Last year was the 175th anniversary of the Irish gift*, in which the Choctaw people donated money to the Irish during the potato famine. This November, we once again honor the spirit of giving, with my Choctaw guest, Sam Guerrero Stitt!   In parts 1 and 2 of this episode, you’ll hear about: Sam’s ancestral stories, including his ties to the IrishSam’s Eternal Heart sculpture in Oklahoma will celebrate the Choctaw gift (a companion piece to the Kindred Spirits sculpture in Ireland)Sam’s new service, Native American Genealogy! natamgen.comHelpful tips on researching our native ancestorsIs Brett Favre native American?The REAL story of David H FolsomThe FreedmenThe story of the bullet on the gravestoneThe “blurry” topic of Choctaw clansTraditional Choctaw clothing   If you’re searching for your American Indian ancestors, don’t forget to check out Native American Genealogy!  www.natamgen.com I’m so excited about this!   *You can hear more about the Choctaw gift and the history of the Great Famine in Native ChocTalk’s Season 3, with Seth Fairchild, Executive Director of the Chahta Foundation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qZ8J0juWmA   Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Last year was the 175th anniversary of the Irish gift*, in which the Choctaw people donated money to the Irish during the potato famine. This November, we once again honor the spirit of giving, with my Choctaw guest, Sam Guerrero Stitt!   In parts 1 and 2 of this episode, you’ll hear about: Sam’s ancestral stories, including his ties to the IrishSam’s Eternal Heart sculpture in Oklahoma will celebrate the Choctaw gift (a companion piece to the Kindred Spirits sculpture in Ireland)Sam’s new service, Native American Genealogy! natamgen.comHelpful tips on researching our native ancestorsIs Brett Favre native American?The REAL story of David H FolsomThe FreedmenThe story of the bullet on the gravestoneThe “blurry” topic of Choctaw clansTraditional Choctaw clothing   If you’re searching for your American Indian ancestors, don’t forget to check out NATAM gen Native American Genealogy!  www.natamgen.com I’m so excited about this!   *You can hear more about the Choctaw gift and the history of the Great Famine in Native ChocTalk’s Season 3, with Seth Fairchild, Executive Director of the Chahta Foundation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qZ8J0juWmA   Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Listeners, before I share about today’s episode, I have a question for you. Will you be in Chicago, November 7th or 8th of 2023?   I’ll be singing Choctaw hymns and narrating at a Chickasaw concert – Pa I Sha - composed by none other than Chickasaw Composer, Violinist, and Artistic Director, Brandi Berry Benson!   Join us during Native American Heritage Month, on November 8th at 7:00pm at the Epiphany Center for the Arts. Tickets are just $20. Brandi is also presenting Pa I Sha at no charge, at Upstairs Theater in Evanston Township High School on November 7th at 6:30pm.   You’ll love this episode in which Brandi shares about: The Chickasaw flute and other period instruments utilized in the concertThe inspiration behind Pa I Sha – her 4th great grandmother’s storyHer ancestral history and storiesThe mysteries surrounding James and Jonas Wolf and the Hyah Puk Tuklo clan – perhaps you can help!   Brandi and I met through a wonderful mutual friend, Chickasaw composer, Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate. By the way, Shell Shaker: A Chickasaw Opera’s will now premier October 27th, 2024 in Oklahoma City!   Brandi, who is faculty of Northwestern and DePaul Universities and the Artistic Director of the Bach & Beethoven Experience (BBE), also teaches Baroque Performance Practice and Ornamentation and has released multiple albums. Check them out at https://brandiberrybenson.com/ and streaming platforms such as apple music, pandora, etc.! Silver LiningsA Gaelic SummerAn Appalachian SummerChicago Stories   And her BBE Carols Album will be released in December…what a great Christmas gift or stocking stuffer!   Come and enjoy the beautiful work of Chickasaw Composer, Brandi Berry Benson, and happy upcoming holidays to all!   Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodct All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

According to Statistica, “The child abuse rate in the United States is highest among American Indian or Alaska Native victims with a rate of 15.2 cases per 1,000 children. It is most common among children between two to five years of age.”   Now imagine that child being brave enough to come forward to share about her abuse. The process from this point is typically strenuous. Both law enforcement and Child Protection Services conduct separate investigations, which entails the child repeating her trauma multiple times. Depending on her situation, she may be passed around between foster homes, or she could be placed back into a situation where she has to be around her perpetrator again.   And not only could this child fail to receive the emotional and psychological support she needs, but the abuse she suffered will most likely cause negative ongoing affects throughout her life.   There has to be a better way. And there is! Choctaw Nation’s Coordinated Response to Child Maltreatment via their leading Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), is the first tribal MDT in the state of Oklahoma and the results are already highly impactful.   My guests, Gina South (Juvenile Division Chief and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney) and Kari Hurst (MTD Coordinator) from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma share with us about: How the MDT program is serving, protecting and saving the children of the Choctaw NationYou’ve heard of McGirt vs. Oklahoma, Gina tells us about the Sizemore decision as wellGina’s ancestral stories   Also, check out the beautiful ribbon skirts that Gina makes – they’d make wonderful holiday or birthday gifts! https://tinyurl.com/4d4kn23f   Yakoke to these ladies and to the entire Multi-Disciplinary Teams at Choctaw Nation (law enforcement, medical teams, prosecutors, behavioral health experts, forensic interviewers, therapists, and victim advocates) who are advocating for our precious children!   Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Part 2 of 2 Imagine an afterlife where your people sing beautiful “bird songs” to you, as you venture into the next world to comfort you along your journey. And imagine over the decades, these beautiful bird songs – the songs of the Kumeyaay people – slowly drifting away, at risk to be forgotten over time.   My guest, Chris Alvarado, San Pasqual iPai Kumeyaay Nation and Founder, and President of The Yumans, spent many years searching for old recordings of elders singing these ancient songs. And by nothing short of a miracle, he finally discovered these precious recordings. And you won’t believe how he found them!   Chris was compelled to share, rather than withhold these sacred songs. And now he’s here to sing these pieces for us today, and he has also provided a complimentary curriculum so that you too can hear and learn about them!   In this episode, you’ll also learn about: Kumeyaay culture, ancient games like peon, dances and the origination of the bird songsLearn about the patterns of the bird songs and the instruments usedThe reservation where Chris grew upThe history of the Yumans and how they won California for America by fighting Mexico   I highly recommend watching this episode on YouTube since Chris shares visuals throughout the conversation.   Check out Chris’ Yumans website, and enjoy learning about the Bird Songs, Kumeyaay language, training, quizzes at NO CHARGE! https://theyumans.com/   Learn more about the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians: https://www.sanpasqualbandofmissionindians.org/   Enjoy!   Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Part 1 of 2 Imagine an afterlife where your people sing beautiful “bird songs” to you, as you venture into the next world to comfort you along your journey. And imagine over the decades, these beautiful bird songs – the songs of the Kumeyaay people – slowly drifting away, at risk to be forgotten over time.   My guest, Chris Alvarado, San Pasqual iPai Kumeyaay Nation and Founder, and President of The Yumans, spent many years searching for old recordings of elders singing these ancient songs. And by nothing short of a miracle, he finally discovered these precious recordings. And you won’t believe how he found them!   Chris was compelled to share, rather than withhold these sacred songs. And now he’s here to sing these pieces for us today, and he has also provided a complimentary curriculum so that you too can hear and learn about them!   In this episode, you’ll also learn about: Kumeyaay culture, ancient games like peon, dances and the origination of the bird songsLearn about the patterns of the bird songs and the instruments usedThe reservation where Chris grew upThe history of the Yumans and how they won California for America by fighting Mexico   I highly recommend watching this episode on YouTube since Chris shares visuals throughout the conversation.   Check out Chris’ Yumans website, and enjoy learning about the Bird Songs, Kumeyaay language, training, quizzes at NO CHARGE! https://theyumans.com/   Learn more about the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians: https://www.sanpasqualbandofmissionindians.org/   Enjoy!   Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Part 2 of 2   At one time, they inhabited 40,000 square miles within the Appalachian Mountains. But in 1835, 12,000 of their people were gathered and placed into stockades until it was time for their removal away from their homelands.   The journey took 6 to 7 months, killing 2,000 of their people on what is now termed “The Trail of Tears”.   Today, they are the largest tribe in the United States, with 440,000 members. They are the Cherokee people, and their endurance and strength continues on today.   Here to talk with us is my guest, Jack Baker, a Cherokee and President of the Board of the National Trail of Tears Association, past president of the Oklahoma Historical Society board, past board member of the Cherokee National Historical Society, and more. Jack’s extensive Cherokee research for over forty years resulted in authoring various articles, editing books on Cherokee history, and assisting with various documentaries on Cherokee history.   Learn more in this episode about: The history of the CherokeeThe Trail of Tears and the graves left along the wayJack’s own ancestral storiesGrowing up with no electricity on his grandad’s Cherokee allotment in OklahomaHow his 2-room school had only 16 studentsOur “geeking out” over our love of researchJack’s library with 700 books related to the CherokeeStories of his “guerilla warfare” research and hanging out in the archives with Angie Debo and Rella Looney (Rella manually indexed all the archives)!   By the way, Jack references a book that you can see on the video on YouTube, but if you’re listening only, the book referenced is “The Journal of Reverend Daniel S. Butrick, Cherokee Removal”.   May we never forget the Cherokee, the Trail of Tears, and the resilience of our ancestors.   Wado, Jack for your many years of research and for sharing your expertise with us!   Learn more about the National Trail of Tears Association here: https://nationaltota.com/   Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Part 1 of 2   At one time, they inhabited 40,000 square miles within the Appalachian Mountains. But in 1835, 12,000 of their people were gathered and placed into stockades until it was time for their removal away from their homelands.   The journey took 6 to 7 months, killing 2,000 of their people on what is now termed “The Trail of Tears”.   Today, they are the largest tribe in the United States, with 440,000 members. They are the Cherokee people, and their endurance and strength continues on today.   Here to talk with us is my guest, Jack Baker, a Cherokee and President of the Board of the National Trail of Tears Association, past president of the Oklahoma Historical Society board, past board member of the Cherokee National Historical Society, and more. Jack’s extensive Cherokee research for over forty years resulted in authoring various articles, editing books on Cherokee history, and assisting with various documentaries on Cherokee history.   Learn more in this episode about: The history of the CherokeeThe Trail of Tears and the graves left along the wayJack’s own ancestral storiesGrowing up with no electricity on his grandad’s Cherokee allotment in OklahomaHow his 2-room school had only 16 studentsOur “geeking out” over our love of researchJack’s library with 700 books related to the CherokeeStories of his “guerilla warfare” research and hanging out in the archives with Angie Debo and Rella Looney (Rella manually indexed all the archives)!   By the way, Jack references a book that you can see on the video on YouTube, but if you’re listening only, the book referenced is “The Journal of Reverend Daniel S. Butrick, Cherokee Removal”.   May we never forget the Cherokee, the Trail of Tears, and the resilience of our ancestors.   Wado, Jack for your many years of research and for sharing your expertise with us!   Learn more about the National Trail of Tears Association here: https://nationaltota.com/   Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

It’s one of the largest all-Native run events in the nation - it’s Anadarko, Oklahoma’s 88th Annual American Indian Exposition, August 2nd-5th, 2023 and YOU are invited! Check out the event’s Facebook here Anadarko Indian Exposition 1935: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066746045395&sk=photos  In this episode, I speak with Expo leaders, Tanner Mahseet (Apache), President and Bambi Allen (Kiowa), Secretary about: • The history of Anadarko, where more American Indians reside per capita than anywhere in the world. • The history of the Expo itself, the famous people in the Expo parade over the years. • What the Expo means to our Plains Tribes and other tribes. Come join us for: • Our parade (August 2nd and 5th at 10:00 am in downtown Anadarko) • The fair, which includes dancing (gourd dance, fire dancing, traditional, fancy dance, northern), powwows, archery competitions, Indian relay horse racing, art, jewelry, FRYBREAD!,  • This year’s attending “Indian of the Year” – Lane Factor from FX’s Reservation Dogs! • The always-anticipated mud men! • The Anadarko Chamber of Commerce will also have a town-wide event featuring live bands, drinks on the patios of the streets and more • McKee’s Indian Store’s grand re-opening! Parade Tribal Lineup: Caddo, Fort Sill Apache, Osage, Delaware, Ponca, Wichita, Pawnee, Kiowa, Apache, Comanche, Cheyenne & Arapaho, Iowa, Sac & Fox, Otoe Missouri You’ll also hear some tips on: • What to wear • Where to park • Powwow etiquette  • Cost: there’s no charge for the parade, nor for the fair (there is an entry fee for the horse racing and powwow) • Where to stay (Chickasha, Lawton and camping at the fairgrounds) • Historical and interesting places to visit while in Anadarko, such as the Southern Plains Indian Museum and more! This event is for ALL so please join us and I hope to see you there!  Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast  All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

It’s STORY TIME, y’all! This lengthy 3-part series with Author, W. Michael Farmer is perfect to tune into while you’re taking a road trip or working in the yard or just listening when you can.   Welcome to part 3 of this episode with Author, W. Michael Farmer about the story of the Mescalero Apache, Yellow Boy.   Listeners, please be aware that today’s episode does include violent content, so discretion is advised.   This historical fiction trilogy isn’t just the story of Yellow Boy himself. It’s also a view into the lives and culture of the Mescalero Apache during a time in the late 1800s when the Apache were forced to make way for the infiltrating “White Eyes” or the non-Native settlers of the time.   In parts 1 and 2, we walked through the books, “Killer of Witches” and “Blood of the Devil”.   And now listeners, get ready for “The Last Warrior”, the continuation of this powerful story of the Mescalero Apache who are fighting for survival against determined ignorance from autocratic government overseers, countering attacks from those misusing their supernatural powers, and choosing sides in the White Eye conflicts!   Check out “The Last Warrior” and other W. Michael Farmer books here: Website: https://wmichaelfarmer.com/books/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wmichael.farmer   Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

It’s STORY TIME, y’all! This lengthy 3-part series with Author, W. Michael Farmer is perfect to tune into while you’re taking a road trip or working in the yard or just listening when you can.   Welcome to part 2 of this episode with Author, W. Michael Farmer about the story of the Mescalero Apache, Yellow Boy.   Listeners, please be aware that today’s episode does include violent content, so discretion is advised.   This historical fiction trilogy isn’t just the story of Yellow Boy himself. It’s also a view into the lives and culture of the Mescalero Apache during a time in the late 1800s when the Apache were forced to make way for the infiltrating “White Eyes” or the non-Native settlers of the time.   We left off in book 1 with Yellow Boy determined to avenge his father and others in the tribe who had been brutally murdered by the Witch Sangre del Diablo – a Mexican-Comanche with a taste for spilling the blood of the Apache and trading in their scalps for Nakai-yi (or Mexican) gold from the White Eyes.   You’ll be on the edge of your seat as we share the story, “Blood of the Devil, The Life and Times of Yellow Boy, Mescalero Apache, Book 2” by W. Michael Farmer!   Check out “Blood of the Devil” and other W. Michael Farmer books here: Website: https://wmichaelfarmer.com/books/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wmichael.farmer   Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

It’s STORY TIME, y’all! This lengthy 3-part series with Author, W. Michael Farmer is perfect to tune into while you’re taking a road trip or working in the yard or just listening when you can.   “You are stronger than we. We have fought you so long as we had rifles and powder, but your arms are better than ours. Give us like weapons and turn us loose, we will fight you again; but we are worn-out; we have no more heart; we have no provisions, no means to live; your troops are everywhere; our springs and waterholes are either occupied or overlooked by your young men. You have driven us from our last and best stronghold, and we have no more heart. Do with as may seem good to you, but do not forget we are men and braves.”  These were the words of Mescalero Chief, Cadete to General Carlton in 1863.   In Season 3, episode 8, my guest, W. Michael Farmer and I talked through the life and times of the great warrior, Geronimo. And over the next 3 episodes, Michael and I will walk through his 3-part book series based on the life of an Apache named Yellow Boy, starting with, “Killer of Witches, The Life and Times of Yellow Boy, Mescalero Apache”. Because Michael has completed extensive research on the Apache, you’ll also learn a great deal about the Mescalero Apache way of life.   A disclaimer…these books and episodes do contain realistic depictions of historic actions and events that do include violence, so listener discretion is advised.   This is a story that’s considered truth told along with fiction in a time when the Apache way of life was being threatened by the overtaking of Americans who were migrating west, and the terrors on the dark side in this life, witches and other evil spirits in the flesh, that still had to be destroyed to enter the next life unscathed.   Check out “Killer of Witches” and other W. Michael Farmer books here: Website: https://wmichaelfarmer.com/books/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wmichael.farmer   Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Since I launched Native ChocTalk, my goal was and still is “preservation” – the preservation of our ancestral stories, history, traditions and culture. I encourage every age group to do so!   Join me in supporting young Native Comedian and Photographer, Aaliyah (Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas) and her mamma (also a Photographer), Victoria (Choctaw).  Young Aaliyah shares not only about her endeavors in comedy, but she also recorded with me to preserve information about her tribe and the memories of her grandpa.   In this episode, you’ll learn about: Aaliyah’s beloved grandpa (her “ahwo”), the late Chief Herbert Glenn Johnson who inspired her comedyHer grandpa’s love of watermelon, bingo and gospel music (and how he used to call her chickenhawk)The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, the swan dance, and the basket danceAaliyah’s world of homeschooling (which I connected with since I was also homeschooled)How a wig resulted in Aaliyah’s aliases/charactersAaliyah’s list of favorite comedians, such The 1491sVictoria and Aaliyah’s powwow princess storiesVictoria’s stories of her ancestors   Check out Victoria and Aaliya here:   A sample of Aaliya’s comedy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZDcy7CUx40 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rolandajnative8609 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nativerolanda https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087285947666   Victoria’s Skye Breeze Photography: 936-933-5558 Instagram: @skyebreeze82   Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

I hope you’ll enjoy part 2 of 2 of my interview with Carolee Maxwell!   She held the paperwork in her hand, a tissue in the other. This information sat in a folder that hadn’t been opened since 1917. Its contents would unlock the answers to a past long gone, but not forgotten. And it would forever change the way she looked at the life of her grandpa – her beloved Papa.   Meet Carolee Maxwell, Chickasaw & Choctaw Author of “Touched by Greatness, from Indian Territory to the Ivy League”, the true story of her Papa, Charles Watson McGilberry.   Charles was unknowingly part of an “experiment” in which Native American boys were the recipients of  a plan to determine if they could be educated and groomed for the Ivy Leagues. Did Charles complete his Ivy League prep school education at Mercersburg Academy? And did he make it to the Ivy League?   In these episodes, you’ll also hear about: The love story of Charles and VivianCharles’ friendship with John Phillips SouzaCharles’ journey from Jones Academy to Chilocco Indian School to Mercersburg & beyondThe backstory of the PGA (Professional Golfers Association) and Macy’s Dept StoreAn ironic twist of fate in which one of my ancestors was the reason for Charles’ father to be imprisonedCarolee’s beloved late husband, S. Wayne Maxwell with whom she co-authored the book   And…see if you can spot our bloopers. Hint: It has to do with the crows.   You’ll enjoy this heartwarming and historical book, “Touched by Greatness”. Find it at: Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/35x2fd3t Barnes & Noble: https://tinyurl.com/47w8vdex   Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

PART 1 of 2   She held the paperwork in her hand, a tissue in the other. The information had sat in a folder, unopened since 1917. Its contents would unlock the answers to a past long gone, but not forgotten. And it would forever change the way she looked at the life of her grandpa – her beloved Papa.   Meet Carolee Maxwell, Chickasaw & Choctaw Author of “Touched by Greatness, from Indian Territory to the Ivy League”, the true story of her Papa, Charles Watson McGilberry.   Charles was unknowingly part of an “experiment” in which Native American boys were the recipients of  a plan to determine if they could be educated and groomed for the Ivy Leagues. Did Charles complete his Ivy League prep school education at Mercersburg Academy? And did he make it to the Ivy League?   In these episodes, you’ll also hear about: The love story of Charles and VivianCharles’ friendship with John Phillips SouzaCharles’ journey from Jones Academy to Chilocco Indian School to Mercersburg & beyondThe backstory of the PGA (Professional Golfers Association) and Macy’s Dept StoreAn ironic twist of fate in which one of my ancestors was the reason for Charles’ father to be imprisonedCarolee’s beloved late husband, S. Wayne Maxwell with whom she co-authored the book   And…see if you can spot our bloopers. Hint: It has to do with the crows.   You’ll enjoy this heartwarming and historical book, “Touched by Greatness”. Find it at: Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/35x2fd3t Barnes & Noble: https://tinyurl.com/47w8vdex   Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Ovid Vickers, the late English instructor from Decatur, Mississippi, wrote, “When a list of influential Choctaw people is compiled, Simpson Tubby…preacher, teacher, and storyteller, will without a question be among them.”  Steven Oklatubbee, the fifth great grandson of the great Choctaw Chief, Mushulatubbee, spoke to us in Season 2 about his ancestral stories. And now he’s here to share the fascinating story about another of his ancestors, Simpson Tubby, based on a paper he wrote titled, “Simpson Tubby: A Voice for God and His Choctaw People.”    We’ll also cover topics such as: Thoughts around being mixed blood NativeThe effects of Jim Crow laws and how those played into issuing blood quantumThe treatment of Choctaws who stayed behind in MississippiSome sad news about one of Steven’s goats (but also some good news ahead)   By the way, Steven also has his own podcast called Anumpa Nan Anoli – check it out on Spotify, y’all! https://open.spotify.com/show/2eWrrTS2KDhdDJbdSJW9aX   Yakoke, Steven for joining me and God bless!   Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

On the beautiful island of Parksville, on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada you’ll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking sandy beaches and the magnificent Insular Mountains.   You’ll also find a fierce bear hunter named Naukwe (Noon Day Woman), who I know as Brittney Musgrave. But Brittney, who is Wasauksing, Ojibway and Cree, doesn’t hunt for sport. She, like her ancestors before her, utilizes many parts of the bear for good use, including making bear grease into a healing treatment for herself and others.   You’ll hear from Brittney and her husband, Taylor (Haiwatha First Nation) about: The benefits of bear grease (including healing for skin rashes, promoting hair growth and more)Okwarì;Kowà* Supplies which offers bear grease, cedar, sweetgrass and moreBrittney’s black bear hunts with a compound bow in Ontario (their treaty area)Was Brittney actually charged by a bear once? You’ll just have to listen to find out!How one transports a bear back to their vehicle – one of the answers may surprise you   *Okwarì;Kowà is pronounced “ah-gwari-gowa” and means “big bear”   Yakoke, Brittney and Taylor for sharing about your adventurous world there in Canada and the good healing agents you’re making for others!   Check out Okwarì;Kowà Supplies here: https://www.facebook.com/OkwariKowaSupplies   Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Since season 2, I’ve had the pleasure of following the journey of Shell Shaker, a Chickasaw Opera by Composer, Jerod Impichchaachaaha Tate.   This opera is still being composed, and will be the very first of its kind. Even the libretto is in Chickasaw, and every inch of the production, composition, costuming, etc. is led by Native Americans. The premier  date has been changed and the new date will be announced soon. I hope you’ll join me at the premier!   After I interviewed Jerod Impichchaachaaha Tate, I then met with the ever-talented, Kirsten Kunkle and Kate Morton (season 3, episode 11) who will perform leading roles in the opera.   Now, meet Mark Billy - a Choctaw baritone who will also star in the opera and who took some time out of his performance schedule to visit with me. In this episode, we discussed: His fascinating role in Shell ShakerWhat it means to be a Verdi BaritoneOur view on small towns and Wal-MartsHis exciting new performance announcement!A harrowing health scare that resulted in Mark losing a year of his life   By the way, we know there are a lot of Choctaws out there with the last name Billy. Feel free to give us a shout if you’re a Billy and want to connect with Mark – he’d love to hear from you! This unprecedented opera will be a pivotal moment in the Native American arts. I hope you’ll join me in supporting these artists, this composer, and their upcoming performances!   Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

“What might the first World Indigenous Skyworld Space Stations look like? We think in circles with no beginning or end. We go into space as a human right and right of self-determination. We go into space for development, exploration, and cultural preservation.”   These are the words and the vision of my guest, Dan Hawk of the Oneida Nation, and Principal Scientist at United First Nations Planetary Defense who answers the question for me, “Why should Native Americans go into space?” The answer goes well beyond going to the moon and to Mars and beyond. This is about helping national security and all Indigenous populations. A program for Native Americans in space is the way into space for other communities as well. And Dan is pioneering the way for such a program for our Indigenous people.   Today, you’ll hear from Dan about: Who owns spaceThe Oneida peopleStories of Dan’s ancestorsWhat is “space sovereignty”United First Nations Planetary DefenseGrowing up on the Oneida Reservation in WisconsinA view of the dust bowl you may not have heard aboutThe story about what inspired Dan to go into his professionDan’s work with NASA, his support of the Montana Space Grant, and moreThe story of the Golden Eagle Rocket that’s now in the Smithsonian instituteHow an American Indian space program can help Missing & Murdered Indigenous People   Check out these links: BisonSat - Kootenai College: https://cubesat.skc.eduArtemis Space Program: https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis/United First Nations Planetary Defense: https://ufnpd.wordpress.comAISES - American Indian Science and Engineering Society: https://www.aises.orgOklahoma Space Industry Development Authority: https://airspaceportok.com   Yakoke, Dan for your commitment to sovereignty for Native Americans beyond the boundaries of earth.   Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

I’m incredibly proud to be a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. But I’m even prouder when I reach out to our Chief and he’s willing to share with us about the latest goals and the future of our tribe!   Chief Gary Batton and I met in Hugo, Oklahoma to talk about: This year’s electionFuture plans for the tribeUpcoming capital projectsChoctaw Nation’s Cultural goalsConversations with Governor StittThe LEAP program (lease to purchase)The latest on the aftermath of McGirt vs OklahomaThe excitement & info around the upcoming new Choctaw Landing gaming resort in HochatownI asked how he does it all, being constantly on the go (you’ll be interested to hear his answer when I asked how many hours of sleep he actually gets!)   Yakoke, Chief for being transparent and forthright with us. We appreciate your many hard hours and care and concern for the Choctaw people. God bless!   Link to the LEAP program: https://www.choctawnation.com/services/?_sft_category=housing   Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/