Punkin’ Lusty, Supaman Perform
Native speakers, activists and performers Lovina Louie, Supaman, Sten Joddi and comedian Mylo Smith visited area schools from Culbertson to Frazer Monday, Sept. 20. Dallas Goldtooth appeared virtually. The appearances were scheduled as part of Native American Week activities.
Organizer Clover Anaquod with the National Native Children’s Trauma Center set the schedule and contacted the performers, including Joddi, who had a star turn recently on the FX series Reservation Dogs. The series, created by Sterlin Harjo, Taika Waititi, follows the exploits of four Indigenous teenagers in rural Oklahoma. Joddi made his acting debut as hip-hop artist Punkin’ Lusty in episode four for the first season. A track titled “Greasy Frybread” went viral, raising the performer’s profile.
Joddi owns a successful tattoo shop in Mason City, IA. He has been rapping, performing as a comedian and speaking to Native youth and school audiences for years, but said he’s seen increased opportunities since his turn on Reservation Dogs.
“I never thought of myself as an actor,” said Joddi. He said the show’s producers found him via social media and offered him an audition.
Joddi said his visit to Northeast Montana was motivated by a desire to connect with young people.
“I want to show them I overcame many of the things Indigenous youth are faced with today,” he said.
Joddi brought seven-yearold daughter Harmony along on the trip. “I always try to bring one of my kids with me, if not the whole family,” said Joddi, who is a married father of five. “I have to stay grounded like that.”
At Culbertson High School, Joddi had the gym warmed up for him by Lovina Louie. Louie has worked with youth and adults in wellness and healing for over twenty years throughout North America. She was featured in Lifetime Movie Network’s 50 Women in 50 States and was a speaker at the recent TEDx Coeur d’Alene event.
Louie spoke to the audinece about historical trauma, inviting students down to the gym floor and then asking them to sit to represent population losses due to epidemics and government policy. She drew allusions to the ongoing pandemic and invited the audience to try and relate.
“I want you to think how you’d feel if more than half of all the people you know right now died,” she said. “How would that affect you emotionally, spiritually?”
Joddi said Louie impressed him, as did Supaman, who also performed.
“She was awesome,” he said. “I really think the kids enjoyed it.”
Louie was scheduled to speak to students Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. She also visited Brockton and Culbertson schools on Tuesday.
On Monday, comedian Mylo Smith put on a show at Frazer School. The performance was held outside due to the pandemic.
Other speakers scheduled throughout the week include Mariah Watchman, Olivia “Rose” Williamson, owner of Indian Battlefield Tours, and comedienne Adrianne Chalepha, who will perform at Brockton School Friday, Sept. 24, at 10 a.m.
CHS teacher Mary Machart said, “Students were able to experience various forms of communication that shared the same message: Dream big! You’ve been given a gift. Use it!”
