At age 94, Esther Martinez has spent most of her life working to keep the Tewa language and Tewa stories alive.

Martinez, whose Tewa name is P'oe Tsawa, or Blue Water, is a retired language teacher from Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo. Her dedication earned her a 2006 National Heritage Fellowship Award, which she will receive at a Washington, D.C., ceremony on September 12.

Martinez is also known as a storyteller. She made her last public appearance to the Luna Community College Youth Academy's National Youth Sports Program.

"She is 94 years old -- that's history we may never hear again," student Nina Martinez told the Associated Press.

Get the Story:
At 94, American Indian storyteller tells her last tale to children (AP 8/28)
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2006 National Heritage Fellowships:
Bio: Esther Martinez | List of Recipients

Related Stories:
Pueblo woman wins National Heritage Fellowship (06/16)