Sovereign Innovations

Discover how Indigenous innovation and technology allows Indigenous communities to survive and thrive now and across the centuries. Our host, Cheyenne Bearfoot, will explore various native and Indigenous identities across the globe in order to unravel stereotypes that have diminished innovations made by Indigenous peoples.

Despite what popular Western culture may have you thinking, the sound of Indigenous communities isn’t limited to flutes and Tom-tom drums! Indigenous music also permeates dubstep, jazz, and death metal. Aspects of traditional Native sound make up the heartbeat of rock’n’roll. Our host Cheyenne Bearfoot explains how Indigenous music extends through every modern genre.

Since the beginning of humanity, Indigenous people have created homes and formed communities; in both the structural, tangible sense of the word, and the warm and fuzzy, emotional sense. Some of those early Indigenous designs continue to serve as inspiration for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous architects as they develop the world’s infrastructure.

Join host Cheyenne Bearfoot on Sovereign Innovations as she uncovers the profound legacy of wampum beads in North American history. From sacred symbols to colonial currency, discover the intricate craftsmanship and enduring cultural significance behind these tiny treasures. Renowned artist Lydia Wallace-Chavez provides insights into wampum, revealing the modern-day resonance of this ancient tradition. Explore the resilience of Indigenous culture, and witness the timeless allure of wampum in today's world. Don't miss this captivating exploration of Indigenous innovation and heritage.

From challenging stereotypes to reclaiming narratives, Indigenous women like Lily Gladstone and Erica Tremblay are reshaping the landscape of cinema. Join us as we explore how matriarchal structures within Indigenous societies have paved the way for a cinematic movement centered around the "return to storytelling" in film and TV. Discover the transformative impact of films like "Fancy Dance" and the importance of portraying Indigenous women as multi-dimensional characters. Through interviews with filmmakers and industry experts, we learn about the challenges and triumphs of Indigenous women behind the camera. Join us as we celebrate the richness and diversity of Indigenous narratives, challenging outdated tropes and paving the way for authentic representation.

Dive into the intricate relationship between Indigenous food sovereignty and Indigenous foodways in this episode of Sovereign Innovations. Join host Cheyenne Bearfoot as she delves into the evolution of traditional Indigenous food practices amidst the backdrop of historical atrocities and modern challenges. From the importance of Bison from an Indigenous perspective to how Indigenous kitchens across Turtle Island are reintroducing Native recipes. Discover how ancestral wisdom continues to shape contemporary approaches to sustenance and cultural preservation.

In this episode of Sovereign Innovations, host Cheyenne Bearfoot delves into the healing power of laughter within Native cultures. Join Cheyenne as she navigates through the rich history of comedic storytelling in Indigenous communities. From ancient times to the present day, humor has been a vital tool for coping with adversity and fostering community resilience.

We dive deep into the fascinating world of Indigenous knowledge and storytelling. Have you ever wondered why January 1st marks the New Year? What if I told you that Indigenous peoples had their own unique calendars?