As the great-granddaughter of Eastman Kaney (an original Dawes Commission enrollee), Amy is a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation. She is an award-winning storyteller and educator, artist, and stomp dancer.

Her appreciation for cultural awareness came at an early age. She was raised in a military family; she lived in Germany, Okinawa, Turkey, and Scotland before returning to her Chickasaw roots in America.

Amy is the 2023 recipient of the Coleen Salley Storytelling Award for her commitment to the art of storytelling, by The University of Southern Mississippi. She shares Chickasaw and Southeastern tribal customs with audiences of all ages through lively programs at schools, museums, libraries, and festivals across the country. She also performs with the dance troupe Chikashsha Hithla at events and festivals around the nation.

Amy is also an accomplished artist. Her artwork is sold at several museums and stores and sells her creations at powwows and festivals throughout the United States. She was also one of 36 Native American artists chosen to show and sell her art at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, Native American Art Market in Washington DC 2019. See and inquire about her art on Instagram @chickasaw_art

Amy lives in Austin Texas with her husband Carl, and a houseful of pets. She also has two daughters who have also taken to Chickasaw culture and stomp dance.

“Amy has attended the Oka Kapassa Festival for over 15 years and has presented a variety of programs, not only at the festival but at other community events throughout Northwest Alabama. Her positive rapport with audiences of all ages is engaging and captivating as she presents authentic information throughout her performance. As a festival participant, she is highly valued and admired by her spectators, her peers, and the festival committee. The Board of Oka Kapassa greatly appreciates her contributions to the festival and looks forward to having her attend each year. Ms. Bluemel is a great asset at any event and provides an array of talents for all attendees.” —Rose McGee, Festival Chairman, Oka Kapassa