Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast
Shandin Pete, Aaron Brien
1 Creator
1 Creator
Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast tackle real issues related to research by Tribal people in their communities. The show is hosted by Dr. Shandin Pete (Salish/Diné) and Aaron Brien (Apsáalooke). Dr. Pete is from the Flathead Indian Reservation in Arlee, Montana. He completed a M.S. in Geology and an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Montana. Brien resides in Hardin, MT and the Crow Indian Reservation. He completed his M.A. in Anthropology at the University of Montana. The show includes discussions on matters important in Indian Country, including reclaiming research traditions, highlighting Tribal values and bringing to the forefront issue and current state of affairs in Tribal communities. We aim to uncover the meaning of research methodological approaches that are currently operating in Tribal lifeways with implication for Tribal communities and avenues for knowledge production.
1 Listener
All episodes
Best episodes
Seasons
Top 10 Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
#50 - Drama at Club NCAI: Native Identity Scuffles for Federal Scraps - Guest: Salisha Old Bull
Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast
11/24/23 • 60 min
Native American identity and organization. 0:00
Federal recognition for Native American tribes. 7:07
Native American identity and federal recognition. 19:25
Tribal recognition and federal government responsibilities. 21:58
Tribal recognition and identity. 27:21
Cultural identity and authenticity. 34:22
Native American policy and advocacy. 42:26
Tribal sovereignty and cultural preservation. 47:19
Guest: Salisha OldBull (Salish/Crow)
Hosts: Aaron Brien (Apsáalooke), Shandin Pete (Salish/Diné)
Podcast Website: tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tribal-research-specialist-the-podcast/id1512551396
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1H5Y1pWYI8N6SYZAaawwxb
Twitter: @tribalresearchspecialist
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TribalResearchSpecialist
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCL9HR4B2ubGK_aaQKEt179Q
Website: www.tribalresearchspecialist.com
Click below ↓ to...
1 Listener
#61 - From Trauma to Teasing: The Epigenetics of Indigenous Humor With Guest: Kasey Nicholson
Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast
03/18/25 • 112 min
Code-Switching & Cultural Banter 0:00:00
Trauma, Humor, and Healing 0:15:00
Counselor to Comedian 0:35:00
Joke Anatomy 101 0:55:00
Academic Comedy Fails 1:15:00
The Art of Native Teasing 1:35:00
Generational Laughs 1:55:00
Breaking Stereotypes 2:15:00
Guest: Kasey Nicholson (A’aa’niii’nin) https://www.rezzalicious.com/
Hosts: Aaron Brien (Apsáalooke), Salisha Old Bull (Salish/Apsáalooke), (Shandin Pete (Salish/Diné).
How to cite this episode (apa)
Pete, S. H., Brien, A. & Old Bull, S. A. (Hosts). (2025, February 25). # 61 - From Trauma to Teasing: The Epigenetics of Indigenous Humor With Guest: Kasey Nicholson [Audio podcast episode]. In Tribal Research Specialist:The Podcast. Tribal Research Specialist, LLC. https://tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com
How to cite this podcast (apa)
Pete, S. H., & Brien, A. (Hosts). (2020–present). Tribal Research Specialist:The Podcast [Audio podcast]. Tribal Research Specialist, LLC. https://tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com/
Podcast Website: tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tribal-research-specialist-the-podcast/id1512551396
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1H5Y1pWYI8N6SYZAaawwxb
X: @tribalresearchspecialist
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TribalResearchSpecialist
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCL9HR4B2ubGK_aaQKEt179Q
Website: www.tribalresearchspecialist.com
#17 - Indigenous Scholars: Communicating For and To Our Tribal Communities - Guest: JoRee LaFrance
Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast
08/28/20 • 91 min
In the episode, the IRC team speaks with JoRee LaFrance (Apsáalooke). She is a PhD student in the Department of Environmental Science at the University of Arizona. She comes from the Crow Reservation located in southeastern Montana. Her Apsáalooke name is Iichiinmaaáatchilash (Fortunate with Horses) and she comes from the Greasy Mouth clan and is a child of Ties in the Bundle clan. She uses the intersection of her background in earth sciences and Native American studies to focus on water quality issues on her reservation.
JoRee's PhD research aims to understand the contaminant behavior in the Indigenous Food, Energy, Water Security and Sovereignty (Indige-FEWSS) nexus in the Little Bighorn River watershed. More specifically, she will address the contaminant concentration-discharge relationship in the river to further determine any implications and to characterize exposure routes unique to Apsáalooke people.
The episode begins with Ellen BigSam (Salish) singing a Snqaqaá. The Nqaqaá was performed in anticipation of the departure of a war or hunting party. In the Nqaqaá a small group of people sang the Snqaqaá from teepee to teepee as the war or hunting party made their preparations for departure. By the time the singers had completed the circle the warriors had departed silently.
JoRee and the IRC Team continue by discussing the importance of our tribal communities and landscapes as a source of inspiration for our research and academic aspirations. The discussion centers on how our time away from our tribal communities helps to shape the research we envision while attaining academic knowledge. The conversation shifts to the importance of communicating our academic knowledge back to our Tribal Communities.
The second half episode begins with Grant Bull Tail (Apsáalooke). During the creation of humankind and the Earth, it is said in some version of the creation story that the Creator sang this song.
JoRee and the IRC Team continue the discussion on the purpose of writing in Western academics. The discussion center on advice for current and emerging Indigenous scholars on how to make our academic writing be a purposeful product for our respective Tribal communities. The discussion shift to the complexities of economic development on Reservation and how Tribes can move toward sustainable and renewable economic ventures.
Have answers? Suggestions? Agree? Disagree? Join the conversation at one of our social media sites. Your input is valuable to advance our understanding.
Guest: JoRee LaFrance
Learn more:
https://environmentalscience.cals.arizona.edu/person/joree-lafrance
https://climas.arizona.edu/about/people/joree-lafrance
https://dartmouthcollegefund.org/story/way-home
Hosts: Aaron Brien, Kamiah Dumontier, Salena Hill, Shandin Pete, Brenda Shepard
Website http://irc.skc.edu
Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-irc/id1512551396
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1H5Y1pWYI8N6SYZAaawwxb
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ircskc/
Twitter https://twitter.com/IRCSKC
Facebook https://
#34 - “10% Cree Fee”: The influence of Nêhiyawak singing across Indian Country with Guest: Aaron Tootoosis
Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast
02/07/22 • 91 min
In this episode, the TRS team chats with Aaron Tootoosis (Nêhiyawak) from the Poundmaker Indian Reserve in Treaty 6 Territory. University and traditionally educated, he shares his expertise on current Indigenous issues through speaking engagements throughout Saskatchewan and through his involvement with boards and committees. His ceremonial grounding guides him in how he communicates and builds relationships with people. A father of three, he makes is home on the Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation in Treaty 4 Territory with his wife of 22 years.
Aaron Tootoosis gives a history of the resurgence of Cree round dance. The TRS team also discuss the influence of Cree style singing among surrounding tribes. The conversation investigates some of the norms of singing and changes that have been witnessed in recent years. The discussion also shifts to the history of Chief Big B ear and SweetGrass and their connection to the Crow Nation.
Also listen to the end to hear Aaron's "Top Three" round dance albums of all times!
Aaron is currently employed as the Indigenous Students' Centre Coordinator/Instructor at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Regina Campus.
Learn more about Aaron Tootoosis:
http://www.otc.ca/book_a_speaker/details/aaron_tootoosis.html
https://saskpolytech.ca/student-services/support/indigenous/contact-us.aspx
Check out The Gunz of Poundmaker on #SoundCloud
https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/oD5FR
Learn more about Poundmaker Indian Reserve in Treaty 6 Territory.
http://www.poundmakercn.ca/
Listen to Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre recording
https://soundcloud.com/saskatchewanindigenousculturalcentre
Guest: Aaron Tootoosis (Nêhiyawak)
Hosts: Aaron Brien (Apsáalooke), Shandin Pete (Salish/Diné)
Podcast Website: tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tribal-research-specialist-the-podcast/id1512551396
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1H5Y1pWYI8N6SYZAaawwxb
Twitter: @tribalresearchspecialist
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TribalResearchSpecialist
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCL9HR4B2ubGK_aaQKEt179Q
Website: www.tribalresearchspecialist.com
#10 - Indigenous Thought: Communicating and Transforming Academic Knowledge for Tribal Communities
Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast
07/10/20 • 92 min
In this episode, the IRC team discusses how we can communicate indigenous thought and knowledge gained from academic institutions to our tribal communities. The episode starts with the Snyeʔstn, a scout song used to welcome back the scout that was sent out to gather knowledge of enemies and game near the camp. Whenever a Scout was seen returning, loping his horse, riding in a zigzag manner, and singing it was known he was bearing news and had seen something. A party of men, old and young, went to meet him. They advanced in a line, singing the song. The people of the camp would then gather and go out from the camp to some spot and would stand there. They had a leader and he would stand out from the crowd and drop a blanket on the ground; that is where the scout would stop. He must have power, and the power tells him where to throw down the blanket.” He drops the blanket in a bundle, not spread out, and then backs away from it to the waiting crowd. The leader has a stick, and after the scout has dismounted and come to the blanket, the leader strikes him with the stick. It is a signal to him that he may talk. Then the scout tells whatever news he has, whether good or bad.
The IRC Team used this song as a springboard to discuss their experiences in completing their academic degrees and the process of disseminating this knowledge to tribal and academic communities. The IRC team finds that the presence of witnesses from their family and community is an important part of validation for the knowledge they gained and how that gained it.
The IRC team continues the discussion after listening to a clip of the Sninyultmtn or parade song. There are several different types of Parade Songs. Some were associated with warriors returning from war or raids, weddings, telling of deeds, etc. Parades seem to have been quite common. This song was for a parade was called, “Sninyultn” and could be held at any time. This resembled the ride around the camp circle of returning victorious warriors except that it was held for entertainment. Both men and women participate in horseback riding parallel in rows. There would be a number of these rows of mounted people. A man and woman would often ride double. This parade would take place inside the camp circle and it would move around the row of teepees. Both men and women would join in singing the song.
The IRC Team finished their discussion by exploring ways to transform the academic process that may align more closely with a traditional way of informing their communities of the knowledge they have gained. The Team finds that a variety of modes of communication may work best to capture and repackage academic knowledge that is useful to Tribal communities.
Have answers? Suggestions? Agree? Disagree? Join the conversation at one of our social media sites. Your input is valuable to advance our understanding.
Hosts: Aaron Brien, Kamiah Dumontier, Serra Hoagland, Salena Hill, Marty Lopez, Shandin Pete
Website http://irc.skc.edu
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ircskc/
Twitter https://twitter.com/IRCSKC
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/106832977633248/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWwuqsg39_mE76xMxER5MSQ
#13 - PT 1 Song Knowledge: Retention and use of songs in Tribal communities - Guest: John Stiffarm
Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast
07/31/20 • 71 min
In this episode, the IRC team is also joined by a special guest, John Stiffarm (A̓a̓niiih). John is from the Fort Belknap Reservation and has served as a teacher since 2007 of the A̓a̓niiih (Gros Ventre) language in kindergarten through 12th grade. His passion for culture and language revitalization has followed John into all aspects of his life as he continues to promote an Indigenous life through his work in education.
The IRC team discusses the knowledge of songs both contemporarily and traditionally. The episode starts with a Brave Heart Song sung by Paul Stiffarm (A̓a̓niiih). The song is used to honor and help people at significant times in their lives. They could be sung at funerals and wakes or during significant accomplishments of individuals. The continuing discussion contributes to a growing body of knowledge in how one acquires information about song and singing. John shares how he started on his journey into learning songs and the traditions associated with them.
The IRC team continues the discussion after listening to a clip of John singing an old hang game song. Hand game, stick game, and two-button game are discussed. These gambling games are described from an A̓a̓niiih perspective, while the IRC provides corroborative information about gambling games from our respective tribes.
The discussion centers around questions such as "How can traditionally acquired, and spiritually derived songs co-exist with composed contemporary songs?" "How will the next generation maintain traditions in the evolving landscape of song and song use?"
Have answers? Suggestions? Agree? Disagree? Join the conversation at one of our social media sites. Your input is valuable to advance our understanding.
Guest: John Stiffarm
Hosts: Aaron Brien, Marty Lopez, Brenda Shepard, Shandin Pete
Website http://irc.skc.edu
Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-irc/id1512551396
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1H5Y1pWYI8N6SYZAaawwxb
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ircskc/
Twitter https://twitter.com/IRCSKC
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/106832977633248/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWwuqsg39_mE76xMxER5MSQ
#24 - Moving past "Indian 101", Frenzied Culturalism & Cultural Profiteering - Guest: Ben Pease
Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast
12/11/20 • 101 min
In this new episode, the Tribal Research Specialist (TRS) team talk with Ben Pease (Apsáalooke/Tsétsêhéstâhese), renowned artist from Lodge Grass, MT. The episode starts with a song from the TRC archives. The song is sung by Pat Kennedy (1925-2004), well-known singer throughout the United States and Canada, spiritual healer and traditionalist. Many of his songs are still sang today.
Ben Pease grew up on the Crow Indian Reservation town of Lodge Grass, MT, and graduated High School at Hardin High School. Ben subsequently attended Minot State University on a football scholarship and was awarded the Twyman Art Scholarship. At MSU he studied under Walter Piehl, a protege of world-renowned artist Fritz Scholder. After meeting his Wife at Minot State University and having their first son, Ben and his family moved to Bozeman, MT. Pease left football behind and continued his pursuit of art & creativity at Montana State University where he studied under Rollin Beamish & Sara Mast.
Please visit our sponsor for this episode! ---> https://wyld.gallery/
Buy us a Coffee to support the show
The episode continues with a discussion on the social implications of pan-indianism and how the pressure to maintain an "Indian cool factor" can detract from the inner workings of Tribal life. Additional discussions center on the controversies of the emergent copyrighting of cultural products.
Ben’s work has gained national & international attention. His work has been featured in scores of magazines, books, online publications, and social media networks like Western Art Collector Magazine, Southwest Art Magazine, Mountain Living Magazine, Big Sky Journal, Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine, Cowboys & Indians Magazine, Montana Women’s Magazine, National Geographic, University of North Carolina Press, and even various international periodicals in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Stuttgart, & Frankfurt.
The second half of the episode starts with an Owl Dance song from and unknown artist, again from the TRS archives. The discussion continues with an examination of the inter-tribal effects of our own cultural impositions we place on each other. The results are evaluated as a "frenzied culturalism", imagined as individual racing frantically to satisfy an indigenous image. The discussion shifts to way we can move ourselves out of "Indian 101" an into a new era of advancement that represents our Tribal reality.
Guest: Ben Pease
Website: https://www.benpeasevisions.com/
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/BenPeaseVisions/
Hosts: Aaron Brien, Shandin Pete
Please visit our sponsor for this episode! ---> https://wyld.gallery/
PodCast Website: tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tribal-research-specialist-the-podcast/id1512551396
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1H5Y1pWYI8N6SYZAaawwxb
Twitter: @tribalresearchspecialist
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TribalResearchSpecialist
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCL9HR4B2ubGK_aaQKEt179Q
Website: www.tribalresearchspecialist.com
#15 - Achieving Success: Advice from Indigenous Professors in Academia - Guests: WILLOW AGEP Alliance Fellows
Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast
08/13/20 • 40 min
In the episode, the IRC team speaks with The WILLOW AGEP Alliance Fellows. The Willow AGEP Alliance brings together three institutions - University of Montana, Salish Kootenai College, and Sitting Bull College. The WILLOW AGEP Alliance includes interconnected components focusing on retention and support for NAF-STEM via a mentoring program, grant preparation, and management program, and institutional support program. The development of a model to increase the success of NAF-STEM will provide more effective ways to strengthen their participation through professional development and systemic institutional change. This is an AGEP-T: Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate – Transformation under these NSF HRD grant numbers: #1723248 - University of Montana (UM), #1723006 - Salish Kootenai College (SKC), and #1723196 - Sitting Bull College (SBC).
The IRC team asked the WILLOW Fellows the following questions: In Western Academics, what has been considered a victory to you? In the current state, how do victory and success look in the future?
Guests include:
Dr. Annie Belcourt (Otter Woman) is an American Indian Assistant Professor in the College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Montana Pharmacy Practice and School of Public and Community Health Sciences Departments.
https://health.umt.edu/pharmacypractice/Faculty%20and%20Preceptors/Directory.php?ID=3227
Renae Schmitt is an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. She is an instructor in the Environmental Science Program at Sitting Bull College
https://sittingbull.edu/sitting-bull-college/programs/environmental-science-masters-program/
Dr. Robert Smith is an Associate Professor at the University of Montana in the Computer Science Department.
http://hs.umt.edu/cs/facultyAndStaff/default.php?s=Smith3075
Dr. Aaron Thomas is a member of the Navajo Nation. He is the Director of Indigenous Research and STEM Education (IRSE) at the University of Montana, in addition to his role as Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
https://hs.umt.edu/chemistry/people/faculty.php?s=Thomas2104
Have answers? Suggestions? Agree? Disagree? Join the conversation at one of our social media sites. Your input is valuable to advance our understanding.
Hosts: Aaron Brien, Salena, Hill, Serra Hoagland, Shandin Pete
Website http://irc.skc.edu
Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-irc/id1512551396
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1H5Y1pWYI8N6SYZAaawwxb
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ircskc/
Twitter https://twitter.com/IRCSKC
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/106832977633248/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWwuqsg39_mE76xMxER5MSQ
#41 - "Hang Around the Conference Indians": Re-imagining a modern structure for discussing Tribal research
Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast
11/24/22 • 65 min
In this episode we discuss opinions in Native inspired conferences. Conferences have been integrated in as a mode of convening and disseminating knowledge across Tribal Nations. They have become the mainstay for meeting and sharing some cultural pursuits and identities. We briefly discuss ideas that we have about conferences in general and touch on some pathways to reinventing a way to meet and discuss in a fashion that is less reflective of academic institutions.
As always, thank you for listening!
Hosts: Aaron Brien (Apsáalooke), Shandin Pete (Salish/Diné)
Episode Sponsor: Wyld Gallery - Austin Texas
Podcast Website: tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tribal-research-specialist-the-podcast/id1512551396
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1H5Y1pWYI8N6SYZAaawwxb
Twitter: @tribalresearchspecialist
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TribalResearchSpecialist
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCL9HR4B2ubGK_aaQKEt179Q
Website: www.tribalresearchspecialist.com
Click below ↓ to...
#29 - Debrief on A Discussion on Land Acknowledgments
Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast
02/28/21 • 71 min
In this episode, the Tribal Research Specialist (TRS) team debrief on the previous episodes discussion on the ever-expanding phenomenon of land acknowledgements. The episode starts with an war dance song recorded on July 9th, 1950 in Arlee, MT and being taught to a group by Joseph Weaselhead, a Blackfeet, who was living on the Flathead Reservation. While singing with the group he wanted to sing a certain Blackfeet song. This is an early example of the ability that singers posses to learn new song quickly. It also brings in the discussion of how this remains true for powwow singers today. There are complications and difficulties that are discussed in the comical and often unseen world of powwow singing.
The discussion continues with an overview of the podcast statistics including where our listeners are tuning in from. Further, the TRS team begin tackling some of the main talking points brought up in the previous episode.
The second half starts with another song recorded recorded on July 9th, 1950 at Arlee, MT. The Blackfeet war dance song is from Joseph Weaselhead and accompanied by Louie Nine Pipe (Salish), Mary Beaverhead (Salish), Paul Finley, (Salish) Philip Rondine (Blackfeet), Frank Big Crane (Salish), Jerome Hewankorn (Kootenai).
In the the last half, the discussion shifts to an in-depth discussion and debrief on the main tenets brought up in the previous episode.
Join the discussion and let us know your thoughts.
Hosts: Aaron Brien (Apsáalooke), Shandin Pete (Salish/Diné)
PodCast Website: tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tribal-research-specialist-the-podcast/id1512551396
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1H5Y1pWYI8N6SYZAaawwxb
Twitter: @tribalresearchspecialist
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TribalResearchSpecialist
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCL9HR4B2ubGK_aaQKEt179Q
Website: www.tribalresearchspecialist.com
Show more best episodes
Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast have?
Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast currently has 61 episodes available.
What topics does Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast cover?
The podcast is about Society & Culture, Native American, Podcasts, Education and Indigenous.
What is the most popular episode on Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast?
The episode title '#50 - Drama at Club NCAI: Native Identity Scuffles for Federal Scraps - Guest: Salisha Old Bull' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast?
The average episode length on Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast is 78 minutes.
How often are episodes of Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast released?
Episodes of Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast are typically released every 18 days, 2 hours.
When was the first episode of Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast?
The first episode of Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast was released on May 9, 2020.
Show more FAQ
Show more FAQ