Collective Spirit Podcast

Mr. Charlie Soap (Cherokee Nation), shares his insight on how his community and cultural identity shaped his life in community organizing and storytelling. Mr. Soap has dedicated virtually his entire career to working to strengthen the many Cherokee communities in northeastern Oklahoma. Serving under three chiefs, he served as the community service group leader for the Cherokee Nation, overseeing a $100 million budget dedicated to public transit services, roads, bridges and infrastructure projects, environmental health services, self-help housing assistance, youth programs and natural disaster relief.

Madie Goodnight (Chickasaw) is a multidisciplinary artist based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. With support and guidance from her family and her community, Madie’s career has flourished as an illustrator of children’s books. Madie offers insight into her career path and how her career as an illustrator continues to be inspired by the warmth and freedom of childhood memories and the stories of her Chickasaw community.

Ursala Hudson (Tlingit) is a regalia/fashion designer whose work is a continuation of Tlingit heritage through Chilkat and Ravenstail weaving. Ursala hails from a long line of respected weavers and in this episode, she shares how her identity is strongly shaped by her experiences as a woman, mother, artist, and Tlingit person in this world.

Alan Wallace (Nisenan Maidu, Washoe) is a multidisciplinary artist whose work is centered on reversing the Nisenan language decline in his community through his creative practice. Wallace takes a philosophical retrospective in this episode in examining his life, influences, and the path ahead in his practice and its legacy in his community.

Carrie Moran McCleary (Little Shell Chippewa), the owner of Plains Soul - a Native-owned fashion design studio based in Montana, has spent a lifetime honing her skills in beadwork, leatherwork, and fashion design. Carrie’s work is strongly influenced by her heritage, family, and community, which is reflected in her ongoing commitment to pursuing her artistic and entrepreneurial goals.

Emma Hildebrand (Athabascan) works in quillwork, beadwork, leather, and carving which are among the traditional materials and artistic mediums of her people in Alaska. In this episode, Emma looks at her roots which continue to inspire her desire to teach and perpetuate the language and cultural practices of her people.

Shawn Brigman (Spokane) is a cultural recovery artist based in Spokane, Washington. In this episode, Shawn shares how his academic background in architecture and his work with the youth in his community continues to guide his work in recovering the material culture, stories, and language of his community. Shawn is a 2022 Community Spirit Award honoree.

Shayna Grandbois Herrera (Turtle Mountain Chippewa) is a sculptor based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In this episode, Shayna discusses how her work as a sculptor upholds the teachings and influence of her family. Grandbois Herrera is a 2022 Artist in Business Leadership fellow with First Peoples Fund.

Stacy Wells (Choctaw) is a children’s author and a youth librarian. In this episode, Wells describes her forthcoming books for children, as well as the challenges of publishing Choctaw stories. Wells is a 2022 Artist in Business Leadership fellow with First Peoples Fund.

Del Curman (Crow Tribe of Montana) is a painter based in Sante Fe, New Mexico. In this episode, Curfman describes his evolution as a painter and how contemporary Native stories strengthen his work. Curfman is a 2022 Artist in Business Leadership fellow with First Peoples Fund.