Scott Clifford - November 3, 2005

What did the Indians call this country before Columbus arrived? Answer: “Ours.”

And who says Indians are stoic? The Oregon Center presents American Indian humor, story telling and music with SCOTT CLIFFORD, a Native American singer/songwriter from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

Having grown up on a reservation, Scott discovered very young that he had a relentless passion for singing and dancing. Becoming an accomplished musician of several instruments at a young age, Scott performed across the United States with the Carlos Santana, Chuck Berry, Taj Mahal, Buddy Red Bow, Steel River, Indigenous, and many other great musicians.

Now, Scott incorporates a soulful blend of original music written about Native life on and off the reservation while masterfully combining story telling, music and discussion to target Native American youth of all ages. He shares personal accounts of the struggles growing up on the reservation and of the hardships sometimes encountered in traveling off reservation.

Scott devotedly tries to get his message across to young Native Americans in hope of inspiring them to follow their hearts, and do what truly makes them happy. According to Scott, "Life on and off the reservation is very hard for a Native person. If you don't have a handle on things, things will handle you." In such environments, Scott believes all people, no matter what culture, need to have some sort of positive belief system in order to maintain a well-balanced life.

He hopes that through his music and storytelling he can offer young Native Americans and people everywhere the inspiration to follow their dreams, be proud of their traditional heritage, and maintain their health and happiness. His encouraging words are as heartfelt and sincere as his songs.