For the women who craft and sell these soft sculptures, hat-making is an intimate art form relying on the intricately plaited bond of creativity and tradition.

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"Creativity is our tradition and there's a lot of talent in Indian Country waiting to be exposed, " Metcalfe said.

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But at the same time, you know, Michael still has had a long tradition in our community basically of being on the cutting edge of, you know, creativity in the musical arena and much of that has been black music.

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