Cane, Bamboo and Wood Flutes by James Gilliland

Award winning Native American flute maker from North Alabama James Gilliland has made flutes for the last 30+ years. James retired from the Space Program as a Senior Design Engineer after 40 years of service. He uses his engineering skills and Native American heart, to create high quality, accurately tuned flutes that sing. His flutes are made using the traditional methods and new technology.

He is famous for his traditional cane, bamboo and wood flutes. He holds the honor of having the first flute travel into space and played on the International Space Station in 2002, this flute is now at the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC. He was also honored in 2005 as the First Place winner of the Musical Echoes, Flute Makers competition. His flutes have been sold around the world through The Oregon Flute Store since 1998.

James is a Native American Cherokee elder (He is a registered Native American of Cherokee/Creek/Scots Irish heritage), He is very proud of his heritage and continues to shows his respect by honoring the circle of life and passing on his well honed flute making craft to his great-grandson Hunter Pyle. So many Native crafts have been almost completely lost due to early European prevention to allow Natives to practice their traditions. Traditionally all native crafts were passed from one generation to the next by the tribal elders. James honors this tradition and has been teaching his great-grandson how to make Native American flutes.