Lighting Girl and Her Horse

A cold snowy day in the Tipi, Sandy reminisces about the ranch life.  In the Lakota culture the horse was always highly esteemed.  Cowboys and Indians had to have admiration and confidence in their horses.  Sandy shares family stores about the Sunkawakaj (Lakota word for horse).  Learn how she incorporates culture and history into her art. 

Ivan Sorbel - Pine Ridge Chamber of Commerce

April 2000 a group of Native American business people started the Pine Ridge Chamber of Commerce.  Ivan Sorbel a businessman himself was hired in 2005 to be the Executive Director.  He grew up on the Reservation and joined the Marine Corp for a 5 ½ years.  Learn of his history and projects during this difficult time of the Covid crises.  It is interesting to learn of the challenges the Chamber now faces.   

A Lakota Cowboy Louis Twiss

He tells of living on the Pine Ridge Reservation and starting the Oglala Sioux Land and Cattle Organization. He became Secretary for the National Indians Cattlemen Association for the betterment of all Native American producers. 

Learn of his firsthand experience in the Badlands World War II bombing range at the North end of the Reservation. The government used eminent domain to confiscate his family’s home and land.

Lakota Tipi Time

Sandy Swallow shares some personal insights on the Lakota value of Generosity. After a long lonely spell of quarantine, family and friends get together.  For a joyful occasion of a tipi rising. You will learn what happens at a Tipi rising.  Also how to make wojapi and what this traditional desert is. 

Elsie Meeks a Woman of Vision

Elsie Meeks helped start and shape the Lakota Fund on the Pine Ridge Reservation.  The goal was to help the economic development on the Reservation. A strong Oglala Lakota women her goal was to help her tribe.  You will learn why it is hard to get loans on the Reservation.  She was appointed South Dakota Executive Director of the Rural Development Agency by President Obama. 

Exclusive from Paul LaRoche

In this second interview with Paul you will learn the great opportunity he passed up.  He wanted to remain true to his Lakota heritage and traditions.  Now as Lakota artists we all need to venture into new and different avenues while remaining true to our values.  

Paul LaRoche of Brule`

Get to know Paul LaRoche of Brule` just a little better.  He found out he was a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe in his thirties.  He and his family have been blessed with a great talent for music.  Although it hasn’t been easy they have become well known and sold over a million CD”s.  They now have an Anthology of their 25 years in the music business.  Their journey will continue in new directions. 

Lakota Elder Vic Swallow

Vic Swallow a Lakota Elder was born on the Pine Ridge Reservation.  He was raised on the Red Shirt Table with his brother and two sisters.  Now an elder at the age of 81 he shares some of his experiences growing up there.  He gives a good background on the tribes that make up the Seven Council Fires.  Having a very good memory he recalls stories his mother Lizzie Two Bulls-Swallow told him. 

This song is written and sung by Quincy Good Star.

What is Social Distance Powwow?

Whitney Rencountre grew up on the Crow Creek Reservation in South Dakota.  Over coming many obstacles he has been able to achieve some of his life goals.  You will learn how Whitney, Dan Simonds, and Stephanie Hebert created a Social Distance Powwow facebook page.  It took off like lighting with over 205,000 members in over 100 countries around the world. Created for people to share and connect with one another. 

Among his accomplishments is becoming the Chairman of the South Dakota humanities council.  Husband of a beautiful wife and father of four beautiful daughters.  He has dedicated his life to be a voice for his people. 

Wisdom from a Lakota Elder

This podcast is especially dear to my heart because it is a conversation about my Grandpa Oliver Swallow.  My elder cousin Vic Swallow shares stories about him.  You will learn what it was like to live on the Pine Ridge Reservation in the early 1900’s.  Everyday life as it was then.  

This song is written and sung by good friend Quincy Good Star.