Pow Wow Life | Interviews with Native American Artists, Creators, and Leaders

North of North is back. Season two premieres September 8 on APTN and CBC, and I sat down with four of the women who make it.

Anna Lambe plays Siaja, a young Inuk mother rebuilding her life in the tiny Arctic town of Ice Cove. Maika Harper plays Neevee — Siaja's mom, and the source of about half the chaos. We talked about playing a mother-daughter relationship that feels this real, what it means to see Inuit life on screen without a documentary frame around it, and what changed for them after the show went global.

Then I...

When Sunshine Quem Tenasco posted a video of her son Kiniw dancing Woodland at the Saugeen First Nation powwow, she wasn't expecting the response. People came out of the crowd to honor him. The drum stood up to shake his hand. Within days, the video had traveled across Turtle Island.

Kiniw joins us on this episode to tell it himself, with his mom alongside him helping carry his words across. He talks about his regalia, the protocols his uncle Tendasi taught him, what it feels like when the drum starts, and what happened at Saugeen when the...

Traci Sorell is a Cherokee Nation citizen and one of the most decorated authors working in Native children's literature today. Her books have earned two Sibert Medal honors, two Orbis Pictus honors, eight awards from the American Indian Library Association, the Carter G. Woodson Book Award, and a Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor, among many others.

In this episode, Traci joins Paul to talk about her path from federal Indigenous law attorney and nonprofit executive director to full-time author.

She also shares the story behind her two new nonfiction books: Riding the Trail: Cherokees Remember th...

This week my guest is Glendon N. Smith, a citizen of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon and the Tribal Liaison for the Oregon State Police.

Glendon’s work focuses on building stronger communication and understanding between the State of Oregon, Oregon’s Tribes, and law enforcement. His role includes supporting government-to-government relationships, providing Tribal perspective, working on issues connected to treaty rights and tribal sovereignty, and helping improve communication around Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons.

He was recently selected for the Public Service Ambassador Award by Governor Tina Kotek, with this...

Dave Smoot's story doesn't fit neatly into any one box — and that's exactly what makes it so compelling.

He's a Tribal Member of the Creek Nation in Oklahoma. A U.S. Army veteran. A tech industry pioneer who helped shape the early days of the software and microcomputer revolution. And today, the founder of companies working to produce sustainable aviation fuel at commercial scale in the United States — with tribal partnership woven into the foundation of that work.

Smoot's business career spans nearly 45 years, beginning after his honorable discharge from the Army Reserves in 1975. He spen...

The 2026 Gathering of Nations is almost here, and in this episode of PowWowLife, I’m walking you through everything you need to know.

Whether you’re heading to Albuquerque in person or planning to watch from home, this episode is your guide to the 2026 Gathering of Nations. I’m talking about what to expect at the event, what you do not want to miss, tips for navigating the crowds, grand entries, Stage 49, vendors, and how the livestream will work this year on YouTube.

I’m also sharing a few personal stories about my connection to Gatherin...

What happens when you combine design talent, Indigenous identity, humor, and a sharp eye for what’s missing in the market? You get Born of Legends.

This week on Pow Wow Life, Shannon Romero shares how she built her brand, why contemporary Native representation matters, and how she created designs that reflect shared Indigenous experiences.

We also get into the business side, including how Etsy helped her launch and grow her work into something bigger.

Follow Born of Legends

www.bornoflegends.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bornoflegends/

...

What does it take to build a creative life that actually means something?

In this episode of the Pow Wow Live Podcast, I sit down with Michelle Brown, Creative Director of Eighth Generation, for a conversation about art, fashion, purpose, and the courage it takes to choose your own path.

Michelle shares her journey into fashion and product design, including what it was like pursuing a creative career even when the people closest to her did not fully support that decision at first. She talks honestly about taking that leap, trusting her passion, and why...

This episode features a powerful conversation with the organizers of the Weaving Unity Southeastern MMIW Informational Pow Wow in Lexington, South Carolina.

We talk about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) crisis and why this issue matters deeply here in South Carolina and across the Southeast. The organizers share why they created this event, what they hope the community takes away, and how powwows and gatherings like this can help bring awareness, education, healing, and unity.

This is an important conversation about protecting Native women, honoring families and loved ones, and making sure these...

In this episode, I’m joined by Burgandi Trejo Phoenix for a real conversation about what it looks like to build a meaningful career and keep it grounded in who you are. We talk about identity, community, and the moments that shaped her path.

Follow Burgandi Trejo Phoenix

https://www.instagram.com/burgandiphoenix/?hl=en

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 ha...

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...

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 trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS-zIOHUwhk&t=85s

🌐 Learn more: holthamilton.com/findin...

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.

D...

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, an...

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 Info

https://calendar.powwows.com/events/alabama-coushatta-annual-pow-wow/

Find a Pow Wow in your state or province!

www.powwows.com/powwowsnearme

New to PowWows.com

Start here - https://newpowwows.powwows.com/start-here/

Learn more about Pow Wows

https://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 —...

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 community

Plus...

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 rep...

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-st...

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 yo...

Join Paul G for an interview with Micki Free

Listen to Micki Free on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5aH6fiMaVOktSbo2CBcK5l?si=lMKzIEBGR_Klc-9FornNjA

FREE 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 th...

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...

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'r...

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 Notes

https://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 cat...

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...

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 Yazzie

Larry 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 t...

Join us for an insightful interview with Adrian Sutherland, a talented native musician from Canada's far north. Discover his unique blend of roots, rock, folk, and blues, influenced by his Cree culture and deep connection to the land. Learn about his recent Cree-language song and his commitment to raising awareness about issues such as contaminated water and food insecurity. Adrian shares his musical journey and the challenges faced by artists in the streaming era. Stay tuned for his upcoming shows and visit adriansutherlandmusic.com for more on this incredible artist.

Join us on Powwow Nation Live as we delve into the world of Navajo weaving with special guest Tashina Little Ben, a third-generation Diné weaver from Rock Point, Arizona.

In this captivating interview, Tashina shares her personal journey of rediscovering her cultural roots and the profound connection between weaving, spirituality, and well-being. Discover the essence of Navajo weaving, the significance of natural materials, and the power of tradition. Explore the revival of Diné culture and the artistry that Tashina and other young weavers bring to this ancient practice.

November is a special month in America– Native American Heritage Month!

This is a time to honor and recognize the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native Americans to our society. It's a chance to learn, celebrate, and show our respect. And you don’t have to be Native to celebrate! You can participate in numerous ways and make this month meaningful, regardless of your heritage. 

Join Paul G to talk about 5 ways you can celebrate!

Show Notes - https://www.powwows.com/how-to-celebrate-native-american-heritage-month-2/

Recently, I had the opportunity to interview two incredible authors on the Powwows podcast. Kim Rogers and Laurel Goodluck are native writers specializing in children's books that share their tribe's history and stories. It was a fascinating conversation that shed light on their personal journeys as authors and the importance of representation in literature.

Kim Rogers, a member of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, has written an array of captivating books such as "Just Like Grandma," "Letter from Bob," and "I Am Osage, How Clarence Tinker Became the First Native American General." Her stories aim to provide...

On today's episode I recounted my incredible trip to San Francisco! As many of you know, I had the opportunity to attend the Taylor Swift concert in the city, but that was just the beginning of our amazing journey. Join me as I share the highlights of our trip and some of the fascinating native history and culture we discovered along the way.

1️⃣ Exploring Beyond the Main Attraction: When traveling, it's always exciting to venture outside the main purpose of your trip and discover hidden gems. In our case, we were able to explore Mirror Woods and Alca...

In this episode, host Paul G sits down with members of the Natives of the Apocalypse (NOTA) group. NOTA is a Native American performing arts group dedicated to reshaping and indigenizing theater narratives. They add a unique Native flair, whether through humor, music, or the infusion of indigenous perspectives into existing plays and musicals.

NOTA's mission is not only to create new and compelling Native American theater, but also to provide a platform for Native American performers to showcase their talent and amplify their voices within the performance world. They recognize the importance of representation and are...

Yue Begay, a Navajo transgender woman, shared her inspiring journey and insights as we explored the historical significance of the Two Spirit identity within Native tribes. We delved into the importance of educating businesses and corporations about this unique aspect of Native culture. It was a powerful and enlightening conversation that I'm excited to share with you all.

Show Notes

www.powwows.com/powwowlife91

Find a Pow Wow Near You

https://www.powwows.com/find-a-pow-wow-near-you/

Key Takeaways from the episode:

Two Spirit Identity is a Bridge: The...

Join Paul G for an interview with Byron Graves, an Ojibwe and Lakota author from the Red Lake Indian Reservation. Graves discussed his debut novel, "Res Ball," which delves into the world of Native American high school basketball and the universal themes of dreams, challenges, and self-discovery. This article will explore the importance of Native American representation in storytelling, focusing on the impact it has on youth identity, the growth of a cultural renaissance, and the power of inspiring others through authentic narratives.

Show Notes www.powwows.com/powwowlife90

Find a Pow Wow Near You...

Join Paul G for an interview with writer and star of Bear Grease - Crystle Lightning. Bear Grease is an Indigenous twist on the classic musical Grease.   Bear Grease Live https://www.powwows.com/grease-all-indigenous-production-brings-indigenous-culture-to-light/   Find a Pow Wow Near You https://www.powwows.com/find-a-pow-wow-near-you/

Join Paul G to talk about how to travel safely!   Travel is back!   And with Pow Wow season starting, we need to protect ourselves and our families while on the road this year. Paul will share some of his tips for safety while traveling.   Find a Pow Wow Near You https://www.powwows.com/find-a-pow-wow-near-you/