Album Notes

Lakota / Sioux culture, history, and spirituality in the songs and words of a respected Native American elder and medicine man. In his last two years with us, Joseph Flying Bye recorded spiritual lessons on topics that he felt were important for the future generations to know. His first recording contains five traditional songs and teachings of the Lakota ceremonial pipe. Spoken words and written lyrics are in both Lakota and English.
Total run time is 48 minutes.

Joseph Flying Bye (1917-2000) Kangi Hotanka was a pejuta wicasa (medicine man), akicita (decorated war veteran), and wakan wicasa (holy man) from the Hunkpapa tribe of the Lakota / Sioux Nation on the Standing Rock Reservation.

He spent much of his early years helping his blind grandfather prepare medicines and pray over sick people. He would often lead his grandfather into town and listen to the old men talk of battles and life on the open plains. His grandmother would also tell him creation stories at night and in these ways he became a keeper of traditional knowledge and culture.

Many of the medicine men on the Standing Rock reservation today have received instruction from him.

On June 22, 2000 Joe Flying Bye passed into the spirit world. He will be dearly remembered by his family, friends and Lakota people. He was 83 years old.

The ceremonial songs contained in these recordings are considered sacred to the Lakota nation. Please treat them with honor and respect, and they will lead you to a place of peace and understanding. In troubled times they will bring you strength and comfort. They are a gift from the grandparents before us.

At this time we are expecting to produce at least five different recordings total. Please check back periodically for release dates. Your purchases will help to keep our project alive.

Pilamaya