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Buddy with his PowWow Dancers
 

BIOGRAPHY

Buddy Big Mountain, a self taught ventriloquist, is the first internationally recognized Native American Master Ventriloquist Puppeteer. His hilarious blend of Native American comedy, ventriloquism, singing, magic and his beautiful hand crafted Marionettes has delighted audiences around the globe, bringing a spring of laughter and wisdom to the hearts of the people he performs for. His shy, but his youthful appearance and charming personality appeals to everyone he meets.

Buddy is a registered member of the Mohawk of Kahnawake Tribe of Canada and the Iroquois Nation. He is part Comanche, Apache from his father side and Mohawk, Welsh and English from his mother side Being very proud of his family's heritage, earned him as one of the most popular role models today for his contribution on supporting his heritage as a Native American Indian.

Born in Newton, New Jersey, and raised in Catskill, New York, Buddy began his introduction to the entertainment world at the age Two. Traveling with his family, Iron Horse & Family, Indian Dance Show, Buddy was able to experience the world and traveled to many countries such as Switzerland, Holland, Germany, France, and Italy. While in Switzerland, Buddy and his family was invited to perform their Native Indian Dances for the late Charlie Chaplin and his family.

In 1967, at the age of twelve, Buddy landed his first acting role on the series "Gentle Ben" at the Ivan Tors Studios, in Florida. While on the set, Buddy became friends with Jay Silverheels (Tonto, from the Lone Ranger Show), played ball with Ron Howard (Opie, from the Andy Griffith Show) and his brother Clint Howard (Mark, from Gentle Ben show) and remembered his favorite line, when he and the young cast sang "Jenny wears a flour sack dress!"

Growing up in several Theme Parks across the East Coast of United States, Buddy lived a fascinating life. Buddy and his family lived on the Theme Parks property, so after the park closes, he, and siblings would have the park to themselves and play Cowboys and Indians without an audience. However, he does remember how lonely it can be without playing with other kids, because he would have to perform after school everyday for thousands of people. So while searching for a new challenge, he would visit one of the shows and watch this ventriloquist, the late Col. Bill Boley, who eventually became a mentor for Buddy. Buddy would practice every chance he could, saying "Let me out, Let me out" without moving his lips. Boley encouraged him to continue to practice and enter the world of Ventriloquism.

In the late 1970's, Buddy left home, to pursue his career. Working with magic companies, puppetry companies and traveling across the United States and Canada with these companies and learning those valuable skills, was able to produce his very first production called "The Mini Pow Wow and "Gifts and Legends." He would stay up at night building all his characters from scratch. Today, Buddy has built some the finest piece of works that has ever hit the stage.

Buddy's first video "Stumbling Bear, the Video" was seen at several film festivals across the United States and Canada.  In 1994, the video won "best animated short film" at the Native American Film Awards in San Francisco, CA and an award from the Wind and Glacier Voices II, at the Lincoln Center, New York City, NY. The marionette, Stumbling Bear was the very first marionette Buddy had built.

In addition to his stage performances, Buddy has appeared on TNN's cable television show "Nashville Now" with Ralph Emery, "Music City Tonight" with Crook and Chase, did a commercial spot for Silver Master Charge as Tonto, appeared in the play "Running on Indian Time" with Wes Studi and also appeared on many local talk and radio shows. His recent appearance was up in Toronto, Canada for the first Native American Talk show "Buffalo Tracks." Buddy has made 2 appearances since that show opened.
Buddy has shared the stage in both worlds with many great performers such as his best friend Ronn Lucas (now appearing at the Rio Casino, Las Vegas, NV), Willie Tyler, Sinbad, Charlie Hill (first Native American Indian Comedian), Buffy Saint Marie, Floyed "Red Crow" Westerman, Williams and Ree (The Indian and The White Guy), another best friend Rodney A. Grant (Dances with Wolves) JoAnne Shenandoah, opened for Rita Coolidge, Foster Brooks, Seals and Croft, Merle Haggard and many great others.
Buddy has been a strong role model for the Education and the Performing Arts, whether performing for Colleges, Schools, Cruise Ships, Conventions and many other events, he leaves a strong message that "He wishes to inspire all walks of life around the globe to follow their dreams, to keep a song in their heart and a smile on their face". Popular demand has Buddy returning repeatedly at several major events and schools around the globe for over 25 years as Master Ventriloquist Puppeteer.
Clearly, what was once a young man's dream has now turned into an established career and earned him the title

"AN AMERICAN ABORIGINAL."

litefoot3.jpg

Before reaching fame, Litefoot attended collge at Tulsa University in Oklahoma. While playing football for Tulsa, Litefoot's sister, a recording artist, heard and liked the rap music he produced. As a result, she asked him to perform which led to his first album "The Money" in 1992. This album marks his status as the first Native American Rap Artist.

At first, Litefoot tried to pursue several music labels to sign him up. However, many of the labels were not interested in him. They didn't like his rap music because it reflected his culture in his lyrics. This rejection motivated Litefoot to begin his own music label. As a result, "Red Vinyl Records" was launched in 1988.

In October of 1992, he won the Rap Search Contest with his title track from "The Money". Soon after, he released a second album "Speciality". In 1993, he released a single called "Native Tongues" and started his first international tour. In 1994, Litefoot released his third album "Seein' Red". His international tour ended in 1994 after he had traveled to many cities, reservations and two foreign countries.

Litefoot started his movie career in 1995 when he was chosen to star in the movie "The Indian in the Cupboard". He played the miniature-size character "Little Bear". For his portrayal in this role, Litefoot was awarded "Best Actor" from First Americans in the Arts. In 1996, Litefoot continued with his tour through Indian Country in the U.S. and Canada with his Red Vinyl mate Haida. That same year, he finished up his second movie in which he played a starring role "The Song of the Hiawatha". He also released his fourth album "Good Day to Die".

Litefoot started his third movie in October of 1996 as "Ascalante" in "Kull the Conqueror. In addition, he was honered "Best Actor" for his role as "Hiawatha" in the film "The Song of the Hiawatha" by the American Indian Film Institute.