This evening I will be talking with Ray Rivera who is Native Threads http://www.nativethreads.com/
artist of the month! I'm extremely excited because he's young, innovative, and a beautiful artist. More importantly, through what he contributes to his community it changes the perception of how young people are perceived; espcially American Indian Youth. I hope, that as we have our discussion this evening that his story will inspire you, and your family. We can only change the world if we dream big, and then take that leap of faith forward. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theh2onetwork/2011/05/19/native-threads-artist-of-the-month-sun-dancer-ray-rivera Call-in number 917-889-7207
Ray Rivera the IV is a 23 year old tribal member of the Yaqui and Apache nations born and raised in Los Angeles, CA to a Chicano and Native American family of two brothers and two sisters. He is a gifted Multi-talented individual who ranges from being a musician, northern traditional dancer, graphic designer and builds web sites.
Coming from a heavy gang related family wasn’t easy, but Ray quickly learned at a young age what consequences were and maintained a stable life. Ray also credits his aunt Francine Greene for preserving his family’s native history who pioneered the first powwow in Malibu, CA. known as “Chumash Day” which takes place every year. In January 2004 his Great Grandfather Ray Rivera the 1st who was the last full blooded Indian of his family passed away and it was at his funeral where Ray realized it was time for him to carry on the traditions, values, and stories of his people.
Ray first learned to play music in his local church in Chatsworth,CA and has been a musician for nearly ten years now and has toured, recorded, and shared the stage with many notable artists such as the Prophet X, Living Stone, Red Cloud, Quese IMC, Happy Frejo and more. In 2009 Ray joined Prophecy Web design and has designed and worked on many sites and has a passion for designing graphics pertaining to his native culture. He endeavors in hopes of one day owning a native web design business “being a blessing and improving Indian Country any way I can” he states.
Ray is also part of a traditional drum group called “Chumash ocean singers” and has been part of many gospel music bands maintaining his Christian and Native American roots. Ray says his inspiration for all that he does is from the Creator and has a heart for inspiring native youth all around the country. He also hopes with the design that won him the native threads t-shirt contest that other native artists will see that anything is possible and to never stop dreaming. He currently lives in the San Fernando Valley and does lots of volunteer work with youth he also enjoys hiking, playing his native flute and believes that the greatest tragedy in life is not death but life with no sense of purpose.
