Hidden Heritage

Join Paul LaRoche as he shares the inspiring story of Moses Brings Plenty, a member of the Oglala Sioux tribal nation. Moses, an activist, speaker, spiritual leader, musician, actor (Yellowstone Series), and the Director of Rangeland Relations for the CANA Foundation, has dedicated his life to saving wild horses and fostering a deeper connection between humans and the environment.

In this episode, Paul and Moses discuss the profound cultural significance of horses to tribal communities and the concept of rewilding to promote a healthier environment. Moses shares his vision for youth programs that use horses to help children develop essential communication skills and emotional well-being.

Discover the challenges and triumphs of the CANA Foundation's mission to rescue and rehome wild horses, and learn how you can contribute to this vital cause. Through Moses's journey, we gain insight into the importance of community, heritage, and coexistence in creating a better world for future generations.

In this week's episode of Hidden Heritage, we take a fascinating journey to Blood Run, a site of early American Indian habitation located in southeast South Dakota, near Sioux Falls. Despite its historical significance, Blood Run remains relatively unknown to many. Join us as we uncover the rich history and cultural importance of this landmark.

Blood Run, straddling the Big Sioux River on the Iowa and South Dakota border, is one of the oldest sites of long-term human habitation in the United States. Designated by the National Park Service in 2000 as a site of national importance, efforts are ongoing to preserve its unique landscape and historical artifacts.

Our exploration reveals the site’s past as a major meeting place for various Native American tribes, a bustling hub for trade and social gatherings. We delve into the intriguing theories behind the name "Blood Run" and examine the significant archaeological findings that shed light on the lives of its ancient inhabitants.

We also meet dedicated individuals working tirelessly to protect and restore Blood Run, ensuring it remains a place of learning and reflection for future generations. Discover the challenges and triumphs in the efforts to secure funding and expand the protected area, ultimately aiming to establish Blood Run as a premier destination for those interested in Native American history.

Tune in to uncover the hidden heritage of Blood Run and learn how you can support the preservation of this invaluable historical site.

Join Paul LaRoche on a personal journey of rediscovery.  In this episode of "Hidden Heritage," we explore the profound and beautiful art of the Lakota people.

Travel with us to Prairie Edge, a unique venue in Rapid City, South Dakota, where the legacy of Northern Plains Indian art is preserved and showcased. Learn about the passionate efforts of Ray and Rita Hillenbrand in creating a space that honors and supports American Indian artists.

Meet talented artists like Kevin Fast Horse and his family, who continue to keep traditional beadwork and other crafts alive. Discover how Prairie Edge not only promotes high-quality American Indian art but also supports the artists and their communities through fair trade practices.

Experience the spiritual and cultural richness of the Northern Plains and understand the ongoing challenges and triumphs of promoting tribal tourism and preserving indigenous traditions. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the enduring legacy of Native American art and culture.

Paul LaRoche, founder of the contemporary Native American music group Brulé, shares the inspiring story behind their Mount Rushmore Concert for Reconciliation of the Cultures. This episode, part 2, delves into the challenges and triumphs of organizing the largest concert of their 30-year journey, aimed at promoting unity and healing between cultures.

Discover how Brulé's unique blend of music and message of hope has carved out a niche in the entertainment industry, and how the band's commitment to their mission has led to a historic performance at one of America's most iconic landmarks. From the logistical hurdles to the emotional impact, LaRoche recounts the journey that brought thousands together in a powerful celebration of cultural awareness and reconciliation.

Join us as we explore the significance of this monumental event, the intricate planning that made it possible, and the lasting legacy it aims to leave on audiences worldwide. Tune in to hear about the band's vision for the future and their ongoing efforts to spread their message through music, dance, and storytelling.

Welcome to Hidden Heritage, stories from across Native America. In this special Father's Day episode, host Paul LaRoche talks about the traditional role of fathers in American Indian culture, sharing personal insights and historical perspectives.

Discover how the family unit on many Native American Indian Reservations differs from mainstream America, emphasizing communal child-rearing and the profound roles fathers play. From embodying strength, wisdom, and protection to teaching ancestral ways and spiritual practices, Native American fathers are pillars of their communities.

Learn about the unique fatherhood traditions of various tribes, including the Lakota, Navajo, and Hopi, and how these practices ensure the preservation of cultural heritage and the well-being of future generations. As we celebrate Father's Day, let's honor all fathers and father figures who are teachers, protectors, and keepers of traditions.

Join Paul LaRoche as he reflects on his own experiences and the universal importance of fatherhood. Wishing everyone a joyful and reflective Father's Day from Hidden Heritage.

Join Paul LaRouche and the band Brule as they embark on their most ambitious and heartfelt project yet: the Concert for Reconciliation of the Cultures at Mount Rushmore. This 2-part episode explores the rich history of the Black Hills, a sacred place for many Native American tribes, and explores the journey of bringing two worlds together through the power of music.

Discover the significance of the Black Hills to Native American tribes, the historical conflicts that have shaped the area, and the story of Paul's own reconciliation with his heritage. Follow Brule's decade-long musical journey that culminates in a groundbreaking concert aimed at fostering forgiveness, healing, and unity.

Through interviews, historical insights, and stunning visuals, this episode offers a poignant look at the past and present of the Black Hills, the ongoing cultural significance of the area, and the powerful role of music in bridging divides. Don't miss this inspiring story of heritage, resilience, and reconciliation.

Welcome to another episode of Hidden Heritage. In this special edition, Paul LaRoche shares an archival interview from 2017 where he discusses the roots and evolution of Brulé, his renowned musical project. Discover the heartfelt journey of Paul, a Native American adoptee, as he reconnects with his heritage and blends mainstream American rock with traditional Native American rhythms.

Learn about Paul's early musical influences, his personal story of reunion with his biological family, and the creation of Brulé—a unique fusion of contemporary and tribal sounds. This episode is not just about music; it’s about cultural rediscovery and the power of storytelling through song.

Don't miss Paul's insights into past solo tours, "The Story Behind Brulé," where he shares the music that shaped him. It's an intimate and enriching conversation that underscores the importance of understanding and celebrating our diverse heritage.

Join us for an inspiring episode that bridges cultures and generations through the universal language of music.

Join us on Hidden Heritage as we travel to Green Grass, South Dakota, for a rare interview with Arvol Looking Horse, the spiritual leader of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota nations. Discover the intricate balance between traditional and contemporary tribal leadership and the responsibilities carried by those recognized as Chiefs in modern times.

Arvol Looking horse, the 19th generation keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe Bundle, shares his journey and the spiritual duties he upholds. From his upbringing on the Cheyenne River Reservation to his advocacy for peace, environmental stewardship, and Native rights, Arvol's story is a testament to resilience and cultural preservation.

Explore the significance of the White Buffalo Calf Woman prophecy, the impact of historical events like the Wounded Knee Massacre, and the challenges faced by Native American communities today. This episode offers a profound insight into the spiritual traditions and enduring heritage of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota people.

In this episode of Hidden Heritage we will hear from the late Lakota spiritual leader, Floyd Leonard Hand (1939 – 2019). He was born in a cabin along the banks of White Clay Creek on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation of SD. Floyd's life was dedicated to preserving the Lakota traditional way of life and advocating for Native rights. He was a proud member of the American Indian Movement and gained spiritual teachings from the well-known Lakota spiritual leader, Frank Fools Crow.

Floyd conducted workshops and sweat lodge ceremonies across the country, always with an open door and a willingness to help. His dedication to his community continued until his return to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in 1993, where he became a staunch treaty rights advocate. In this episode, we delve into a conversation with Floyd from 2014, exploring his spiritual journey, his teachings, and his hopes for the future generations of Native Americans.

Join us as we learn from Floyd’s profound wisdom, his experiences in the U.S. Army, and his reflections on the importance of maintaining cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world.

Join Paul LaRoche as he takes you on a  personal journey in "Growing up in Worthington, The Lost Birds." This episode explores the heartwarming and complex stories of adoption, heritage, and identity. Paul shares his own story of being adopted at birth and later reconnecting with his biological Lakota family. He introduces his special guest, Tammy Makram, Director of the Worthington Memorial Auditorium who reveals her own extraordinary adoption story.

Tammy recounts her discovery of being left as a baby on the doorstep of a hospital on Christmas Eve and her subsequent journey to find her biological family. Through the marvels of modern DNA testing and the support of an unwavering community, Tammy connects with her biological siblings and even meets her birth parents. The episode explores themes of reconciliation, the blending of cultures, and the importance of understanding one's heritage.

Tune in to hear these inspiring narratives that underscore the profound message that we are all connected, and every story, no matter how unique, holds the power to bridge divides and foster understanding.