Esther Martinez, a Tewa language teacher and storyteller from Ohkay Owingeh in New Mexico, was named a National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Martinez taught Tewa to generations of students at the pueblo. She is known as Ko'oe P'oe Tsawa, or Aunt Blue Water.

Since 1988, Martinez has been sharing stories with international audiences. She has been recognized by the National Council of American Indians and the New Mexico Arts Commission.

The fellowship is the nation's highest honor in folk and traditional arts.

Get the Story:
New Mexico storyteller, santero honored with fellowship (AP 6/15)
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Press Release: National Endowment for the Arts Announces 2006 Recipients of Nation's Highest Honor in the Folk and Traditional Arts (NEA 6/15)

2006 National Heritage Fellowships:
Bio: Esther Martinez | List of Recipients