . . .for page after page after page suggests that they are all Native . . .

Now I know better . . .I have been to many, many Native American Pow-Wows and Festivals . . .where tent after tent is full to the roof canvas with jewelry . . .

In fact, given the rubber tomahawks, and PVC bow and arrows and knives made in Pakistan . . .The little bamboo flutes made in India . . .Where are MinniTonk Moc's made?

Very few of the "Native " vendors make a majority of the wares they sell . . . .

I have always taken great pride in what I do . . .

I know in my heart they can not say the same!

So it is the old double standard legalized by our government . . . .

They can complain when others make Native American Crafts . . . .

But who checks into what they are selling?

So I can not say I make Native American Flutes . . .which I do.

But they (Native Folk) can sell their wares as Native even though they did not make it, nor is a majority of it even from this country . . .

It is all very sad . . . .

And has been eating at me for a very long time . . . .

It has taken some of the heart out of what I most loved to do . . . .

I have become angry over the way it has been handled . . . .

I feel as if I have been betrayed by the very Country I hold most dear . . .

So with this in mind I have decided not to make Native American Flutes anymore.

All references to Native American Flutes will be removed from this site . . .

Which will hurt me dearly with the search engines . . .

Pretty much putting me out of business on the internet with the way things are . . . .

But what is right is right . . .

StoryTeller Flutes will make American Flutes . . .

An old style wooden flute . . .

In fact my flutes will be All American Flutes . . . .

Made with the same pride and love as always . . . .

My site's look will change greatly as I move away from the Native American theme . . . .

I was proud to represent their flute with love . . .  respect . . .and honor . . .

I no longer am . . . .

I have come to realize that these are my flutes . . .

I will market them as such . . ..

So if you're at a Pow-Wow . . .or a craft show . . .or a farmers market . . . .

stop by and say hello to an All American!

I make good flutes

American Flutes

I am the

StoryTeller of Freedom Farm . . . .

You will notice that my schedule is empty . . . .

Given the story that you have just read . . .you might understand my loss of energy

to start shows again . . .not knowing what to call them,

for my voice chokes on saying "in the style".

That, and the state of our economy , has forced me to re-evaluate things . . . .

But I will be out there at the shows and Pow-Wows (where I am still an invited non-native guest)

Sorry for the long delay in updating this site . . . .

But to be truthful, I had lost something and needed to find my center . . . .

I do not mind going out and battling the dragons every day . . .

today . . .I think I have done well

 . . .If only in my mind and heart . . .

Be well folks

Roy