Native ChocTalk

Silent and somber, the two boys stood before the doorstep, memories flooding their minds like a rushing river. They recalled the gentle cadence of their mother's voice as she paused to listen to the whippoorwills' melodies in the trees. Each note seemed to echo the warmth of her presence, now painfully absent. Their thoughts drifted to the countless afternoons spent playing in the sweltering heat, only to be welcomed inside by their mother's loving embrace and a cool glass of lemonade. The memory of her unwavering care lingered in the air, a poignant reminder of all they had lost. And then there were her nightly prayers, whispered in the sacred tongue of the Kiowa, the absence of her soothing words now leaving an ache in their souls, a void impossible to fill. Join me, as Blas Preciado, a Kiowa Veteran shares the oral history of his ancestors, as well as his heartbreaking, yet inspiring story. In this episode you’ll learn about: • Those who came before us, like Viejo, Red Thunder and Grass Carrier • The history and the language of the Kiowa • The Massacre of Cutthroat Gap • KCA: The history of the Kiowa, Comanche and Apache coming together • The “Indian Beverly Hillbillies” • Blas and his brother living alone in their home after the death of their mother • Facing trauma head-on with support, therapy and faith in God Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

His name is Barry Friedman and he’s been collecting supplying 100-year-old Pendletons since 1969. In fact, he was the supplier of 60 period Pendleton for the movie, “Killers of the Flower Moon”. Although Barry isn’t a Pendleton employee, he is the vintage blanket consultant to Pendleton Woolen Mills, and Ralph Lauren himself has been a customer of Barry’s for over 30 years. He also sells museum quality blankets to private collectors and has been instrumental in helping to form the most important collections in the world. In addition to being an appraiser, consultant and seller of these Pendleton blankets, he’s also the author of “Chasing Rainbows: Collecting American Indian Trade & Camp Blankets” and its sequel, “Still Chasing Rainbows”. In this episode, you’ll learn about: • The history of the Pendleton blanket • The case of the cursed Pendleton blanket • The surprising history of the patterns on the blankets • What happened to the blankets after Killers of the Flower Moon • Round-corner Pendleton blankets (hint: if you have one, keep it!) • Barry’s former career as a comedy writer in Hollywood, and as a Columnist and radio personality Note: I encourage those of you who aren’t quite fans of Pendleton because it’s not a Native-owned company, to listen to this episode…I think you’ll still find it interesting. I’d also like to share the beautiful work of Native-owned Eight Generation – check them out here: https://eighthgeneration.com/ Barry’s collection is the largest in the world and can be viewed in Phoenix, Arizona by appointment. Call, text (480)-309-4697 or e-mail at blanketboy@cox.net to make arrangements. Website: www.barryfriedmanblankets.com Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barryfriedmanindianblankets/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarryFriedmanIndianBlankets Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

His name is Barry Friedman and he’s been collecting supplying 100-year-old Pendletons since 1969. In fact, he was the supplier of 60 period Pendleton blankets for the movie, “Killers of the Flower Moon”. Although Barry isn’t a Pendleton employee, he is the vintage blanket consultant to Pendleton Woolen Mills, and Ralph Lauren himself has been a customer of Barry’s for over 30 years. He also sells museum quality blankets to private collectors and has been instrumental in helping to form the most important collections in the world. In addition to being an appraiser, consultant and seller of these historical blankets, he’s also the author of the book, “Chasing Rainbows: Collecting American Indian Trade & Camp Blankets” and its sequel, “Still Chasing Rainbows”. In this episode, you’ll learn about: • The history of the Pendleton blanket • The surprising history of the patterns on the blankets • What became of the blankets after Killers of the Flower Moon • Round-corner Pendleton blankets (hint: if you have one, keep it!) • Barry’s former career as a comedy writer in Hollywood, and as a Columnist and radio personality Note: I encourage those of you who aren’t quite fans of Pendleton (due to their not being a Native-owned company) to listen to this episode too…I think you’ll still find it interesting. I’d also like to share the beautiful work of Native-owned Eighth Generation – check them out here: https://eighthgeneration.com/ Barry’s collection is the largest in the world and can be viewed in Phoenix, Arizona by appointment. Call, text (480)-309-4697 or e-mail at blanketboy@cox.net to make arrangements. Website: www.barryfriedmanblankets.com Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barryfriedmanindianblankets/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarryFriedmanIndianBlankets Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

When I started Native ChocTalk, my goal was to support others in preserving their Native American ancestral stories. Some of us heard our families telling the accounts of those who came before us, but without preservation, many of those stories are now dust in the wind. I’m proud of my guest and friend, Stanford Lake (Diné) who agreed to share some Navajo history and ancestral stories with us, and I think you will also enjoy! In the final part of this series, Stanford shares about: • His late shicheii (his grandpa), Ned Cly, of the Kinyaa’aanii clan, who was born behind the “Three Sisters” Ned was also recruited a few times to be in John Wayne movie sets! • Bahe Bessie Parrish, his shimásání (grandma), who was a traditional medicine woman • The Long Walk - a dark time in Navajo history • His 3x great grandfather, Chief Hashkéníinii who led his people to safety • The origination of frybread • The Navajo’s 4-clan system • Some inspiration for all you runners out there Stanford would like to promote the following organizations – check them out! Red Earth Running Company: https://redearthrun.co/ Native Women Running: https://www.nativewomenrunning.com/ Rising Hearts: https://www.risinghearts.org/nativelands I hope as you listen to Stanford, you’ll be inspired to also record and preserve the stories of your ancestors. You won’t regret it – it’s a gift you give to your family and your descendants. God bless! Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

When I started Native ChocTalk, my goal was to support others in preserving their Native American ancestral stories. Some of us heard our families telling the accounts of those who came before us, but without preservation, many of those stories are now dust in the wind. I’m proud of my guest and friend, Stanford Lake (Diné) who agreed to share some Navajo history and ancestral stories with us, and I think you will also enjoy! Stanford, an award-winning Engineer of 20 years is originally from Kayenta/Black Mesa on the Navajo reservation. In part 1 of this 2-part series, he shares about: • Being a first-language Navajo speaker • Growing up in the traditional way of life and herding sheep • The balance of Navajo life, centered around the harvest • Traditional Hogan homes/ceremonial places • Stories of that old trickster, the coyote • Stanford’s Code Talker ancestor • Ira Hays, the serviceman who raised the flag in Iwo Jima • Navajo’s arranged marriages, culture and ceremonial sweats • Stanford’s grandmother, Dzáán who herded sheep until she was 80 years old! I hope as you listen to Stanford, you’ll be inspired to also record and preserve the stories of your ancestors. You won’t regret it – it’s a gift you give to your family and your descendants. God bless! Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

They bravely raised their Winchester rifles, aiming smack dab at the lawlessness of the wild west. Meet the Turnbulls – a legendary Choctaw family who did their part to create a safer Indian Territory for their families. Here to tell us more about these vigilantes is their descendant, Bobby Bulls (Choctaw), coming to you from the Texas panhandle where many of his ancestors once roamed. In this episode, you’ll learn about: • Bobby’s ancestors’ quest to clean up the west, as both Rangers and as Lighthorsemen • Wahcahtambee (meaning “Cattle Trader”) who walked the Trail of Tears, and his wife, Shakaphona • The surprising origination of the name Turnbull • Mary Turnbull and Charles Henry Benton • The days of cowboys, cattle drives, stampedes and cattle rustling • Today’s cattle raiding and Ponzi schemes • The story of the poor darned horse who was struck by lightning Yakoke, Bobby for sharing with us about your legendary family! Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

In this Native ChocTalk story-time, Author and Major James D. Brewer (retired), shares about his historical fiction book, “Blood on the Crossties: The Florida Chautauqua Murders (A Choctaw Parker Mystery/Adventure)”. In this episode, you’ll learn about the emergence of the railroad and its history, the days of cowboys and gambling (and the game of Faro). Culminating alongside the expansion of the railroad, were the effects of politics, the Freedman, war, and the north and the south as various races began to intermingle. Discover fascinating real-life historical characters and hear about the fictional character, Choctaw Jimmy Lee Parker, a Railroad Detective, hired to solve the mystery of stolen money, rifles and more. This episode and book are great for book clubs, homeschool families, and road trips (and the book is now out on audio)! You can find “Blood on the Crossties” on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Crossties-Florida-Chautauqua-Adventure/dp/1956851720, as well as other places where you buy your books. Now on audio as well: https://www.audible.com/pd/Blood-on-the-Crossties-Audiobook/B0CRZDG83D Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

“When all the tribes find their languages and their culture, that’s when all the healing will begin. And then all the generations will be in a better place.” - Solomon Little Owl (Crow) Listeners, I’m proud to present to you, my friend, Solomon Little Owl who shares fascinating stories about his family, the Crow people, and his own incredible journey! In this 2-part episode, you’ll learn about: • The story of the “Fightin’ Whites” (trust me, you’ll want to hear this!) • How buffalo hunts aided Native students • The Crow’s clan system • Who were the enemies and who were the allies of the Crow? • Crow dances such as the bear dance, sun dance and war dance • Were the Crow tall people? • The 3 New Years of the Crow • What did various tribes call the Crow? • The Crow fair Solomon asks for prayers for his tribe. And if you’re ever in the area, please consider supporting Crow businesses: http://www.crow-nsn.gov/tribal-businesses.html Ahóoh, Solomon! And prayers going up for the Crow people. Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

“When all the tribes find their languages and their culture, that’s when all the healing will begin. And then all the generations will be in a better place.” - Solomon Little Owl (Crow) Listeners, I’m proud to present to you, my friend, Solomon Little Owl who shares fascinating stories about his family, the Crow people, and his own incredible journey! In this 2-part episode, you’ll learn about: • The story of the “Fightin’ Whites” (trust me, you’ll want to hear this!) • How buffalo hunts aided Native students • The Crow’s clan system • Who were the enemies and who were the allies of the Crow? • Crow dances such as the bear dance, sun dance and war dance • Were the Crow tall people? • The 3 New Years of the Crow • What did various tribes call the Crow? • The Crow fair Solomon asks for prayers for his tribe. And if you’re ever in the area, please consider supporting Crow businesses: http://www.crow-nsn.gov/tribal-businesses.html Ahóoh, Solomon! And prayers going up for the Crow people. Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

History may be in the past, but there are many women today who are truly history in the making! In the spirit of Women’s History Month, my guest, Erin Pendleton and I wanted to share a bit of inspiration. Not only is Erin building her career as a post-producer for Amazon Brand Social, she’s also shedding light on the topic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. And as a rape advocate, she uses her own story to fuel her fire to help other women. Today we’ll hear Erin’s story, the amazing work she does in production, about her documentary, and the stories of her grandmother – the Choctaw woman who inspired her. Be sure to follow Erin here: • Instagram.com/erinaberra • Tiktok: @erinaberra • Twitter/X: @erinaberra And if you’re looking for a top notch producer, contact her at erinaberra@gmail.com. Yakoke, Erin! Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

I hope you’ll enjoy the final episode of this 5-part series on the most requested topic from my listeners – The Code Talkers. Meet scholar and Anthropologist, Dr. William Meadows, Professor at Missouri State University who shares about the groundbreaking research detailed in his book, “The First Code Talkers, Native American Communicators of World War I”. Get ready to experience a mix of oral history, individual soldiers’ accounts and newspapers, truly bringing these heroes’ stories to life. You can find Dr. Meadows’ book here and in many online and retail shops: http://tinyurl.com/bdfwp2kb In episode 5 you’ll hear about: • Our Osage, Comanche, Ho-Chunk, Oklahoma Cherokee and Sioux heroes of WWI. • The Congressional Code Talker Medals • Quite a few stories and facts you may not have known about the Code Talkers Yakoke to the brave Native American men and women who have served our country and all our Veterans! And many thanks to Dr. Meadows for sharing his research with us. Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

I hope you’ll enjoy episode 5 of this 5-part series on the most requested topic from my listeners – The Code Talkers. Meet scholar and Anthropologist, Dr. William Meadows, Professor at Missouri State University who shares about the groundbreaking research detailed in his book, “The First Code Talkers, Native American Communicators of World War I”. Get ready to experience a mix of oral history, individual soldiers’ accounts and newspapers, truly bringing these heroes’ stories to life. You can find Dr. Meadows’ book here and in many online and retail shops: http://tinyurl.com/bdfwp2kb In episode 4 you’ll learn about: • The Choctaw Code Talkers • The fascinating life and story of Sergeant Otis Leader! • After you’ve read this book, be sure to purchase @sarahelisabethsaywers book on Otis Leader: https://chickasawpress.com/Books/Otis-W-Leader-The-Ideal-American-Doughboy.aspx • How the Germans regarded the Native American soldiers in high esteem • Some of the Military Term Choctaw Pronunciation Translations (such as “1st Battalion” was “one grain of corn” and “machine gun” was “little gun shoot fast” in Choctaw) Yakoke to the brave Native American men and women who have served our country and all our Veterans! And many thanks to Dr. Meadows for sharing his research with us. Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

I hope you’ll enjoy episode 3 of this 5-part series on the most requested topic from my listeners – The Code Talkers. Meet scholar and Anthropologist, Dr. William Meadows, Professor at Missouri State University who shares about the groundbreaking research detailed in his book, “The First Code Talkers, Native American Communicators of World War I”. Get ready to experience a mix of oral history, individual soldiers’ accounts and newspapers, truly bringing these heroes’ stories to life. In episode 3 you’ll hear about: • More about the Choctaw Code Talkers • Was code talking actually classified as secret after the war and were the code talkers sworn to secrecy about their code talking? • Choctaws, Benjamin Colbert, Victor Brown, Louis Gooding, Albert Billy, Noel Johnson, • A deep dive into Joseph Oklahombi – his significant and heroic contributions in battle, the many misconceptions around his actions during the war, and his famous “panther cry” • We discuss Judy Allen’s book, Joseph Oklahombi and The Panther War Cry which can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/5hf3tuty Yakoke to the brave Native American men and women who have served our country and all our Veterans! And many thanks to Dr. Meadows for sharing his research with us. Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

I hope you’ll enjoy episode 2 of this 5-part series on the most requested topic from my listeners – The Code Talkers. Meet scholar and Anthropologist, Dr. William Meadows, Professor at Missouri State University who shares about the groundbreaking research detailed in his book, “The First Code Talkers, Native American Communicators of World War I”. Get ready to experience a mix of oral history, individual soldiers’ accounts and newspapers, truly bringing these heroes’ stories to life. In episode 2 you’ll learn about: The Choctaw Code Talkers How Native boarding schools prepared many Native American boys for the military. The 36th contained nearly 600 Native Americans speaking 26 languages and dialects. Natives in sports while serving in WW1. Why the 36th became known as the “Millionaire Company” The serious impacts of the Germans tapping into Americans communications. Why being a “runner” had to have been the worst job in the WWI. What launched the first code talking. Yakoke to the brave Native American men and women who have served our country and all our Veterans! And many thanks to Dr. Meadows for sharing his research with us.   Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast  All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

We kick off our first episode of season 6 with a 5-part series on the most requested topic from my listeners – The Code Talkers. Meet scholar and Anthropologist, Dr. William Meadows, Professor at Missouri State University who shares about the groundbreaking research detailed in his book, “The First Code Talkers, Native American Communicators of World War I”. Get ready to experience a mix of oral history, individual soldiers’ accounts and newspapers, truly bringing these heroes’ stories to life. You can find Dr. Meadows’ book here and in many online and retail shops: http://tinyurl.com/bdfwp2kb In this episode you’ll learn about: • The importance and power of secure communications in military operations. • How code talking dumbfounded the Germans. • A 1919 Stars and Strips article stating attributes of Native servicemen, included being good runners, good marksmen, stoic under fire, using signals readily, their “uncanny sense of direction,” in blindfolded tests, scouting and patrol work in combat and their abilities at night. • The term, “Indian Scout Syndrome”. • Compared to the total population at the time, Native Americans volunteered at a rate nearly twice that of the rest of the American population. • The Easter Band of Cherokee in WWI. Dr. Meadows set out to discover the following in his research: • Who were the first code talkers? Some think the Navajo, some would guess the Choctaw. • You may be surprised at the answer! • Was code talking actually classified as secret after the war? • What factors led to the formation of Native-language military communicators in World War I? • Who originated the idea to utilize the Choctaw, and how many were used in WW I? I hope you’ll enjoy this series on our brave Native American men and women who served our country. And yakoke for sharing your research with us, Dr. Meadows! Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Last year was the 175th anniversary of the Irish gift*, in which the Choctaw people donated money to the Irish during the potato famine. This November, we once again honor the spirit of giving, with my Choctaw guest, Sam Guerrero Stitt! In parts 1 and 2 of this episode, you’ll hear about: • Sam’s ancestral stories, including his ties to the Irish • Sam’s Eternal Heart sculpture in Oklahoma will celebrate the Choctaw gift (a companion piece to the Kindred Spirits sculpture in Ireland) • Sam’s new service, Native American Genealogy! www.natamgen.com • Helpful tips on researching our native ancestors • Is Brett Favre native American? • The REAL story of David H Folsom • The Freedmen • The story of the bullet on the gravestone • The “blurry” topic of Choctaw clans • Traditional Choctaw clothing If you’re searching for your American Indian ancestors, don’t forget to check out Native American Genealogy! www.natamgen.com I’m so excited about this! *You can hear more about the Choctaw gift and the history of the Great Famine in Native ChocTalk’s Season 3, with Seth Fairchild, Executive Director of the Chahta Foundation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qZ8J0juWmA Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Last year was the 175th anniversary of the Irish gift*, in which the Choctaw people donated money to the Irish during the potato famine. This November, we once again honor the spirit of giving, with my Choctaw guest, Sam Guerrero Stitt! In parts 1 and 2 of this episode, you’ll hear about: • Sam’s ancestral stories, including his ties to the Irish • Sam’s Eternal Heart sculpture in Oklahoma will celebrate the Choctaw gift (a companion piece to the Kindred Spirits sculpture in Ireland) • Sam’s new service, Native American Genealogy! www.natamgen.com • Helpful tips on researching our native ancestors • Is Brett Favre native American? • The REAL story of David H Folsom • The Freedmen • The story of the bullet on the gravestone • The “blurry” topic of Choctaw clans • Traditional Choctaw clothing If you’re searching for your American Indian ancestors, don’t forget to check out NATAM gen Native American Genealogy! www.natamgen.com I’m so excited about this! *You can hear more about the Choctaw gift and the history of the Great Famine in Native ChocTalk’s Season 3, with Seth Fairchild, Executive Director of the Chahta Foundation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qZ8J0juWmA Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Listeners, before I share about today’s episode, I have a question for you. Will you be in Chicago, November 7th or 8th of 2023? I’ll be singing Choctaw hymns and narrating at a Chickasaw concert – Pa I Sha - composed by none other than Chickasaw Composer, Violinist, and Artistic Director, Brandi Berry Benson! Join us during Native American Heritage Month, on November 8th at 7:00pm at the Epiphany Center for the Arts. Tickets are just $20. Brandi is also presenting Pa I Sha at no charge, at Upstairs Theater in Evanston Township High School on November 7th at 6:30pm. You’ll love this episode in which Brandi shares about: • The Chickasaw flute and other period instruments utilized in the concert • The inspiration behind Pa I Sha – her 4th great grandmother’s story • Her ancestral history and stories • The mysteries surrounding James and Jonas Wolf and the Hyah Puk Tuklo clan – perhaps you can help! Brandi and I met through a wonderful mutual friend, Chickasaw composer, Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate. By the way, Shell Shaker: A Chickasaw Opera’s will now premier October 27th, 2024 in Oklahoma City! Brandi, who is faculty of Northwestern and DePaul Universities and the Artistic Director of the Bach & Beethoven Experience (BBE), also teaches Baroque Performance Practice and Ornamentation and has released multiple albums. Check them out at https://brandiberrybenson.com/ and streaming platforms such as apple music, pandora, etc.! • Silver Linings • A Gaelic Summer • An Appalachian Summer • Chicago Stories And her BBE Carols Album will be released in December…what a great Christmas gift or stocking stuffer! Come and enjoy the beautiful work of Chickasaw Composer, Brandi Berry Benson, and happy upcoming holidays to all! Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodct All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

According to Statistica, “The child abuse rate in the United States is highest among American Indian or Alaska Native victims with a rate of 15.2 cases per 1,000 children. It is most common among children between two to five years of age.” Now imagine that child being brave enough to come forward to share about her abuse. The process from this point is typically strenuous. Both law enforcement and Child Protection Services conduct separate investigations, which entails the child repeating her trauma multiple times. Depending on her situation, she may be passed around between foster homes, or she could be placed back into a situation where she has to be around her perpetrator again. And not only could this child fail to receive the emotional and psychological support she needs, but the abuse she suffered will most likely cause negative ongoing affects throughout her life. There has to be a better way. And there is! Choctaw Nation’s Coordinated Response to Child Maltreatment via their leading Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), is the first tribal MDT in the state of Oklahoma and the results are already highly impactful. My guests, Gina South (Juvenile Division Chief and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney) and Kari Hurst (MTD Coordinator) from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma share with us about: • How the MDT program is serving, protecting and saving the children of the Choctaw Nation • You’ve heard of McGirt vs. Oklahoma, Gina tells us about the Sizemore decision as well • Gina’s ancestral stories Also, check out the beautiful ribbon skirts that Gina makes – they’d make wonderful holiday or birthday gifts! https://tinyurl.com/4d4kn23f Yakoke to these ladies and to the entire Multi-Disciplinary Teams at Choctaw Nation (law enforcement, medical teams, prosecutors, behavioral health experts, forensic interviewers, therapists, and victim advocates) who are advocating for our precious children! Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Part 2 of 2 Imagine an afterlife where your people sing beautiful “bird songs” to you, as you venture into the next world to comfort you along your journey. And imagine over the decades, these beautiful bird songs – the songs of the Kumeyaay people – slowly drifting away, at risk to be forgotten over time. My guest, Chris Alvarado, San Pasqual iPai Kumeyaay Nation and Founder, and President of The Yumans, spent many years searching for old recordings of elders singing these ancient songs. And by nothing short of a miracle, he finally discovered these precious recordings. And you won’t believe how he found them! Chris was compelled to share, rather than withhold these sacred songs. And now he’s here to sing these pieces for us today, and he has also provided a complimentary curriculum so that you too can hear and learn about them! In this episode, you’ll also learn about: • Kumeyaay culture, ancient games like peon, dances and the origination of the bird songs • Learn about the patterns of the bird songs and the instruments used • The reservation where Chris grew up • The history of the Yumans and how they won California for America by fighting Mexico I highly recommend watching this episode on YouTube since Chris shares visuals throughout the conversation. Check out Chris’ Yumans website, and enjoy learning about the Bird Songs, Kumeyaay language, training, quizzes at NO CHARGE! https://theyumans.com/ Learn more about the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians: https://www.sanpasqualbandofmissionindians.org/ Enjoy! Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/