Hidden Heritage
Hidden Heritage presents positive and uplifting stories from across Native America. The episodes are hosted by Paul LaRoche, founder of the award winning contemporary American Indian Group Brulé. Interviews include inspiring individuals, successful entrepreneurs, Native artists and musicians. LaRoche is an enrolled member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe of SD.
Episodes
Episodes
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Tribal Education in the U.S. Today
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Monday Apr 15, 2024
In this enlightening episode of "Hidden Heritage", follow along as we visit Mission, South Dakota on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation home to Sinte Gliska Tribal University, a unique educational institution that stands as a beacon of tribal education in the nation today.
Founded in 1970 and named after Brule Lakota Chief Sinte Gliska, the university struggled for six years to be recognized by legislation before finally becoming accredited under the leadership of the late Dr. Lionel Bordeaux. Bordeaux shares his story, of resilience, determination and his vision for the continued growth and success of the young native students under his guidance whilst upholding the integrity of their culture.
Get an insider’s view into the distinctive education approach at Sinte Gliska Tribal University as we converse with former student Gabrielle Iron Shell and dedicated educator and Lakota Elder, the late Albert White Sr. Hear their personal stories, their passion for preserving their culture and language, and their aspirations for the future. Feel the cultural vibrancy through songs, dance, ceremonies and traditional storytelling.
The unique ways teachers integrated the culture into the learning process, offering a natural blend of curricula emphasizing historical truth, language preservation, economic growth initiatives and tribal government reform. Discover the commitment to these concepts and the mission to empower learners while preserving the precious Lakota virtues and values for the next generations.
This episode offers a fascinating insight into the resilience and passion burning within the native community and the institutions that support them.
Friday Apr 12, 2024
Following The 7 Directions - A Journey of Self-discovery
Friday Apr 12, 2024
Friday Apr 12, 2024
Join Paul LaRoche, the creator of the podcast 'Hidden Heritage,' as he shares his knowledge of Native American culture. In this insightful episode, Paul reveals invaluable life lessons he gained throughout his captivating 40-year-long Brulé journey – his process of reverse assimilation back into Native American culture.
Listening to this episode, you will journey through time with Paul, starting from the late 90s when he and his group, including his daughter Nicole, performed at small art festivals. Despite the frustration of not achieving aspiration as swiftly as hoped, there is light at the end of the tunnel through the wisdom shared by an observing elder. That wisdom would prove to be a game-changer in Paul's life.
The crux of the episode is the 'Seven Directions' life philosophy taught to Paul by the elder, the late Emmett Eastman Sr. This profound teaching offers a metaphorical compass for life's journey, highlighting not just the four cardinal directions, but extending to the spheres above and below, culminating in the most important direction of all – within.
The 'Seven Directions' are more than a mere guidance system; they represent a roadmap to inner harmony and understanding. From assigning each direction a color to weaving the teachings into his shows, Paul LaRoche utilizes this philosophy at his core, enriching his work and life.
Embark on this enlightening journey with Paul as he generously shares his transformative experiences and wisdom, allowing you to gain a new understanding and perspective on life.
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Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
Brulé Interview: Growing up in Worthington
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
Get set for an exhilarating journey of reliving the glory days with the 10th episode of our Hidden Heritage series. Join our host, Paul LaRoche and his old-time buddy, Tom Gilmore, as they unearth the memories of their shared hometown, Worthington, Minnesota. Tune in to their timeless friendship, manifesting through the captivating 'Tom and Paul Show' reminiscing the days of their early days rock bands, Scarlet Sun and T Leslie Summers.
As you get deeper into the show, Tom unravels his love for nature, his initial musical influencers, explorations of the regional music scene, and evolution as a musician. With LaRoche also sharing his Native American lineage, the episode provides the listener with an all-rounded, cultural perspective. Gear up for a sentimental journey celebrating not only their mutual love for music, but also the roots that fueled their musical ventures.
After four decades of separation, memories lead them to their decision of creating music together again, finally cumulating in an unforgettable reunion gig. Yet, time hasn't dampened the two's passion for music. Listen in as they discuss their forthcoming projects and shared musical fervor into promising ventures.
This striking episode gets deep into the heartfelt narrative centered around Kathy's (Paul’s wife) compelling endeavor to uncover the extraordinary family line, leaving the listeners stirred. The episode concludes on a hopeful note, inviting inquisitive minds to continue exploring and understanding the fascinating aspects of Native American culture alongside spiritual and musical themes.
Saturday Apr 06, 2024
The Brule Chronicles-Total Eclipse of the Sun
Saturday Apr 06, 2024
Saturday Apr 06, 2024
This episode marks the beginning of our series, 'Hidden Heritage: The Brulé Chronicles'. The podcast celebrates the unique heritage of a man who was adopted at birth and removed from the Native American reservation system. Our host reveals his remarkable story, from his upbringing in Minnesota to discovering hidden adoption papers after the loss of his adoptive parents and eventually being reunited with his Lakota biological family.
Alongside this personal journey, we also delve into the origin and inspiration of Brulé, which has left many curious about our host's role in this world. Unveiling his self-proclaimed title as a 'Tunesmith', he shares a glimpse into the humble, yet fulfilling life that merges music and poetry, and its influence on every step of his journey.
This series also resurrects the nostalgically rich music project 'Towards the Sun', symbolizing a story that remained untold for 38 years. Born from a collaboration between our host and fellow musician Jerry, the album remains a testament to their companionship and shared aim to fuse the analog and the digital world of music through their cutting-edge MIDI studio, existing during the inspiring era of Minneapolis' music scene represented by legendary names like Prince and Yanni.
As the Brulé Chronicles unfold, listeners are taken on a cosmic journey inspired by the mystical Greek goddess Eos, culminating in the exploration of a solar eclipse planned for 2024. Bringing the journey full circle, our host reflects on the lessons embedded in each track of 'Towards the Sun', taking listeners along the path of ancient civilizations' fascination and reverence for the sun.
Join us on this illuminating journey that combines personal history, ancient mythology, and the soul-stirring power of music. Unearth a Hidden Heritage in the stirring first episode of the Brule Chronicles.
Sunday Mar 31, 2024
The National Eagle Repository Uncovered
Sunday Mar 31, 2024
Sunday Mar 31, 2024
In this exciting episode of Hidden Heritage, we embark on a journey of discovery to uncover the origins of the sacred eagle feathers used in Native American ceremonies. We delve into the heart of the National Eagle Repository located at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal in Denver, Colorado. Recognizing the significance these feathers hold for the Native Americans, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service created the repository to aid them in preserving their rich cultural practices and beliefs.
This exploration sheds light on the process behind obtaining these treasured feathers - beginning with finding deceased bald and golden eagles, assessing their condition, to finally distributing them to Native Americans through a detailed application process. The feathers, holding immense spiritual value, are used in various ceremonies, including healing, marriage, naming and even celebrations of life and death.
Despite a lengthy waiting list due to the purity and sacredness of these species, the Repository offers options for people in need of eagle parts like wings, heads, claws, or loose feathers. The turnaround time for these orders varies from three months up to a year. The National Eagle Repository stands on its director's order, ensuring that all eagles are to be used only for religious purposes by Native Americans.
We take listeners on a tour around the repository, explaining the procedures undertaken to ensure applicants receive usable, quality feathers. Moreover, we stress upon important laws protecting the bald and golden eagles, such as the Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Despite the significant challenges and complex procedures, the staff remains dedicated and committed to the operation, acknowledging the gratification they feel when fulfilling the requests of the Native Americans.
Join us to understand the importance of preserving and appreciating these beautiful creatures while respecting the laws intended to protect them, as well as the spiritual beliefs of the Native American tribes.
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Brulé Interview - Levitt in your Living Room
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Hidden Heritage Episode #7 “Levitt In Your Living Room”. This podcast features a rare 90 min. interview with Paul LaRoche, Nicole LaRoche and Levitt Host Vaney Harrari. They discuss music, culture, Brulé and life behind the scenes. The interview also features several musical segment from various past performances by Brulé.
Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
Hidden Heritage Podcast Trailer
Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
The Hidden Heritage Podcast! Bringing you the captivating stories and vibrant culture of Native America, Hidden Heritage is your gateway to uplifting narratives and inspiring interviews.
Hosted by Paul LaRoche, each episode delves into the heart of Native American communities. From successful entrepreneurs to talented artists and musicians, we shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals shaping our world.
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
Guardians of the Night
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
A visit with Officer Joaquin Guerrero about his 911 K-9 hero, Rookie
The Hidden Heritage Series
The Hidden Heritage show was originally produced for the cable TV network RFD-TV. The show host, Paul LaRoche, is the producer of Hidden Heritage and the founder of the contemporary Native American music and dance group Brulé. The TV show was a spin-off of behind the scenes camera footage collected by LaRoche throughout Brulé's concert tours over their 30 year soulful journey. Along with the people and places that made up the tour, much of Brulé's award-winning music and stunning concert footage is featured in the series as well. So wether you're interested in the Native American culture, a fan of Brulé or just discovering the series for the first time, you'll enjoy Hidden Heritage. Over 100 episodes of Hidden Heritage were produced and will be presented in this podcast.