
Dallas Goldtooth on protecting Our Future: Indigenous Perspectives on Sovereignty and Advocacy
In this compelling episode of 5 Plain Questions, host Joe Williams engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with Dallas Goldtooth, a prominent Indigenous activist, actor, and comedian. Their conversation is framed by the pressing concerns surrounding the current political climate and its potential ramifications for Indigenous communities across the United States. Goldtooth articulates a clear and urgent call for awareness and action in response to policies enacted by the Trump administration, which he perceives as a significant threat to tribal sovereignty and environmental rights. The discourse is grounded in a historical context, drawing parallels to past governmental actions that have adversely affected Indigenous rights and resources, thereby establishing a continuity of struggle that resonates deeply with listeners.As the discussion unfolds, Goldtooth emphasizes the importance of community engagement and grassroots activism as vital components of resistance against oppressive policies. He advocates for a collaborative approach between tribal governments and community members, underscoring the necessity of fostering strong networks of support and advocacy. The episode also highlights the significance of narrative control, with Goldtooth urging Indigenous peoples to reclaim their stories and perspectives in a landscape often dominated by external narratives that seek to diminish their voices. This aspect of the conversation is particularly poignant, as it speaks to the broader theme of cultural preservation and the need for Indigenous communities to assert their identities and rights in the face of external pressures.Ultimately, this episode serves as both a sobering reflection on the challenges confronting Indigenous peoples and an empowering call to action. Williams and Goldtooth inspire listeners to actively participate in the advocacy for their rights, urging them to engage with their local leaders and the political process. The conversation reinforces the notion that informed and proactive community engagement is essential for safeguarding Indigenous sovereignty, cultural heritage, and environmental resources. As such, this episode encapsulates a vital message of resilience, solidarity, and the ongoing struggle for self-determination, encouraging listeners to reflect on their roles within this movement and to strive for a future that honors and respects Indigenous rights.

Revitalizing Communities Through Storytelling: Paulette Moore's Vision
Kahstoserakwathe Paulette Moore is an independent filmmaker and Kanyen'kehà:ka (Mohawk) citizen. She is the founder of The Aunties Dandelion media organization which is focused on revitalizing communities through stories of land, language, and relationships. She spent 15 years in Washington, DC creating films for National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and others. And she a fluent Mohawk speaker (ACTFL Intermediate High).
Website: https://www.theauntiesdandelion.com/
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4XI2I2r58vb2kVXRr5mKWb LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kahstoserakwathe/

Youth and Leadership: Chief Orville Looking Horse's Message for the Next Generation
Chief Arvol Looking was born on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota. His primary responsibility is serving as the 19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe – a role he was given at the age of twelve making him the youngest pipe keeper in Lakota history. As keeper of the sacred Pipe he also serves as the spiritual leader to the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota Nation and advocates for the restoration of the Lakota Nation’s rights to the Black Hills—as guaranteed by the 1868 Laramie Treaty. He grew up in an era of religious suppression, where traditional Lakota ceremonies were outlawed in both the US and Canada from the early 1900’s until the Indian Religious Freedom Act in 1978. His family was forced to hold Sundance, sweatlodge, vision quests, and healing ceremonies underground for fear of arrest by the police. Arvol’s advocacy of environmental and Indigenous rights and issues has been recognized globally as a recipient of the Wolf Award of Canada, the Juliet Hollister Award, a Non-Governmental Organization with Consultation Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. He is also the author of White Buffalo Teachings and a guest columnist for Indian Country Today. Since 1990, Arvol has also devoted himself to facilitate healing to all people and cultures through several sacred Prayer Rides on Horseback including The Annual Wintertime Chief Bigfoot Memorial Ride to Wounded Knee in order to mend the Sacred Hoop that was broken during the Massacre in 1890, The Unity Ride from B.C. to Six Nations in the early 2000s whose purpose was to heal historical trauma through the land and animals, and since 2005, he has supported and participated on the Dakota 38 Ride that takes place every December from South Dakota to Mankato, Minnesota to honor the memory of the 38 + 2 Dakota men who died under order of President Abraham Lincoln the Day after Christmas in 1862 in what was the largest mass hanging in U.S. history.