“Joining us next week on Indigenous in the News is Joleen Brown, the visionary President of Native Hoop Magazine. Since its inception, Native Hoop has been a powerful platform dedicated to amplifying Indigenous voices, celebrating cultural diversity, and preserving traditions across Turtle Island. With a passion for storytelling and advocacy, Joleen has made it her mission to shine a light on the strength and beauty of Indigenous communities. We’re honored to have her here to share her journey and the incredible work she’s doing to uplift Native voices.” Find us 24/7/365 on Spotify https://lnkd.in/ekDuzRHb

LISTEN AND ENJOY OUR INTERVIEW

ABOUT JOLEEN BROWN

Joleen Brown, a stalwart advocate for indigenous communities, joined Native Hoop in 2012 as a graphic designer before ascending to the presidency in 2018. Recognizing the importance of upholding integrity and transparency, she transitioned the organization to a non-profit model, ensuring its mission was rooted in community service rather than profit. Under her leadership, Native Hoop has become a beacon of exclusivity, welcoming individuals from all tribal backgrounds across Turtle Island. Joleen’s tireless commitment to collaboration and cultural preservation has solidified Native Hoop’s platform for amplifying marginalized voices and empowering indigenous peoples worldwide, showcasing her dedication to fostering a more equitable and just society.

ABOUT NATIVE HOOP MAGAZINE

Native Hoop, a 501c3 Non-Profit organization, was founded in 2009 and officially established as a non-profit entity in 2018, initially operating uner the auspices of the Native American Cultural Association of Oregon. As of 2024, we have proudly transitioned into an independent non-profit based in South Dakota.

Our decision to embark on this independent journey stems from our aspiration to expand our scope beyond the boundaries of Native Hoop Magazine. Listening to the voices of our community, we are committed to diversifying our initiatives to address the evolving needs we have identified.

Native Hoop is diligently striving to broaden its horizons and cultivate additional opportunities. We encourage you to stay tuned and revisit our website regularly, where we will unveil our latest programs and initiatives. Your continued support fuels our commitment to innovation and growth. Thank you for joining us on this journey of progress and empowerment.

At our essence, we are committed to showcasing our people in a positive and uplifting manner. Native Hoop Magazine remains steadfast as the cornerstone of our efforts to support and celebrate the rich diversity of the Native/First Nations community. We are unwavering in our dedication to excellence, ensuring that the magazine continues to thrive and evolve, always striving to be the very best it can be. Rest assured, Native Hoop Magazine will forever remain an integral part of Native Hoop’s identity and mission.

In a world where mainstream representation often falls short, we strive to fill the void by showcasing every facet of Native American/First Nations culture with reverence for tradition and ceremony, while maintaining the integrity of our heritage.

Native Hoop Magazine transcends thematic limitations. Our overarching objective is to embrace and celebrate the rich tapestry of tribes across the United States and Canada. Recognizing the intrinsic diversity among tribes, we champion inclusivity, firmly believing that every tribe deserves a voice. By uniting all tribes, we amplify our collective strength and highlight the unique traditions, beliefs, and customs that define each community.

With a global audience, we aim to underscore the resilience and greatness of Indigenous peoples, affirming our presence and fortitude.  At its essence, Native Hoop embodies unity and resilience, serving as a beacon of strength and solidarity for Indigenous communities on Turtle Island.

CONTACT

Website: https://nativehoop.org/

Email: [email protected]

On tonight’s show we welcome from Carlsbad, New Mexico Yolanda Martinez. She stays busy, and has crossed many roads, including, author, singing, painting, drum making and was one of the first women to work on a commercial fishing boat in Kodiak, Alaska. Today, she here to tell us about her journey, and talk about her new book “Following Earth Mothers Heartbeat” The Memoirs Of Yolanda. You can read all about Yolanda on the web at her place at http://www.yolandasdrums.com. This and more along with National Native News and Antonia Gonazles.

INDIGENOUS IN THE NEWS WITH AUTHOR YOLANDA MARTINEZ

MORE ABOUT YOLANDA

Yolanda Martinez is a Native American artist, musician, and author from Carlsbad, New Mexico. She has made significant contributions as a singer, songwriter, master Apache drum maker, and international performer. Notably, she was among the first women to work on a commercial fishing boat in Kodiak, Alaska.

Her latest work, “Following Earth Mother’s Heartbeat: The Memoirs of Yolanda,” is a memoir that chronicles her inspiring journey. The book delves into her early life in Carlsbad, her pioneering achievements in commercial fishing, and her dedication to women’s empowerment. Through vivid storytelling and profound reflections, Martinez shares her deep connection to nature and Spirit, highlighting the wisdom and strength drawn from her Apache heritage. The memoir serves as a testament to resilience, spiritual connection, and the pursuit of dreams.

“Following Earth Mother’s Heartbeat” is available for purchase on platforms such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

INTRODUCING INDIGENOUS IN THE NEWS

We’re excited to announce the launch of our new News and Entertainment podcast, Indigenous in the News, starting December 2nd! Join us every week from Two Buffalo Studios in Bradenton, Florida, as we bring you the latest updates on issues that matter to us all, from the Shakers to the Makers across Indian Country. This is a 29:00 minute program. Hosted by Larry K. from the Ho-Chunk Nation and his co-host Gary Wilcox from the Powatan Nation. Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Reach out to me at [email protected] or visit www.indigenousinmusicandarts.org/indigenous-in-the-news for all the details. If you have a story and would like to share it, contact us.

UPCOMING EPISODES:

Welcome to Indigenous in the News with Larry K and Gary Wilcox.  On today’s show, we’re honored to bring you one of the last interviews recorded with the late Tom Bee this past summer. It was a privilege to have him on the show and learn about his remarkable journey—from founding the Native band XIT, to initially managing the band before stepping into the role of lead singer. XIT made history as the first Native American band to sign with a major record label, and Tom’s extraordinary career later earned him two Grammy Awards. Tom’s life spanned 82 remarkable years, during which he touched the hearts of many with his kindness, wisdom, and love. A man of many talents and passions, he approached everything with a tireless work ethic and an unwavering dedication to excellence.

OUR INTERVIEW WITH TOM BEE

BIOGRAPHY

Early Life and Background

Tom Bee, born into the Navajo Nation (Diné people), was one of the foundational figures behind XIT, a groundbreaking Native American rock band that became iconic in the 1970s and beyond. As a member of the Navajo tribe, Tom was deeply connected to the cultural and social movements of Indigenous peoples in the United States. His upbringing in the Navajo community, and his exposure to the complex intersection of Native American identity and mainstream American society, played a significant role in shaping his musical and political expression.

Formation of XIT

In the early 1970s, Tom Bee, alongside a group of talented Indigenous musicians, formed XIT. The band was one of the first Native American rock groups to achieve significant recognition and popularity. Their music blended hard rock, and traditional Native American influences. The band’s name, XIT, was an abbreviation for “Cross Indian Tribe,” a symbolic reference to both their Indigenous heritage and their effort to cross cultural boundaries.

XIT was a pioneering force in breaking stereotypes about Native Americans in music. At a time when Native American voices were marginalized in both mainstream society and the music industry, XIT became a trailblazer, using their platform to elevate the voices of Indigenous people and express their struggles and triumphs through music.

The Band’s Impact and Music

XIT’s most prominent album, Plight of the Redman (1971), is often cited as a classic in the Native American rock genre. The album addressed a variety of political, cultural, and social issues facing Native Americans at the time, blending poignant lyrics with electrifying guitar riffs. The band’s music was revolutionary in terms of both its message and its sound, which incorporated rock, and traditional Native American music.

XIT’s combination of bold political statements and innovative music made them both a symbol of Native American pride and a voice for social change. Their music explored themes such as land rights, identity, and cultural preservation, while their performances challenged the racial and cultural assumptions that dominated the American music scene at the time.

Legacy and Influence

Though XIT’s mainstream success was limited compared to their musical peers, the band’s influence is undeniable. They were pioneers of Native American rock music, and their efforts inspired a generation of Indigenous artists and musicians. Their fusion of rock and Native American culture helped pave the way for other Indigenous musicians who would follow in their footsteps, including artists like Redbone, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and Keith Secola.

XIT’s impact extended far beyond music; their work was part of a broader movement to assert Native American cultural pride and autonomy, aligning with the civil rights movements of the 1960s and 1970s. They became an important part of the growing Native American activism that sought to reclaim Indigenous identity, land, and political power in the face of ongoing oppression.

Tom Bee’s Later Life

After XIT’s dissolution, Tom Bee continued to be involved in various artistic and community projects. He was active in efforts to promote Native American culture and was an advocate for the rights of Indigenous peoples. Although he was not widely known in mainstream circles, his contributions to both music and Native American activism left an indelible mark on his community and the broader cultural landscape.

Tom Bee’s work with XIT remains an enduring part of the Native American cultural revival and has inspired countless musicians, activists, and Native American youth to embrace their heritage with pride.

Tom Bee – Without Reservation live at Mystic Lake Casino

INTRODUCING INDIGENOUS IN THE NEWS

 We’re excited to announce the launch of our new News and Entertainment podcast, Indigenous in the News, starting December 2nd! Join us every week from Two Buffalo Studios in Bradenton, Florida, as we bring you the latest updates on issues that matter to us all, from the Shakers to the Makers across Indian Country. This is a 29:00 minute program.  Hosted by Larry K. from the Ho-Chunk Nation and his co-host Gary Wilcox from the Powatan Nation.  Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Reach out to me at [email protected] or visit www.indigenousinmusicandarts.org/indigenous-in-the-news for all the details.  If you have a story and would like to share it, contact us.