Hidden Heritage
Hidden Heritage presents positive and uplifting stories from across Native America. The episodes are hosted by Paul LaRoche, founder of the award winning contemporary American Indian Group Brulé. Interviews include inspiring individuals, successful entrepreneurs, Native artists and musicians. LaRoche is an enrolled member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe of SD.
Episodes
Episodes
Saturday Jun 01, 2024
Wisdom of the Elders Part 2 - Floyd Hand
Saturday Jun 01, 2024
Saturday Jun 01, 2024
In this episode of Hidden Heritage we will hear from the late Lakota spiritual leader, Floyd Leonard Hand (1939 – 2019). He was born in a cabin along the banks of White Clay Creek on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation of SD. Floyd's life was dedicated to preserving the Lakota traditional way of life and advocating for Native rights. He was a proud member of the American Indian Movement and gained spiritual teachings from the well-known Lakota spiritual leader, Frank Fools Crow.
Floyd conducted workshops and sweat lodge ceremonies across the country, always with an open door and a willingness to help. His dedication to his community continued until his return to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in 1993, where he became a staunch treaty rights advocate. In this episode, we delve into a conversation with Floyd from 2014, exploring his spiritual journey, his teachings, and his hopes for the future generations of Native Americans.
Join us as we learn from Floyd’s profound wisdom, his experiences in the U.S. Army, and his reflections on the importance of maintaining cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world.
Wednesday May 29, 2024
Brulé Interview: Growing up in Worthington, The Lost Birds
Wednesday May 29, 2024
Wednesday May 29, 2024
Join Paul LaRoche as he takes you on a personal journey in "Growing up in Worthington, The Lost Birds." This episode explores the heartwarming and complex stories of adoption, heritage, and identity. Paul shares his own story of being adopted at birth and later reconnecting with his biological Lakota family. He introduces his special guest, Tammy Makram, Director of the Worthington Memorial Auditorium who reveals her own extraordinary adoption story.
Tammy recounts her discovery of being left as a baby on the doorstep of a hospital on Christmas Eve and her subsequent journey to find her biological family. Through the marvels of modern DNA testing and the support of an unwavering community, Tammy connects with her biological siblings and even meets her birth parents. The episode explores themes of reconciliation, the blending of cultures, and the importance of understanding one's heritage.
Tune in to hear these inspiring narratives that underscore the profound message that we are all connected, and every story, no matter how unique, holds the power to bridge divides and foster understanding.
Sunday May 26, 2024
Memorial Day Tribute from Native American group Brulé
Sunday May 26, 2024
Sunday May 26, 2024
Paul LaRoche and his group Brulé share this touching Memorial Day Tribute as they have many times over the years.
In setting up this tribute Paul relates this story as told to him during a chance encounter with a veteran American Indian elder. "He said, Paul, today there are over 550 recognized tribes, and if we brought them all together for just a moment, we'd still be the smallest of the minorities here in America. He paused for just a minute. In the final part of the story, the conclusion, there was a statistic in there, and one I had never heard before. It really caught me by surprise, I'll tell you that. I've checked it out. I find it to be authentic and valid to this day, 17 years later.
What he had said was, even though we are the smallest of the minorities, we still have the largest number of men and women per capita, the largest number of men and women, per capita, that enter the military and armed services every year. He was proud to pass this along. And it was then that I realized that the warrior spirit still runs through the hearts of the people and the pride and love for this country, our home, still runs very high and very strong.
There was an honoring several times that weekend that took place that had such an impact on my family and I. I made a personal commitment that whenever given the opportunity later in life I would provide such a recognition. Never did I realize that we'd be here 17 years later and be able to provide this recognition hundreds, thousands of times, actually. I've seen this honoring many times here in Branson and at these theaters, and perhaps this evening, this will be the first time that we provide this honoring in the traditional Native American way to all servicemen and women, veterans, wounded and fallen warriors. Translated, the song we simply call, Soldier Boy."
Thursday May 23, 2024
A Journey Back to St. Joseph's Indian School
Thursday May 23, 2024
Thursday May 23, 2024
Join us this week on Hidden Heritage as we visit St. Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota. This emotional episode follows the host's journey of discovering his true Lakota heritage after being adopted at birth and raised in a white middle-class farming community in Minnesota. The story takes a poignant turn as he revisits the school that played a significant, yet unknown, role in his early life.
Father Steve Huffstetter, then director of St. Joseph's, shares the history and mission of the school, which has been a beacon of hope for Native American children since its founding in 1927. The episode explores the school's evolution, its educational programs from grades one through high school, and its commitment to spiritual and cultural education.
Learn about the challenges faced by Native American communities and how St. Joseph's Indian School strives to offer opportunities and support to its students. The episode concludes with a heartwarming moment in the campus chapel, where the host reconnects with his past by playing the old pipe organ, bringing his journey full circle.
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Interview with Paul LaRoche, Earth Songs Radio (modern indigenous music)
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Tuesday May 21, 2024
In this archival radio interview with Earth Songs (modern indigenous music), host Alexis Salih sits down with Paul LaRoche, the founder of the American Indian group, Brulé. LaRoche candidly shares his life journey, from being a Native American child adopted by a non-indigenous family in Southwest Minnesota to his powerful and inspiring reunion with his true heritage, a moment that shaped his unmistakable musical style, fusing elements of both his formative and native cultures.
The interview presents a deep insight into how LaRoche unfolded his unique creativity, combining traditional Native American music with the sounds he grew up with, effortlessly straddling the delicate balance between cultural respect and inspired music production. Discover the gripping story behind the birth of some of Brulé's most celebrated albums, notably 'Hidden Heritage' and their 22nd CD release 'Tribe'.
Listen to the fascinating tale behind 'Tribe', initially born as a soundtrack for a Native American Broadway musical and then shelved after a mixed reception. Rediscovered years later, 'Tribe' was reborn, affirming its relevance and freshness in the music industry. Throughout the episode, listeners will be treated to snippets of Brulé's enthralling music, a testament to their unique contemporary and traditional Native American sound fusion.
This episode is a compelling odyssey that follows the legacy of Paul LaRoche and Brulé's movement within the music industry, forging a new music genre while illuminating poignant aspects of personal and cultural growth. Tune in to hear this vibrant intersection of music, culture, and identity.
Friday May 17, 2024
Sacred Sites of the American Indian - Bear Butte
Friday May 17, 2024
Friday May 17, 2024
In this week's episode of Hidden Heritage, we journey towards the sacred lands of Bear Butte, South Dakota, a place of mystical power revered by the American Indian, especially the Lakota tribe. Listen as we uncover the intriguing history and profound spiritual significance of this timeless natural monument, historically used for the Hanbleceya or Vision Quest, one of the oldest Lakota sacred ceremonies.
Bear Butte, despite commercialization encroaching upon its surrounding lands, remains a beacon of tranquillity amidst the bustling annual Sturgis motorcycle rally. Our visit to this mystical site will reveal how it has endured and adapted to modern times, all while maintaining its powerful spiritual influence that continues to attract both religious devotees and curious visitors alike.
The episode passionately explores the religious importance of Bear Butte to over 30 indigenous groups, including the Lakota, the Omaha, Nebraska, and the Cheyenne. Bear Butte or Mato Paha to the Lakota encompasses all seven sacred elements, land, air, water, rocks, animals, plants, and fire and is seen as the most potent land mass in their religion. Our pilgrimage up Bear Butte reveals the mountain's essence as a place of healing and spiritual growth.
Historical legends tell us how Bear Butte has been a significant source of guidance for different tribes. This episode places particular focus on the Cheyenne tribe's legend about their spiritual leader, Sweet Medicine, who received a sacred bundle in a cave at Bear Butte. This landmark's deep-rooted religious value can be witnessed throughout its rich history, including when notable Sioux leaders Red Cloud, Crazy Horse, and Sitting Bull performed ceremonies at this sacred place.
As we conclude this spiritually uplifting journey, we aim to leave our burdens behind at Bear Butte and value its importance and the need to protect it in the face of modern challenges. With every individual that visits possessing a unique perception of its significance, Bear Butte remains a magnetic spiritual sanctuary that calls to native and non-native people alike, proving why it is so essential to preserve.
Tuesday May 14, 2024
A Candid Chat with Sonny Skyhawk
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Tuesday May 14, 2024
In our latest episode of Hidden Heritage, we divert our focus towards a topic of significance - the often-misunderstood representation of American Indians in Hollywood. Our guest for this episode is Sonny Skyhawk, an accomplished Native American filmmaker, producer, screenwriter, and actor, who has lent his talent to over 60 films and 14 television shows, including the iconic TV Western series Bonanza.
Sonny Skyhawk is a compelling advocate for a more accurate depiction of America Indians in movies and documentaries. As he recounts his journey from starring as a character in Bonanza to becoming an influential figure in Hollywood, listeners will gain a new perspective on the struggles and triumphs of American Indians in the entertainment industry.
During the conversation, Skyhawk shares his insights on the importance for Native Americans to be more actively involved in all aspects of film production. He also opens up about his experiences with discrimination and how this propelled him in his endeavor to redefine Hollywood's perception of Native Americans through his organization - American Indians in Film and Television.
Furthermore, Skyhawk explores the implications of the sudden influx of wealth within Native American communities, their strong commitment to philanthropy, and their ongoing efforts to reclaim their native lands. He also advises young American Indians aspiring to join the film industry, emphasizing on the importance of patience, perseverance, and initiative.
This episode presents a thorough exploration of the role and portrayal of Native Americans in Hollywood, offering insights into the past, present, and future of this vibrant culture within the industry.
Sunday May 12, 2024
A Mother's Day Story
Sunday May 12, 2024
Sunday May 12, 2024
In this podcast episode for Mother's Day, an American Indian child, born to a respected Native family, was given up for adoption at his birth. Years later, a surprising revelation about his adoption on Thanksgiving Day, 1993, leads him back to his biological family. Despite the differences in the world he grew up and where he originally belonged, he embarks on an incredible journey back into Native America, weaving past and present and uniting two contrasting cultures.
This episode is interspersed with soulful music, which acts as an accomplice in this story. Along with his personal narrative, he engagingly recounts a short passage from the book - 'Hidden Heritage,' bringing to life his birth story, the hospital where he was born, the loving nurses who cared for him, and the immediate bond formed when his adoptive parents saw him.
Our host, Paul LaRoche, concludes the episode highlighting the unifying role he plays between two vastly different worlds with a tribute to both Mothers. Bestowed with love and pride for both his roots, he stands as a beacon of hope, reconciliation, and healing amidst the cultural collision. He reaffirms that despite our differences, we are all related, presenting a moving testimony to the healing power of music and cultural identity. Tune in for an episode that echoes his unique melody - a soothing blend of identity, acceptance, and bonding. Happy Mother's Day!
The Hidden Heritage Series
The Hidden Heritage show was originally produced for the cable TV network RFD-TV. The show host, Paul LaRoche, is the producer of Hidden Heritage and the founder of the contemporary Native American music and dance group Brulé. The TV show was a spin-off of behind the scenes camera footage collected by LaRoche throughout Brulé's concert tours over their 30 year soulful journey. Along with the people and places that made up the tour, much of Brulé's award-winning music and stunning concert footage is featured in the series as well. So wether you're interested in the Native American culture, a fan of Brulé or just discovering the series for the first time, you'll enjoy Hidden Heritage. Over 100 episodes of Hidden Heritage were produced and will be presented in this podcast.