Rez Table Talks with Mo, Bran and Coach-Special Guest Jackie Bird

Biography: Jackie Bird was born in St. Paul, MN to Gordon and JoAnne Bird. Gordon Bird, her father, is a musician who was inducted into the South Dakota Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. JoAnne Bird, her mother, is an Artist was also inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame for “Artist of the Year.” Being that her parents were successful in the arts, it’s no wonder that Jackie followed in their footsteps. She spent most of her childhood in Pipestone, MN where she attended elementary and middle school. She graduated in 1985 from Flandreau Indian School.
In all of her performances, Jackie has been praised for her ability to get her audience involved with her contemporary and traditional music, songs and dances. Woven throughout Jackie’s performance are the intricacies and belief of her Native American culture.
Through the aid of her puppet “Wild Flower”, Jackie is able to tell stories and sing songs from her culture.
Jackie’s performance is more than a culture expression. It is a gift shared by a spirited people who have mastered the skills necessary to preserve their culture.
This dance has a different meaning for every tribe. For Jackie Bird, the dance is for healing. It has been passed down through her family from generation to generation. The hoops stand for the circle of life. Once it was a male dominant dance, but with the world in need of more healing, women have now joined in. She uses 38 hoops to tell the creation story.
Jackie has performed throughout the world, including places like Germany, Italy, Hungary, Peru, Sweden, Japan, Australia and all over the United States and Canada. She has had the pleasure of working with performers such as Bonnie Rait, The Steve Miller Band and Natalie Merchant, just to name a few. Some of her more notable performances were the opening of the 2008 Olympics in Salt Lake City where she performed the hoop dance and sang with Robbie Robertson and singing the National Anthem at a Minnesota Twins game in Minneapolis, MN.
One thing that sets Jackie aside from other performers is that her music and presentations are enjoyed by all age groups, from the children to elders. She understands the importance of our children, the up and coming leaders. And also understands that our elders should always be treated with the upmost respect. She can be performing for an audience of 10 or 10,000 but you can be assured that whatever the number, Jackie will be able to please everyone by her natural ability to read her audiences.
Jackie Bird has always been proud of her heritage. Not only has she made the Native American community proud, she has been able to bridge the gap between cultures which makes her a wonderful role model for all.

Music-

Drum Intro-Bazille

Acoustic/Vocals-Jackie Bird