Hidden Heritage

In this captivating episode of "Hidden Heritage," journey with the St. Cyr family from the Winnebago tribe of NE as they navigate the harmonious balance between traditional and contemporary Native American life. Reunited with his biological Lakota family in 1993, the host shares an inspiring tale of cultural reconnection and musical legacy. Meet the late Curtis St. Cyr, a soulful gospel singer and...

Welcome to another episode of Hidden Heritage with your host, Paul LaRoche. In this heartfelt installment, Paul shares the inspiring story of his journey to rediscover his Lakota roots and introduces us to the remarkable legacy of musician Lou Webster. Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and raised on the Menominee Reservation, Lou Webster grew up in a family rich in musical tradition. His passion for t...

Travel with host Paul LaRoche to the vibrant Texas Indian Market in Arlington, where art and culture collide. Meet talented Native American artists like Ernie Apodaca, Van Martin, and Joseph BeGay, who share their inspiring stories and showcase their remarkable art forms. From intricate silverwork and pottery shard replicas to functional art and leather goods, experience the rich tapestry of creat...

Join Paul LaRoche in this compelling episode of "Hidden Heritage" as he explores the significance of sacred sites, focusing on the Pipestone National Monument in Minnesota. Discover the rich history and cultural importance of the red stone used in the sacred ceremonial Native American pipe, Chanupa in Lakota, a symbol of unity and peace among tribes. Meet Travis Erickson, a dedicated quarry worker...

Welcome to Hidden Heritage, where we share the untold stories and rich cultural traditions of Native America. In this episode we're going to talk about a topic close to my heart, my own tribe, the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. The story of the Lower Brule Tribe is one of resilience, connection to the land, and cultural preservation. In this episode, I want to take you on a journey throu...

Occasionally, an event occurs of such significance that it forever changes the way you perceive life itself. For Paul LaRoche, that moment came in November 1993, when he was reunited with his biological Lakota family. This episode of Hidden Heritage delves into the poignant story of his adoption and reconnection, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of Orange Shirt Day. Join us as we uncover...

Paul LaRoche shares his remarkable story of discovering his true Native American heritage after being adopted at birth and raised in a small, middle-class farming community.  Brulé's Hidden Heritage introduces the BEHING THE SONG series to the podcast.  Join Composer Paul LaRoche as he shares the inspirations that sparked the melodies and emotions behind the songs in the Brulé catalog.    In this...

In this episode, Paul shares behind-the-scenes insights from one of the most ambitious holiday tours undertaken by his band, Brulé, in 2006. Learn about the extensive preparations, the family-like bond among the crew and performers, and the intricate process of putting together their multimedia stage productions. From the early days of small duo performances to large-scale concerts featuring tradi...

Join host Paul LaRoche as he uncovers the rich tapestry of Native American heritage in this episode of Hidden Heritage. Paul shares his personal story of being adopted at birth and reconnecting with his biological Lakota family, setting the stage for an exploration of major Native American festivals in the United States. First, we visit the Texas Indian Market in Arlington, Texas, and then we trav...

This week, join us on Hidden Heritage as we journey to the Black Hills of South Dakota, visiting the iconic Crazy Horse Memorial. This beloved destination has been a Brulé favorite for over 25 years, attracting visitors from around the world. Meet Whitney Rencountre and his wife Jessie, who share their experiences as American Indian ambassadors, educators, and performers. Discover their dedication...

Join Paul LaRoche on this week's episode of Hidden Heritage as he travels to the Lac de Flambeau Reservation in northern Wisconsin to interview Michelle Reed, a talented tribal artist, dancer, and entrepreneur. Michelle discusses her journey of mastering traditional beadwork, sewing, and dance. Learn about the significance of powwows and the evolution of Native American cultural practices. Explore...

In this episode of "Hidden Heritage," host Paul LaRoche shares an interview with the late Ed McGaa, a Lakota elder from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, who became a significant spiritual guide and friend. Ed's teachings and writings on Native American spirituality profoundly influenced Paul, helping him assimilate back into the Lakota culture. Through personal anecdotes and historical insights,...

Join us on a special episode of Hidden Heritage as we take you to the Crazy Horse Memorial in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Here, we meet Jonah Littlesunday, a talented wood flute player from the Navajo Indian Reservation in Arizona. This episode delves into Noah's fascinating life story, his cultural heritage, and his musical journey. Jonah shares intimate details about his upbringing, the inf...

Join host Paul LaRoche on an insightful journey into the world of American Indian humor, a crucial component for cultural survival and resilience. This week on Hidden Heritage, we meet the dynamic comedy of Williams and Ree, famously known as "The Indian and the White Guy." Meet Terry Ree and Bruce Williams, the legendary duo who have been bringing laughter to audiences for over 50 years. Discover...

Join Paul LaRoche as he visits his old friend, Art Shegonee, on the Lac du Flambeau Reservation in Northern Wisconsin. This episode delves into Art's personal journey from the Menominee Indian Reservation, through foster homes, to becoming a traditional dancer and cultural ambassador. Art shares his childhood experiences, the challenges of growing up in foster care, and how he reconnected with his...

This week on Hidden Heritage, join host Paul LaRoche as he sits down with his daughter, Nicole Summers LaRoche, a former Native American Artist of the Year and the lead instrumentalist for the acclaimed music group, Brulé. Nicole shares her journey from her early days of music exploration to becoming a pivotal force in one of the top-selling contemporary Native American music groups. Nicole delves...

Join Paul LaRoche as he explores the transformative educational program, Lakota Circles of Hope, based in Rapid City, South Dakota. This initiative is making significant strides in embracing and teaching Lakota culture within the school system. In this episode, we dive into the program's mission to instill confidence and cultural pride in students across South Dakota. The curriculum, designed by L...

Join us this week on Hidden Heritage as we embark on RezRide 2010, a motorcycle ride exploring the Lower Brule Sioux Reservation and surrounding area. This year's journey starts from the small LaRoche house near the Missouri River in an area known as Little Bend, where our host, Paul LaRoche, his nephew Chris Estes and cameraman Shane Summers set off to retrace the steps of their ancestors. The fi...

Join us this week on Hidden Heritage as we return to the annual Denver Indian Market, one of the most celebrated Native American arts festivals in the country. This episode takes you behind the scenes with emerging tribal artists showcasing their unique talents and cultural heritage. Meet singer-songwriter Shelley Morningsong, who blends contemporary music with traditional rhythms and instruments....

Join us for an exclusive conversation with Paul LaRoche, the founder of Brulé, one of the top-selling Native American music groups known for their powerful blend of cultural rock and theatrical instrumentation. Discover the story behind Brulé's success and the journey that brought them to the forefront of Native American music. In this episode, Paul shares insights into his personal background, in...

This week on Hidden Heritage, we delve into the remarkable story of the Gordon Bird family, a talented group of artists from South Dakota who have been defying the odds for nearly four decades. Known for their contributions to Native American art and music, the Birds have not only found a way to work and play together but have also paved the way for future generations of Native American artists ac...

This week on Hidden Heritage, we take you behind the scenes at RFD-TV The Theatre in Branson, Missouri, where the Native American group, Brulé, has set up shop. Discover the hard work, dedication, and intricate preparations that go into producing their captivating shows and bringing American Indian culture into the mainstream. Join us as we hear about the lives of the performers, their daily routi...

Join Paul LaRoche as he shares a true American story of hidden heritage and cultural pride. This episode takes you through a memorable journey featuring outdoor adventures, family bonding, and the rich traditions of Native American life. Experience a delightful fishing trip on Upper Lake Taneycomo near Branson, Missouri, with Paul's son Shane and expert fishing guide Pete Hanson. Discover the beau...

In this episode, we also explore the life and work of Oscar Howe, a pioneering Yanktoni Dakota artist known for his modernistic approach to Native American art. Howe's innovative style and vibrant paintings have left a lasting impact, challenging stereotypes and inspiring future generations of Native artists. Our visit to the Oscar Howe Art Gallery at the University of South Dakota and the Carnegi...

Join Paul (Summers) LaRoche as he takes you on a heartfelt journey of reunion and cultural discovery. Reunited with his biological Lakota family, Paul embraces his heritage and shares it with the world through the Native American music and dance group, Brulé. In this episode, after years of touring Brulé returns to Paul's hometown to perform seven captivating concerts at the Worthington Memorial A...