Who We Are

A LOVE FOR CULTURE

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Love. Ancient Wisdom. Reconciling, Building Bridges.

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The RiverWinds are a dynamic, down-to-earth couple with a well-grounded enthusiasm for life.  Both survivors of their own personal Trail of Tears, the RiverWinds are resilient overcomers that focus on forgiveness, reconciliation, and love.  Steeped in creativity, art, science, history, and culture, their exotic flavor of life is palatable to people of all ages and walks of life.

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Chief Joseph RiverWind is a documented Arawak Taino from the island of his birth Boriken (Puerto  Rico). He was appointed by his Tribal Council as a Taino Peace Chief in 2014 and he serves his people as the Ambassador of the Descendants of Puerto Rico's First Nations. He is also representing his people as a voting member of the National Congress of American Indians in Washington D.C. Joseph is also of Sephardic Jewish (Bnei-Anusim) ancestry from Northern Spain whose ancestors fled the Inquisition. He is an honorably discharged U.S. Army Active Duty and National Guard veteran having been deployed on humanitarian missions. 

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Dr. Laralyn RiverWind is an enrolled member of the Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee; a State Recognized Tribe. She is a voting member of the National Congress of American Indians in Washington, D.C. Dr. RiverWind embraces both sides of her cultural heritage as a way of life and enjoys sharing it with others. She is a diplomat, Indigenous rights activist, and advocate for the cultural preservation of language, culture, and arts of First Nations people.

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A RESPECT FOR EDUCATION

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Chief RiverWind earned an AA in Information Technology, a BA in Social Sciences from Mercer University where he graduated Cum Laude, and a master’s degree in Biblical Studies. After Hurricane Katrina's devastating effect on Boriken he has begun pursuing another Master's degree in Emergency Response. Dr. Laralyn RiverWind is a Doctor of Naturopathy and Master Herbalist. Prior to that, she obtained a bachelor’s degree in biology from Valdosta State University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Chief Joseph is a published author of the book “That’s What the Old Ones Say” and "When the Fires Come" with contributions by Dr. RiverWind.  

 

Dr. Laralyn RiverWind is the former Vice-President of the Board of Directors of North Carolina Natural Products Association and has spoken on multiple entrepreneurial panels including the 2012 GREAT Leadership Retreat Panel where she represented a growth company.  She is the subject of a biographical chapter in the book A Cup of Cappuccino for the Entrepreneur’s Spirit (Native American Women Entrepreneurs Edition) by Jeretta Nord, winner of the Best of 2010 Small Business Book Awards. They are both recipients of the Minority Development Entrepreneurs of the Year Award.

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HEARTS FULL OF MUSIC

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The RiverWinds are multi-award-winning musicians. Their album "Tribal Thunder" won the Native American Music Award for Best Rock Recording of 2011. They have produced and recorded three CDs. Their first release, "Journey's Through the Mist", was nominated for eight Native American Music Awards. Their second release is "Whispers of the Trees" which is all instrumental with the Native American Flute, Celtic Harp, nature sounds and is currently their best seller.

 

Joseph plays the guitar and bagpipes. She tinkers on the Celtic harp. They both play the Native American flute and hand drum.  He is an instructor of the Native American flute. Together they founded the band The Blessed Blend in which they are lead vocalists. Chief Joseph was recognized by his indigenous community and named Taino  Musician of the Year by The Areito National Music Awards (2013). In 2018 he co-wrote the hit song "Every Tribe" with award winning musician Joshua Aaron.