In this week's episode of Hidden Heritage, we journey towards the sacred lands of Bear Butte, South Dakota, a place of mystical power revered by the American Indian, especially the Lakota tribe. Listen as we uncover the intriguing history and profound spiritual significance of this timeless natural monument, historically used for the Hanbleceya or Vision Quest, one of the oldest Lakota sacred ceremonies.
Bear Butte, despite commercialization encroaching upon its surrounding lands, remains a beacon of tranquillity amidst the bustling annual Sturgis motorcycle rally. Our visit to this mystical site will reveal how it has endured and adapted to modern times, all while maintaining its powerful spiritual influence that continues to attract both religious devotees and curious visitors alike.
The episode passionately explores the religious importance of Bear Butte to over 30 indigenous groups, including the Lakota, the Omaha, Nebraska, and the Cheyenne. Bear Butte or Mato Paha to the Lakota encompasses all seven sacred elements, land, air, water, rocks, animals, plants, and fire and is seen as the most potent land mass in their religion. Our pilgrimage up Bear Butte reveals the mountain's essence as a place of healing and spiritual growth.
Historical legends tell us how Bear Butte has been a significant source of guidance for different tribes. This episode places particular focus on the Cheyenne tribe's legend about their spiritual leader, Sweet Medicine, who received a sacred bundle in a cave at Bear Butte. This landmark's deep-rooted religious value can be witnessed throughout its rich history, including when notable Sioux leaders Red Cloud, Crazy Horse, and Sitting Bull performed ceremonies at this sacred place.
As we conclude this spiritually uplifting journey, we aim to leave our burdens behind at Bear Butte and value its importance and the need to protect it in the face of modern challenges. With every individual that visits possessing a unique perception of its significance, Bear Butte remains a magnetic spiritual sanctuary that calls to native and non-native people alike, proving why it is so essential to preserve.

In our latest episode of Hidden Heritage, we divert our focus towards a topic of significance - the often-misunderstood representation of American Indians in Hollywood. Our guest for this episode is Sonny Skyhawk, an accomplished Native American filmmaker, producer, screenwriter, and actor, who has lent his talent to over 60 films and 14 television shows, including the iconic TV Western series Bonanza.
Sonny Skyhawk is a compelling advocate for a more accurate depiction of America Indians in movies and documentaries. As he recounts his journey from starring as a character in Bonanza to becoming an influential figure in Hollywood, listeners will gain a new perspective on the struggles and triumphs of American Indians in the entertainment industry.
During the conversation, Skyhawk shares his insights on the importance for Native Americans to be more actively involved in all aspects of film production. He also opens up about his experiences with discrimination and how this propelled him in his endeavor to redefine Hollywood's perception of Native Americans through his organization - American Indians in Film and Television.
Furthermore, Skyhawk explores the implications of the sudden influx of wealth within Native American communities, their strong commitment to philanthropy, and their ongoing efforts to reclaim their native lands. He also advises young American Indians aspiring to join the film industry, emphasizing on the importance of patience, perseverance, and initiative.
This episode presents a thorough exploration of the role and portrayal of Native Americans in Hollywood, offering insights into the past, present, and future of this vibrant culture within the industry.

In this podcast episode for Mother's Day, an American Indian child, born to a respected Native family, was given up for adoption at his birth. Years later, a surprising revelation about his adoption on Thanksgiving Day, 1993, leads him back to his biological family. Despite the differences in the world he grew up and where he originally belonged, he embarks on an incredible journey back into Native America, weaving past and present and uniting two contrasting cultures.
This episode is interspersed with soulful music, which acts as an accomplice in this story. Along with his personal narrative, he engagingly recounts a short passage from the book - 'Hidden Heritage,' bringing to life his birth story, the hospital where he was born, the loving nurses who cared for him, and the immediate bond formed when his adoptive parents saw him.
Our host, Paul LaRoche, concludes the episode highlighting the unifying role he plays between two vastly different worlds with a tribute to both Mothers. Bestowed with love and pride for both his roots, he stands as a beacon of hope, reconciliation, and healing amidst the cultural collision. He reaffirms that despite our differences, we are all related, presenting a moving testimony to the healing power of music and cultural identity. Tune in for an episode that echoes his unique melody - a soothing blend of identity, acceptance, and bonding. Happy Mother's Day!

Join Paul LaRoche in this profound personal story of discovery and cultural reconnection. In November 1993, a life-altering event occurred that led to a heartwarming reunion with his native Lakota family and created an irresistible pull towards Native America. The story recounts how, after growing up in mainstream America, being reunited with one's native roots manifests as an extraordinary journey, with rich culture, spiritual connections, and the vibrancy of the Native American way of life.
The episode narrates the compelling experience of attending Paul's first powwow in the summer of 1994, held in the mesmerizing powwow grounds of the Lower Brule Sioux Reservation. A cultural event unique in its spirit and design, the powwow presents a combination of community festival, family reunion, county fair, and church social. The powwow offers an extraordinary lens into Native American traditions, values, and the legacy of valor and service to the nation.
Despite being centuries old, the powwow finds a resonance with today's world, symbolizing a circle of celebration and reflection; a time to honor and welcome; a vessel carrying narratives of warriors, dances, earth, and buffalo. The episode reveals the transformative impact of this experience, leading to a dramatic shift in perception and understanding of Native America. Secretly harboring a wish to share this cultural wealth with the world, Paul's story continues.
This powerful narrative interlaced with the rhythm of Native American music provides a deeply moving account of an individual’s return to his native roots, his subsequent immersion in his people's culture, and his newly found perspective about the world.

This week on "Hidden Heritage", host Paul LaRoche shines a light on the harmonious relationship between wildlife management and hunting on the Lower Brule Sioux Indian Reservation located on the great northern plains of rural America. Home to an outstanding wildlife management program, the reservation is rich in diverse habitat including river breaks, rolling prairies, and agricultural land, creating an environment conducive to the thriving wildlife population.
The episode takes a close look at the activities overseen by the program, from monitoring game species and stocking dams for fishing to creating access to the Missouri River and increasing hunting opportunities. LaRoche provides insights into the holistic approach to hunting, thereby painting a picture of a vibrant ecosystem that is meticulously monitored and managed.
There is a deep-seated respect for animals that is ingrained in the Lakota, going as far back as the teachings of the great chiefs who emphasized observing and learning from the animals. That respect continues to prevail to this day, ensuring that hunting is practiced responsibly with deep personal connections between hunters and the program's personnel. The reservations boast of a vast variety of wildlife, including big game species like bison, elk, mule deer, and white–tailed deer.
LaRoche takes the listeners on an immersive journey through the beautiful landscapes of the Lower Brule Reservation in South Dakota and outlines his experiences of various hunting expeditions. Join him as he celebrates the traditional hunting techniques and observes the bonds and respect for animals, all culminating in a grand hunting expedition in northern Manitoba.
"Hidden Heritage" thus takes us not just on a journey through the breathtaking outdoors, but also uncovers the deep spiritual and respectful relationship with nature, emphasizing a centered balance that anything that befalls the earth also befalls the children of the earth.

This episode of The Brulé Chronicles unravels an extraordinary personal journey. Host Paul LaRoche recounts his life story, beginning with his adoption from birth as a Native American child and how he discovered his true heritage after his adoptive parents' death - a revelation that helped him reconnect with his biological family and Native American roots.
In 1993, a heartwarming reunion with his biological Lakota family embarked him and his wife, Kathy, on an incredible journey into the heart of Native America - a journey that ultimately led to the birth of the popular Native American music group, Brulé.
Despite initial setbacks, Brulé’s unique blend of traditional tribal music and classical rock carved a niche for them in the music industry, stirring waves beyond their Lower Brule Sioux Indian Reservation home in South Dakota to nation-wide recognition.
The episode titled "Tribe" encapsulates the story of an exciting musical project three years after the start of Brulé in 1998. Balancing the pressures of recording new music albums and staging performances at small events, Paul received a surprising offer that promised a significant leap in his career: a role as a music composer for a new musical project.
Brulé’s adventurous journey to create the Broadway-style musical, 'Tribe,' faced obstacles from skeptics and critics alike. Yet, their undaunted spirit fueled their mission to create a performance that encompassed the experiences and culture of Native America.
In a touching interview with Minnesota Public Radio in 1998, Paul spoke about the challenges and rewards of bringing native traditions and contemporary music together, while keenly aware of the fine balance needed to respect his heritage.
This episode brings to light the burgeoning potential of Native people in the entertainment industry, a stepping stone to inspire young people to explore the performing arts. From humble beginnings, through trials and tribulations, the story of Brulé is one of resilience, reconciliation, and triumph.
Join us on this enriching journey that transcends music and heritage. Discover the story that unites us all through the transformative power of music and shared human experiences.

Immerse yourself in a transformative tale of a Native American adoptee who embarks on a journey of self-discovery upon reunification with his birth family — the Lakota Tribe. Learn about his touching experiences, the profound lessons he acquires from the Lakota culture, and the life-altering impact of the giveaway ceremony.
Travel back to 1993 when he, unaware of his roots, discovered the truth about his birth and was reunited with his biological family after countless years. From that moment ensued a captivating journey into the heart of Native America. Let us guide you through memorial ceremonies, powwows, and an intimate look into the Lakota Giveaway Ceremony, a practice deeply imbedded with the values of generosity, community, and interconnectedness.
This podcast episode recounts the journey of exploration into a cultural tradition that emphasizes living "in a good way" or "walking the red road", fostering a sense of community, and embodying the cycle of giving and receiving. This pathway leads to lessons of detachment, kindness, and the joy found in the humility of receiving — virtue lessons that glaringly contrast our heavily commercialized world.
This episode serves as a personal reflection on the transformative power of generosity in building strong, resilient communities, redefining wealth, and rethinking what it means to 'profit' in life. It showcases the profound spiritual implications of the Lakota giveaway tradition and shares a contemplation on its timeless wisdom that challenges the contemporary narratives of scarcity and competition.
Join us on this enlightening journey into the heart of Native America and its enduring traditions. Experience the power of storytelling as it unfolds the deep-rooted cultural essence of the Lakota tribe and redefines your perception of life and purpose through the eyes of a rediscovered son.

In this episode, we invite you to journey with us through the transformational life stories, musical reminiscences, and entrepreneurial endeavors of our guests. We present a fascinating look into the life of Paul Summers LaRoche and the beautiful blend of dual heritage influencing his music career. Joining him are Tom Gilmore and Bill Keitel, his former bandmates, who take us back to their vibrant hometown music scene in southwest Minnesota in the late '60s and '70s.
Guest Bill Keitel also provides an insight into his journey with the Buffalo Billfold Company, which went from a small leather shop to a renowned brand known for its high-quality buffalo hide products, gaining recognition in prestigious locations such as Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and the Smithsonian. The conversation also picks on the artisanal craft of making exclusive signed flight bags.
Digging deeper, the episode shifts focus to an enlightening discussion on diverse Native American cultures, unique dialects, traditional music, and rituals. In particular, it explores the significance of eagle feathers gifted to young tribal members acknowledging their life accomplishments. The conversation also dwells on the importance of regalia, an integral part of Native American attire representing personal identity and life achievements.
This episode of Hidden Heritage podcast promises an exciting exploration into the past, unraveling misconceptions and celebrating the richness of Native American culture. Be prepared to delve into the captivating stories of Paul's early years and rich American Indian Heritage