In Episode 84 of "Red Hoop Talk," host Jennifer welcomes Johnny Moses (Tulalip/Nuu-chah-nulth), a master storyteller, healer, and cultural ambassador. Johnny’s journey began in the remote village of Ohiat on Vancouver Island, where he was raised in the traditional ways by his grandparents. He carries the Si.Si.Wiss teachings—meaning "sacred breath, sacred life"—and is dedicated to sharing his people’s cultural wisdom through storytelling and healing ceremonies.

Fluent in eight Native languages, Johnny travels widely as an ambassador of his culture, sharing the rich tapestry of his heritage through songs, lectures, and performances. Known by his traditional name, Whis.stem.men.knee, or "Walking Medicine Robe," Johnny has been entrusted with carrying forward the healing power of his ancestors. His storytelling brings to life “medicine stories,” “animal stories,” and even “adult stories,” which showcase the medicinal qualities of language, laughter, and song.

During the episode, Johnny recounts powerful personal experiences, such as his time at boarding school, where he formed an unexpectedly close friendship with Sister Mary. Sent home with a cancer diagnosis, Johnny later found healing through Native foods, songs, and stories—an experience that underscores the strength of his cultural roots. His vibrant personality and humor have a way of endearing him to everyone he meets, including Jennifer, with whom he shares a friendship spanning over a decade.

For listeners looking to dive deeper, more about Johnny’s work and upcoming events can be found at JohnnyMoses.com. Each episode of "Red Hoop Talk" offers a chance to connect with Native voices and stories, and by supporting the Association on American Indian Affairs, you can help support Native voices and stories.

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.

Supporting The Association on Native American Affairs helps not only keeping us close to culture but also showcasing those who are culture carriers!

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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”!

Landa Lakes is a Chickasaw writer, activist and artist. As drag persona Landa Lakes, in 2004, she founded drag performance groups in San Francisco including the Two-Spirit Native American drag troupe, the Brush Arbor Gurlz, and in 2005 the creative and campy House of Glitter. She is also the Westcoast Mother of the Vogue House of Lauren, International, and is the recipient of the national pageant title Jewel of the Galaxy. Landa uses art to combine contemporary ideas with Native history and traditional stories to convey the shared experiences and understanding of human nature outside the Western perspective. Her notable honors include the New York Fresh Fruit Festival Performance Award, KQED LGBT Local Hero Award, and she was publicly elected as Grand Duchess 36 of the Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco, a non-profit organization of which she has served as president. Thomas served as Co-Chair to the Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirits (BAAIT-S) for many years and remains on the board, she is one of the original founders of the BAAIT-S Two-Spirit Powwow now in its 14th year. The BAAIT-S Powwow was the first Two-Spirit public powwow and has continued to bring in close to 5K people annually. In 2019, she co-founded the annual Weaving Spirits Two-Spirit Performance Festival. Credits include RuPaul's Drag Race Season 1 ep 7, I've Been To Manhattan, Launch Pad and The Roof.