Robb "Little Owl" Martin

Robb “Little Owl” Martin: Native American performer and storyteller (for all ages) Robb is a Native American style flute player and flute maker who can share a great deal about Native American culture, history, and legends. When asked, Robb brings with him many plains style objects to display that show arts and crafts of today as well as from the past. Furthermore, he will always come dressed for the occasion in full traditional Plains style regalia ready to explain the significance of his outfit and to tell the story about his “washichu” teeth. Robb also has some knowledge of the Sioux language, a few animal signs from Native American sign language as well as many traditional stories and legends from throughout the west. Overall, Robb’s main goal with his presentations is to teach his culture to all generations so that it is not forgotten. He always tries to get the audience involved through active drumming, playing songs and making animal sounds on his flutes. For students with Special Needs, Robb is wonderful at adapting these presentations to all styles of learning and interaction. Over the years he has worked with a variety of age groups, class sizes, and ability levels, constantly trying to change his program to include all members of his audience. Over the past decade, Robb has worked in many elementary school classrooms helping to bring Utah’s Native American history to life. In addition, he has played his flute and explained the significance of eagle feathers in Native American belief to many of Utah’s Eagle Scouts helping them to commemorate their accomplishments during their Eagle Court Ceremonies. Robb has also told stories and played his flute during Utah’s 2002 Olympic Games; a Utah senator’s convention; as well as for the people who have attended the commemoration for the Bear River Massacre in Idaho over the past several years. For teachers Robb can show them how to teach Native American history in a new way, both on a local level as well as for US History courses. They will be able to learn a broader truth about Native peoples helping them to add to the Spanish/English history that is typically presented in textbooks. He can also explain why he believes a fresh perspective and point of view on Native American history and culture needs to be presented in schools as well as giving them ideas of projects that teachers can take back with them into the classroom. Some Performances and Demonstrations Include: • Flute workshop during the Native American Festival and Contest Powwow (WVC) • Very Special Arts in the Park: Davis County School District • Utah Museum of Natural History and Red Butte Gardens at the University of Utah • Various Mountain Man Rendezvous • All Horse Parade & Utah Horse Expo demonstrating history of the Appaloosa Horse breed • Ogden Nature Center: Visitor Center • Ethnic Village during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games