Welcome to Hidden Heritage, stories from across Native America. In this special Father's Day episode, host Paul LaRoche talks about the traditional role of fathers in American Indian culture, sharing personal insights and historical perspectives.
Discover how the family unit on many Native American Indian Reservations differs from mainstream America, emphasizing communal child-rearing and the profound roles fathers play. From embodying strength, wisdom, and protection to teaching ancestral ways and spiritual practices, Native American fathers are pillars of their communities.
Learn about the unique fatherhood traditions of various tribes, including the Lakota, Navajo, and Hopi, and how these practices ensure the preservation of cultural heritage and the well-being of future generations. As we celebrate Father's Day, let's honor all fathers and father figures who are teachers, protectors, and keepers of traditions.
Join Paul LaRoche as he reflects on his own experiences and the universal importance of fatherhood. Wishing everyone a joyful and reflective Father's Day from Hidden Heritage.

Join Paul LaRouche and the band Brule as they embark on their most ambitious and heartfelt project yet: the Concert for Reconciliation of the Cultures at Mount Rushmore. This 2-part episode explores the rich history of the Black Hills, a sacred place for many Native American tribes, and explores the journey of bringing two worlds together through the power of music.
Discover the significance of the Black Hills to Native American tribes, the historical conflicts that have shaped the area, and the story of Paul's own reconciliation with his heritage. Follow Brule's decade-long musical journey that culminates in a groundbreaking concert aimed at fostering forgiveness, healing, and unity.
Through interviews, historical insights, and stunning visuals, this episode offers a poignant look at the past and present of the Black Hills, the ongoing cultural significance of the area, and the powerful role of music in bridging divides. Don't miss this inspiring story of heritage, resilience, and reconciliation.

Welcome to another episode of Hidden Heritage. In this special edition, Paul LaRoche shares an archival interview from 2017 where he discusses the roots and evolution of Brulé, his renowned musical project. Discover the heartfelt journey of Paul, a Native American adoptee, as he reconnects with his heritage and blends mainstream American rock with traditional Native American rhythms.
Learn about Paul's early musical influences, his personal story of reunion with his biological family, and the creation of Brulé—a unique fusion of contemporary and tribal sounds. This episode is not just about music; it’s about cultural rediscovery and the power of storytelling through song.
Don't miss Paul's insights into past solo tours, "The Story Behind Brulé," where he shares the music that shaped him. It's an intimate and enriching conversation that underscores the importance of understanding and celebrating our diverse heritage.
Join us for an inspiring episode that bridges cultures and generations through the universal language of music.

Join us on Hidden Heritage as we travel to Green Grass, South Dakota, for a rare interview with Arvol Looking Horse, the spiritual leader of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota nations. Discover the intricate balance between traditional and contemporary tribal leadership and the responsibilities carried by those recognized as Chiefs in modern times.
Arvol Looking horse, the 19th generation keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe Bundle, shares his journey and the spiritual duties he upholds. From his upbringing on the Cheyenne River Reservation to his advocacy for peace, environmental stewardship, and Native rights, Arvol's story is a testament to resilience and cultural preservation.
Explore the significance of the White Buffalo Calf Woman prophecy, the impact of historical events like the Wounded Knee Massacre, and the challenges faced by Native American communities today. This episode offers a profound insight into the spiritual traditions and enduring heritage of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota people.

In this episode of Hidden Heritage we will hear from the late Lakota spiritual leader, Floyd Leonard Hand (1939 – 2019). He was born in a cabin along the banks of White Clay Creek on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation of SD. Floyd's life was dedicated to preserving the Lakota traditional way of life and advocating for Native rights. He was a proud member of the American Indian Movement and gained spiritual teachings from the well-known Lakota spiritual leader, Frank Fools Crow.
Floyd conducted workshops and sweat lodge ceremonies across the country, always with an open door and a willingness to help. His dedication to his community continued until his return to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in 1993, where he became a staunch treaty rights advocate. In this episode, we delve into a conversation with Floyd from 2014, exploring his spiritual journey, his teachings, and his hopes for the future generations of Native Americans.
Join us as we learn from Floyd’s profound wisdom, his experiences in the U.S. Army, and his reflections on the importance of maintaining cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world.

Join Paul LaRoche as he takes you on a  personal journey in "Growing up in Worthington, The Lost Birds." This episode explores the heartwarming and complex stories of adoption, heritage, and identity. Paul shares his own story of being adopted at birth and later reconnecting with his biological Lakota family. He introduces his special guest, Tammy Makram, Director of the Worthington Memorial Auditorium who reveals her own extraordinary adoption story.
Tammy recounts her discovery of being left as a baby on the doorstep of a hospital on Christmas Eve and her subsequent journey to find her biological family. Through the marvels of modern DNA testing and the support of an unwavering community, Tammy connects with her biological siblings and even meets her birth parents. The episode explores themes of reconciliation, the blending of cultures, and the importance of understanding one's heritage.
Tune in to hear these inspiring narratives that underscore the profound message that we are all connected, and every story, no matter how unique, holds the power to bridge divides and foster understanding.

Paul LaRoche and his group Brulé share this touching Memorial Day Tribute as they have many times over the years.  
In setting up this tribute Paul relates this story as told to him during a chance encounter with a veteran American Indian elder.  "He said, Paul, today there are over 550 recognized tribes, and if we brought them all together for just a moment, we'd still be the smallest of the minorities here in America. He paused for just a minute. In the final part of the story, the conclusion, there was a statistic in there, and one I had never heard before. It really caught me by surprise, I'll tell you that. I've checked it out. I find it to be authentic and valid to this day, 17 years later.
What he had said was, even though we are the smallest of the minorities, we still have the largest number of men and women per capita, the largest number of men and women, per capita, that enter the military and armed services every year. He was proud to pass this along. And it was then that I realized that the warrior spirit still runs through the hearts of the people and the pride and love for this country, our home, still runs very high and very strong.  
There was an honoring several times that weekend that took place that had such an impact on my family and I. I made a personal commitment that whenever given the opportunity later in life I would provide such a recognition. Never did I realize that we'd be here 17 years later and be able to provide this recognition hundreds, thousands of times, actually. I've seen this honoring many times here in Branson and at these theaters, and perhaps this evening, this will be the first time that we provide this honoring in the traditional Native American way to all servicemen and women, veterans, wounded and fallen warriors. Translated, the song we simply call, Soldier Boy."

Join us this week on Hidden Heritage as we visit St. Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota. This emotional episode follows the host's journey of discovering his true Lakota heritage after being adopted at birth and raised in a white middle-class farming community in Minnesota. The story takes a poignant turn as he revisits the school that played a significant, yet unknown, role in his early life.
Father Steve Huffstetter, then director of St. Joseph's, shares the history and mission of the school, which has been a beacon of hope for Native American children since its founding in 1927. The episode explores the school's evolution, its educational programs from grades one through high school, and its commitment to spiritual and cultural education.
Learn about the challenges faced by Native American communities and how St. Joseph's Indian School strives to offer opportunities and support to its students. The episode concludes with a heartwarming moment in the campus chapel, where the host reconnects with his past by playing the old pipe organ, bringing his journey full circle.