Collective Spirit Podcast

Tiana Spotted Thunder, an Oglala Lakota musician, shares the rich tapestry of sound that weaves traditional powwow rhythms with the contemporary beats of hip-hop and R&B. Her voice, a conduit for heritage and healing, shares the complexities of her musical journey, revealing the personal joys and challenges she faces in the studio. Tiana's artistry is a surprising kaleidoscope, as she confesses her love for genres as diverse as grunge and alternative rock, which color her creative expression.
The music Tiana crafts bears the weight of memory, the lightness of hope, and the colors of our deepest emotions. In a heartfelt discussion with Talon Ducheneaux (Cheyenne River Lakota), Program Manager of the Wicahpi Olowan Music Program and Studio, we uncover the sacred art of songwriting as a tribute to those who have danced ahead to the spirit world. Talon's conversation with Tiana delves into the intricacies of composing in Lakota, the language of her ancestors, and the delicate dance of self-accompaniment.
Learn more about the First Peoples Fund - Wicahpi Olowan Music Program and Studio at https://bit.ly/WicahpiOlowan

Have you ever wondered how art can be a powerful vessel for preserving cultural heritage? Meet 2024 Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award Honoree Golga Oscar (Yup'ik), who shares their profound journey from a childhood fascination with Inuit art to becoming a celebrated textile artist rooted in the rich traditions of the Yupik Nation. Golga recounts their awe-inspiring experiences at the Yup'ik dance ceremony, Kuvvigik, and how these cultural moments propelled them to create traditional attire that honors her ancestors. Discover the pivotal role their community and the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) played in shaping their artistic journey, and how their art becomes a bridge to her spiritual connection with nature.

2023 Artist in Business Leadership fellow Bobby Brower Itta (Inupiaq) is a fashion designer whose Inupaq roots and artistic prowess have woven a tapestry of resilience and creativity. Bobbi Lynn shares her heartwarming narrative, which paints a vivid picture of the power of traditional and contemporary skin sewing, the sweeping cold of Arctic winters, and the vibrant tapestry of her culture. Her story celebrates heritage, the transformative nature of fashion, and the ripple effect of empowering indigenous youth to reach for their dreams.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of "The Root Experience," where 2023 Cultural Capital Fellow James Pakootas (Confederated Tribes of Colville Reserve) unveils his journey to breathe new life into Native culture by weaving together the threads of ancestral tales with the vibrant energy of modern art forms. We embark on an auditory pilgrimage, traversing the landscape of historical narrative and contemporary issues, such as the influence of the Grand Coulee Dam on tribal life, all while championing the resurgence of indigenous identity through film, hip-hop, and dance.

2022 Cultural Capital fellow, Kanoelani Davis (Kanaka Maoli), owns PoMahina Designs, a wearable art company embued in essence and culture. Aside from being a business owner whose products uplift Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) culture and designs, Kanoe's business has expanded to create a platform that invites conversation and timely perspectives on issues of our day. Kanoe derives her motivation from her ancestors and is committed to creating a better path forward for her community today and in the future.