BONUS EPISODE FOR THANKSGIVING TRAVELS BABYYY! Of course it’s about Indigenous History, what else did you think I’d do it over? 💅🏼

In this episode of Ripples of Rebels, we dive into the extraordinary life of Jackson Sundown, the legendary Nez Perce horseman whose talent, defiance, and cultural pride reshaped the world of rodeo. Born into a nation fighting for survival after the Nez Perce War of 1877, Sundown transformed hardship into mastery — becoming one of the most iconic bronc riders of the early 20th century.

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We explore his early life, his path to rodeo greatness, and his historic win at the Pendleton Round-Up, where Indigenous and cowboy communities built unlikely bridges through sport, culture, and storytelling. Along the way, we unpack why Sundown’s legacy still matters: from the ongoing advocacy work of the Nez Perce Tribe to the importance of supporting Indigenous artists, athletes, and creators in today’s Western industries.

This episode blends history, Indigenous resistance, rodeo culture, and modern activism — pulling listeners into the untold story of a man who rode not just for victory, but for his people.Indigenous-Owned / Native-Led Brands to Support

* Holly Lena (Collective49) — Indigenous Alaskan ecommerce art platform on Collective49, Holly is my cousin but you can find other artists there as well.

* Harris Sisters Co — Handmade traditional beadwork & leatherwork by my childhood friends. Check out their new book they just published too!

* B.Yellowtail — Contemporary Native American–owned fashion & accessories brand led by designer Bethany Yellowtail.

* Ginew USA — Workwear-inspired clothing blending Ojibwe, Oneida, and Mohican heritage.

* Tammy Beauvais Designs — First Nations (Mohawk)–owned fashion label offering contemporary & traditional Indigenous clothing.

* Dorothy Grant — Haida-owned fashion & design brand from Alaska, expressing living Haida culture through clothing.

* Manitobah Mukluks — Indigenous-owned footwear brand known for mukluks and winter boots (traditional + modern blends).

Books & Academic Sources

* Brasser, Ted J. Riding High: Jackson Sundown and the Nez Perce Indians in Rodeo. Nez Perce Tribe Historical Publications, 2012.

* Josephy Jr., Alvin M. The Nez Perce Indians and the Opening of the Northwest. Mariner Books, 1997.

* McWhorter, Lucullus V. Hear Me, My Chiefs! Nez Perce History and Legend. University of Oklahoma Press, 1952.

* Nerburn, Kent. Neither Wolf Nor Dog: On Forgotten Roads with an Indian Elder. New World Library, 1994.

* Trafzer, Clifford E., Michelle Lorimer, and Lorene Sisquoc, eds. Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces. National Museum of the American Indian, 2020. (Used for context on Native military/scouting roles during Sundown’s era.)

Primary & Historical Materials

* National Archives. “Record Group 75: Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Nez Perce.”

* Nez Perce Tribe. “History & Culture: The Flight of 1877.”

* Pendleton Round-Up Association. Historical Records and Archives, 1910–1920.

* The East Oregonian (newspaper archives, 1910–1917) – contemporary reporting on Sundown’s performances.

* Miller, T.S. “The Last Ride of Jackson Sundown.” The Pacific Monthly, 1917.

Museum, Tribal & Educational Sources

* Nez Perce National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service). “Jackson Sundown.”

* Tamástslikt Cultural Institute. “Nez Perce Horse Culture Exhibits.”

* Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. “Native Rodeo History and Indigenous Cowboy Culture.”

* Pendleton Round-Up & Happy Canyon Hall of Fame Museum. “Jackson Sundown Exhibits & Archives.”

Oral Histories & Tribal Testimony

* Nez Perce Tribal Oral History Program. Interviews with descendants of the Wallowa band, collected 1980–2020.

* Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. “Oral Histories on Indigenous Horse Traditions and Rodeo Culture.”

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