Allesandro Shoyo is a member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe from the Wind River Reservation. He began studying his traditions and culture at a very young age. Learning to sing at the drum from his older cousin, Allesandro found his own voice. In grade school he was picked on because of his weight by students and even a teacher. It was during those times he found strength in his heritage. He relied on his drumming and singing to make a positive impact upon his peers.
On the Wind River Reservation Shoyo helps the local drum group ‘The Warm Valley Singers’. They drum and sing during a wide variety of activities – from commemorations at funerals to graduations, birthdays, and public events. The drum is not only used at Powwows and religious ceremonies like the Sundance but is a reminder within us all that the drum is the heartbeat of mother earth.
Here Allesandro sings a traditional healing song.
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