Nathan Phillips (activist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nathan Phillips
|
|
|---|---|
| Sky Man | |
Phillips in 2019
|
|
| Born | February 22, 1954 Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.
|
| Other names | Nathaniel R. Stanard |
| Citizenship | American Omaha |
| Occupation | Activist |
Nathan Phillips, also known by his Native American name Sky Man, is an important activist from the Omaha Nation. He is known for speaking up for the rights and traditions of Indigenous people. He gained wider attention for an event at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., in 2019.
Contents
Who is Nathan Phillips?
Nathan Phillips was born on February 22, 1954, in Lincoln, Nebraska. For his first five years, he lived in a traditional Omaha Nation home. Later, he was raised by a foster family. He attended Lincoln Southeast High School before moving to Washington, D.C.
His Early Life and Service
Phillips joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves in 1972. During his service, he learned to be an anti-tank missileman. He also worked as a refrigerator technician. He completed his service in 1976.
Standing Up for Native American Rights
Phillips has dedicated much of his life to activism. He works to protect Native American culture and rights. He was a director of the Native Youth Alliance. This group works to keep traditional culture and spiritual ways alive for future generations.
Helping Young Native Americans
By 1999, Phillips was helping to create a foster care system for Native children. This system aimed to help them connect with their heritage. He believed it was important for children to learn about their traditions. In 2015, Phillips reported an incident where he felt disrespected by a group of students.
Protecting Sacred Lands and Culture
Phillips leads an annual ceremony to honor Native American war veterans. This ceremony takes place at Arlington National Cemetery. He was also a well-known figure in the Standing Rock protests in 2016 and 2017. These protests were against the building of an oil pipeline in North Dakota. He saw his participation as a prayer and a commitment to stand up for youth, nature, and his nation. Phillips is also known as a "keeper of a sacred pipe," which is a significant role in some Native American traditions.
Nathan Phillips in Film and Music
Phillips has also appeared in a documentary and a music video.
Between Earth and Sky Documentary
In 2013, Nathan Phillips was featured in a documentary film called Between Earth and Sky. The film shows him and his wife, Shoshana, returning to his Omaha reservation. They sought traditional healing after Shoshana was diagnosed with a serious illness. Sadly, Shoshana passed away in 2014.
Music Video Appearance
In 2012, Phillips and his son appeared in a music video. The song was "Make It Bun Dem" by Skrillex and Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley. Phillips explained that he took part to help his children during a difficult time for his family.
