Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chante’ Reddest. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Chante’ thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

Yes, I think my work has been misunderstood because what I talk about being on the Red Road is hard work and alot of people don’t understand the philosophy of it. I learned that being on the red road and staying sober/drug free will show you how to live your life accordingly in the Lakota way. Some examples I’ve learned while living the red road is that it will give you mental clarity, confidence, sense of purpose in life as well. It will challenge you into being the best version of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a Lakota advocate for my way of life. Whether that’s standing up for the ceremonial way of life or talking about the Red Road.
How I got into doing content creation was back in 2021 I posted my first tiktok and that went viral. I started to make indigenous content ever since. I think what sets me apart from others is that I think differently when it comes preserving our way of life and how we should go about things in a good way for the next generation. I’m most proud of representing my state of South Dakota last year at the DNC (democratic national convention) conference in chicago. Representing my people on national television and trying to inspire the youth to step up and share their voice to the world. I want people to know that I’m genuine and real when it comes to this way of life and how I represent it online in my everyday walk of life. It’s not a trend it’s a lifestyle and it’s a hard path to walk at times. “Be you, be real” and “Inspire the next generations” my mottos since day one, when I first started making content.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I think the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is expressing my mind and how I view the world. It’s genuinely surreal that I have came this far just from how my mind works and the guidance of Creator God. Alot of things have opened up in my path and so many more opportunities to represent my people in different ways have showed itself. I am forever grateful to be apart of my community and to represent the youth, for they are the next one in line to be leaders. My inspiration and ideas are for them and to help encourage their minds to live a happy life and stay on the good road we call the red road (Canku Luta) in lakota. I also just want them to live a sober and drug free life.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes! there is a particular goal and mission that is driving me in my creative journey and that is living the Red Road. It’s not for any specific type of person, it’s for everyone. Helping to encourage the youth to be apart of their ceremonial way of life, speak the language more, build better relationships in the community and also teach them how to life their own life accordingly by praying. Asking for guidance in the process towards Wakan Tanka (The great mystery). This is what keeps me disciplined to keep going on this walk of life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Lakotalightning
• Facebook: @Lakotalightning
• Youtube: @Lakotalightning
• Soundcloud: Lakotalightning
• Other: Snapchat: Lakotalightng (this is how its spelled)

  Tiktok: Lakotalightning

Image Credits

3 Professional photos at DNC

Nicholas Kitchel