Album Notes

Bryan Akipa, a member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribe, an Army veteran, elementary teacher, visual and performing artist, is an award winning traditional Native American flute player. His CDs have been, nominated for several Nammies or Native American Music Awards, including 1998 honors for The Flute Player album, 1999 Thunder Flute (also the Indie awards finalist), 2001 Eagle Dreams, 2002 Best Flutist, Best Male Artist. He was a featured player on My Relatives Say by Mary Louis Defender which won the 2000 NAMA for Best Spoken Word recording. In addition to being a premier Native American flute player, Bryan is internationally known for his craftsmanship of traditional flutes. When one hears the depth and age in sound of his instrument, the importance of this tradition becomes quite apparent. He is also a champion traditional dancer that tours with the Lakota Sioux Dance Theatre. His performances and artwork informs others about his history and heritage. He is featured in the book Faces of Identity, Hands of Skill by Troyd Geist; Seeking a Vision by Don Doll; Dakota Oyate by Alta Renville. The artist and performers represented in these books are among the finest in the state.