In this new episode of Siyo from the Rez, meet Ethan Winn and Hondo Kirk, two friends who grew up together, graduated from our Cherokee Immersion School and are now the voices of Snotlout and Hiccup in the Cherokee version of “How to Train Your Dragon”! Ethan and Hondo talk about their incredible full-circle journey — from learning the Cherokee language as students to working at our Durbin Feeling Language Center and voicing these iconic animated characters. Discover the story behind this ama...
As we all gather with friends, family and our community this week, we wanted to share the story of our Cherokee Nation Seed Bank and the Cherokee woman in charge of it all: Feather Smith. In this episode of Siyo from the Rez, we sit down with Feather, Cherokee Nation’s ethnobiology manager and former Miss Cherokee, to learn about the incredible history of our heirloom seeds, the massive undertaking of caring for our Heirloom Garden and Native Plant Site, and how these seeds are helping reconn...
Gather ‘round the fire for a special spooky edition of Siyo from the Rez! Just in time for Halloween, we’re joined by celebrated Cherokee storyteller Candice Byrd Boney and former Miss Cherokee Ella Mounce for an episode filled with chills and cultural teachings. Listen as they share haunting tales passed down through generations, from eerie personal encounters at Beaver Gap to the rich lore behind mysterious beings like the Deer Lady and shapeshifters. This episode explores our tribe's spoo...
Robert Lewis is what you might call a fan favorite — not just here in the Cherokee Nation, but everywhere he goes. Especially on the Cherokee Nation TikTok, where his storytelling videos always go viral. In this episode of Siyo from the Rez, this Cherokee National Treasure talks about his love for storytelling and sharing stories with the world, how he was inspired as a child by his dad, and the meaning behind his stories: embracing respect and kindness for everyone, especially in our modern ...
Deputy Secretary of State Canaan Duncan and our Community Liaison Melissa Payne stop by the podcast for this powerful new episode of Siyo from the Rez. Canaan and Melissa discuss the long journey for Freedmen descendants to be recognized as Cherokee citizens and how our tribe isn’t hiding from this dark and painful chapter of our history. Tune in to hear about the history of Freedmen, the inspiring Cherokee citizens of Freedmen descent who led the fight for equality, Cherokee Nation’s E...
Step into the vibrant world of Simon Washee, a World Champion Fancy Dancer known for his bright and intricate regalia who is Cherokee, Cheyenne and Arapaho. From the powwow circuit to viral TikTok videos, Simon travels the globe with his family to compete against the best of the best and shares the beauty and athleticism of fancy dance with the world. In this episode of Siyo from the Rez, Simon also shares his earliest memory of Cherokee National Holiday — dancing as a tiny tot with his brot...
Tonia Hogner-Weavel is known across the rez — and, really, across the country — for traditional Cherokee clothing and her unique, award-winning design style. In this episode of Siyo from the Rez, Tonia shares her fascinating life story — from growing up in the Oklahoma Panhandle and learning how to sew to becoming one of the Cherokee Nation’s most in-demand creators of Cherokee fashion. You’ll hear about the history and evolution of Cherokee clothing, Tonia’s unique design process, and how y...
Deputy Chief Bryan Warner stops by the podcast to talk about his Sequoyah County roots and growing up at the race track in Sallisaw, the secret to being calm and balanced, and why it’s important that Cherokees embrace health and wellness to nurture ourselves and our community. He also talks about his loving family, their busy schedules, how they stay active, and the importance of embracing Cherokee values in all aspects of life. 💌 Email us at podcast@cherokee.org!
Cherokee National Treasure and artist Traci Rabbit stops by the pod! As a second-generation artist and entrepreneur, Traci shares her journey of growing up on the Cherokee Nation Reservation, learning from her father — the legendary Bill Rabbit — carving her own path in the art world, and being celebrated for capturing strong Native women in her work. Traci opens up about her creative process, how she balances being a full-time artist and businesswoman, and the importance of making art acce...
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and special guest Todd Enlow, the Executive Director of Housing Programs, stop by the pod! Chief Hoskin and Todd give some behind-the-scenes insight into many of the exciting projects happening across our reservation. Chief Hoskin also talks about focusing our tribe's energy on revitalizing our precious Cherokee language, building more housing for the Cherokee people, and making our health care the best in Indian Country. We also ask C...
Agalisiga Mackey, known across the rez as “Big Chuj,” stops by the podcast to talk about his debut album — “Nasgino Inage Nidayulenvi (It Started in the Woods)” — how growing up in a small traditional Cherokee community shaped him and his music, and what’s next for this Cherokee singer-songwriter on the rise. Shoutout to Chuj, who so kindly allowed us to use his hit single “Tsitsutsa Tsigesv (When I was a Boy)” as the soundtrack for our podcast! Give Chuj some love by following his YouTube ...
Cherokee National Treasure Roy Boney stopped by the studio for our new podcast, Siyo from the Rez! Roy is a celebrated Cherokee artist whose work has been featured by the Smithsonian Institution, Marvel Comics and across the Cherokee Nation Reservation and beyond. In this episode, Roy talks about his unique approach to Native art, projects he's worked on, and answers a very important question: Who is your favorite Spider-Man? Siyo from the Rez was recorded at the W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex...