Indian Country Today Media Network

By ICTMN Staff October 29, 2011

The story can also be seen on the Indian Country Today website by clicking HERE.

Carmen Davis on ‘Reaching the Rez’ with Litefoot in 2012

The group Reach the Rez (RTR) has announced plans for its 2012 RTR “RISE” motivational tour, which will make stops at 48 reservations around the country and reach potentially 75,000 Natives. Reach the Rez was started in 2005 by the Cherokee rapper Litefoot and his wife Carmen Davis (Makah, Yakama, and Chippewa Cree), who is president of the parent organization Association for American Indian Development, and in that year traveled to 211 communities.

Carmen Davis - President of the Association for American Indian Development

“RISE” stands for Revitalization, Inspiration, Sustainability and Empowerment. At stops on the tour, Indian leaders, entertainers, athletes and others speak and perform, delivering positive messages to the tribal communities. We spoke with Davis (who also runs the Native Style clothing line) about her thoughts on this latest leg of the journey to, as she put it, “inspire and empower our Native people and promote self-reliance and sustainability.”

Indian Country Today Media Network: Now that you’ve been doing this for a number of years, do you hear stories from people who say they were inspired by previous events?

Carmen Davis: Absolutely. We hear from people immediately after a Reach The Rez event is over; expressing to us what it meant to them. You can view the Reach the Rez Documentary film trailer on our website and see the impact its had on people. There are literally hours more of those kinds of testimonials from our Native people all over Indian Country. We still hear today, stories from people nationwide who were helped and strengthened through the messages of the tour back in 2005. In regards to lasting relationships, we are blessed with family on every reservation throughout the United States. And that’s not an exaggeration. To us, it is such an honor to be blessed with that much extended family across the country. It’s also very humbling to know that we have the support of so many people who keep us in their prayers and thoughts. It just makes us want to work harder.

There are people who come up to Litefoot and say, “You changed my life” and “thank you for the encouragement”. One of the most beautiful quotes came from someone who has been following Litefoot from the beginning and she is now a friend but she started out as a fan. Cherrah Quiett, Muscogee Creek Nation Council Representative, posted this to Litefoot’s Facebook page: “Thanks for taking us on this journey with you & speaking the same truths you have from the get-go. Thanks for keeping Tulsa on the map and representin Natives worldwide! I’ve been a fan for over 18 years & look forward to seeing what’s next. Much love brother.”

How did you come up with the idea for Reach the Rez?

After having been on the road with Litefoot from reservation to reservation for the first seven years of our marriage, I was able to develop a very clear understanding of the commonality with regard to the concerns and issues that Tribal Nations across the United States were dealing with. It helped bring clarity as to what was missing and what so many of our Native people were expressing to us, was missing in their lives and in their communities. Litefoot had been hearing the same sentiments expressed to him for twice as many years. So, it was very clear to us what the message of the Reach the Rez Project needed to be in order to promote self reliance and sustainability in Indian country. We just focused on that understanding and built the effort around what we continue to believe is the solution, instead of building an effort that looks for a solution. It’s about doing what you believe to be best for the future of our people, not what people deem to be relevant now.

This is a huge undertaking—how (or perhaps why) do you and Litefoot manage to find the time while keeping up the recording career and Native Style?

Yes, it is a HUGE undertaking, but this project is something we are extremely passionate about. It took us four years to introduce the concept, gather support, fundraise and plan the 2005 Tour. Many of the professional opportunities that Litefoot had presented to him at the time had to be turned down because of his commitment to the Reach the Rez Project. It was very important to him that we accomplish the mission not only because he had made a commitment to so many tribes who believed in him and supported the Reach the Rez Project. In many ways, I guess you could say that he co-signed the effort with his credibility.

Litefoot performing at a Reach The Rez tour stop in Albuquerque, NM

So there were a lot of personal and professional sacrifices that were made so that the Reach The Rez Tour could even exist. In the beginning, The Reach The Rez Tour was thought of as nothing more than a great concept, and many people deemed it too ambitious or logistically impossible. The success of the Reach The Rez Tour, is a testament to the Reach The Rez message: If the Creator has something for you to do, it is up to you to make it happen, and the only person that can stop you is you. We put everything on hold to ensure the viability and success of the Reach The Rez Tour. We believed in it and we saw it though and it has now helped thousands of our Native people nationwide. I’m pleased to say, we have assembled an amazing team of board members, staff members and a great roster of presenters to carry the initiative forward.

How can a person find out whether the tour is coming to his or her community? Is there a way to request a stop (and if not for 2012, is there a way to request for 2013)?

Yes, there is a contact form on the www.reachtherez.org website and you can request a tour stop.

You now have two sons—the second born just over a year ago. As you move through the journey of parenting, does that inform your instincts about how to accomplish the goals of Reach the Rez?

Yes, having children really gives you a different perspective on the changes you wish to see in Indian country. When the tour started in 2005, we knew we were going to be away from home for the entire year, so we took our son Quannah out of school and homeschooled him. When the tour was over he had to receive tutoring after school for almost the whole next year to catch up in math. He had to make a sacrifice without fully comprehending it.

On the eve of celebrating its 20th anniversary as Indian Country’s first hip hop recording and touring label, Red Vinyl Records is expanding in an otherwise shrinking music industry. Red Vinyl Records was founded in 1992 by Native American rap artist, actor and entrepreneur Litefoot. Red Vinyl Records has released over 20 albums to date and received numerous awards for its recordings.

Red Vinyl Records has grown into a fully functioning entertainment company, including artist, songwriter, producer and recording engineer management; music publishing; touring & merchandising; music video, film & television; new business ventures; and a music label.  Artists signed to Red Vinyl Records partake in full-rights deals, which are all encompassing and include touring, merchandising, film, record sales and all forms of endorsements. Red Vinyl Records is also a successful creative consulting firm for all genres of music.

Litefoot said, “We strive to think “outside the box” and we are part of a fresh new approach to the world of entertainment. By signing the right talent to Red Vinyl and utilizing the knowledge and diversification that has made me successful in the music business; I know that we can still see long term growth in a music industry that is shrinking each year. We will look to expand our offering into the global market place.”

from L-R: Litefoot, Tef of Dirty District, Architracks, Gyasi Ross and Eaz of Dirty District

He went on to say, “Red Vinyl Records has always been, and is a Native American owned and operated company.  It continues to be my passion to find and develop Native talent.  But in moving forward, Red Vinyl will continue signing to its roster a diverse range of talented new artists from all backgrounds and walks of life. Talent will be the decider.  With that said, I have purposefully brought into the executive leadership of this record label a Chief Operations Officer, Blake Trueblood and a Vice-President, Gyasi Ross, both of whom are enrolled tribal members and accomplished attorneys. Both of them have extensive knowledge of the music industry and are appreciators of diverse genres of music.  They are forward thinking in their approach to business and great representatives and proliferators of the Red Vinyl legacy.  It is important to me that the leadership of this company always operates from a global vantage point with respect to its business strategy.  But, I am intent on that same leadership holding in its focus, the impact that we can have in Indian Country with the success of our company.  Red Vinyl Records will continue to serve as an example of what is possible and viable in entertainment for young Native entrepreneurs and talented artists.”

Red Vinyl's Chief Operation's Officer, Blake Trueblood with Dirty District

Red Vinyl Records has recently added the following artists to its expanded roster: Dance/Pop/Hip Hop group- Dirty District, Singer Songwriter- Kestrel Evans, Rap Artist-So Serious (Muscogee Creek Nation) and Rap Artist- JBrian (Navajo). The label has additionally signed Miami, Florida music producer Architracks (Taino) to its Music Production team.

Red Vinyl  Records has expanded from its home base in Seattle, Washington to offices and a recording studio in Miami, Florida. The label is constantly on the look out for new talent and will begin releasing new music and touring its current artists nationwide in 2012.

In the meantime, the Red Vinyl team continues working hard to build upon its legacy, believing that the same vision that successfully brought it to its 20th anniversary; will allow it to greet all future anniversary’s with even more growth and prosperity.

Red Vinyl Records is:

Litefoot  - President, Chief Executive Officer and Founder

Litefoot is an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. He is a Native American entrepreneur, musical performer, actor, author, and motivational speaker. Litefoot first cultivated his entrepreneurial spirit when he founded Red Vinyl Records in 1992. Under the Red Vinyl banner, Litefoot has recorded eleven award-winning albums that are distributed throughout the world.

Blake Trueblood – Chief Operations Officer

Mr. Trueblood is an enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He is a practicing attorney and has also earned a Masters in Business Administration degree with a concentration in Entrepreneurship from the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Gyasi Ross – Vice President

Mr. Ross is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Nation.  Mr. Ross is a practicing attorney and a graduate of Columbia Law School.

Architracks – Vice-President of A&R

Hailing from Miami, Florida – Architracks (Taino) has worked with artists such as Ace Hood (Def Jam/We The Best Music Group), Rick Ross’s artist Young Breed (Triple C’s/Maybach Music Group/ Def Jam), R&B singer Sammie (Interscope Records) and many more…  Architracks will handle all music production duties for the Red Vinyl Records roster and will serve the label as its Vice-President of A&R.

For more information, please visit www.redvinyl.com

Twitter: @redvinyl

www.Facebook.com/redvinyl

www.YouTube.com/redvinylrecords

On October 13, 2011 the online site for the Indian Country Today newspaper, www.indiancountrytoday.com published a Op/Ed article written by Litefoot entitled, “Becoming Good Enough”. Here is the article in its entirety:

Becoming ‘Good Enough’
by Litefoot

Litefoot

All journeys have a beginning and an ending. No matter how large or small the endeavor, it begins, and—at some point—it will most assuredly come to an end. The substance of the journey is everywhere in between the start and finish of it.

Arguably, the most important parts of the journey are encompassed within the first steps taken. They are the learning moments. The “starts” that in hindsight were merely, “false Starts”. The falling down and getting back up … and falling down again. The education of a journey comes only from walking the path in front of you and learning from each and every bump in the road. These moments foster experience and wisdom. They are only set backs if we refuse to learn from them. Later on down the road, we find ourselves calling upon those very early moments in the journey to apply the knowledge we’ve learned from our previous experiences in order to remove obstacles from our path; so that we can continue on, unobstructed.

Each piece of the journey builds upon the next phase of it. Those phases become the chapters that are recorded, collected and assembled chronologically into the book we call our lives. The hope in looking back at all of the moments throughout our journey is that we find we were good students. That we were able to be calm and find the solutions to the problems—no matter how loud the rain and thunder happened to be at that moment in our journey. We would hope to find ample times where we kept our head up on the journey to look around and see the things that we were passing by. That we were accessible to help others “stuck in the mud” in their journey by sharing with them how we had previously “unstuck” ourselves. That we cherished the journey in as much as, we could have easily become frustrated with all the unplanned moments that arose during it. The point is that all the moments of the journey are important and define who we were, who we are and who and what we are remembered as having been. The moments at the start of the journey might be compared to the “edged” pieces of a puzzle. They are the pieces that are most easy to assemble. They lay the framework for the image that begins to come together with each piece that is laid. Several different oddly shaped pieces that we slowly put together throughout our journey that one by one start to form the picture that the Creator painted of us before our birth. Every piece is important. No part of the picture is greater than any other; the sum is a total of its parts.

Much in the same way that all parts of a journey are important and that all pieces of a puzzle are important to create the finished picture—I believe we as the indigenous people of North, Central and South America are the sum of all our parts. It is impossible to leave out some pieces and still complete the picture. I believe it is impossible to speak of “Indian Country” and think of only one group of tribes in one region or country. Thinking this way undermines the journey and makes impossible the completion of the mural that the Creator painted for us. We are one out of hundreds. We are hundreds out of thousands.

And yet we are the descendants of boarding schools and policies of genocide. We are still healing. We are also the providers of the core ingredients that Benjamin Franklin took to create the Constitution of the United States. We are not savages. We are the victims of raids that specifically targeted women and children to break the spirit of its men. We were slaughtered. We are the saviors of visiting pilgrims to this land who became sick and whom we helped nurse back to health. We are compassionate. We are a people who were told and then shown that we were “less than” and that we were not “good enough.” We were demoralized. We were business people who gathered in the thousands to do intertribal business and non-tribal business at multiple locations in North, Central and South America. We are entrepreneurs. We are also a people who might not think we are now “good enough” to give a casino or economic development contract to another Indian business because it may not be “good enough.”

We are still regaining our self-esteem. It has been said that a race of people no longer exist not when they lose their language or elements of their culture—but simply when they forget. I think it is possible when you forget your journey or large pieces of it, that someone or something will be more than happy to make it up for you.

Have we forgotten the possibilities available to us today? Those that our ancestors implemented into their daily lives? I have often wondered to myself if, collectively, we as Indian People really understand the value we offer to the world? I believe the paradigm shift in Indian Country will happen when we are not afraid to remember our past in whole, embrace it, teach it and then rise beyond it utilizing the lessons from it. Then we won’t need to become, “Good Enough”—we will remember we always were.

Watch this music video for “Different People” by Litefoot and then understand why “Columbus Day” needs to be banned. “Learn of” and “Respect” the Rights of the Indigenous People of North America, Central America and South America. “….We more the same than not, the same feelings you have the same one’s I got…” – Litefoot

Litefoot recently joined Tout- a service that allows you to record a 15 second video and then share that video on Facebook and twitter.

Litefoot's Page at www.Tout.com/Litefoot

You can follow Litefoot on Tout and watch all his latest video posts HERE

Litefoot will be performing Wednesday October 5th at the 99th Annual Cherokee Fair of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee in Cherokee, NC!

The Annual Cherokee Fair - Cherokee, NC

“The fair was started to introduce visitors to the area, to our Cherokee crafts and culture, ” said Mary Ferguson, tribal director of travel and tourism for the tribe. “We love for people to come, and we love for people to learn about our culture.”

If you are in the North Carolina, Eastern Tennessee or Georgia area – we invite you to Come see Litefoot!

On September 14, 2011 Litefoot performed on the Flathead Indian Reservation for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of Montana. His performance at the Two Eagle River School had a great impact upon the students and staff.  We would like to share the words of a student that was present that day to better encapsulate the influence that Litefoot had in making a positive difference in the lives of those gathered at his concert that day.

“What Litefoot’s Performance Meant to Me” by Josee Incashola

On September 14th, The Flathead Reservation and the staff and students of Two Eagle River School were graced with the presence of Litefoot.

Litefoot is a very inspirational speaker and passes along a lot of good messages through his music. I really enjoyed listening to him speak and pass along the things that he has learned and that he has experienced. He is proud of who he is, he is proud to be a Native American.

Litefoot and Josee Incashola

He has never let his fame and fortune get in the way of his culture. I am a proud member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation. He is against drug and alcohol use, which is a very big problem on this reservation. He also said to never give up. If you have a dream, you need to try your hardest to pursue that dream. That message really means a lot to me because I, myself, am an aspiring singer. Listening to him speak made me want to work harder towards pursing my dream, because I know in my heart that it can be done. He has opened my eyes and made me realize that I can make my dreams come true. No matter what anyone tells you, you are the only one that can make it happen. Never let anyone break you.

I have looked up to Litefoot since the first time I heard his music. I have wanted to meet him for years. He is the one who made me want to push towards my dream. I was glad I had the opportunity to meet that man who has inspired me. He made me realize that I should never give up on my dreams, and I thank him for that. As Litefoot has told me and many others, don’t let others live your life for you. You are the only one who can make the decisions and you are the only one who can live your life.

The Litefoot Entertainment Group - Celebrating 20 Years of Inspiring Indian Country!

Litefoot proudly announces the launch of The Litefoot Entertainment Group (LFEG) a full service booking, merchandising and marketing company that specializes in expanding the reach of successful Native American public figures.

We invite you to browse The Litefoot Entertainment Group website for more information on its presenters and the services it provides.

LFEG provides the services of accomplished Native American presenters to empower & inspire! LFEG offers the services of its presenters for Keynote Presentations, Youth Leadership Trainings, Workshops, Book Readings and LFEG’s own Native Style Sports and Fitness Camps!

Litefoot with Michael Blake -Associate Director, White House Office of Public Engagement & Deputy Associate Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs

LFEG was founded by Litefoot, a successful and accomplished Native American entertainer, motivational speaker, author and entrepreneur. Over the last 20 years, Litefoot has created a unique and extensive booking network made up primarily of Tribal Nations across North America. These respected Tribal clients have hosted Litefoot’s various entertainment and motivational offerings on a re-occurring annual basis. Litefoot via The Litefoot Entertainment Group is now utilizing those two decades worth of Tribal relationships to enhance the reach of other up and coming Native American public figures. Our current clients include the Chicago Bear’s Levi Horn, George “Comanche Boy” Tahdooahnippah the reigning WBC Middleweight Continental Champion and Native American Boxing Council Super Middleweight Champion and entrepreneur Carmen Davis.

The Litefoot Entertainment Group is excited to participate in the development and enhancement of future role models in Indian Country and beyond. LFEG is looking forward to providing Indian Country with one of its premiere presenters or facilitating one of its signature events in your community.

For More Information -Please fill out a LFEG contact form and one of its representatives will respond to your inquiry immediately.

THE MEDICINE OF PRAYER – READER REVIEWS:

“On Saturday, I finished reading “The Medicine of Prayer”. I wanted to Congratulate you on a wonderfully written, encouraging and highly inspirational  book. Your efforts throughout Indian Country are making a real difference in thousands of young lives throughout the United States. When I first met you at Res 2011, I knew that you were someone who was a game changer. Keep up the great work and much continued success.”– Michael A. Noone, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC

“I absolutely loved it. It really is a beautiful book. I’m glad we bought it” -Rich Cartmell

“I thought the book was sensational. You know, Litefoot had a very rough life in his younger years and never felt sorry for himself, so he got this from his grandparents and parents…very strong upbringing. Thank you for writing the book.” -Rita Snow

“I read your book and its amazing. It has taught me a lot.” -Jazmyne Blanco

Litefoot’s book features a special Foreward by the Stoney Nakoda Tribal Nation located in Morley, Alberta Canada, includes 11 chapters and features over 50 pictures throughout its entirety.

Litefoot Signing Copies of The Medicine of Prayer

Buy THE MEDICINE OF PRAYER by Clicking HERE.

Litefoot

By JIMMIE TRAMEL Tulsa World Sports Writer

Then&now: This summer the Tulsa World will catch up with people and stories that helped shape our sports culture. The stories will run periodically in the coming weeks. Today: Litefoot

LITEFOOT – MAYBE you know him as Gary Davis, Metro Christian Class of 1987 – is an American Indian rapper, motivational speaker and actor who has his own record label and clothing line.  He’s developing his own branded line of sneakers, the Litefoot Flex Arrow.  His film credits include a starring role in a 1995 film, “The Indian in the Cupboard.”

Maybe you spotted him in “Adaptation” or “Mortal Kombat: Annihilation” or doing guest spots on TV shows like “Family Law” or CSI: Miami.”

How does this story wind up on a sports page? Because Litefoot credits lessons he learned from football for putting him on the path for a successful life.
Litefoot was, for a brief period, a receiver at the University of Tulsa. He said he was a walk-on (nonscholarship) player during George Henshaw’s only season as head coach.  If you need a time-capsule snapshot of that era, David Rader was a first-year TU assistant, Union coach Kirk Fridrich was a redshirt freshman defensive lineman, Dennis Byrd was a starting junior defensive tackle, T.J. Rubley hadn’t yet thrown a collegiate pass and Dan Bitson had never caught a collegiate pass.
Steve Hegdale was a senior starter on the offensive line. Hegdale is germane to the plot.

“My brother-in-law played there and that’s what caused me to go there,” Litefoot said, referring to Hegdale. “I really looked up to him.”

Litefoot had what could be categorized as a typical walk-on experience: All work, no play. He said he never got in a game. But he also said it was “definitely worth it” because he got exactly what he wanted out of the experience.  Elaboration? Litefoot said you learn resilience when you are an athlete, especially at the college level. And he’s glad he chose the difficult road – trying to make it with a Division I-A team – instead of an easier one.

“A prevailing theme throughout my life is to truly follow your heart and not do what everybody else says was the obvious choice,” he said. “That served me well through all these years.” Litefoot intended to bulk up and move to tight end after his rookie season, but weightlifting-gone-bad resulted in a vertebra stress fracture.
“That kind of caused me to take a step back for a second when I got hurt,” he said. “I paused for a second and that’s when I really got into music.”

Litefoot visited his sister, who was pursuing music interests in Los Angeles. She asked him to write a rap for one of her songs. A career was born.
After Litefoot had garnered enough attention to be offered a record deal, he said the label didn’t want him saying anything about being an American Indian because that apparently wouldn’t move any records. Litefoot, who is Cherokee, was unwilling to compromise.

“I started my own record label (Red Vinyl Records) and started putting my own music out,” he said, indicating that he worked at Woodland Hills Mall and mowed lawns to funnel money into his own record label. Now he has offices on both coasts.

According to bio material on Litefoot.com, Litefoot’s lyrics are used to teach high school and college-level students about historical and contemporary American Indian issues and views. Over the past five years, he has traveled throughout the U.S. in an attempt to bring hope and empowerment to more than 450 American Indian communities on a “Reach The Rez Tour.”

Litefoot and wife Carmen have two sons. Despite globetrotting, Litefoot finds time to coach his oldest son’s youth football team. He said the values and principles that can be learned in football “are more relevant to kids now than when I played.”
Read more from this Tulsa World article at: TULSA WORLD LITEFOOT ARTICLE

We are looking for interns that are highly motivated, must be able to travel, ready to work folks with a career interest in either entertainment, fashion, business, marketing, graphic design or management. High potential for internship to turn into full time position with either Red Vinyl Records or Native Style Clothing or Litefoot Enterprises, LLC. Those interested can email their resume and picture to info@litefoot.com – There will be a vetting process but all interested may apply.