Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry Yazzie
Hi Larry, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am 100% Native American from a small area, the Meskwaki Settlement, located in Tama, Iowa. I started dancing at the age of 7years old. My father was a champion fancy dancer and I learned a lot from watching him. I started Native Pride Productions about 25years ago to educate others about my indigenous culture through music and dance.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My path was not an easy one. It was filled with misperceptions, skepticism and racism. I grew up immersed in my cultural ways of life. My mother was a boarding school survivor. I was the product of generational trauma and addiction that historically suppressed our people. I decided early on to be the generation change and my mission would be to educate others and dispel the negative stigma of Native Americans.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in educating others about the indigenous culture through music and dance. I strive to inspire, motivate and educate. There are not any other artist doing what I do on a global level. I have performed at the Pentagon, Kennedy Center, Dubai, Australia, Jordan, and many others. I have Native American dancers around the United States performing for Native Pride Productions. We are “Inspired by Tradition and Powered by Dance”
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I learned how to utilize social media to continue to impact others. It was critical to keep going during a time of crisis and uncertainty. People needed an escape and I saw it as an opportunity to share and uplift others. It was professionally a pivotal time for me and my company.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Nativeprideproductions.com
- Instagram: Larryyazzie
- Facebook: Native Pride Productions
- LinkedIn: Larry Yazzie
