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Wahancanka (Joseph Shields, Jr.)
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Discography · Similar Music
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| Biography: | |
| Of Ihunktowan Dakota/Sicangu Lakota heritage, singer Joseph Shields, Jr. was raised in the traditional Lakota way on the Rosebud reservation in South Dakota. He was given the Lakota name "Wanbli Oyuspa" meaning "Catches the Eagle." Born into a strong singing tradition, Joseph began learning songs at a very early age and quickly became recognized as a noted traditional singer. In addition, he is a highly regarded peyote singer in the Native American Church. Feeling that these songs should be preserved as they exist now for coming generations, he consented to record these sacred songs. He has passed on his valuable knowledge of singing to his children and his sons have gone on to record Songs of the Peyote Road, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 with Canyon Records Productions. The Lakota name Wahancanka means "Shield" and is used on the cover to communicate that the songs recorded here represent the Shields Family singing tradition. In this way, the tradition itself becomes more important than the individual singer. Joseph and his family would like to offer deep thanks the Creator as the composer of these songs. Their traditional beliefs teach them that all traditional Lakota and Native American Church songs are given by Him through visions and/or revealed through life experiences. | |
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Lakota Pipe and Ceremonial Songs (Canyon Records CR-6285) |
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