This episode features a profound dialogue with Billy Mills, the legendary Olympic gold medalist and advocate for Indigenous youth. Mills, a member of the Oglala Lakota Tribal Nation, delves into the significance of his victory in the 10,000-meter run at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, which he transformed into a lifelong commitment to empowering Native youth through sports and health advocacy. He shares his journey, revealing how his triumph on the world stage catalyzed over five decades of advocacy, including co-founding Running Strong for American Indian Youth. Throughout our conversation, we explore the values of humility, compassion, and the importance of cultural heritage, emphasizing the role of storytelling in bridging divides and fostering understanding among diverse communities. Mills’ insights serve as both a reflection on personal resilience and a clarion call to future generations to harness their passions and dreams in the pursuit of a more equitable society.

Takeaways:

• Billy Mills, an Olympic gold medalist, dedicated his life to advocating for Indigenous youth.
• He co-founded Running Strong for American Indian Youth to support health and sports initiatives.
• Mills emphasizes the importance of cultural values and traditions in empowering future generations.
• His life's work reflects a commitment to unity, diversity, and the healing of historical trauma.

Links referenced in this episode:

• elevenwarriorarts.com
• indianyouth.org
• indiannews.org

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Running Strong for American Indian Youth
• Running Brave
• Crazy Horse
• Sitting Bull
• Red Cloud
• Haskell
• University of Kansas
• Indian News
• Dreamstarters
• SD Nelson
• Nicholas Sparks
• Wings of an Eagle

The latest episode of 5 Plain Questions delves into the life and artistry of Keith Secola, a revered figure in contemporary Native American music. Born in Cook, Minnesota, Secola's journey is marked by a profound connection to his roots and a relentless passion for music that has spanned over five decades. His seminal hit, ‘NDN Kars,' which gained prominence through the film Come Dance Me Outside, is emblematic of his ability to resonate with both indigenous and mainstream audiences alike. Throughout this episode, we explore Secola's influences, ranging from traditional powwow music to the sounds of iconic bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, which have shaped his unique musical style. His reflections on songwriting reveal a deep understanding of the cultural narratives that inform his work, positioning him as not merely a musician, but a storyteller of his people's experiences. Secola's commitment to advocacy within the indigenous community is also a focal point, as he discusses the importance of addressing social issues through his art. This episode is not just a celebration of Secola's achievements but an invitation to reflect on the broader implications of art as a vehicle for cultural expression and social change.

Takeaways:

The podcast features a conversation with Keith Secola, a prominent Native American musician, focusing on his artistic journey and contributions to Indigenous music.

Keith Secola's song ‘NDN Kars' gained immense popularity after being featured in the 1994 film 'Come Dance Me Outside', highlighting his impact on contemporary Native American music.

Throughout his career, Keith emphasizes the importance of originality in music, advocating for songs that resonate with the experiences of Indigenous peoples.

The episode discusses the significance of music festivals and collaborations in Keith's career, showcasing how these experiences have shaped his artistry and connections within the music industry.

Keith reflects on the influence of various musical genres and artists on his work, illustrating the diverse inspirations that have contributed to his unique sound.

The podcast underscores the role of advocacy in Keith's life, as he addresses Indigenous struggles and community issues through his music and performances.

Links referenced in this episode:

Secola.com

elevenwarriorarts.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Keith Secola

NDN Kars

Come Dance Me Outside

Bob Dylan

Gibson

REM

The Beatles

David Bowie

Lucinda Williams

Tom Petty

The Rolling Stones

Floyd Westerman

Charlie Hill

Red Bone

The Grateful Dead

Indigo Girls

Joe Horse Capture's episode presents a compelling narrative of his evolution as a leading figure in Native American art curation. The discussion intricately weaves through his personal history, detailing his journey from a childhood influenced by the Alcatraz occupation to a distinguished career as the Vice President of Native Collections at the Autry Museum. Joe's upbringing in a culturally rich environment, guided by the mentorship of his father and other prominent figures in the Native community, significantly shaped his professional ethos, which centers on cultural integrity and community involvement.

A salient theme in Joe's discourse is the urgent need for museums to recalibrate their approaches to Indigenous art and culture. He articulates a vision where museums are not merely repositories of artifacts but vibrant cultural spaces that engage with and reflect the communities they represent. This shift necessitates a collaborative model, wherein curators work alongside community members to authentically represent Indigenous narratives. Joe's commitment to fostering these relationships is evident in his curatorial projects, which prioritize the voices of Native artists and emphasize the importance of cultural context in the interpretation of artworks.

The episode also addresses the complex dynamics of repatriation, as Joe discusses the ethical implications of museum collections and the essential role of Indigenous communities in determining the fate of their cultural heritage. He advocates for a future where the museum sector not only preserves history but actively participates in the cultural revitalization of Indigenous peoples. Joe's insights underscore the transformative potential of art as a tool for healing and reconciliation, serving as a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey towards cultural empowerment and recognition.

Takeaways:

• The podcast emphasizes the importance of community engagement in curatorial practices within museums, particularly regarding Native American art.
• Joe Horsecapture discusses his journey from being a river guide to becoming a prominent curator in the museum field, highlighting the significance of mentorship.
• The conversation addresses the evolving role of museums in relation to Native communities, advocating for the repatriation of cultural artifacts and community involvement.
• Joe underscores the necessity of developing tribal museums that serve as cultural spaces rather than traditional museums, which often isolate artifacts from their communities.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Autry Museum of the American West
• Minnesota Historical Society
• Minneapolis Institute of Arts
• National Museum of the American Indian
• Smithsonian Institution
• Ho Chunk Museum