"On this episode of Indigenous in the News, we dive into the world of Indigenous hip-hop with special guest Christopher Mike-Bidtah, also known as Def-i. As a Diné MC, educator, and organizer, Def-i is at the forefront of Gathering of the MC’s, a powerful event that brings together Indigenous and underground hip-hop artists to celebrate culture, community, and creativity. We’ll discuss the origins of the event, its impact on Native artists, and how hip-hop continues to serve as a platform for storytelling and empowerment. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on the beats and voices shaping Indigenous hip-hop today!"

ABOUT CHRISTOPHER

Christopher Mike-Bidtah, also known as Def-i, is a Diné (Navajo) hip-hop artist, poet, and educator from Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is known for blending conscious lyricism with dynamic beats, incorporating elements of boom-bap, trap, and Indigenous music influences. Def-i has gained recognition for his impressive freestyle skills, live performances, and advocacy for Indigenous culture and youth empowerment. He often collaborates with other Indigenous artists and has been involved in projects that use hip-hop as a tool for education, healing, and cultural expression.

Some of his notable works include albums like Shield of the Rez and Into the Unowned, and he has performed on platforms such as TEDx and NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest. He is also a member of the group Southwest Underground and works to uplift Indigenous youth through workshops and mentorship programs.

GATHERING OF THE MC’S

Is a hip-hop event that celebrates Indigenous and underground hip-hop culture, featuring artists, DJs, beatboxers, and freestyle rappers from across North America. The event provides a platform for Indigenous MCs to showcase their talents, connect with the community, and promote hip-hop as a tool for storytelling, activism, and cultural expression.

The event typically includes live performances, rap battles, cyphers, workshops, and panel discussions focused on hip-hop’s role in Indigenous identity, youth empowerment, and social justice movements. Def-i has been actively involved in the Gathering of the MC’s, both as a performer and an organizer, helping to create a space for Indigenous voices in the hip-hop scene.

Today we welcome Sasha Wortzel—filmmaker, artist, and storyteller whose work explores the intersections of memory, land, and identity. Her latest film, Rivers of Grass, takes us deep into the Florida Everglades, where ecology, history, and Indigenous resistance converge. With a poetic lens and powerful collaborations, Sasha brings forward stories that connect us to place, purpose, and preservation.

About Sasha:

Sasha Wortzel's upcoming film Rivers of Grass is a poetic and immersive exploration of the Florida Everglades, blending environmental history, personal memory, and queer identity. The film draws inspiration from the writings of Marjory Stoneman Douglas, the environmentalist who famously dubbed the Everglades a "river of grass," and incorporates contemporary voices of those who call the region home.

Wortzel, a Florida native and 2017 AIRIE (Artists in Residence in Everglades) fellow, is known for her multidisciplinary work that delves into the intersections of ecology, memory, and marginalized histories. Her approach often involves a blend of documentary and experimental techniques, aiming to illuminate the layered narratives embedded in landscapes.

In 2024, an installation featuring film stills from Rivers of Grass was showcased at Oregon State University’s PRAx Lightboxes, in conjunction with the exhibition How to Carry Water. This installation offered audiences a glimpse into the film's visual and thematic elements, highlighting Wortzel's focus on the Everglades' past and present.

While a specific release date for the full film has not been announced, the ongoing exhibitions and Wortzel's active engagement with environmental and artistic communities suggest that Rivers of Grass will continue to be presented in various formats. For updates on screenings or related events, following Wortzel's official channels or institutions like AIRIE and PRAx would be beneficial.

Contact:
Email: ⁠https://www.riverofgrassfilm.com
Publicist: marija@silkstrategy.com
Website: https://www.riverofgrassfilm.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverofgrassdoc

Indigenous in the News
Join us every week from Two Buffalo Studios in Bradenton, Florida, as we bring you the latest updates on issues that matter to us all, from the Shakers to the Makers across Indian Country. Hosted by Larry K. from the Ho-Chunk Nation and his co-host Gary Wilcox from the Powatan Nation. Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Reach out to me at larry@indigenousinmusic.com or visit www.indigenousinmusicandarts.org/category/ln-the-news for all the details. If you have a story and would like to share it, contact us.

Breaking Ground: A First Generation Native American Journey to Home Ownership with Tess Sage-Robertson

Joining us today Is Tess Sage-Robinson, a dedicated mortgage advisor and proud member of the Navajo Nation. With over two decades of experience in the lending industry, Tess specializes in helping Native American home buyers navigate the path to home ownership, including utilizing the Section 184 loan program for tribal lands. Known as the #OFFGRIDLENDER, she’s also passionate about sustainable, off-grid living. We’re excited to have her here to share her expertise and insights—welcome. This and more along with National Native News and Antonia Gonazles.

ABOUT TESS:
Yá’át’ééh (It is good)

Shik’éí dóó shidine’é (my family and my people, friends) Shí éí Tess Robinson yinishyé (I am called Tess Robinson) Dibéłzhíní nishłį́ Kinlichii’nii bashishchiin (I am Blacksheep born for Red House). Todích’íí’nii dashicheii Tábaahá dashinalí (Bitter Water is my maternal grandfather and Edgewater is my paternal grandfather) Ákót’éego diné asdzáán nishłį́ (In this way, I am a Navajo woman). Ahéhee’ (I am grateful!)
With 24 years as a mortgage lender, I specialize in the HUD 184 Native American Loan, helping Native Americans achieve homeownership. I am a mother of three adult children, two of whom are real estate agents in Maricopa and Pinal counties. We enjoy working together as a family team.

Originally from the Navajo reservation, LeChee Chapter, I have lived in Phoenix and Glendale for 21 years and now own land in New Mexico, where I plan to build a self-sustaining home. I have also appeared in films, TV shows, and modeled with Native American casts. Currently, I enjoy traveling, working remotely, and meeting new people.

CONTACT:
EMAIL: tsagerobinson@guildmortgage.net
WEBSITE: https://branches.guildmortgage.com/az/scottsdale/tess-sage-robinson-689-chtro.html?teresasagerobinson
BOOK A MEETIN WITH TESS: https://calendly.com/sage-robinson-team/

Saving Lives in Indian Country: Global Response & Tribal Communities"Today on Indigenous in the News, we’re honored to welcome two distinguished guests. Joining us is Samuel Flores, the National Tribal Relations Manager for Global Medical Response, who works closely with Tribal nations to strengthen emergency medical services and ensure access to life-saving care in Native communities. Also with us is Jason Carrizosa, Chief Administrative Officer for the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, a leader in Tribal governance and community development.

Together, they’ll share insights into the evolving landscape of Tribal healthcare, emergency response, and the partnerships driving meaningful change in Indian Country.

ABOUT GLOBAL MEDICAL RESPONSE
Global Medical Response (GMR) is a leading provider of comprehensive emergency medical services, delivering care to over five million patients annually. Headquartered in Lewisville, Texas, GMR employs nearly 35,000 professionals who offer compassionate, quality medical care, primarily focusing on emergency and patient relocation services across the United States and internationally. ​

GMR was established through the consolidation of industry leaders in air and ground emergency medical services, including American Medical Response (AMR), Air Evac Lifeteam, REACH Air Medical Services, Med-Trans Corporation, AirMed International, and Guardian Flight. This integration has enabled GMR to build an extensive network of ground and air clinical teams, ensuring patients receive the appropriate level of care promptly, regardless of the situation.
The company's mission is to provide care to the world at a moment's notice, emphasizing timely, equitable, and appropriate access to healthcare for all individuals, irrespective of their location. GMR offers a range of services, including emergency medical services, patient relocation, disaster response, and integrated healthcare solutions.
In addition to its core services, GMR is committed to employee development and well-being. The company offers programs like "Earn While You Learn," providing individuals with education and training to become certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) while earning a wage. Furthermore, the GMR Employee Foundation, established in 2005, offers financial assistance to employees facing severe hardships due to catastrophic events. ​

GMR's dedication to innovation and excellence in emergency medical services has positioned it as a leader in the industry, continually striving to enhance patient care and access to medical services worldwide.Indigenous in the News

Join us every week from Two Buffalo Studios in Bradenton, Florida, as we bring you the latest updates on issues that matter to us all, from the Shakers to the Makers across Indian Country. Hosted by Larry K. from the Ho-Chunk Nation and his co-host Gary Wilcox from the Powatan Nation. Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Reach out to me at larry@indigenousinmusic.com or visit www.indigenousinmusicandarts.org/indigenous-in-the-news for all the details. If you have a story and would like to share it, contact us.

On today’s episode of Indigenous in the News, we’re honored to welcome Larkin Fourkiller of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians—an accomplished photographer, writer, entrepreneur, and cultural storyteller. He joins us to share insights in his presentation, "Wildlife, Wisdom & the Lens: A Journey with Larkin Fourkiller."

Larkin is a professional nature and wildlife photographer whose powerful images of eagles, bison, hummingbirds, foxes, and sweeping landscapes reflect a deep connection to the natural world. His travels take him across the country—from Florida and California to North Carolina, Indiana, Colorado, and beyond—always with camera in hand and culture in heart.

In addition to his photography, Larkin works across multiple fields, collaborating with interior designers, publications, educational and wildlife centers, and senior communities. He’s also a passionate advocate for Cherokee language and cultural preservation.

As a keynote speaker, Larkin shares his knowledge and perspective on photography, nature, wildlife, and Indigenous culture—inviting audiences to see through the lens of tradition and experience the world with fresh eyes.

To learn more or connect, visit him at linkedin.com/in/larkinfourkiller.

Welcome to Indgenous in the News, on todays show we’re excited to welcome Mr. Aku RoDriguez a visionary filmmaker, entrepreneur, and storyteller of Mescalero Apache and Zapotec heritage. As the founder of MRoD Drones and a talented cinematographer, producer, and editor, Aku has dedicated his career to capturing powerful Indigenous stories from the sky, land, and sea. His films, including Not One Human is Illegal and Shattering Sacred Ground, shed light on critical issues facing Native communities while celebrating our resilience and culture.

Today, we’ll talk about his journey in filmmaking, his latest projects, and the impact of Indigenous representation in media. You can visit him at www.sobeitfilms.com and contact him directly at sobiitfilms@gmail.com@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

• Their Last Ride (Official Trailer)
• Lipan Apache Cemetery in Presidio TX
• National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum
• Buffalo Soldiers of West Texas
• Dances with Sacred Ground (Official Trailer)
• 
  

Being of Native American and Zapotec heritage RoDriguez was taught and inspired by the traditions of his culture. While in film school at T.C.C. North East College, he started his career working as a production assistant and line-producer for commercials and independent film companies, where he learned the intricacies of feature film production from some of the most skilled and talented technicians in the industry.

It is also here where RoDriguez began working as a actor and Producer for commercials and independent films. He then went on to acting on indie film, “The Prodigy.” in 2005, “Walker Texas Ranger” TV series in 2006 and indie film “Black Nile” in 2006, where he was casted in indie film, “The Blue Jay.” 2007.

Join us every week from Two Buffalo Studios in Bradenton, Florida, as we bring you the latest updates on issues that matter to us all, from the Shakers to the Makers across Indian Country. Hosted by Larry K. from the Ho-Chunk Nation and his co-host Gary Wilcox from the Powatan Nation. Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Reach out to me at larry@indigenousinmusic.com or visit www.indigenousinmusicandarts.org/indigenous-in-the-news for all the details. If you have a story and would like to share it, contact us.

Today, we’re excited to welcome Chris James, President and CEO of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. Chris has played a key role in boosting economic opportunities for Native communities. He’s here to discuss the upcoming Reservation Economic Summit (RES) 2025, taking place on March 10th at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. RES is the top event for Indigenous businesses, offering valuable resources and networking. Tune in for a conversation on the future of Native enterprise and empowerment!

Biography

Chris James is President and CEO of the country’s foremost and oldest Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian business and economic development-focused organization, The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. Since 1969, The National Center has served as an important connector between corporate America and Native-owned businesses seeking to enter their supply chains and provides invaluable training and educational resources for businesses and entrepreneurs. Since Chris joined the organization in 2017, The National Center has more than doubled its annual revenue, expanded its national footprint and programming, and boosted its staff.

In addition to growing the annual Reservation Economic Summit (RES), Chris guided the development of the Native Edge Institute series, one-day training sessions designed to give both established and emerging entrepreneurs the tools they need to take their next step. In addition, The National Center has an increased focus on international trade, including the formation of the Arizona MBDA Export Center. The National Center has also created public-facing platforms in NC Magazine and the Native Edge podcast.

As a former senior official in Department of Treasury and Small Business Administration for the entirety the Obama administration, Chris has unique expertise in government contracting, supply chains, underserved markets, community development financial institutions and access to capital, and issues affecting small business issues.

Chris serves on numerous boards and leadership committees, including with the SBA, Federal Communications Commission, United States Trade Representative, Export-Import Bank of the United States, World Trade Organization, the Center for Indian Country Development at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, Junior Achievement USA, and First Peoples Worldwide. He is a frequently requested speaker, panelist, moderator, and guest for a wide variety of conferences, events, and organizations. He has testified on Native American and Alaska Native policy before Congress.

James has first-hand knowledge and experience in Native-owned enterprises; his family owned several businesses on the Qualla Boundary in western North Carolina – the reservation for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. His first job after college was with the tribe’s Community Development Financial Institution, the Sequoyah Fund.