Pow Wow Life - PowWows.com

In this episode, I’m joined by Lisa Meeches and Denae Robinson, the producers behind the powerful true-crime documentary series TAKEN. Now in Season 5, TAKEN shares the stories of missing and murdered Indigenous people in Canada, including women and girls, men and boys, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, with one goal always at the center: honour their lives and help bring them home.We talk about what goes into telling these stories with care, how the team works alongside families, elders and knowledge keepers, community leaders, and law enforcement, and why TAKEN focuses on both the hard facts of a case and the human moments that remind us who these loved ones truly were. We also dig into the bigger questions TAKEN raises about safety, systemic change, and what all of us can do to help end the violence.

In this interview for PowWows.com, Kali Reis dives deep into her role in the upcoming movie Mercy, sharing behind-the-scenes insights from the set and what it means to take on powerful characters. She also talks about the crossover between her boxing career and acting, her life as an Indigenous woman, and how her commitment to community drives her work both on and off-screen. Watch the trailer for Mercy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSS4yqd0x6o Read my full review of Mercy https://www.powwows.com/mercy-review-a-smart-tech-thriller-that-questions-ai-and-justice/

Two Native creatives. One powerful story about forgiveness and healing.In this episode, I sit down with filmmaker Travis Holt Hamilton of Holt Hamilton Films and first time actor Frankie J Gilmore, who stars as Secody in the new feature film Finding Hozho. This drama follows a 70 year old Navajo veteran who must decide whether to forgive his terminally ill and abusive father or stay “in the shadows of Hozho” forever. 🎬 Watch the Finding Hozho trailerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS-zIOHUwhk&t=85s🌐 Learn more: holthamilton.com/finding-hozhoIf you enjoy conversations about Native storytelling, culture, and film, hit subscribe, give this video a like, and let me know in the comments if you have seen Finding Hozho yet or plan to check it out.2025 Pow Wow Guide eBookhttps://powwows.thrivecart.com/2025-pow-wow-guide-what-to-expect-lead/Find a Pow Wow in your state or province!www.powwows.com/powwowsnearmePow Wow Essentialshttps://www.powwows.com/essentialsConnect With Us!Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/PowWowscom/Instagram - https://instagram.com/powwowscom/Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@powwowscomFavorite Travel Accessorieshttps://www.powwows.com/travelaccessoriesNew to PowWows.comStart here - https://newpowwows.powwows.com/start-here/We are an Amazon affiliate!

Join me for an interview with James Dommek Jr. and Kahlil Hudson to talk about Hulu’s haunting new documentary Blood & Myth.The film follows James on a deeply personal journey back to a remote Native village in Northern Alaska, where a series of shocking crimes sparked chilling questions about culture, identity, and the line between myth and reality. At the heart of the story is the case of Teddy Kyle Smith, an Iñupiaq actor who claimed his violent actions were guided by encounters with the legendary Iñukuns — beings long feared in northern Native communities.Directed by Kahlil Hudson and based on the Audible Original Midnight Son, Blood & Myth is more than a true-crime tale. It’s a powerful exploration of Native storytelling, the clash of worldviews, and what happens when you wander too far from home.Find a Pow Wow in your state or province!www.powwows.com/powwowsnearmePow Wow Essentialshttps://www.powwows.com/essentials

Traveling with your family should be exciting, not stressful — but keeping everyone safe is always top of mind. After seeing several children get lost at a recent Pow Wow, I couldn’t stop thinking about how scary that must have been for them and their parents. It also reminded me of moments when my own daughter was little and how quickly situations can turn frightening.Tonight on Pow Wow Nation Live, we’re diving into family travel safety. I’ll share practical tips you can teach your kids, tools and tech that can give you peace of mind, and ways to prepare before you ever hit the road. From situational awareness to AirTags and everything in between, this is a conversation every parent should hear.I’d also love to hear from you — what do you do to keep your children safe while traveling? Join in, share your tips, and let’s learn from each other.Find my favorites travel accessories - https://powwows.com/paulspicksJoin the OTG Travel Community - https://ck.powwows.com/onthegFind a Pow Wow in your state or province!www.powwows.com/powwowsnearmePow Wow Essentialshttps://www.powwows.com/essentials

Join Paul G tonigh on Pow Wow Nation Life!Let’s talk about how you can find Pow Wows near you this summer!Pow Wow Infohttps://calendar.powwows.com/events/alabama-coushatta-annual-pow-wow/Find a Pow Wow in your state or province!www.powwows.com/powwowsnearmeNew to PowWows.comStart here - https://newpowwows.powwows.com/start-here/Learn more about Pow Wowshttps://www.powwows.com/main/pow-wow-visitors-guide/

Join me for an interview with D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, star of the new war drama Warfare, directed by Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland. We talk about his intense role, the training that went into it, and what it means to portray real-life experiences on screen.After the interview, I share my personal review of the film — no spoilers, but if you want to go in completely fresh, you might want to pause and come back later.This isn’t your typical war movie. Warfare drops you into one day, with one SEAL team, in real time — no exposition, no resolution. Just the experience. And it’s unforgettable.Huge thanks to A24 Studios and The Market Co for arranging the interview and giving me early access to the film.

Pow Wow season is here, and I want to help you make the most of it! Whether you’re hitting the road for the big ones or checking out a local Pow Wow for the first time, I’ve got some tips to make sure you’re ready.I’ll be sharing:✅ How to find Pow Wows near you✅ What to bring and how to prepare✅ Tips for dancers, vendors, and spectators✅ Pow Wow etiquette & what to expect✅ Ways to fully experience the culture and communityPlus, let’s talk about the Gathering of Nations and other major Pow Wows coming up! Drop your questions in the comments and tell me which Pow Wows you’re most excited for this year.Links from today's show.Pow Wow Season Giveawayhttps://www.powwows.com/2025-pow-wow-season-kick-off-giveaway/2025 Pow Wo Calendarhttps://www.powwows.com/powwowsnearmePow Wow FAQhttp://www.powwows.com/powwow101Pow Wow Essentialshttps://www.powwows.com/paulspicksWhat to bring to a Pow Wowhttps://www.powwows.com/what-to-bring-to-a-native-american-pow-wow/

Join me for an interview with the curator and organizers of the Indigenous Chicago project.Home to the Potawatomi, Odawa, Ojibwe, Peoria, Kaskaskia, Myaamia, Wea, Sauk, Meskwaki, and Ho-Chunk peoples, the place we now call Chicago has long been a historic crossroads for many Indigenous people and remains home to an extensive urban Native community. Yet most Chicagoans are unaware of the city’s history as a home to diverse Indigenous peoples and the vibrant Indigenous communities present today. Part of a multifaceted initiative developed in partnership between the Newberry, advisors from the Chicago Native community, and representatives from tribal nations with historic connections to Chicago, this exhibition reflects the dynamic and complex aspects of Native life in Chicago from the seventeenth century to the present. The exhibition draws largely on the Newberry's collection while also showcasing new work by contemporary Native artists, including Jason Wesaw (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi), Camille Billie (Oneida), and Jim Terry (Ho-Chunk).

Join Paul G with an interview from Tokala Black Elk from NBC's new show - Happy's Place staring Reba McIntire.Elk appeared in the limited series “1883” and also recurred in the first season of “Yellowstone.” In addition, Elk’s TV’s work includes “Outer Range,” “Lewis & Clark,” “Into the West,” “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”Elk can next be seen starring in Peter Berg’s “American Primeval” limited series for Netflix, opposite Taylor Kitsch.On the feature side, Elk got his start in “Wind River,” a role that garnered him much critical acclaim. He co-starred in “The Bygone,” “The Valley of the Gods” and “The Dark Foe,” for which he was nominated for best supporting actor at the Madrid International Film Festival. As a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and a direct descendant of Lakota holy man Black Elk, Tokala grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and speaks in several native languages.

In this video, I had the chance to sit down with the amazing filmmakers behind Reservation Redemption, a powerful documentary that explores cultural healing and prison reform within Native American communities. We dive into the heart of the film, talking about the incredible stories of redemption, how Native traditions are helping inmates heal, and what inspired them to take on this important project.We also chat about the challenges they faced while filming and the impact they hope this documentary will have in raising awareness about Native communities and prison reform. It’s a really fascinating conversation you don’t want to miss!Check out the documentary here: Reservation Redemption on PowWows.comIf you enjoyed this, don’t forget to hit that like button, subscribe for more content, and let me know what you think in the comments!

Join Paul G for an interview with Micki FreeListen to Micki Free on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5aH6fiMaVOktSbo2CBcK5l?si=lMKzIEBGR_Klc-9FornNjAFREE has been on the cutting-edge of the music industry from the start of his career. Having been signed to a management deal with Gene Simmons and Diana Ross that launched his career, FREE joined the legendary R&B group Shalamar where he became friends with Prince. After his departure in the early 90’s, FREE continued his solo career appearing on both the stage and in the studio with iconic artists including Carlos Santana, Janet Jackson, KISS, Little Steven Van Zandt, Aerosmith, Neil Young and Bill Wyman, just to name a few. His most recent album, TURQUOISE BLUE, was released via the Dark Idol Music label distributed by Burnside Distribution / The Orchard / Sony and features guest musicians including Gary Clark Jr., Steve Stevens, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Cindy Blackman Santana. FREE recently collaborated on a new version of the album’s single “World On Fire (Warrior Remix)” with Blackman Santana and her fellow Santana band members Karl Perazzo and Andy Vargas. Stream/download “World on Fire (Warrior Remix)” across all digital platformsNew to PowWows.comStart here - https://newpowwows.powwows.com/start-here/Learn more about Pow Wowshttps://www.powwows.com/main/pow-wow-visitors-guide/Find a Pow Wow In Your State of Provincehttps://www.powwows.com/pow-wows-in-my-state-pow-wow-calendarWatch Pow Wows Livehttps://www.powwows.com/main/watch-pow-wows-live-powwows-com

Join Paul G and special guest Ricky White.Ricky White is Anishinabe from Whitefish Bay First Nations in Ontario, Canada. He is Pizhew or Lynx Clan and a lifetime member of the renowned drum group, the Whitefish Bay Singers. As a result of growing up on an isolated reservation, Ricky retained deep knowledge of the Anishinaabe language and culture and those teachings continue to guide his spirit and work today.Over the last 22 years, Ricky has served as an Ojibwe Language and Culture Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, Executive Director of Education, and Superintendent of Schools. He was exposed to world class professional development, especially in the area of school improvement, school climate, and reaching students with whom our school systems struggle.Ricky has shifted his professional career to generously sharing the blueprints of best practices for student success and working to help turnaround schools, programs and communities. He started a consulting company fittingly called “First Nations Consultants ” and is now sharing his strategies all over Canada and the United States to inspire and unite his methods and messages for enhancing education.Ricky’s accomplishments go far beyond schools and classrooms. He was recognized as the next leader of the Anishinabe Nation of Treaty #3 (1989), Minnesota Indian Education Teacher of the Year (2001), Minnesota Indian Education Administrator of the Year (2013), and is now a sought after emcee for pow- wows, gatherings, conferences, keynote addresses, radio, television, and other public speaking engagements.

As one of the largest states in the country, California has a profound Native American heritage that spans the entire length of this 760 mile-long state. Home to over 100 tribes, California’s tribal heritage runs deep and although tourism often overlooks indigenous experiences and activities, it’s time that more travelers dedicated a portion of their trips to experience them.Visit our California Travel Guide - https://www.powwows.com/discovering-californias-rich-native-american-heritage-california-native-american-travel-guide/Whether you're drawn to immersive museums like the Autry Museum of the American West, which pays tribute to the contributions of Native American tribes, or you're eager to visit sacred sites and historical locations like Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park, the state provides an abundance of opportunities for cultural enrichment.Satisfy your palate with indigenous cuisine at restaurants like Wahpepah's Kitchen or Café Ohlone, and savor indigenous-inspired libations at breweries such as Mad River Brewing or wineries like Camins 2 Dreams. For those seeking active and educational adventures, consider jet boat tours along the Klamath River or immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance of a Pow Wow, where the traditions, music, and dances of Native American communities come to life.Furthermore, annual events like the California Indian Basketweavers' Association gathering and the Indigenous People's Day Sunrise Gathering on Alcatraz Island provide unique insights into the cultural significance of these traditions and the contemporary challenges faced by Native American communities.From Pow Wows to delicious, indigenous-owned restaurants, museums, and even breweries, here are some of the best cultural experiences to have in California.

Join Paul G to celebrate 20 years of streaming Pow Wows live!Can you believe it?   We've been streaming pow wows live for two decades now!It's been a wild ride filled with incredible performances, unforgettable moments, and technological challenges. I want to highlight some of the special moments and people that helped along the way.Show Noteshttps://www.powwows.com/celebrating-20-years-of-bringing-native-american-pow-wows-to-the-world/

Join Paul G for an interview with the author and illustrator of the new children’s book - “Too Much - My Great Big Native Family”.About the book:A little boy wants a chance to shine on his own but discovers that being apart from his large and lively Native family isn’t necessarily better in this heartwarming and humorous picture book.When Russell gets a part in the school play, he lights up like a shining star—and he can’t wait to tell his big, boisterous Native family the exciting news. But catching their attention when they all get together feels impossible; no matter where they go, they seem to be too noisy, too many, and just too much!Russell decides to keep his big debut to himself and fly solo for once…but being alone may not be the answer. After all, there’s no such thing as too much love, and when he needs them most, his great big family knows how to be just enough.Order Now - https://amzn.to/48OHli4PowWows.com earns commission from Amazon.com

Today Paul G will answer your most asked questions!Are Pow Wows open to the public?Are there Pow Wows in my state or province?How can I get involved with Pow Wows?

Join Paul G with an interview with Mark Marsolais from Birch Bark Coffee!Mark is Ojibwe and a Band member of Whitefish River First Nation located on Birch Island, Ontario in the District of Manitoulin Island. As the proud founder of two First Nations-owned companies, IndiGenius and Associates Inc. and Birch Bark Coffee Company Inc., he is on a mission to make a difference in Indigenous people’s lives across Canada. He is a firm believer that with self-determination and perseverance, he can make a difference through education and awareness across our nation.

Join Paul G for an interview with Brian Young.Author and filmmaker, Brian Young is a graduate of both Yale University with a Bachelor’s in Film Studies and Columbia University with a Master’s in Creative Writing Fiction. An enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, he grew up on the Navajo Reservation but now currently lives in Brooklyn, New York. As an undergraduate, Brian won a fellowship with the prestigious Sundance Ford Foundation with one of his feature-length scripts. He has worked on several short films including Tsídii Nááts’íílid – Rainbow Bird and A Conversation on Race with Native Americans for the short documentary series produced by the New York Times. He was a participant of the 6th Annual Native American TV Writer’s Lab with the Native American Media Alliance, where he learned to write Television Scripts.

Join Paul G tonight on Pow Wow Nation Live!Tonight’s guest is Larry Yazzie from Native Pride Productions. Paul will also update you on his trips from Durant, Oklahoma for Choctaw Pow Wow and Seattle, Washington for a visit to Eighth Generation and more!About Larry YazzieLarry Yazzie is the Founder and Artistic Director of Native Pride Productions which is based in Jacksonville, FL. He is a two-time World Champion Fancy Dancer, Men’s Northern Traditional dancer, and Eagle Dancer. Larry grew up on the Meskwaki Settlement in Tama, Iowa where he learned the traditional ways of his ancestors.He founded Native Pride Productions to give back to his community and to the world. His repertoire includes performances at the Olympics, The Kennedy Center, and the Smithsonian Institute. As an international lecturer, dancer, and educator, Larry also plays the flute and hand drum and he sings as part of his repertoire. He has earned the reputation for being one of the nation’s leading experts on Native American dance and has received many accolades and awards that celebrate his work.As a solo singer, eagle dancer and men’s fancy dancer, Larry has performed around the world including in Japan, Australia, France, Ireland, Brazil, Guatemala, Republic of Moldova, and the Kingdom of Jordan. His captivating energy and enthusiasm inspires others.Native Pride Productions’ goal is to share cultural traditions through artist-in-residency workshops, performances, lectures, classroom instruction and theatrical performances enhancing access to diverse, multicultural artists for people of all ages and backgrounds. His warm, enthusiastic spirit truly reflects the beauty of Indigenous people. Following the tradition of his elders, he is giving back, and enriching the lives of all audiences for generations to come.