Presentation in Protection of Sacred Sites, Medicine Lake, protest in San Jose Ca. against Calpine... The second piece is an audio excerpt from movie America's War on Indian Nations
Floyd Red Crow Westerman, American Indian activist and country folk singer, was born on the Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota Sioux reservation in South Dakota in 1936. In the Dakota language Red Crow is pronounced 'Kanghi Duta.' At the age of ten, he was sent to a government boarding school 80 miles off the reservation. He graduated from high school on the Flandreau South Dakota Sioux reservation, and continued on to Northern State College, South Dakota, majoring in Speech, Theater and Art. He earned a degree in Secondary Education, as well as beginning work on a Law Degree.
Floyd Westerman Well known on the country-folk singing circuit, Red Crow began his career in Colorado, and in 1969 he signed his first recording contract in New York. His first album, "Custer Died For Your Sins," based on Vine Deloria Jr.'s book, was released in 1970. The release of "Custer" led him to personal appearances throughout the U. S. and eventually worldwide.
His second album, "The Land is Your Mother" was released in 1982. Since 1980 his concerts, in support of Human Rights for Indigenous People of the World, have taken him on more than 60 trips to Europe, Central and South America, as well as the U.S. and Canada. As a leader in the North American Indian Movement, he is actively involved in all aspects of human rights which include, the recognition of treaty, land and religious rights.Ãâ In 1999, he was elected national co-Chair of the Coalition Against Racism in Sports.
To raise funds for the Rain Forest Foundation Project, in the early 90's Red Crow went on a worldwide tour with musician Sting. Red Crow's commitment to help stop the cutting of the Rain Forest in the Amazon jungle gave him the opportunity to have an audience with many foreign dignitaries including, the Pope, Prince Charles, and President Mitterand of France.
Red Crow's many personal appearances include concerts and song writing collaborations with such well known artists as Willie Nelson, Joni Mitchell, Kris Kristofferson, Richie Havens, Buffy Saint Marie, Jackson Browne, and Harry Belafonte. He also appears in Sting's video, released by A&M records and directed by Academy Award nominated director Jean Pierre Detelleux.
Red Crow made his big screen debut in the motion picture "Renegades," directed by Jack Sholder. He played Arthur, the Lakota Sioux father to Lou Diamond Phillips. Since that time his list of screen credits has continued to grow. His work with a number of prestigious directors includes Kevin Costner, who was quick to cast him as the third lead in "Dances With Wolves." Floydâââ¬Ã¢â¢s brilliant and memorable portrayal of Chief Ten Bears earned him worldwide acclaim and recognition in the motion picture industry.
Director Oliver Stone cast Red Crow in the pivotal role of a Shaman and spiritual guide to Jim Morrison in The Doors. Red Crow's portrayal of such notable characters as No Ears, in "Buffalo Girls," Grandfather Fool Bull in "Lakota Woman," and Wilf in "Clearcut," is unforgettable. In 1999, Floyd once again played the classic role of the tribal elder in director Richard Attenborough's "Grey Owl," starring Pierce Brosnan.
Network television quickly became aware of Red Crow's talents and cast him as Uncle Ray in the series "Walker, Texas Ranger." His numerous television roles include guest leads in "Northern Exposure," "The Pretender," "L.A. Law," "X-Files," "Millennium," "Roseanne," "Dharma and Greg," and a cameo appearance as Sitting Bull in the four-hour mini-series, "Son of The Morning Star," directed by Mike Robe.
Red Crow brings a sense of dignity, honor, tradition, and heritage to all his acting pursuits.Ãâ While working with other creative personnel, he promotes and teaches understanding, tradition and the meaning of all things sacred to Indian people. He continues to pursue his acting career and dedicating his life to the causes of human rights and environmental issues.Ãâ He feels he is carrying the 'baton' passed on to him by fellow actor Will Sampson, who received it from Chief Dan George.
America's War on Indian Nations
audio from movie presented at the Border Summit of the Americas 2006
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