Reuben Fast Horse is a traditional Lakota singer, dancer,
flutist, drummer, craftsman, storyteller and educator. Born in 1971 on the Standing Rock Sioux (Lakota) Reservation, Reuben resides on the Reservation at Fort Yates, North Dakota. Certified by the Tribe and the North Dakota State Board of Education as an "Eminent Scholar", he teaches Lakota culture at the Standing Rock Elementary Grant School.In addition to his classroom activities, Reuben tours the United States performing and speaking at festivals, colleges, high schools and elementary schools, working with children of all ages. He frequently tours with
Kevin Locke, the preeminent Lakota flutist and hoop dancer with whom he appeared in 1997 at the WOMAD World Music Festival in New Zealand, followed by an extensive Australian tour.Also in 1997, Reuben Fast Horse performed with
Lunar Drive, a London-based band that draws upon American Indian music and dance for inspiration. Together they played in Belgium, France and at the WOMAD World Music Festival in Reading, England. The summer of 1998 finds Reuben performing at regional Rendezvous events and powwows, and recording a new album with Lunar Drive. In the Autumn of 1998, Reuben will perform along with Kevin Locke at several residencies, including a week at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.An accomplished dancer, Reuben's repertoire includes the
"Grass", "Fancy" and "Traditional" dances, as well as the "Buffalo" and "Eagle" dances which has almost disappeared from Lakota culture. A gifted singer, Reuben performs Lakota songs as well as songs in the Ojibway, Dine and Blackfoot Languages. He frequently sings with Lakota Thunder, also based in Fort Yates."Native American dance and music are widely misinterpreted and misunderstood forms of expression. These songs and dances are very important to our culture because they remind us of who we are and connect us back to our
Creation story. The buffalo and eagle dances are not just for a certain few, they are for all."As an educator and cultural ambassador, Reuben speaks eloquently about the contributions of Native America to contemporary life.
"I love sharing this information and perspective with everyone because we all benefit from the knowledge and practices of the First Nations. If you peel back the layers of American history, you will find roots in Native America. Much of our foods, tools, medicines, and government structures derive from Ancient America. You will not find this knowledge in typical American history books, and as Americans we all should know our history."
