Jessie Taken Alive-Rencountre Episode 83

Jessie Taken Alive-Rencountre is a Hunkpapa Lakota from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. She has worked as a school counselor serving hundreds of students for 15 years. She was named the Great Plains Emerging Tribal Writer’s Award winner for her 1st children’s book Pet’a Shows Misun the Light. Utilizing her teachings from her Lakota culture combined with a school counselor lens, she has published 7 children’s books, with more in the works. Jessie was invited to be a guest speaker for Facebook and Instagram in the fall of 2021 (@jessietakenaliverencountre @indigenous_jess) Her passion is to help people remember their importance in life and to utilize their unique talents, and to create better communities for future generations to come. She is also a Lakota Jingle Dress Dancer and loves to educate others about Lakota culture using storytelling combined with traditional song and dance. In 2021, Jessie was named a future legacy leader by the Spirit Aligned Leadership Program, an international organization.

Jessie has an incredible gift of sharing stories that are not only culturally significant but tie into the human experience. Her teachings include why we wear braided hair, understanding injustice, grief, and the use of traditional drums for healing. These are lessons and values that are significant for all Native Nations and have been gifted back to all of us – Native and nonnative alike – through Jessie’s authentic traditional Lakota insight presented so eloquently in the form of a childrens’ books.

Jessie has written children’s books from her Indigenous perspective, yet her books are being used in non-native education settings, rehabilitation clinics and in adult libraries. As a child these types of stories were not in book form for many of us. Jessie brings, pride, understanding and Ancestral teachings to all of Turtle Island.

Her connection to the Ancestors, ceremonies, songs, dances and prayers is so apparent in this podcast as well as in the creation of her books and is an incredible example of how our heartbreak becomes our medicine.

Jessie shared the story of the loss of both of her parents within 33 days of each other during Covid. Her grief was so heavy until the realization that they are not “gone” or “lost” but have transformed and are never far from us. This was beautifully articulated in her book Rainbows in December where she shared the moments of pain, prayer and comfort in the knowledge that our loved Ancestors are truly always with us.

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In episode 83 of Red Hoop Talk, we welcome Carly Harvey, descendant of the Eastern Band Tsalagi and Tuscarora, known as DC’s Queen of the Blues! Carly brings a unique blend of Blues, Jazz, Soul, and Indigenous American styles, creating a powerful fusion she calls "Native Scat"—an improvisational style that combines traditional Jazz scat with Native vocables.

Carly Harvey, based in Washington, DC, has made significant strides in the music industry. In July 2018, she was featured in Big City Blues Magazine as one of the youngest Blues artists to watch. She is a three-time winner of the DC Blues Society Battle of the Bands and was crowned DC's Queen of the Blues in 2016 by Dr. Nick Johnson of WPFW Radio. Her talents were further recognized in 2021 when she received seven nominations and won the WAMMIE award for Best Blues Artist.

Carly believes that the Blues not only stem from the African American experience but are also deeply influenced by Indigenous minor pentatonic melodies and Stomp Dance songs. Through her master classes, Carly educates others about the diverse roots of the music she loves and takes pride in, celebrating her Afro-Indigenous heritage.

During this episode, Carly shares her personal journey as an Afro-Indigenous musician, openly discussing the pressures she faced from both the community and the music industry. She reflects on her decision to fully embrace her identity and offers insights into the history of modern music, exploring the significant contributions of Indigenous Peoples and enslaved Africans. Carly even gifts listeners with a special demonstration of “Native Scatting,” showcasing her innovative fusion of genres.

Carly credits much of her success and inspiration to deep listening to her ancestors. By following their wisdom and melodies, she brings their stories to life in her music, providing audiences with a deeper appreciation of the roots of modern music. Carly also introduces her new album, Kamama, named after her Tsalagi name, which means "Butterfly." She explains how the album seamlessly blends Native American vocables with Blues, creating a rich tapestry of sound that includes Folk, Funk, and Blues Rock, catering to a wide range of musical tastes.

For those interested in learning more about Carly's work or attending one of her master classes, visit her website at CarlyHarvey.com. You can also follow her on social media @carlyharveymusic and stream her music on Bandcamp, iTunes, Spotify, and other platforms.

This episode wouldn’t be possible without the Association on American Indian Affairs and the support of our community of donors and volunteers. Yakoke!

Episode 81 of "Red Hoop Talk" opens with an engaging conversation between our host, Jennifer, and Mark Williams, a citizen of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and an award-winning filmmaker. Mark shares his journey from humble beginnings in filmmaking to his work with the Native American Paranormal Society. The episode delves into the rich history of the Southeastern Native sport of stickball, exploring America’s oldest sport, its significance, and the evolving roles of women in this tradition from ancient times to the present day.

Mark’s work in documenting Indigenous sports and athletes has been extensive, offering a unique perspective on modern culture-bearers and their contributions to American sporting society. His films can be found on his YouTube platforms, Digital Feather Media and Native Boy Productions, and his documentary "Shiloh" is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.

As a special addition, we welcomed surprise guest Carly Kohler, of Yurok, Karuk, Hupa and European descent from On Native Ground, who joined us to discuss her film "Gift of Fear." Co-written with her father, Jack Kohler, this powerful feature film addresses critical issues such as the MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) crisis, LGBTQ2S+ identities, the foster care system, and gang violence, all masterfully woven into one script. "Gift of Fear" is available on multiple platforms, including Amazon, YouTube, Google Play, Xbox, Filmzie, Tubi, Vimeo, Dish, and DirecTV. Carly also introduced us to On Native Ground’s new podcast, "Floodlights," which focuses on the MMIW crisis and shares family stories. The podcast is accessible on all major platforms and via onnativeground.org.

This week’s episode of "Red Hoop Talk" brings a wealth of Native content to our audience, providing opportunities to explore and connect with Native stories and perspectives. Yakoke (thank you) for tuning in, and don’t forget to join us next month as we “hop back into the hoop”!