A Conversation with Jr Redwater

5/4/2010 9:00 PM

Call-in Number: (646) 595-3155

JR Redwater. age 33, an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Born November 26th 1975, His parents are, Dominic Sr. and Leanne Redwater.

Coming from a poor alcoholic family wasn’t a happy life, and because it was a dysfunctional family he knew he had to dream big. Growing up on an Indian Reservation in Native America was definitely a test of JR’s will, to conquer centuries of systematic oppression and genocide.

The experience of sexual and physical abuse as a child would certainly be obastacles to overcome, in order to try to live a “normal” life.

At the age of ten, he got his Indian name in a naming ceremony. It would be “Wanbli-Ohitika”, which meant Brave Eagle, his Native American culture would play an important role in his life. He sang and danced traditional on the pow-wow trail, making sure to honor his name, which he got from dancing as a boy during a cultural presentaion. Kids mocked him as he danced, but he decided to dance for those that appreciated his culture, and be proud of his heritage. This courage would be an attribute to his life long journey.

After high school graduation, JR joined the US Navy. Going to see the world and get the heck out of South Dakota! It seemed like a good solution for a kid who liked adventure. It would be to this day one of his best decisions yet! Although, he would become heavily dependant on alcohol. Only in an attempt to escape his demons from the past. After boot camp he was forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS INDEPENDENCE, after a year in Japan his new orders were to meet his new ship off the coast of California, the USS CARL VINSON, CVN-70, a nuclear aircraft carrier.  Three WestPac cruises to the Persian Gulf and four years later, he would move back to South Dakota only to live a life as a disfunctioning alcoholic.

Realizing he was going nowhere fast, he jumped the Greyhound Bus to California to embark on his long dream.

Quickly learning that alcohol was not the only drug, he became involved in a whirlwind of chaos, but luckily enrolled in the United States Truck Driving School, and became a long haul truck driver.

A year and a half later, JR was stopped in Huntington Beach, California while driving under the influence of alcohol, twice, in two months. Losing his Class A license was just the beginning of the end. JR vowed to quit drinking and started to attend meetings at Alcoholic Anonymous. For the first time since he started his drinking career, he was sober. Only for nine months. A brief visit back to South Dakota would prove to be his first relapse in recovery. Three DUI’s one year. The judge sentenced JR to 60 days in the county jail, and massive fines and probation.

Immediately, after serving his Felony DUI jail sentence, JR committed his self to alcohol rehab, even after the court only recommended continued A.A. meetings.

After returning to Southern California, JR got a job as a hydraulic mechanic, and realized that this job was a dead end. He had no where else to turn, so he began his career as a professional stand-up comedian. The rest is history, quitting his job and never to return back to his greasy day job.

Today, JR is following his hearts dream. He is drug and alcohol free, and now resides in Southern Californai. His life experiences at such a young age, allows him to share his knowledge with those who dare to dream, he mentors to high school students and young adults. He is a devoted Christian.

He is a nationally recognized motivational speaker and comedian. Touring with: Pow-wow Comedy Jam, and Lone Worlf Comedy Tour to Iraq to perform for the troops, and most notably, being featured in the upcoming Showtime Comedy Special, “Goin’ Native, American Indian Comedy Slam, No Reservations!” to be debuted on Showtime Cable Network in November, 2009.

Sure life was a little bumpy, but if he didn’t experience these things, how would he know how to overcome life’s everyday problems? His comedy has always been an outlet for his anger. It has been the way he has always tried to heal people’s hurts. It is a way of life for him. Brave Eagle will live up to his name, in the face of adversity, helping his people and relatives around the world!

The “Reservation Sensation” is truly living the Native American Dream! This rising star surely is shattering stereotypes of the modern day Indian, and is happy to call himself, a leader for all to follow!!