Today we’re talking with Samsoche Sampson (Mvskoke Creek/Seneca) who is an interdisciplinary artist, powwow and hoop dancer, performer, musician, as well as a father and partner.  Samsoche and his brother, Luhme, make up the world-renowned hoop dancing team known as the Sampson Brothers, who over twenty-five years have performed throughout the world: on stage in big cities and at powwows in remote Indigenous communities.

Samsoche tells the story of how he first started hoop dancing and the many ways he and his family shared their passion for dancing at powwows, rodeos, and schools, and then eventually led to performing with major music artists touring the world, blending contemporary Indigenous culture while honoring tradition.

We loved hearing about Samsoche’s enthusiasm for sharing his artistry with others, and how he loves to spark interest among the younger generation, encouraging them to embrace traditional and contemporary Indigenous fusion dance. Miigwech Samsoche for sharing your love of the arts!

Sampson Brothers website: https://sampsonbrosarts.com/

Sampson Brothers TEDxMinneapolis - How indigenous hoop dancers see the world:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaZbaPQnXE0&feature=emb_rel_pause

Native American Hoop Dancing in Minneapolis - If Cities Could Dance - KQED Arts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nd6uo6o9nNM&feature=emb_logo

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/