Lakota Link Podcast
As a Lakota woman artist, I want to be a link between the Native American culture and others. I will be sharing
my family history. As an elder I know the importance of not losing the oral stories and history of the elders.
Being an artist for many years, I want to paint a verbal picture for all who are interested. I have selected special guests that provide insight into the aspects of Native American life today. So I bring you stories old and new.
Music of America with Guest Sandy Swallow and Scott Simpson
Collaboration with Scott Simpson
Scott and Sandy explain how they created “Running the Milky Way”. A Song honoring the Horse Nation.
Lakota Link – “A New Adventure”
Lakota Link – A New Adventure
Interview with Scott Simpson. Collaborating on a new adventure.
Lakota art bridges into musical territory.
Reintro to Paul LaRouche of Brule’
Re-intro with Paul LaRouche of Brule’
In this re intro with Paul LaRouche of Brule’ you will learn the great opportunity he passed up. He wanted to remain true to his Lakota heritage and traditions. Now as Lakota artists we all need to venture into new and different avenues while remaining true to our values.
Reintro to Paul LaRouche of Brule’
Re-intro with Paul LaRouche of Brule’
In this re intro with Paul LaRouche of Brule’ you will learn the great opportunity he passed up. He wanted to remain true to his Lakota heritage and traditions. Now as Lakota artists we all need to venture into new and different avenues while remaining true to our values.
Reintro to Paul LaRouche of Brule’
Reintro to Paul LaRouche of Brule’
Paul LaRoche of Brule`
Paul LaRoche of Brule`
Get to know Paul LaRoche of Brule` just a little better. He found out he was a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe in his thirties. He and his family have been blessed with a great talent for music. Although it hasn’t been easy they have become well known and sold over a million CD”s. They now have an Anthology of their 25 years in the music business. Their journey will continue in new directions.
Joseph Marshall Lakota Author
Joseph Marshall Lakota Author
This is a re-intro to Joseph Marshall III as requested by our listeners. Mr. Marshall is a very talented person and shares his knowledge on Lakota Link. He is a Lakota Elder and a prolific author.
Re Intro to Billy Mills, 1964 Olympic Gold Medalist
Re intro to Billy Mills, 1964 Olympic Gold Medalist
Re intro to Billy Mills, 1964 Olympic Gold Medalist
This is the interview that Sandy had with Billy Mills at the beginning of the pandemic. Not much has changed in the past year. Always inspiring to reflect on the success that a kid from Pine Ridge Reservation went on to become an Olympic Gold Medalist. He is still the only American to win the 10,000 meter race.
Why Sandy Swallow Republishes Her Introducion
Why Sandy Swallow Republishes Her Introduction
Why Sandy Swallow Republishes Her Introduction
Sandy updates the progress of her Lakota Link podcast. The introduction will tell why she went on this journey. She has picked some of the top podcasts to republish with her updates.
Basil Brave Heart Renowned Lakota Elder
Basil Brave Heart Renowned Lakota Elder
Basil Brave Heart Renowned Lakota Elder
Born and raised on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Basil shares some of his life’s history and how important his grandparents were in his upbringing. Basil is very well respected in the Lakota community. He gives insight to the Lakota value of forgiveness and how it has a healing quality.
Walter Littlemoon Wounded Knee Takeover 1973 Part II
Walter Littlemoon, Wounded Knee Takeover 1973
Walter Littlemoon, Wounded Knee Takeover 1973
Part II of the Wounded Knee takeover in 1973. Walter Littlemoon is an enrolled Oglala Lakota tribal member. He grew up on the Pine Ridge Reservation. As an author he is eloquent in explaining his experiences of the takeover. A different perspective of the impact and how it affected the people that lived in the Wounded Knee village.
Walter Littlemoon Wounded Knee Takeover 1973
Walter Littlemoon Wounded Knee Takeover 1973
Walter Littlemoon Wounded Knee Takeover 1973
Walter lived and came from the village of Wounded Knee on the Pine Ridge Reservation. He is an enrolled Oglala Lakota. In this podcast he shares how the Wounded Knee takeover in 1973 impacted his family and him. The occupation changed the village in ways that I had never thought about. Walter is also an author of a book “They called me uncivilized”. Next week will be the continuation of the interview.
Larry Brewer, Traditional Dancer Part II
Larry Brewer, Traditional Dancer Part II
Larry Brewer Traditional Dancer Part II
I continue to visit with my first cousin Larry Brewer. He had the conviction that he needed to change his life style. He then turned to the Church, traditional dancing, and bead work. We talk about some of the Lakota traditional ways. One is being respectful of others space. His experience in going to a Catholic Boarding school was positive.
Larry Brewer, Traditional Dancer
Larry Brewer, Traditional Dancer
Larry Brewer, Traditional Dancer
Larry Brewer’s first years were living on the Pine Ridge Reservation. He shares some of his memories about Grandpa Mills and Great Grandpa Adams. Then in the early 50’s the family moved to Rapid City. He was the middle child out of 12. My Aunt Lula, his mother, was a strong Lakota woman. She was widowed and continued to raise 12 children by herself. We will continue with Larry’s journey next week in Part II.
Walter Mills, Lakota Elder Part II
Walter Mills Lakota Elder Part II
Walter Mills, Lakota Elder
It is fascinating to get a view of life on the Pine Ridge Reservation in the 1940’s and 1950’s. A glimpse of what life was like for Native Americans at that time. One small fact was you could not purchase dog food at that time. So if you had a family ranch and loved dogs how did you manage? It was a pleasure to visit with Walter and have him share his experiences.
Walter Mills, Lakota Elder
Walter Mills, Lakota Elder
Walter Mills, Lakota Elder
Walter is the son of Sidney and Grace Mills. He grew up on the Pine Ridge Reservation and is an enrolled Oglala Lakota. He shares what his life was like in the 1940’s and 1950’s on the reservation. We talk about the beginning of WWII and how Native Americans have a greater percentage per capita of enlisting into the service. We will continue with Walt’s story part II next week.
B. B. Mills and Sallie Bush Mills
B.B. Mills and Sallie Bush Mills
- B. B. Mills and Sallie Bush Mills
Continuing my series of a Man of Mystery you will learn about the 1868 Ft. Laramie Treaty. Benjamin Buckner Mills definitely played an important part in the Treaty. He was well known and respected by both parties involved. Chief Red Cloud recommended him to be the Agent for the newly formed Pine Ridge Reservation. Listen and find out what eventually happened. We will learn some of Sallie Bush Mills history.
A Man of Mystery
A Man of Mystery
Benjamin B. Mills – A Man of Mystery
Benjamin Buckner Mills, was my great grandfather. Oral family history says he came from England. What we do know is he ended up at Ft. Laramie Wyoming and was the sutler at the store. A man of mystery because in the 1860 census he put his birth place at Michigan. 1870 census birth place said Kentucky. He married a full blood Lakota Sallie Bush. He had a good reputation and was known as a frontiersman. My next Podcast will continue with his story of being at the 1868 Ft Laramie treaties.
Dr. Garcia-Janis’s Lakota Adventures
Dr. Garcia-Janis’s Lakota Adventures
Dr. Garcia-Janis’s Lakota Adventures
Not many people have had such an adventurous life as Dr. Liz. She was born in the Philippines and ended up on the Pine Ridge Reservation doing medical mission work. She has traveled throughout the world to help elevate pain and suffering during times of crises. Her ability to speak four different languages has served her well.
There are many similarities between the Philippine culture and the Lakota culture which helped her relate to the Lakota people.
Dr. Garcia-Janis “Help and Hope for the Suicidal”
Dr. Garcia-Janis “Help and Hope for the Suicidal”
Dr. Garcia-Janis “Help and Hope for the Suicidal”
Dr. Elizabeth Garcia-Janis is a national known psychiatrist. She is double board certified in child and adult psychiatry. The topic we discuss is suicide. What are the signs? How do we help the people contemplating suicide? What about the families left behind? As an enrolled Oglala Sioux, Lawrence Janis also shares his heartfelt poetry on the subject. There is help and there is hope.
Lakota Elder beats Covid-19
Lakota Elder beats Covid-19
Lakota Elder beats Covid-19
Victor Swallow was willing to share his experience with contacting the Covid-19 virus. At the age of 81 it was a very serious matter. Taking one day at a time, he relives his hospital stay and how he is now slowly regaining strength today. A lesson we can all learn that each day is precious.
Dr. Eric Zimmer/Historian for the Oyate
Dr. Eric Zimmer/Historian for the Oyate
Dr. Eric Zimmer/ Historian for the Oyate
When I want to learn about something, I like to consult an expert. Dr. Zimmer is a historian and author of two books. He is a fellow for Center for American Indian Research and Native Studies. (CAIRNS)
I wanted to learn about the history of the Indian boarding schools in Rapid City, SD. Dr. Zimmer among others has researched this topic for many years. He brings to light a summary of the troubled history.
Devils Tower (AKA) Bear Lodge
Devils Tower (AKA) Bear Lodge
Devils Tower (AKA) Bear Lodge
You will learn how both a Lakota and Japanese artist collaborated on a project. Mr. Junku Muto had a vision to create seven sculptors in order to circle the earth. A great project to promote world peace. The first sculpture was placed at the Vatican, the second in India, and the third at Devils Tower. Sandy Swallow shares how she became a small part in this project. How Wind Circle became an emotional look back in history.
Joseph Marshall III Lakota Author and Historian
Joseph Marshall III, Lakota Author and Historian
Joseph Marshall III, Lakota Author and Historian
Joseph Marshall is an enrolled Rosebud Sioux. He is the author of more than 33 books. Founding member of the Sinte Gleska University. He has a wide verity of interests and talents. You will learn of his latest endeavor. How his childhood shaped him into becoming the man he is now. I was honored that he took the time to visit on Lakota Link.
A Helping Hand
Helping Hand in 2021
Helping Hand in 2021
Sandy Swallow thinks everyone will be very happy to see 2020 in the rear-view mirror. Remembering some of the difficult times, Covid 19, unemployment, loneliness to name a few.
Also remembering 1984 when a personal crisis came about and neighbors pulled together. In some ways this has happened now. Looking forward to the sunshine ahead 2021. And how we can all extend a helping hand to one another.
Merry Christmas 2020
Merry Christmas 2020
Merry Christmas 2020
Sandy Swallow shares some family history of the gifts she has received. Generosity is one of the Lakota values. Why this was so important to the tribes. Sandy takes time to reflect on a few important gifts she has received. And to count her blessings.
Looking forward to the New Year 2021.
Tribal Treaties with Mario Gonzalez
Tribal Treaties with Mario Gonzalez
Tribal Treaties with Mario Gonzalez
How often do you get to visit with a renowned expert on the treaties? Have you wondered why the tribes have sovereignty? Most of Mario’s life long career has been to represent tribal interests. We discuss the 1851 and 1868 Ft. Laramie treaties. Without these we would have been pushed out of our land as many in the East coast tribes were. Mario Gonzalez has been a Warrior and Defender of the Tribes.
Mario Gonzalez a Warrior for the Tribes
Mario Gonzalez a Warrior for the Tribes
Mario Gonzalez a Warrior for the Tribes
Mario Gonzalez is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. He is national and internationally known for winning landmark cases as an attorney. He is licensed by SD State Bar Association, admitted to practice various US Federal Courts including the US Supreme Court. In this podcast he shares some very interesting family history. On the next podcast he will explain the treaties.
Beginning a Cowboy and an Indian
Beginning a Cowboy and an Indian
Beginning a Cowboy and an Indian
1968 was a pivotal year for my husband and me. A terrible life changing accident. Graduated Oelrichs High School and got married. Learn about how things started and the impact it made on my life. My faith grew and I knew the good Lord was watching over us.
Life on the Rez.
Life on the Rez.
Life on the Rez.
In order to tell stories about my grandmother Betty Gillespie-Swallow, I went to a good source. Leni Connell-Hamilton lived on the Swallow homestead for more than 55 years. We share some humorous stories about the Unci,s (Grandmothers). Insight to living on the Southwest corner of the reservation and dealing with the Gumbo mud. Though in a remote part of the country there was always visitors and something going on.
Thank you Leni for the good visit.
A Lakota Woman of Wisdom
A Lakota Woman of Wisdom
A Lakota Woman of Wisdom
Suzanne White Wolf Swallow is a Lakota elder a mother of eight children. Grandmother (unci) and great-grandmother. Though her life has not always been easy she was able to instill in her family many of the Lakota values. You will learn why education has been so important in her family. She also shares some of her family history which dates back the Battle of the Little Big Horn and the Wounded Knee Massacre.
Sarah Long Chin – Northern Cheyenne
Sarah Long Chin – Northern Cheyenne
This the second segment of the Gillespie family history. How my Great grandmother (Northern Cheyenne) ended up on the Pine Ridge Reservation. That is where her family was enrolled as Oglala Sioux. It was common that whichever reservation they resided at, is where they were enrolled by the government. As you can only be enrolled in one tribe.
Many of my ancestors could speak Cheyenne, Lakota, and English. We do know that she was with Crazy Horse’s band when the he came to Fort Robinson according to the book “The Surrender Ledger”. You will find out why great-grandfather George was afraid of the dark.
Camp Mni Luzahan
Camp Mni Luzahan
Camp Mni Luzahan
Even though Mark K. Tilsen is a very busy man with a lot of responsibilities he was kind enough to grant me an interview. If you have a heart for the homeless this is one podcast worth listening to. You will learn the logistics and difficulties of lending a helping hand to the un-housed. There is group of dedicated people that work hard and are willing to do this.
An Irishman and a Cheyenne Lady
An Irishman and a Cheyenne Lady
An Irishman and a Cheyenne Lady
My great grandparents David Gillispie and Sarah Long Chin were an unlikely couple. Although they could not speak each other’s language they could understand each other. They had a long successful marriage. This is the first segment of their story.
Lighting Girl and Her Horse
Lighting Girl and Her Horse
Lighting Girl and Her Horse
A cold snowy day in the Tipi, Sandy reminisces about the ranch life. In the Lakota culture the horse was always highly esteemed. Cowboys and Indians had to have admiration and confidence in their horses. Sandy shares family stores about the Sunkawakaj (Lakota word for horse). Learn how she incorporates culture and history into her art.
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Ivan Sorbel – Pine Ridge Chamber
Ivan Sorbel – Pine Ridge Chamber
Ivan Sorbel – Pine Ridge Chamber of Commerce
April 2000 a group of Native American business people started the Pine Ridge Chamber of Commerce. Ivan Sorbel a businessman himself was hired in 2005 to be the Executive Director. He grew up on the Reservation and joined the Marine Corp for a 5 ½ years. Learn of his history and projects during this difficult time of the Covid crises. It is interesting to learn of the challenges the Chamber now faces.
A Lakota Cowboy Louis Twiss
A Lakota Cowboy Louis Twiss
A Lakota Cowboy Louis Twiss
He tells of living on the Pine Ridge Reservation and starting the Oglala Sioux Land and Cattle Organization. He became Secretary for the National Indians Cattlemen Association for the betterment of all Native American producers.
Learn of his firsthand experience in the Badlands World War II bombing range at the North end of the Reservation. The government used eminent domain to confiscate his family’s home and land.
Lakota Tipi Time
Lakota Tipi Time
Lakota Tipi Time
Sandy Swallow shares some personal insights on the Lakota value of Generosity. After a long lonely spell of quarantine, family and friends get together. For a joyful occasion of a tipi rising. You will learn what happens at a Tipi rising. Also how to make wojapi and what this traditional desert is.
Elsie Meeks a Woman of Vision
Elsie Meeks a Woman of Vision
Elsie Meeks a Woman of Vision
Elsie Meeks helped start and shape the Lakota Fund on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The goal was to help the economic development on the Reservation. A strong Oglala Lakota women her goal was to help her tribe. You will learn why it is hard to get loans on the Reservation. She was appointed South Dakota Executive Director of the Rural Development Agency by President Obama.
Exclusive from Paul LaRoche of Brule`
Exclusive from Paul LaRoche of Brule`
Exclusive from Paul LaRoche
In this second interview with Paul you will learn the great opportunity he passed up. He wanted to remain true to his Lakota heritage and traditions. Now as Lakota artists we all need to venture into new and different avenues while remaining true to our values.
Paul LaRoche of Brule`
Paul LaRoche of Brule`
Paul LaRoche of Brule`
Get to know Paul LaRoche of Brule` just a little better. He found out he was a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe in his thirties. He and his family have been blessed with a great talent for music. Although it hasn’t been easy they have become well known and sold over a million CD”s. They now have an Anthology of their 25 years in the music business. Their journey will continue in new directions.
LL Ep-18 Lakota Elder Vic Swallow
Lakota Elder Vic Swallow
Lakota Elder Vic Swallow
Vic Swallow a Lakota Elder was born on the Pine Ridge Reservation. He was raised on the Red Shirt Table with his brother and two sisters. Now an elder at the age of 81 he shares some of his experiences growing up there. He gives a good background on the tribes that make up the Seven Council Fires. Having a very good memory he recalls stories his mother Lizzie Two Bulls-Swallow told him.
This song is written and sung by Quincy Good Star.
LL Ep-17 What is Social Distance Powwow?
What is Social Distance Powwow?
Whitney Rencountre grew up on the Crow Creek Reservation in South Dakota. Over coming many obstacles he has been able to achieve some of his life goals. You will learn how Whitney, Dan Simonds, and Stephanie Hebert created a Social Distance Powwow facebook page. It took off like lighting with over 205,000 members in over 100 countries around the world. Created for people to share and connect with one another.
Among his accomplishments is becoming the Chairman of the South Dakota humanities council. Husband of a beautiful wife and father of four beautiful daughters. He has dedicated his life to be a voice for his people.
LL Ep-16 Wisdom from a Lakota Elder
Wisdom from a Lakota Elder
This podcast is especially dear to my heart because it is a conversation about my Grandpa Oliver Swallow. My elder cousin Vic Swallow shares stories about him. You will learn what it was like to live on the Pine Ridge Reservation in the early 1900’s. Everyday life as it was then.
This music is written and sung by good friend Quincy Good Star.
LL Ep-15 Where is the Cell Service?
Where is the Cell Service?
Have you ever thought about the difficulties of living on a Reservation? Some of the Reservations do not have cell phone coverage or internet access. Petra Wilson will explain her journey helping with Indian education which led to helping the tribes become connected. There is a short time frame of September 22020 to apply. She has studied the problem and can now help alleviate it.
This song is written and sung by Quincy Good Star.
LL Ep-14 Dr. Craig Howe Comes Home
Dr. Craig Howe Comes Home
Leaving the Pine Ridge Reservation to pursue his education. You will learn why he went to Chicago and Washington DC. Ultimately his heart brings him home. In order to create the Center for American Indian Research and Native Studies (CAIRNS). His goal is to educate the public on Native American history and issues. Discover why the Tribes are Sovereign Nations. Join us in this learning journey.
Music is sung and composed by Quincy GoodStar.
LL Ep-13 Along the Banks of the Little White River
Along the Banks of the Little White River
Dorothy Fire Cloud shares with us the freedom of growing up on the Rosebud Reservation. With the passing of her mother she was suddenly brought into the White Culture. How that has impacted her outlook and way of life. Though things were difficult she overcame the hardship through hard work and tenacity. She became a lawyer and Superintendent of a National Park. Dorothy is an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Come along with us to follow her journey.
Music is sung and composed by Quincy GoodStar.
LL Ep-12 Swallow Tales; “Sent Away”
Swallow Tales; “Sent Away “
Can you imagine how it would be if you were sent away? Away from your home, family and friends. Seeing a billowing steam engine for the first time. Loudly rolling into the Rushville Nebraska train depot.
Traveling 1617 miles and only 14 years old. This is what happened to my grandpa Oliver Swallow. He was not to return for 5 or 6 years. How did he end up at the Lincoln Institute in Pennsylvania? Just a glimpse of family history from 1870 to 1884. This personal story deserves to be told.
Music is sung and composed by Quincy GoodStar.
LL Ep-10 “Paul Harvey” of the Prairie – Jim Thompson
“Paul Harvey of the Prairie” Jim Thompson
Jim Thompson a radio and rodeo announcer sharing his connections with Native Americans. You will find out how he got recognized as the “Voice of the West”. Jim shares some of his career history. We learn how he was able to achieve his goals through years of hard work. He always has had a heart and understanding of Native American issues.
Music is sung and composed by Quincy GoodStar.
LL Ep-09 A Woman’s Voice
A Voice for those who cannot speak
I felt this was a very important interview. This subject was personally heart breaking and difficult for me. As I lost my sister to murder in 1968. Lily Mendoza has a true heart for those that need help. Enrolled in the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe she grew up with the Lakota Value of generosity. She is a warrior woman and a voice for those who can no longer speak.
If you are interested in what is being done and what can be done please join us in this conversation on Missing, Murdered, Indigenous Women.
Music is sung and composed by Quincy GoodStar.
LL Ep-08 Quarantine on the Rez
Learn about the quarantine on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Ashley Pourier is the curator at the Heritage Center at Red Cloud School. An enrolled Oglala Lakota tribal member grew up there and then came back to work at the Heritage Center. She was able to adjust to the difficulties of turning the art show into a virtual on line show. The Red Cloud art show is one of the most prestigious Native art show in the nation.
Music is sung and composed by Quincy GoodStar.
LL Ep-07 From New York City to the Pine Ridge Reservation
Dr. Tiffany Hale shares what it is like living in New York City during the quarantine. Having to bike or walk everywhere has changed her day to day life. She was born in Gallup, NM and has grown up with a strong connection to the Native American culture. You will find out how her research at Yale University led her to Sandy’s Great Grandfather on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
Music is sung and composed by Quincy GoodStar.
LL Ep-06 Swallow Tales by Sandy Swallow
Sandy shares family history. Eli Swallow her great Grandfather was a Louisiana born Frenchman. How did he get to the Dakota Territory in the 1860’s? What was to become of a captured Confederate soldier? Also learning about Oelrichs, SD which was a thriving town in the early 1900’s.Swallow Tales begins with a cup of cowboy coffee in a kitchen on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Going back in time she realizes how her family history affected her art and Lakota values.
Music is sung and composed by Quincy GoodStar.
LL Ep-05 Mike Wise: A Heart for the Lakota
Mike Wise “A heart for the Lakota” Why did a famous WDC newscaster and columnist come to South Dakota? Mike Wise has many impressive credentials in the sports world. He is also a well-known author and is writing a book on Billy Mill’s life. Who are the warriors that are Billy’s ancestors? What are the three most memorable stores that Mike has written about?
LL Ep-04 Zack Ducheneaux: CEO of Intertribal Ag. Council
Zack is enrolled Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. He explains to us how and why Intertribal Agriculture Council was created. A very interesting and informative conversation about our national food chain. What impact has the covid-19 virus had on it? What are some of the problems Native American farmers and ranchers face that unique to them? Learn the answers in this podcast.
LL Ep-03 Billy Mills Olympic Gold Medalist Pt. 2 – “Footprints”
Why are his footprints so important to the 1964 Olympic Gold Medalist? As other people have walked through his life, he will share their impact on him. Learn of Billy Mill’s Lakota values. Lessons that he has learned and may apply to our footprints.
LL Ep-02 Billy Mills Olympic Gold Medalist Pt. 1
How did it come about that Billy is an enrolled Oglala Lakota? Sharing some of intimate family history. He comes from a long line of Warriors. How is he and his wife handling the quarantine and his views on it? What are some of the Lakota values that Billy has? All these questions will be answered on this podcast.
LL Ep-01 Sandy Swallow’s Introduction to Lakota Link
Sandy is an enrolled Oglala Lakota, she shares her life experiences as a Lakota Artist, mother & grandmother. She is proud of her Native American heritage. She is honest that life has not always been easy. You will enjoy her insights as well as the interviews of her guests. Lakota Link is one way to learn about Native American culture. You’re welcome to walk this journey with her and learn how to apply Lakota values to your life.
