Tu Moonwalker

Tu Moonwalker Tu Moonwalker, died in her home outside Moriarty, New Mexico, March 28, 2011, surrounded by family and friends. She died as she lived, celebrating life. Born of Apache and South American Native American parents, Tu was raised on the White Mountain Apache reservations in Arizona. At age two, she was diagnosed with polio. She spent six years in an iron lung, surviving unlike most of her peers. In her late thirties, the polio returned, resulting in her final passage. Dying in her early sixties, Tu was the oldest post-polio survivor known. Many people were partners in her survival, including her sister Láné Saán Moonwalker and Dr. Cynthia Knudson, Tu's attending physician. Tu's accomplishments were many. Academically, she holds undergraduate degrees in Anthropology and Biochemistry and graduate degrees in Museum Science and Geology. Musically gifted, she collaborated on the lyrics for "Puff the Magic Dragon" and "Dust in the Wind." Her recent book, Business Revolution through Ancestral Wisdom, received the 2009 New Mexico Book Award in Business. Travelling the show circuit for ten years, Tu is nationally and internationally known as an accomplished artisan. She is listed in three different books as a contemporary basket maker: Traditions in Transition: Contemporary Basket Weaving of the Southwest Indians, Miniature Arts of the Southwest, and Lost and Found Traditions. "Fibre Arts Magazine," "Miniature Collector," and "House Beautiful" profiled her work. Between 1980 - 1989, she won several first, second, and third prize awards for basketry, feather work, beadwork, and leatherwork in juried shows in Texas, Colorado, and New Mexico, including the New Mexico State Fair, Gallup Ceremonial, and Indian Market. Her artwork is in several private and museum collections nationally and internationally including the Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. and the Smithsonian Institution. Since the mid-1980's, Tu has travelled nationally as a spiritual teacher and minister. In 1988, she founded with her sister Láné Saán, the Philosophy of Universal Beingness within the Whole, a spiritual system based on environmental consciousness and peaceful coexistence. Her community, family, and students worldwide honor her as a Grandmother of great wisdom and insight. Tu is survived by her beloved sister, Láné Saán Moonwalker; devoted friend, Tlo Lowry; and beloved dog, Dulcinea Moonwalker. Tu loved life and will be mourned and missed by her students, friends, and family. Her life will be celebrated, as well, honoring her legacy. At Tu's request, please send memorial donations to the Defenders of Wildlife. Arrangements are under the direction of Berardinelli Family Funeral Service 1399 Luisa Street, Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505)984-8600 Please sign our guestbook for the family at: www.berardinellifuneralhome.com