Native American Flutes
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
If you look on High Spirits Flutes, you will see he calls them Native American Style flutes. Years ago the American Indians sued the people selling “Native American Flutes” when the person making the flutes had no Native American heritage. Now when selling a “Native American Flute” it must have been made by a “Native American “ or if not by an “American Native “, it must be sold as “Native American Style “. “Native American Flute Style “ donates the type. “ Native American Flute “ donates it is an official “ Native American” made flute.
Thank you for that explanation. I see that on the HS website. I understand and agree with the distinction. That said, I think in causal conversation, when we speak of our flutes, there's no harm in calling the HS flutes, Native American Flutes. I know I do. I'm thankful for such builders who are responsible and respectful and build quality flutes. In doing so, they are still honoring the Native Americans, the instrument, and the music.
Thanks again! 
As a person who makes Native American Style flutes, I thought it might be helpful to know why they have to be called Native "style" flutes. This is due to the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990, which was passed to protect Indigenous crafts people. They were being crushed by people offering cheap knockoffs, mostly being made in China and Eastern Europe. Now in the USA you must clearly identify that it is a Native American "style" flute (or even other crafts like dreamcatchers) - unless the maker of the item is a registered member of a federally recognized Tribe or Nation.
It would shock you to find out just how bad the problem still is - the Chinese are still dumping cheaply made dreamcatchers, arrowheads and many other items. You can even go to a reservation and find these items being sold in the gift shops there. And just how bad is it? The international patent for a dreamcatcher is owned by...China. It never occurred to our indigenous craftspeople that something like that could happen!
I have a lot of Cherokee blood in me, but I don't qualify for membership in any of the three recognized tribes of the Cherokee. Thus, I cannot sell my flutes as "Native Made". But I long ago decided to not be part of the problem, so I do sell them as Native American Style.
Is High Spirit Flutes still making flutes? Odell's stock has been either low or sold out for sometime now and no returned phone calls. Holding him in consciousness for continued health, prosperity and well-being.