The Waterers

In this enlightening episode of the Waterers Podcast, we engage with Holly Doll, an artist and cultural advocate hailing from Bismarck, North Dakota, and a proud member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Holly, who specializes in Lakota beadwork and quillwork, emphasizes the profound influence of her cultural heritage on her artistic practice and community involvement. Beyond her artistry, she serv...

Frederick Edwards Jr., the esteemed Creative Director and teaching artist, exemplifies the transformative power of community engagement and narrative justice. In dialogue with host Joe Williams, we delve into his innovative initiatives, Umoja and Fred’s Dissonance, designed to empower youth through leadership, cultural awareness, and creative expression. Fred's personal journey, marked by resilien...

This podcast episode features a profound discussion with Dr. Kate Beane, a distinguished leader in American Indian Studies and the Executive Director of the Minnesota Museum of American Art. Dr. Beane elucidates the vital importance of prioritizing Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) creatives in the ongoing transformation of public spaces and cultural institutions. She articulates how...

The salient focus of this podcast episode is the profound impact of community-led initiatives, exemplified by the work of artist Anna Johnson, an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, who identifies as two-spirit. Anna articulates her commitment to inclusivity in her artistic endeavors, emphasizing the significance of representation for Black, Indigenous, and People of C...

Kowsar Mohamed, a distinguished two-time alumna of the University of Minnesota, currently serves as an Enterprise Director with the State of Minnesota while pursuing her doctorate in Natural Resources Science and Management. In this enlightening discourse, we delve into her extensive experience as an economic development practitioner, where she has adeptly bridged the realms of ecology, governance...

Reyna Hernandez, a prominent iHanktonwan D/Nakota painter and muralist, endeavors to challenge the conventional narratives of settler colonialism that pervade the Midwest. Her artistic practice is deeply rooted in the critical examination of authorship and representation in public spaces, seeking to incorporate Native history and contemporary perspectives into the visual dialogue. Through her mura...

Ryan Stopera, an award-winning writer, director, photographer, producer, and community advocate, epitomizes the transformative power of storytelling within diverse communities. His journey begain in social work, where he engaged with marginalized populations, ultimately catalyzing his passion for documentary filmmaking and narrative storytelling. With a commitment to elevating underrepresented voi...

Talon "Bazille" Ducheneaux, a multifaceted rap artist from the Cheyenne River Lakota and Crow Creek Dakota nations, shares his story in this episode of the Waterers. With a profound commitment to his community, Talon is the manager of the Wicahpi Olowan Music Program Recording Studio, where he fosters the talents of Indigenous artists through mentorship and collaboration. His musical oeuvre, which...

The salient focus of this podcast episode revolves around the transformative power of grassroots initiatives in reshaping community narratives through art. We engage in an enlightening dialogue with Moira Villiard, a multidisciplinary artist whose work prioritizes underrepresented stories and fosters healing through public art. Moira elucidates the significance of place in her creative process, em...

The central focus of this podcast episode is the invaluable work of Jeremy Red Eagle, a dedicated advocate for the revitalization of Dakota language and culture, who has spent over 15 years engaging with Native American youth to promote traditional arts and practices. As an enrolled member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, Jeremy embodies the essence of grassroots initiatives that foster community r...