Welcome to this MAPS Media Institute and CHANTÉ Project of Fort Peck Community College co-produced podcast series from the youth of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Montana: “Ho Wasté” – a phrase in the Nakoda and Dakota languages meaning “Good Voice”.
This series is hosted by students from Frazer, Brockton, and Wolf Point High Schools and features conversations with guests who share their Native perspectives with a focus on tackling important issues and creating positive change through good communication.
Throughout the 2020-21 school year, MAPS taught courses in media arts, including podcast, photojournalism, and film where students learned how to record and edit audio, and how to conduct interviews. The goals of the podcast classes were for the students to learn technical skills necessary for podcast production, foster good communication skills, and learn from the special guests they interviewed.
The result of their work is “Ho Wasté”. Enjoy!
This episode features Roxann Smith. Roxann is the school engagement coordinator for the Fort Peck Community College’s CHANTÉ Project. She is a former tribal councilwoman for the Fort Peck Tribes. In this episode, Roxann talks about the generational trauma associated with indigenous assimilation, the process of overcoming grief and loss, and the importance of recruiting more Indigenous educators to Reservations in Montana.
Our next guest is musician and recording artist Nakoa HeavyRunner. Nakoa is an Assiniboine/Blackfeet Native from Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in Montana. Nakoa has been composing his own music since the age of 14, and has released over 16 albums. He has worked with and produced some of the top Indigenous recording artists throughout North America. Nakoa is the co-owner of RezKast Radio which serves the people and communities of the Fort Peck Reservation, and is available to stream free online.
This episode features Marty Reum, director of the Fort Peck Community College’s CHANTÉ Project. Marty discusses his journey from growing up on the Fort Peck Reservation, to serving in the U.S. military, and returning home only to find new challenges. He talks about finding his own identity, and healing through the power of connecting with his culture and the local community.
This episode features Lillain Alvernaz, the Chief Prosecutor for the Fort Belknap Indian Community. Lillian talks about growing up with Indigenous culture as a foundation, and how her culture influences both her professional and personal life. She also talks about what inspired her to become a lawyer.
This episode features Donnie Wetzel, Jr. donnie is the Tribal, Family, and Community Liaison for the Montana Office of Public Instruction. He is a member of the Blackfeet (Amskapi Pikuni) Tribe. Donnie specializes in developing youth leadership practices centered in self-identity through indigenous knowledge and strength. He emphasizes the importance of youth voice and also the tribal voice, and building relationships to bridge resources.