In episode 109 of "Red Hoop Talk," host Jennifer Robin welcomes Theresa Bear Fox, citizen of the Mohawk Nation, an Akwesasne singer, songwriter, storyteller, and educator. The youngest of fourteen children, Bear Fox grew up on a farm surrounded by relatives, laughter, and love. Those experiences inspired her song “Rich Girl,” which celebrates the richness of family and belonging rather than material wealth. As a mother and grandmother, she carries those lessons into her music and teaching.

Bear Fox describes her compositions as “medicine songs,” sharing how listeners can feel their messages without understanding the Mohawk lyrics. She recalls a melody that came to her during a four-night vision quest and discusses music inspired by the grief of families affected by the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples crisis. Her stories show how songs can hold healing, gratitude, and humor alongside difficult truths.

The conversation explores Bear Fox’s journey learning Mohawk as an adult and her work with children at the Akwesasne Freedom School. She explains how language immersion connects generations, with former students returning as teachers and children offering words of thanks each day. Her playful song “Kanyakeha Blues” captures the challenges of learning and the determination to keep going. Jennifer and her father, Michael Ben, share memories of Bear Fox’s music at Indigenous Peoples Day gatherings and on KVMR radio in California.

To learn more about the Akwesasne Freedom School, visit foafs.org. Each episode of Red Hoop Talk connects listeners with Native voices and stories. By supporting the Association on American Indian Affairs at Indian-Affairs.org, you help sustain that storytelling and the work of protecting Native cultures for the next generations.