Siyo from the Rez

Cherokee Nation
  • 4.9 (50)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Siyo from the Rez! This is the official podcast from the Cherokee Nation, and we're broadcasting from our tribal headquarters in Tahlequah. Each episode, we’ll be talking with Cherokee citizens who are working hard to preserve and revitalize our culture and who are making a difference in our communities.

Episodes

  1. 12: Bringing “How to Train Your Dragon” to the Rez

    DEC 15

    12: Bringing “How to Train Your Dragon” to the Rez

    In this new episode of Siyo from the Rez, meet Ethan Winn and Hondo Kirk, two friends who grew up together, graduated from our Cherokee Immersion School and are now the voices of Snotlout and Hiccup in the Cherokee version of “How to Train Your Dragon”! Ethan and Hondo talk about their incredible full-circle journey — from learning the Cherokee language as students to working at our Durbin Feeling Language Center and voicing these iconic animated characters. Discover the story behind this amazing opportunity to work with DreamWorks Animation, the unique challenges of translating the world of dragons into tsalagi, and what this project will mean to the next generation of Cherokee language learners. 💌 Email us at podcast@cherokee.org!

    35 min
  2. 11: Feather Smith | Caring for Our Heirloom Seeds

    NOV 26

    11: Feather Smith | Caring for Our Heirloom Seeds

    As we all gather with friends, family and our community this week, we wanted to share the story of our Cherokee Nation Seed Bank and the Cherokee woman in charge of it all: Feather Smith. In this episode of Siyo from the Rez, we sit down with Feather, Cherokee Nation’s ethnobiology manager and former Miss Cherokee, to learn about the incredible history of our heirloom seeds, the massive undertaking of caring for our Heirloom Garden and Native Plant Site, and how these seeds are helping reconnect Cherokees everywhere to our culture and traditions. 💌 Email us at podcast@cherokee.org!

    42 min
  3. 10: Spooky Stories and Cherokee Lore

    OCT 30

    10: Spooky Stories and Cherokee Lore

    Gather ‘round the fire for a special spooky edition of Siyo from the Rez! Just in time for Halloween, we’re joined by celebrated Cherokee storyteller Candice Byrd Boney and former Miss Cherokee Ella Mounce for an episode filled with chills and cultural teachings. Listen as they share haunting tales passed down through generations, from eerie personal encounters at Beaver Gap to the rich lore behind mysterious beings like the Deer Lady and shapeshifters. This episode explores our tribe's spooky side, unpacking the stories that have been whispered in our communities for years. Whether you're a fan of scary stories or curious about Cherokee legends, you won’t want to miss these captivating accounts. Tune in to connect with our culture in a whole new way, and maybe leave the lights on afterward! 😬 Subscribe and share this episode with friends and family who love a good spooky story. Wado! 💌 Email us at podcast@cherokee.org!

    40 min
  4. 9: Robert Lewis | Bringing Cherokee Stories to Life

    OCT 13

    9: Robert Lewis | Bringing Cherokee Stories to Life

    Robert Lewis is what you might call a fan favorite — not just here in the Cherokee Nation, but everywhere he goes. Especially on the Cherokee Nation TikTok, where his storytelling videos always go viral. In this episode of Siyo from the Rez, this Cherokee National Treasure talks about his love for storytelling and sharing stories with the world, how he was inspired as a child by his dad, and the meaning behind his stories: embracing respect and kindness for everyone, especially in our modern world and on social media. 💌 Email us at podcast@cherokee.org!

    24 min
  5. 8: Cherokee Freedmen: History, Equality and What the Future Holds

    OCT 2

    8: Cherokee Freedmen: History, Equality and What the Future Holds

    Deputy Secretary of State Canaan Duncan and our Community Liaison Melissa Payne stop by the podcast for this powerful new episode of Siyo from the Rez.  Canaan and Melissa discuss the long journey for Freedmen descendants to be recognized as Cherokee citizens and how our tribe isn’t hiding from this dark and painful chapter of our history. Tune in to hear about the history of Freedmen, the inspiring Cherokee citizens of Freedmen descent who led the fight for equality, Cherokee Nation’s Equality Task Force, and how Melissa and Canaan are working in our Cherokee communities across the reservation and with Cherokee citizens across the country to make sure all voices are being heard. 💌 Email us at podcast@cherokee.org!

    39 min
  6. 7: Simon Washee | Fancy Dancer and Social Media Influencer

    AUG 25

    7: Simon Washee | Fancy Dancer and Social Media Influencer

    Step into the vibrant world of Simon Washee, a World Champion Fancy Dancer known for his bright and intricate regalia who is Cherokee, Cheyenne and Arapaho. From the powwow circuit to viral TikTok videos, Simon travels the globe with his family to compete against the best of the best and shares the beauty and athleticism of fancy dance with the world. In this episode of Siyo from the Rez, Simon also shares his earliest memory of Cherokee National Holiday — dancing as a tiny tot with his brother — how his recognizable look has evolved over the years and the meaning behind his regalia. 💌 Email us at podcast@cherokee.org!

    26 min
  7. 6: Tonia Hogner-Weavel | Sewing a Legacy of Cherokee Fashion

    AUG 25

    6: Tonia Hogner-Weavel | Sewing a Legacy of Cherokee Fashion

    Tonia Hogner-Weavel is known across the rez — and, really, across the country — for traditional Cherokee clothing and her unique, award-winning design style. In this episode of Siyo from the Rez, Tonia shares her fascinating life story — from growing up in the Oklahoma Panhandle and learning how to sew to becoming one of the Cherokee Nation’s most in-demand creators of Cherokee fashion. You’ll hear about the history and evolution of Cherokee clothing, Tonia’s unique design process, and how you can spot a tear dress that’s a Tonia Hogner-Weavel original. 💌 Email us at podcast@cherokee.org!

    37 min
  8. 5: Deputy Chief Bryan Warner | Leading with Heart and Cherokee Values

    AUG 4

    5: Deputy Chief Bryan Warner | Leading with Heart and Cherokee Values

    Deputy Chief Bryan Warner stops by the podcast to talk about his Sequoyah County roots and growing up at the race track in Sallisaw, the secret to being calm and balanced, and why it’s important that Cherokees embrace health and wellness to nurture ourselves and our community.  He also talks about his loving family, their busy schedules, how they stay active, and the importance of embracing Cherokee values in all aspects of life.  💌 Email us at podcast@cherokee.org!

    32 min
  9. 4: Traci Rabbit | Cherokee Art, Legacy & Inspiration

    JUL 21

    4: Traci Rabbit | Cherokee Art, Legacy & Inspiration

    Cherokee National Treasure and artist Traci Rabbit stops by the pod! As a second-generation artist and entrepreneur, Traci shares her journey of growing up on the Cherokee Nation Reservation, learning from her father — the legendary Bill Rabbit — carving her own path in the art world, and being celebrated for capturing strong Native women in her work. Traci opens up about her creative process, how she balances being a full-time artist and businesswoman, and the importance of making art accessible to everyone — from original paintings to wearable designs. We also talk to Traci about her love for fashion, her role as a mentor to young Indigenous artists, and … her stolen truck! (Update: Traci found it!) 💌 Email us at podcast@cherokee.org!

    39 min
  10. 3: Chief Hoskin & Todd Enlow

    JUL 7

    3: Chief Hoskin & Todd Enlow

    Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and special guest Todd Enlow, the Executive Director of Housing Programs, stop by the pod!  Chief Hoskin and Todd give some behind-the-scenes insight into many of the exciting projects happening across our reservation. Chief Hoskin also talks about focusing our tribe's energy on revitalizing our precious Cherokee language, building more housing for the Cherokee people, and making our health care the best in Indian Country. We also ask Chief Hoskin about the legacy he hopes to leave behind and why his rooster is named after Howl's Moving Castle. 💌 Email us at podcast@cherokee.org!

    35 min
  11. 2: Agalisiga "Big Chuj" Mackey | Cherokee Singer-Songwriter

    JUN 16

    2: Agalisiga "Big Chuj" Mackey | Cherokee Singer-Songwriter

    Agalisiga Mackey, known across the rez as “Big Chuj,” stops by the podcast to talk about his debut album — “Nasgino Inage Nidayulenvi (It Started in the Woods)” — how growing up in a small traditional Cherokee community shaped him and his music, and what’s next for this Cherokee singer-songwriter on the rise. Shoutout to Chuj, who so kindly allowed us to use his hit single “Tsitsutsa Tsigesv (When I was a Boy)” as the soundtrack for our podcast! Give Chuj some love by following his YouTube channel @agalisigamackeymusic, buying his music and visiting his official website at www.agalisigamackeymusic.com! Siyo from the Rez was recorded at the W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex in Tahlequah on the Cherokee Nation Reservation. This episode was hosted by KenLea Keys and Colton Branstetter. Our producer is Bryan Dugan. Our podcast art was designed by Justyne Eden. This episode was edited by Samantha Robinson and Colton Branstetter. Soundtrack by Chuj Mackey. 💌 Email us at podcast@cherokee.org!

    39 min
  12. 1: Roy Boney | Cherokee Artist

    JUN 16

    1: Roy Boney | Cherokee Artist

    Cherokee National Treasure Roy Boney stopped by the studio for our new podcast, Siyo from the Rez! Roy is a celebrated Cherokee artist whose work has been featured by the Smithsonian Institution, Marvel Comics and across the Cherokee Nation Reservation and beyond. In this episode, Roy talks about his unique approach to Native art, projects he's worked on, and answers a very important question: Who is your favorite Spider-Man? Siyo from the Rez was recorded at the W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex in Tahlequah on the Cherokee Nation Reservation. This episode was hosted by KenLea Keys and Colton Branstetter. Our producer is Bryan Dugan. Our podcast art was designed by Justyne Eden. This episode was edited by Samantha Robinson and Colton Branstetter. Soundtrack by Chuj Mackey. 💌 Email us at podcast@cherokee.org!

    39 min
  • 12 Episodes

4.9
out of 5
50 Ratings

About

Siyo from the Rez! This is the official podcast from the Cherokee Nation, and we're broadcasting from our tribal headquarters in Tahlequah. Each episode, we’ll be talking with Cherokee citizens who are working hard to preserve and revitalize our culture and who are making a difference in our communities.

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