Join Lakota Champion Dancer, Delwin “Elk Bear” Fiddler & Singer/Dancer, Samora Free of The PAZA Experience, for an exciting program of indigenous dancing, singing, and storytelling of the Lakota traditions. Through cultural exchange, we become family and learn how to be more compassionate and kinder to each other. The Lakota term "Mitakuye Oyasin, means “we are all related,” referring to all forms of life as one connection.
Delwin Fiddler, Jr. is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Sans Arc band, and a world-renowned Native American Flutist, champion Grass and Hoop dancer, and award-winning filmmaker. Delwin’s Lakota name is Hehakapa Mahto (Elk Bear). He is the third-generation grandson of the Elk Head Red Hair (Hehakapa Pahinsa,) who was the historical
Keeper of the White Buffalo Calf Pipe. Delwin has performed for several American Presidents
as well as the Royal Family in England. His traditional Grass Dance is featured at the Museum of
the American Indian in Washington, D.C. Delwin is currently in the process of releasing his PBS
documentary called Without Arrows about his journey living on and off the reservation in South
Dakota. In addition to sharing his culture, Hehakapa Mahto's work involves a commitment to
protecting and defending Mother Earth. He created his non-profit PAZA, Tree of Life, to preserve
his native heritage and keep the traditions of his people strong for future generations.
Samora Free is an afro-indigenous singer, composer, and soundscape artist who has performed
for international audiences since early childhood and has been working with PAZA as a
performer and Cultural Engagement Director since 2021. Using her classically-trained voice and
a variety of sound instruments, she weaves vibrational healing with indigenous wisdom into a
wave of musical alchemy. Dr. Samora was born and raised in New York City and comes from a
multicultural background. She is currently the Associate Director for The New Seminary for
Interfaith Studies and the Director of The Interfaith Temple. Samora is also an adopted member
of the Lakota tribe and has been named “woman who brings harmony” (Owanzila Win). Driven
by a deep sense of justice and human rights, Dr. Samora uses her artistic platform to educate
and support the advancement of struggling communities through cultural exchange and
interfaith dialogue.