Floyd Red Crow Westerman

Floyd Red Crow Westerman was a celebrated Native American singer-songwriter, actor, and activist, best known for his poignant folk music and powerful advocacy for Indigenous rights. Born in 1936 and a member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate of the Sioux Nation, Westerman often used his music to spotlight social and environmental issues affecting Native communities. His debut album, Custer Died for Your Sins, released in the 1970s, blended folk influences with sharp political commentary, earning him a place among influential Native voices of his era.

Alongside his music career, Westerman became recognizable for his roles in film and television, appearing in shows like The X-Files, Walker, Texas Ranger, and movies such as Dances with Wolves. Off-screen and off-stage, he was deeply committed to activism, working with Indigenous and environmental causes around the globe. His art and advocacy left a lasting legacy, blending cultural pride with a call for justice.

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