Lakota Link

Scott and Sandy explain how they created "Running the Milky Way". A Song honoring the Horse Nation.

Interview with Scott Simpson. Collaborating on a new adventure. Lakota art bridges into musical territory.

“Paul Harvey of the Prairie” Jim Thompson September 28, 2021 “Paul Harvey of the Prairie” Jim Thompson Jim Thompson a radio and rodeo announcer sharing his connections with Native Americans. You will find out how he got recognized as the “Voice of the West”. Jim shares some of his career history. We learn how he was able to achieve his goals through years of hard work. He always has had a heart and understanding of Native American issues.

Re intro to -- Walter Mills Lakota Elder Part II September 21, 2021 Walter Mills, Lakota Elder It is fascinating to get a view of life on the Pine Ridge Reservation in the 1940’s and 1950’s. A glimpse of what life was like for Native Americans at that time. One small fact was you could not purchase dog food at that time. So if you had a family ranch and loved dogs how did you manage? It was a pleasure to visit with Walter and have him share his experiences.

Walter Mills, Lakota Elder September 7, 2021 Walter Mills, Lakota Elder Walter is the son of Sidney and Grace Mills. He grew up on the Pine Ridge Reservation and is an enrolled Oglala Lakota. He shares what his life was like in the 1940’s and 1950’s on the reservation. We talk about the beginning of WWII and how Native Americans have a greater percentage per capita of enlisting into the service. We will continue with Walt’s story part II next week.

Walter Littlemoon, Wounded Knee Takeover 1973 August 31, 2021 Walter Littlemoon, Wounded Knee Takeover 1973 Part II of the Wounded Knee takeover in 1973. Walter Littlemoon is an enrolled Oglala Lakota tribal member. He grew up on the Pine Ridge Reservation. As an author he is eloquent in explaining his experiences of the takeover. A different perspective of the impact and how it affected the people that lived in the Wounded Knee village.

Walter Littlemoon Wounded Knee Takeover 1973 August 24, 2021 Walter Littlemoon Wounded Knee Takeover 1973 Walter lived and came from the village of Wounded Knee on the Pine Ridge Reservation. He is an enrolled Oglala Lakota. In this podcast he shares how the Wounded Knee takeover in 1973 impacted his family and him. The occupation changed the village in ways that I had never thought about. Walter is also an author of a book “They called me uncivilized”. Next week will be the continuation of the interview.

Lakota Elder Vic Swallow August 18, 2021 Lakota Elder Vic Swallow Vic Swallow a Lakota Elder was born on the Pine Ridge Reservation. He was raised on the Red Shirt Table with his brother and two sisters. Now an elder at the age of 81 he shares some of his experiences growing up there. He gives a good background on the tribes that make up the Seven Council Fires. Having a very good memory he recalls stories his mother Lizzie Two Bulls-Swallow told him. This song is written and sung by Quincy Good Star.

Beginning a Cowboy and an Indian August 10, 2021 Beginning a Cowboy and an Indian 1968 was a pivotal year for my husband and I. A terrible life changing accident. Graduated Oelrichs High School and got married. Learn about how things started and the impact it made on my life. My faith grew and I knew the good Lord was watching over us.

Lakota Elder beats Covid-19 August 3, 2021 Lakota Elder beats Covid-19 Victor Swallow was willing to share his experience with contacting the Covid-19 virus. At the age of 81 it was a very serious matter. Taking one day at a time, he relives his hospital stay and how he is now slowly regaining strength today. A lesson we can all learn that each day is precious.

Larry Brewer, Traditional Dancer Part II July 27, 2021 Larry Brewer Traditional Dancer Part II I continue to visit with my first cousin Larry Brewer. He had the conviction that he needed to change his life style. He then turned to the Church, traditional dancing, and bead work. We talk about some of the Lakota traditional ways. One is being respectful of others space. His experience in going to a Catholic Boarding school was positive.

Larry Brewer, Traditional Dancer March 16, 2021 Larry Brewer, Traditional Dancer Larry Brewer’s first years were living on the Pine Ridge Reservation. He shares some of his memories about Grandpa Mills and Great Grandpa Adams. Then in the early 50’s the family moved to Rapid City. He was the middle child out of 12. My Aunt Lula, his mother, was a strong Lakota woman. She was widowed and continued to raise 12 children by herself. We will continue with Larry’s journey next week in Part II.

Swallow Tales “Sent Away” July 13,2021 Re-intro to Swallow Tales; “Sent Away “ Can you imagine how it would be if you were sent away? Away from your home, family and friends. Seeing a billowing steam engine for the first time. Loudly rolling into the Rushville Nebraska train depot. Traveling 1617 miles and only 14 years old. This is what happened to my grandpa Oliver Swallow. He was not to return for 5 or 6 years. How did he end up at the Lincoln Institute in Pennsylvania? Just a glimpse of family history from 1870 to 1884. This personal story deserves to be told.

Swallow Tales by Sandy Swallow July 6, 2021 Swallow Tales Sandy shares family history. Eli Swallow her great Grandfather was a Louisiana born Frenchman. How did he get to the Dakota Territory in the 1860’s? What was to become of a captured Confederate soldier? Also learning about Oelrichs, SD which was a thriving town in the early 1900’s.Swallow Tales begins with a cup of cowboy coffee in a kitchen on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Going back in time she realizes how her family history affected her art and Lakota values. Music is sung and composed by Quincy GoodStar.

A Lakota Cowboy Louis Twiss June 29, 2021 A Lakota Cowboy Louis Twiss He tells of living on the Pine Ridge Reservation and starting the Oglala Sioux Land and Cattle Organization. He became Secretary for the National Indians Cattlemen Association for the betterment of all Native American producers. Learn of his firsthand experience in the Badlands World War II bombing range at the North end of the Reservation. The government used eminent domain to confiscate his family’s home and land.

A Voice for those who cannot speak I felt this was a very important interview. Although the subject was personally heart breaking and difficult for me. Because I lost my sister to murder in 1968. Lily Mendoza has a true heart for those that need help. She is a warrior women and a voice for those who can no longer speak. If you are interested in what is being done and what can be done please join us in this conversation on Missing, Murdered, Indigenous Women.

Lakota Elder Vic Swallow June 15, 2021 Lakota Elder Vic Swallow A re- intro to Vic Swallow a Lakota Elder was born on the Pine Ridge Reservation. He was raised on the Red Shirt Table with his brother and two sisters. Now an elder at the age of 81 he shares some of his experiences growing up there. He gives a good background on the tribes that make up the Seven Council Fires. Having a very good memory he recalls stories his mother Lizzie Two Bulls-Swallow told him. This song is written and sung by Quincy Good Star.

A Lakota Woman of Wisdom June 8, 2021 A Lakota Woman of Wisdom Suzanne White Wolf Swallow is a Lakota elder a mother of eight children. Grandmother (unci) and great-grandmother. Though her life has not always been easy she was able to instill in her family many of the Lakota values. You will learn why education has been so important in her family. She also shares some of her family history which dates back the Battle of the Little Big Horn and the Wounded Knee Massacre.

In this re intro with Paul LaRouche of Brule' you will learn the great opportunity he passed up. He wanted to remain true to his Lakota heritage and traditions. Now as Lakota artists we all need to venture into new and different avenues while remaining true to our values.

Paul LaRoche of Brule` Paul LaRoche of Brule` Get to know Paul LaRoche of Brule` just a little better. He found out he was a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe in his thirties. He and his family have been blessed with a great talent for music. Although it hasn’t been easy they have become well known and sold over a million CD”s. They now have an Anthology of their 25 years in the music business. Their journey will continue in new directions.