Smoke Signals 9
FEBRUARY 1, 2003
Native Rapper Reaches Out To Local Youth
Litefoot performs in Grand Ronde, shows why he is a role model.
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Intelligent Rhymes Native American Rapper Litefoot performed in Grand Ronde on Friday, January 17 at the Tribe's new gymnasium on their new education campus.
Litefoot's lyrics present a thoughtful and relevant alternative to many of today's music stars. Litefoot focuses his songs on issues facing Native youth today and mixes information
about social, political and historical injustices into his presentation, while still managing to rock the party with beats that got the crowd jumping.
"He's stayed true to his people."
By Peta Tinda
Native American rapper Litefoot was in Grand
Ronde on Friday, January 17, and rocked the
house with energy and enthusiasm that had the
crowd on its feet.
Litefoot, who is probably best know for his roles
in the movies "Indian in the Cupboard," "Kull
the Conqueror," "Song of Hiawatha," and "Mor
tal Combat 2: Annihilation," has long been a role
model for Native youth across the nation.
He has also received many awards from
groups like the American Indian Film Institute
and First Americans in the Arts. A poll taken in
1998 voted Litefoot "Best Indian Role Model,"
and "Favorite Indian Performer." In 2001, Vibe
magazine called Litefoot "The leading Native
American MC." Earlier this year, he won his
fourth Native American Music Award.
Litefoot's main goal, he said, is to break down
stereotypes of Native people.
"My people don't wear headdresses, and we
don't ride horses," he said.
Apart from his career in acting, Litefoot has
released several albums since he started rapping
in 1988. He heads his own record company, Red
Vinyl Records, which specializes in signing and
promoting Native recording artists.
"He has a real positive message," said Lisa Leno,
Youth Education Supervisor, who helped put on
the show. "And a lot of young people listen to
rap music. Litefoot has done a lot of positive
things in Indian Country. We want our young
people to see success, to see that their goals are
attainable."
The free concert was held at the gymnasium
of the new education building.
The Grand Ronde Tribal Youth Education De
partment put on the show. At least 150 kids
"I feel like I have a responsibility
to represent Native people."
-Litefoot
showed up for the performance, making the show
a success. There were Tribal youth from as far
away as Yakama, Washington and Chemawa
Indian School, and many Grand Ronde kids and
Tribal members in attendance as well.
Most of Litefoot's songs address issues facing
Native youth of today, including drug and alco
hol abuse, but he never strays far from his mes
sage of Native Pride.
"I feel like I have a responsibility to represent
Native people," he said.
Litefoot emphasized that drugs and alcohol are
the primary factors in keeping Native youth from
achieving their dreams. He said that he feels that
there are still many issues that need to be dealt
with, but looks to the Creator for strength.
Litefoot's acting career has taken a backseat
in recent years to his mission of enlightening
Native youth. He has dedicated his life to Indian
people, and teaches them through his songs to
dedicate they're lives to what is important to them.
"He's a role model," said Leno. "And he's stayed
true to his people."
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Local Rappers Tribal member and Mentorship Program Man
agement Trainee James Buxman helped organize the concert as he
takes a turn working with the Tribe's Education Department (he
has worked in Social Services and Public Information as well so far)
and here gets loose for the camera with Lt. Juan Sifuentez of the
Tribe's Security Department
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"He Danced With Me" Many local youth, and young people from all over Oregon and
Washington, were excited to get up close to Litefoot. He brought some young people up on
stage to dance with him and reached out to touch others.
Photos by Peta Tinda
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