Pow Wow Life - PowWows.com

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 year’s theme of “Leading with Purpose.” Glendon is also the first citizen of Warm Springs to receive this award.In this conversation, we talk about what it means to serve as a Tribal Liaison, why relationship-building matters, and how Tribal perspective can help shape better conversations around public safety, sovereignty, and community trust.

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 Infohttps://calendar.powwows.com/events/alabama-coushatta-annual-pow-wow/Find a Pow Wow in your state or province!www.powwows.com/powwowsnearmeNew to PowWows.comStart here - https://newpowwows.powwows.com/start-here/Learn more about Pow Wowshttps://www.powwows.com/main/pow-wow-visitors-guide/

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 communityPlus, let’s talk about the Gathering of Nations and other major Pow Wows coming up! Drop your questions in the comments and tell me which Pow Wows you’re most excited for this year.Links from today's show.Pow Wow Season Giveawayhttps://www.powwows.com/2025-pow-wow-season-kick-off-giveaway/2025 Pow Wo Calendarhttps://www.powwows.com/powwowsnearmePow Wow FAQhttp://www.powwows.com/powwow101Pow Wow Essentialshttps://www.powwows.com/paulspicksWhat to bring to a Pow Wowhttps://www.powwows.com/what-to-bring-to-a-native-american-pow-wow/

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-starred in “The Bygone,” “The Valley of the Gods” and “The Dark Foe,” for which he was nominated for best supporting actor at the Madrid International Film Festival. As a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and a direct descendant of Lakota holy man Black Elk, Tokala grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and speaks in several native languages.

Join Paul G for an interview with Micki FreeListen to Micki Free on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5aH6fiMaVOktSbo2CBcK5l?si=lMKzIEBGR_Klc-9FornNjAFREE 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 the studio with iconic artists including Carlos Santana, Janet Jackson, KISS, Little Steven Van Zandt, Aerosmith, Neil Young and Bill Wyman, just to name a few. His most recent album, TURQUOISE BLUE, was released via the Dark Idol Music label distributed by Burnside Distribution / The Orchard / Sony and features guest musicians including Gary Clark Jr., Steve Stevens, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Cindy Blackman Santana. FREE recently collaborated on a new version of the album’s single “World On Fire (Warrior Remix)” with Blackman Santana and her fellow Santana band members Karl Perazzo and Andy Vargas. Stream/download “World on Fire (Warrior Remix)” across all digital platformsNew to PowWows.comStart here - https://newpowwows.powwows.com/start-here/Learn more about Pow Wowshttps://www.powwows.com/main/pow-wow-visitors-guide/Find a Pow Wow In Your State of Provincehttps://www.powwows.com/pow-wows-in-my-state-pow-wow-calendarWatch Pow Wows Livehttps://www.powwows.com/main/watch-pow-wows-live-powwows-com

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're eager to visit sacred sites and historical locations like Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park, the state provides an abundance of opportunities for cultural enrichment.Satisfy your palate with indigenous cuisine at restaurants like Wahpepah's Kitchen or Café Ohlone, and savor indigenous-inspired libations at breweries such as Mad River Brewing or wineries like Camins 2 Dreams. For those seeking active and educational adventures, consider jet boat tours along the Klamath River or immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance of a Pow Wow, where the traditions, music, and dances of Native American communities come to life.Furthermore, annual events like the California Indian Basketweavers' Association gathering and the Indigenous People's Day Sunrise Gathering on Alcatraz Island provide unique insights into the cultural significance of these traditions and the contemporary challenges faced by Native American communities.From Pow Wows to delicious, indigenous-owned restaurants, museums, and even breweries, here are some of the best cultural experiences to have in California.

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 catching their attention when they all get together feels impossible; no matter where they go, they seem to be too noisy, too many, and just too much!Russell decides to keep his big debut to himself and fly solo for once…but being alone may not be the answer. After all, there’s no such thing as too much love, and when he needs them most, his great big family knows how to be just enough.Order Now - https://amzn.to/48OHli4PowWows.com earns commission from Amazon.com

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.