From the Iron Range to the Stage: Keith Secola's Artistic Odyssey
he latest episode of 5 Plain Questions delves into the life and artistry of Keith Secola, a revered figure in contemporary Native American music. Born in Cook, Minnesota, Secola's journey is marked by a profound connection to his roots and a relentless passion for music that has spanned over five decades. His seminal hit, ‘NDN Kars,' which gained prominence through the film Come Dance Me Outside, is emblematic of his ability to resonate with both indigenous and mainstream audiences alike. Throughout this episode, we explore Secola's influences, ranging from traditional powwow music to the sounds of iconic bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, which have shaped his unique musical style. His reflections on songwriting reveal a deep understanding of the cultural narratives that inform his work, positioning him as not merely a musician, but a storyteller of his people's experiences. Secola's commitment to advocacy within the indigenous community is also a focal point, as he discusses the importance of addressing social issues through his art. This episode is not just a celebration of Secola's achievements but an invitation to reflect on the broader implications of art as a vehicle for cultural expression and social change.
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/
Empowering Voices: Secretary Deb Haaland on Indigenous Leadership
Secretary Deb Haaland made history when she became the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary. She is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna and a 35th generation New Mexican. Secretary Haaland grew up in a military family; her father was a 30-year combat Marine who was awarded the Silver Star Medal for saving six lives in Vietnam, and her mother is a Navy veteran who served as a federal employee for 25 years at the Bureau of Indian Affairs. As a military child, she attended 13 public schools before graduating from Highland High School in Albuquerque. As a single mother, Secretary Haaland volunteered at her child's pre-school to afford early childhood education. Like many parents, she had to rely on food stamps at times as a single parent, lived paycheck-to-paycheck, and struggled to put herself through college. At the age of 28, Haaland enrolled at the University of New Mexico (UNM) where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and later earned her J.D. from UNM Law School. Secretary Haaland and her child, who also graduated from the University of New Mexico, are still paying off student loans. Secretary Haaland ran her own small business producing and canning Pueblo Salsa, served as a tribal administrator at San Felipe Pueblo, and became the first woman elected to the Laguna Development Corporation Board of Directors, overseeing business operations of the second largest tribal gaming enterprise in New Mexico. She successfully advocated for the Laguna Development Corporation to create policies and commitments to environmentally friendly business practices. Throughout her career in public service, Secretary Haaland has broken barriers and opened the doors of opportunity for future generations. After running for New Mexico Lieutenant Governor in 2014, Secretary Haaland became the first Native American woman to be elected to lead a State Party. She is one of the first Native American women to serve in Congress. In Congress, she focused on environmental justice, climate change, missing and murdered indigenous women, and family-friendly policies.