ALBUQUERQUE –Using inspiration from a dream, Nambe Pueblo’s Georgia Perez crafts books that use the Native American tradition of storytelling to address a very modern challenge: obesity and diabetes.

In four books, the author and diabetes educator weaves together stories of eagles, coyotes, spinning tales of a return to traditional ways of living that bring about wellness and health. Quotes from the books, along with vibrant watercolor paintings by artists Patrick Rolo of the Bad River Band of Ojibwe, and Lisa Fifield of Oneida — both of Wisconsin — make up an impressive exhibit that combines art, health and storytelling at the Albuquerque-based Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC).

The exhibit — Through the Eyes of the Eagle (pdf) — opened on Saturday.

With a well-attended opening dinner that included speakers from health, policy and tribal government backgrounds, the opening reception began what promises to be an exciting four-month display of the exhibit.

Amy Johnson, IPCC curator, looking at the exhibit she worked so hard to embellish in time for the opening, remarked that the powerful thing about Perez’s work is its encouraging tone.

“She finds a way to present healthy living in a positive way, showing youth not what they are doing wrong, but instead guiding them in a positive way,” Johnson told NMI.

Sadly, Perez had a death in her family and could not attend the reception. Her daughter, Felicia Candalario attended and spoke on her behalf. “This is such a special day for mom –- she never thought this was going to get this big, but I am proud of her,” Candalario said. “She put her heart and soul into this.”

Ron Solimon, CEO and president of the museum, said this exhibit, a mixture of art, education, culture and heath, reminds viewers of the work that still needs to be done to reverse the frightening trends of children with habits and medical conditions that threaten their future quality of life.

“I hope to see children and their families lining up to see this, because once they are pulled in by the stories and colors, they will absorb the messages of healing through culture that is so strongly evident here.”

The exhibit runs from Jan. 31 to May 25 at the IPCC’s Avanyu Gallery. Admission to “Through the Eyes of the Eagle” is included with admission to the museum. There are many health-related events for children happening in conjunction with the exhibit –- see the IPCC Web site for more details.

Anthony Fleg is a family medicine resident physician at the University of New Mexico and a coordinator for the Native Health Initiative.