Nooksacks rap about rising above

Nooksack grad raps positive messages for American Indians

By Dean KahnKurtis Kelly's life took a new and better direction once he heard Savage Family.

That's the music group--a collective movement, really--that uses hip-hop and other art forms to express the challenges, heritage and pride of American Indians.

"Their CD changed our lives" Kelly said, referring to himself and his rap-music partner Sindick Bura, a cousin.

The two 18-year-olds have released two CDs and four music videos about alcoholism, suicide, excessive gambling and other problems facing American Indians, and the need to transcend them. The chorus of one of their songs, "Rize Above," calls for a better life:

Our existence is so sacred so I tell this to my Natives

Don't let the sickness get you, don't let the sickness take it

We can rise above from the drugs and spread the love

Instead of the sickness we choose to rise above ....Comment:  For more on the subject, see Algonquin Rapper Rocks China and Litefoot Dispels Stereotypes.