PODCAST · religion
Tribe of Testimonies
by Andrea Hales
The Book of Mormon, a scripture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, describes two peoples: Lamanites and Nephites. After a last great battle, the Nephites were destroyed from the face of the earth. The remnants of the Lamanites are among the ancestors of today’s North American Native Americans. Andrea Hales (Navajo), the host of Tribe of Testimonies, interviews faithful Native American Latter-day Saints of tribes across the U.S. and Canada to learn how the Gospel of Jesus Christ has influenced their lives. Everyone’s story is different—conversions, families, missions, educations, careers, talents, achievements, failures, trials. As we share our stories, maybe we can strengthen each other. May we all walk in beauty. // This podcast is not sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, we love the Church. For further information on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please visit ComeUntoChrist.org.
Episodes
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2025 Announcement
It's time!
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Episode 200 - Why We Love the Book of Mormon
Woohoo! We made it to 200 episodes! I couldn't be happier with all the support and love shown over the past four years. In this episode, I have invited four of my former guests to share hang out with me and talk about the Book of Mormon. We talk about how we first got our testimony of the Book of...
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Dee Macdonald - Northern Cheyenne
Dee was baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when she was eight years old. Ever since then, she has looked for and found purpose in maintaining that membership. She has been so grateful to missionaries from her youth and missionaries she has served alongside as…
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Shon Baldwin - Wampanoag
We talked multiple times about how each of us walk with Jesus Christ *individually*. Our life stories are all different. But they should all draw us closer to our Savior Jesus Christ and to our Heavenly Father. Shon shares about how he has drawn so close to his ancestors and has had his own...
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Jenae Nelson - Bois Forte Band of Chippewa
It was such a privilege to have Jenae Nelson come to my home. Jenae is a professor of psychology, so our conversation was definitely unique. Some of the best parts included her analogy of trying to expand our vision and see things like bees' eyes do. Are we looking through a tunnel, or are we...
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Michele Reyes - Navajo
Creativity is a gift of the Spirit. Teaching is another gift of the Spirit. Being able to make connections between concepts is a gift of the Spirit. Michele has been blessed with these gifts and a myriad of others. She uses these gifts in all aspects of her life--especially in parenting and…
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Leo Platero - Navajo
I think artists look more carefully at the world around them. They see the beauty in landscapes, people, and experiences more clearly. Or with more reverence and appreciation for them. Leo Platero is awesome like that. He chose to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Just like an...
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Shiloh Luper - Cherokee (Part 3 of 3)
In this episode, Shiloh talks about all the blessings he has found by living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He sums up how his life has changed and how he is implementing the Gospel in his daily and weekly routines. He bears testimony again and again of the goodness of the Savior Jesus Christ. I…
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Shiloh Luper - Cherokee (Part 2 of 3)
In this episode, Shiloh shares about how out of hand his addictions become. It spills into his family life big time. He shares, too, about how he didn't want to be there in the situation. He realizes how addiction has become an actual problem for not only himself but those around him. And then he...
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Shiloh Luper - Cherokee (Part 1 of 3)
In this episode, Shiloh talks about how he fondly first encountered The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He doesn't talk about a firm testimony of the Gospel, however, because he was only in it superficially. He talks about how his first wife was so kind to him, as was her family. He...
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Kristina Begay - Navajo & Zuni
Way back when I was an undergraduate student, Kristina and I danced together in a performing group. I admired her then. She's become an even more wonderful woman in the years since then. Her heart is with her Savior, her husband, her family, and those she serves in her community. She is a mother…
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Jon Tolliver - Makah
As a recent convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jon has found so many things that align between our teachings and practices and that of his Makah heritage. Especially the Potlatch. As he learns more about both, he wishes that his people could see that value in each. He…
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Sonny LaFontaine - Navajo & Chippewa (Part 2 of 2)
When Sonny returned from his mission, he wooed and married a good, strong woman. Sonny tried taking care of his body through exercise and weights--but that ended up in disaster. Of course, taking care of your body is good and healthy. But when Sonny got hurt lifting weights one day, the physician...
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Sonny LaFontaine - Navajo & Chippewa (Part 1 of 2)
Sonny LaFontaine was loved as a child. He was raised by two loving parents and extended family. He had a particular affinity towards his maternal grandmother (Navajo). He learned through her passing, that Heavenly Father was aware of him and that the Plan we so often talk about as members of The...
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Valerie Hosteenez - Navajo
Life is not easy. It's not supposed to be. And some of the challenges we bring upon ourselves. Valerie has had challenges in her life that were from other people's decision. And she has also taken challenges, like major hikes. She is planning on hiking Mount Everest someday soon. How amazing will...
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Maribeth Mills - Ute Mountain Ute & Northern Ute
There is a part in this conversation when Maribeth talks about her time in the temple. She said that the temple became more precious to her through the following steps: (1) Just going. Just being there. Giving it time. (2) Listening to the ordinances. She said that it didn't make sense to her at...
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Harriet Whitmer - Cherokee
Heavenly Father prepares us for different things. Harriet Whitmer was prepared for her educational career here and there. And then she was blessed by being willing to step into the Indian Education program in her community. She loved learning the children. She loved learning the people. She loved...
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Bartley Harris - Saulteaux-Cree (Peguis First Nation)
Recently we read and talked about the Stripling Warriors in the war chapters in the book of Alma. We talked about the parents, actually, more than the youth. Why? Because the parents were the ones that we are more like right now. We have the youth--but we're the parents. Bartley Harris talked…
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Gordon Limb - Ho-Chunk (Winnebago)
It is definitely interesting how some people come to the careers that they do. I read a book by one of my MPA professors who described that process--it isn't a straight line. Gordon Limb's career has not followed a "straight line." But he has been led to do what he does now. During our...
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Gayle Toyebo Roulain - Kiowa
The honesty and pure testimony that Gayle shares in this episode is real and powerful. She just talks about her relationships with family and how God has always been a part of those relationships. She talks about how she has used prayer for personal strength and to bless the lives of those she...
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Tolani Francisco - Pueblo of Laguna
Some people have incredibly fascinating stories. Tolani's story is fascinating. She started life without a birth certificate. She's ending life with multiple graduate degrees. There's a moment when she talks about how she's not always made the most perfect decisions--but has used the Atonement of...
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Nancy Bear Cloud - Apsáalooke (Crow), Gros Ventre, & Assiniboine
Oh. My. Goodness! Nancy Bear Cloud is beaming! I'm the luckiest because I got to watch her face and eyes as she described her life and testified of Jesus Christ and the blessings found in the temple. She tells here about her life, about how it wasn't always rosy. She talks about trials of faith…
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DaNae Elton - Navajo
In so many ways, DaNae feels like a sister to me. We both grew up so loved by both sides of our families, but yet there was a cultural disconnect. Not an intentional or harmful disconnect, but more situational. At BYU, DaNae started looking more into who she was as a whole person, and that…
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Doug Macdonald - Lakota & Assiniboine
A while back, my great aunt sent me the names of two people she thought would be amazing guests. Well, finally, someone else convinced Brother Macdonald that he needed to share his testimony more often and more boldly. Doug said things during this conversation that had me really thinking--like...
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Sylvia Miera-Fisk - Navajo, Pueblo, Yaqui
As I'm always keeping an eye out for possible guests, I was shocked to find out we had a gubernatorial candidate who fits this podcast! Sylvia was so kind and interesting to visit with. She's smart and quick. She's well-spoken and thoughtful. It was nice to bask in the truths she was sharing…
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Priscilla Pearson - an Indian Placement Program Story
There are some controversial topics surrounding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One of them is the Indian Placement Program. I happen to be particularly thankful for the Program. And so is Priscilla Pearson. I interviewed her during my first year of Tribe of Testimonies. But she...
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Lance Morris - Assiniboine & Sioux
Lance Morris has done much good in Indian Country. He has helped honor veterans. He has stood for rights to worship and live. But he says that the most important things to him are much closer. He says that the living the tenants of the Gospel of Jesus Christ are the most important--because he…
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Bob Adams - Tlingit
We didn't exactly follow the normal episode pattern. But that's okay. Bob taught us about how the history of his people has brought him where he is and makes him who he is. His ancestors and their stories really matter. And maybe we don't have a direct "link" with the stories in The Book of…
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Blaine Goklish - Eastern Shoshone, White Mountain Apache, Blackfeet, & Pawnee
This episode was recorded two weeks before Blaine was baptized and now uploaded after his baptism! I'm so happy for him!!! I wish I could have been there to witness his special day and to hug him! (Gee whiz, I'm using a lot of exclamation marks!) Things I particularly loved about this…
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JJ First Charger - Kainai (Blood Tribe), Blackfoot Confederacy
There's a part in this conversation when JJ talks about feeling despair. I think that's why I needed to interview him. When have you felt despair? How did you respond to that? What caused it? What did you do to get out of it? I think it's important that we seek to move out of it ourselves first....
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Kaika Cole - Kanienkeha (Mohawk)
This episode doesn't "sound" right because I managed to turn my microphone off when I was adjusting the stand. But this episode sounds awesome in all wonderful things Kaika taught us. He loves his heritage because it brings him closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ. He finds joy in the simple...
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Lucille Hunt - Navajo & Comanche
When she was a young lady, Lucille found the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She has been on fire with that testimony ever since! Even when she was called to serve a full-time proselyting mission right in her backyard! Her description of how she became and has remained a translator for The Church of…
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Samantha Begay-Bass - Navajo & Tewa Pueblo
I really didn't know much about Samantha before we started visiting. But I'm so glad that we had this time to chat. She really sees the hand of God in her life--and I love that! She and her husband are a team in the goals that they have for their life. And she also recognizes that sometimes the...
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Dhanielle Declay - White Mountain Apache
Dhanielle Declay reached out to me because her testimony is burning brightly. There are so many analogies with fire during this conversation. And there is the topic of a real-life fire that about took Dhanielle's life. She is a burn survivor. As she talked about the pain I could only imagine. She...
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Geoff & Akasha Balkman - Oglala Lakota / Yankton & Oglala Lakota
Ah...where to begin with this one. Geoff and Akasha came to my house. And they didn't use a tissue once. You might need one though. This is a tough, tough story. They lost their son out of the blue. Their son just didn't wake up one day. The baby of their family. And I'm so sorry for their loss.…
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Jacob Obioma - Navajo
One of a kind. Literally. Jacob is Navajo and Nigerian. No siblings. He's one of a kind. But something else that I love about Jacob is that he has dedicated his life to sharing his love of Jesus Christ. He wants people to see Jesus through his actions, speech, and works. It's interesting how...
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LaRue Willie - Navajo
One of the first people that has sent me multiple emails is LaRue. She often sends me a note to tell me how much something someone said on Tribe of Testimonies has affected her. It's taken me a couple years to get her to agree to be a guest. I'm glad she finally accepted my invitation. She has a...
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Ira Jones - Seneca
In a few days from the posting of this episode, a full eclipse will pass over much of the United States. In this conversation, Ira explains a Seneca story about making promises of peace during an eclipse. He is planning on doing a similar pledge with his family and friends during the eclipse. I...
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Joshua Freeman - Hopi
The longer we talked, the more I appreciated the things Josh had to say about life and family. We talked a lot off the recording as well. There is just so much that I could appreciate about his experiences. Josh shares about some of his family's trials of mental and physical health--and the toll...
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Tamera Wheeler - Anishinaabe from Sagkeeng First Nation & Navajo
I remember when I was a student at BYU, I saw this sweet little girl dancing at the Harold A. Cedartree powwow. She was there pretty much every year that I was. Her name is Tamera Wheeler. So, I've seen her around for a long time. She told me that she remembers me coming to her house with my...
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Brighten Crawford-Martin - Assiniboine & Sioux
About a year ago I reached out to Brighten to ask her to be a guest. It didn't work out, so I just left if. But recently I was scrolling through old messages and saw our open conversation and I reached out to her again. This time was the right time. A year ago it wasn't. This time Brighten was…
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Kalista Hill - Yankton & Lakota
It feels like Kalista and I have a lot in common. We both grew up in eastern Utah. We both spent time in Washington, DC. We both have sought reconnection with our heritage. But there are a lot of things we don't have in common. I have not lived as many places as she. We are obviously from…
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Jada Vargas - White Mountain Apache
Holy cow! This young lady is amazing. AH-MAZE-ING. I am so impressed with her testimony and her sweetness. She has lost a great many people in her life. She could choose to be bitter or hard. But instead she is sweet and soft. She is seeking our Savior Jesus Christ actively. She seeks to surround...
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Emmerson Mose - Navajo
Brother Mose was a cowboy. A bull rider, to be exact. Was. Until he got hurt. Since that injury, he's moved on with life. He doesn't do all the things that he once did. Now he does other things to improve his life and the life of those around him. He serves others. He has served as a branch...
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Marilyn Reed - Navajo
Some of the most powerful things that Marilyn Reed taught me were: meet people where they are (children or adults); when teaching, allow imperfection and give them the right tools and instructions; grow hope; and make connections with people, Mother Earth, and especially the Godhead. Marilyn has...
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Anne Wildcat - Cree & Nakoda (AB, Canada)
As I listened to Anne, I was struck with how much she LOVES family. She's a single woman. But she clings to family, including those by close blood relations, those of her Nation, those who love Jesus Christ, and those who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She started...
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Cheryl McManus - Tobacco Plains Ktunaxa, aka Kootenay (BC, Canada)
The spirit of Elijah is strong with Cheryl McManus. She has felt pulled to her ancestors--sometimes literally. She talks about experiences she has had with them and how their influence has been felt and blessed her life. Cheryl also talks about how, in some regards, she has felt lost because of…
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Victoria Enas - Hopi, Mojave, & Pima
As I was listening to Sister Enas, I just kept thinking that she's doing a lot more good than she realizes. She's humble. She's kind. She's a good person to be around. I love her stories about how she came back to church and has slowly been immersing herself fully into the Gospel of Jesus Christ....
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Mondo Hand - Mescalero Apache & Chiricahua Apache
Talking with a surfer dude was kind of fun. But he was also pretty inspiring. Mondo Hand really talked a lot about the Holy Ghost. He talked about how the Holy Ghost can help us in relationships. And he especially talked about how the Holy Ghost can help protect us. I loved that Mondo emphasized...
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Carlos Reed - Ute
I've often talked about how, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Native Americans, we have a different view than others. I have a different view than those who were raised "traditionally." And also, every tribe's "traditionally" is different. But as Carlos Reed and I...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Book of Mormon, a scripture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, describes two peoples: Lamanites and Nephites. After a last great battle, the Nephites were destroyed from the face of the earth. The remnants of the Lamanites are among the ancestors of today’s North American Native Americans. Andrea Hales (Navajo), the host of Tribe of Testimonies, interviews faithful Native American Latter-day Saints of tribes across the U.S. and Canada to learn how the Gospel of Jesus Christ has influenced their lives. Everyone’s story is different—conversions, families, missions, educations, careers, talents, achievements, failures, trials. As we share our stories, maybe we can strengthen each other. May we all walk in beauty. // This podcast is not sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, we love the Church. For further information on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please visit ComeUntoChrist.org.
HOSTED BY
Andrea Hales
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