Talon "Bazille" Ducheneaux, a multifaceted rap artist from the Cheyenne River Lakota and Crow Creek Dakota nations, shares his story in this episode of the Waterers. With a profound commitment to his community, Talon is the manager of the Wicahpi Olowan Music Program Recording Studio, where he fosters the talents of Indigenous artists through mentorship and collaboration. His musical oeuvre, which includes culturally infused rap albums, embodies themes of struggle, resilience, and perseverance, drawing from his rich cultural heritage. In our conversation, we talk of Talon's influences, his journey in sound design and music production, and his vision for empowering Native youth in the arts. This episode not only highlights Talon's artistic endeavors but also underscores the importance of community support and the legacy of mentorship within Indigenous cultures.

The Waterers Podcast serves as a profound platform that elevates the voices of individuals who are ardently committed to enacting community-driven change. Through insightful discussions, the Waterers podcast offers a unique lens into the narratives of those who have benefitted from the support of the Waterers, an organization that seeks to disrupt conventional philanthropy by championing local control and empowering BIPOC creatives and organizations. In this episode, we engage with Talon "Bazille" Ducheneaux, a multifaceted rap artist and sound designer hailing from the Cheyenne River Lakota and Crow Creek Dakota tribes. Talon’s work extends beyond music into the realms of sound design and community engagement, illustrating the transformative power of grassroots initiatives in shaping the cultural landscape of Native communities across the Midwest. His experiences and artistic endeavors exemplify the intersection of heritage, creativity, and activism, providing listeners with a rich tapestry of insights into the role of art in fostering resilience and identity within indigenous populations.

Takeaways:

The Waterers Podcast amplifies grassroots initiatives that drive community-led transformation across diverse regions.

Talon Bazille Ducheneaux's work blends traditional Dakota and Lakota heritage with contemporary rap and sound design.

Community support is vital for artists, enabling them to share their voices and narratives effectively.

Grassroots organizations empower Native youth through accessible art and technology, fostering creativity and expression.

Talon's personal journey illustrates the healing power of music and the importance of mentorship in the arts.

Collaborative projects highlight the significance of cultural representation in music and the arts, bridging generations and experiences.

Chapters:

00:14 - Introduction to the Waterers Podcast

00:50 - Introducing Talon Bazille Ducheneaux

30:40 - The Impact of Place on Creative Process

44:31 - The Role of Music in Healing and Community Empowerment

48:20 - Reflections on Time: Past, Present, and Future

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Waterers

First People's Fund

Playing for Change Foundation

Cornerstone Theater Company

Guthrie Theater

Dahl Art Center

Pennsylvania Academy for the Fine Arts

Native American Music Awards

Links referenced in this episode:

https://www.bazille.info/about

Https://www.waterers.org

elevenwarrioararts.com

The salient focus of this podcast episode revolves around the transformative power of grassroots initiatives in reshaping community narratives through art. We engage in an enlightening dialogue with Moira Villiard, a multidisciplinary artist whose work prioritizes underrepresented stories and fosters healing through public art. Moira elucidates the significance of place in her creative process, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and community involvement in artistic endeavors. We explore how her projects, such as the Chief Buffalo Memorial, serve as vital educational tools that honor Indigenous histories while simultaneously engaging local communities. This conversation ultimately underscores our commitment to amplifying voices that drive meaningful change, thereby enriching the cultural landscape through collaborative storytelling.

Takeaways:

The Waterers Podcast serves as a platform that amplifies the voices involved in community-led change.

The episode highlights the transformative power of public art in fostering community awareness and identity.

Moira Villiard discusses the significance of place in her artistic practice and collaborative processes.

Engaging with community narratives is essential to creating meaningful public art projects that resonate with local histories.

Collaboration is emphasized as a vital aspect of the creative process, allowing for diverse perspectives to shape artistic outcomes.

The podcast underscores the necessity of supporting local artists and initiatives to create sustainable cultural impact.

Links referenced in this episode:

waterers.org

Artbymoira.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Waterers

Bush

USD

Zeitgeist

Ivy Vinyl

Eleven Warrior Arts

• POD for Good

The central focus of this podcast episode is the invaluable work of Jeremy Red Eagle, a dedicated advocate for the revitalization of Dakota language and culture, who has spent over 15 years engaging with Native American youth to promote traditional arts and practices. As an enrolled member of the Sisseton Wahpetin Oyate, Jeremy embodies the essence of grassroots initiatives that foster community resilience and cultural continuity across Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Through his expertise in bow making and his commitment to ecological and cultural stewardship, he emphasizes the significance of maintaining a profound connection to the land and its resources. This episode explores the holistic approaches he employs to empower young people, encouraging them to reclaim their roles as providers and protectors within their communities. Listeners will gain insights into the challenges and triumphs faced by Indigenous artists and the vital importance of community support in sustaining their cultural practices.

The discourse presented in this episode delves into the profound significance of cultural heritage as expressed through traditional art forms, particularly in the context of Indigenous practices. Our guest, Jeremy Red Eagle, an esteemed member of the Sisseton Wahpetin Oyate and a dedicated advocate for the Dakota language and traditions, articulates with host Joe Williams, the intricate relationship between art and identity. He shares his journey of revitalizing the Dakota language and culture among Native American youth, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach that fosters emotional and mental well-being through artistic expression. Red Eagle's commitment to traditional bow making serves as a potent symbol of cultural reclamation, where each crafted piece embodies not only the artistry but also the spiritual connection to the land and ancestors.

Further, Red Eagle elucidates the ecological consciousness intertwined with his craft, highlighting the ethical considerations of sourcing materials from nature. He underscores the necessity of respecting natural resources and the cultural protocols that govern their use, thus reinforcing the interconnectedness of community, culture, and the environment. This episode intricately weaves narratives of personal struggle, resilience, and the transformative power of art as a vehicle for community empowerment and cultural preservation. Through Red Eagle's insights, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the role of traditional arts in cultivating a sense of belonging and purpose among Indigenous youth, ultimately advocating for a future where these practices continue to thrive and evolve.

In conclusion, this episode serves as a clarion call to recognize and support Indigenous artists and their contributions to the cultural landscape. It invites listeners to reflect on their own connections to heritage and the ways in which art can be harnessed as a tool for social change and cultural sustainability. The podcast concludes with a profound reminder of the importance of patience and perseverance in mastering one’s craft, encouraging individuals to engage deeply with their own artistic journeys and the stories they wish to tell.

Takeaways:

• The Waters Podcast highlights community-led initiatives that foster cultural resilience and empowerment among BIPOC creatives.
• Jeremy Red Eagle exemplifies the importance of language revitalization and traditional arts in connecting youth with their heritage.
• Grassroots storytelling serves as a transformative tool for understanding and preserving indigenous cultural knowledge.
• The podcast emphasizes the necessity of respectful engagement with natural materials in traditional arts practices.
• Partnerships and mentorships are crucial in sustaining the work of Native American artists, offering vital support for their craft.
• Conversations about cultural