Wisdom Radio | Series Two

Historical Intro

Program Host Arlie Neskahi provides context for the journey of the Lewis and Clark Expedition as they prepared to travel through the country of the Shawnee, Otoe and Omaha tribes.

Elder Wisdom

Lewis and Clark may have started their voyage from St. Louis, Missouri, but their interactions with Native people began in the woodlands of Missouri and Illinois with Shawnee. Brian Bull honors the life of Shawnee elder, Dark Rain Thom.

Sacred Landscape

Judy Bluehorse Skelton explores native perspectives on the land and water, plants and animals that Lewis and Clark encountered along their journey.

Tribal Rhythms

Nico Wind takes us to the land of the Omaha in an interview with traditional Omaha singer, Valentine Parker, who explores the roots of the powwow.  The feature includes excerpts from the historical collection of 90 wax cylinders recorded by Alice Fletcher and Ponca man, Frances La Flesche.

Historical Intro

Arlie Neskahi shares background on the expedition’s encounter with the Yankton Sioux. He shares how they were honored with special ceremony and relates an account of Lewis blessing a newborn Yankton baby, Strikes the Ree.

Elder Wisdom

Brian Bull features Yankton elder, Clarence Rockboy who shares background on the relationship of the Dakotah with the Lakota, and his peoples’ guardianship over the Pipestone Quarries, the growth of their buffalo herd, and the longstanding tradition of respect for women.

Sacred Landscape

Judy Bluehorse Skelton discusses sacred places, and the significance of Spirit Mound, “The Mountain of Little People,” which was recorded by Lewis and Clark in their journals.

Tribal Rhythms

In an interview with Native American Church singer, Gerald Primo, whose father was a roadman and carrier of the sacred pipe of the Yankton Sioux, Nico Wind shares the origins and music at the heart of the Native American Church.

Contemporary Rhythms

Milt Lee visits with Dakota musical artist, Jackie Bird, and shares her award-winning bluesy rock sound which is spiced with traditional Dakotah melodies.

Historical Intro

Program Host Arlie Neskahi discusses the Expedition’s encounter with the Teton Sioux and the conflict and communications breakdowns that ensues.

Elder Wisdom

Brian Bull relates the life and vision of the late Lakota medicine man and spiritual leader, Martin High Bear, who was also the Founder of Wisdom of the Elders.

Sacred Landscape

Judy Bluehorse Skelton speaks about traditional herbal knowledge in a visit with Teton Sioux herbalists, Marie Randall and her granddaughter, Annie White Hat.

Tribal Rhythms

Nico Wind features Lakota singer, composer and teacher of Sioux music, Earl Bullhead who became a maker of songs for his people after discovering archival music from Frances Densmore’s Sioux collection which was recorded nearly a century ago.

Historical Intro

Program Host Arlie Neskahi discusses the Expedition’s 1804 encounter with the Arikara, or Sahnish people, who were regarded as important Missouri River traders and agriculturists.

Elder Wisdom

Brian Bull introduces us to Arikara elders, Virgil Chase, and Rodney Howling Wolf who grew up together, learning oral history, attending ceremonies of their people, and watching their hometown swallowed up as a result of Missouri River dam construction.

Sacred Landscape

Judy Bluehorse Skelton offers insights into Corn Mother, the significance of this sacred plant, and its cultivation by native peoples along the Missouri riverbanks.

Tribal Rhythms

Nico Wind takes us to meet the Arikara elder, Yvonne Fox, who tells of Mother Corn at the center of Arikara traditional life, and the late Terry Howling Wolf who represented one of the oldest drums groups of the Arikara, the Dead Grass Society.

Historical Intro

Arlie Neskahi discusses the Mandan and Hidatsa tribes who shared their villages with the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804-5, and upon their return trip in 1806.

Elder Wisdom

Brian Bull features Edwin Benson, Mandan linguist and storyteller, regarded as one of the last tribal members fluent in his Mandan language, who is helping teach the language in the tribe’s schools.

Sacred Landscape

Judy Bluehorse Skelton explores the woman’s role in Hidatsta and Mandan gardening, and the damage brought about because of the Dawes Act and other government programs.

Tribal Rhythms

Nico Wind visits with Hidatsa songkeeper, Alex Gwin, who speaks about society songs and how they help his people celebrate who they are and what they can achieve.