Guided by Tradition; Native Performers Find a Voice of Their Own

Summary

---

Throughout his career, Litefoot has fought for Native issues. "I'm a Native first and a rapper second," says the member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. He has been outspoken about Outkast's 2004 Grammy performance in which a group of green-feathered dancers emerged from tepees and performed a mock-traditional dance before launching into "Hey Ya!" It's clear to Litefoot that no matter how much things have changed, Natives have been overlooked. "Our people don't enjoy the same generosities as others do," he says. "We still find ourselves begging for the same rights others enjoy."

"Native American performers feel a drive to be guided by tradition, but they also want to express themselves," says Roffman. The festival began 10 years ago, evolving from a world music event to an all-Native lineup. "We wanted to provide a venue for Native American voices and talent," Roffman says. The festival runs in conjunction with Indian Market, but provides a different kind of experience. Though it showcases Native American art, Roffman says Indian Market is primarily a commercial event. "People at the market were looking for a cultural experience," he says, and the festival, expanded to two nights this year, provides a cross-section of traditional and contemporary performers, from theater and dance groups to hip-hop and comedy.

See the full content of this document

Extract

---

Guided by Tradition; Native Performers Find a Voice of Their Own

"Young folks," says Seth Roffman, co-producer of the Native Roots and Rhythms Festival, "like to kick out the jams."

Derek Miller likes to do the kicking. A Mohawk and native of the Six Nations Reserve near Brantford, Ontario, Miller plays a rock 'n' ro...

See the full content of this document

---