Native American flutist, dancer, storyteller, educator and actor

About the Artist

Robert "Tree" Cody (traditional name Oou Kas Mah Qwet ("Thunder Bear") Native American flutist, dancer, artist, educator and actor has performed throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, East Asia, Central and South America and Mexico. As a traditional dancer, 6 foot 10 inch "Tree" as he is called by friends and relatives is very active on the powwow circuit today as a northern traditional dancer and at times arena director or master of ceremonies.

An enrolled member of the Salt River Pima Maricopa Community and of Dakota heritage "Tree" lectures to the many reservations throughout the United States as well as the many reserves of Canada. "Tree" also has lectured at many museums, schools, universities and colleges nationally as well as internationally sharing his knowledge of the Native American culture, songs, dances and music to the world.

"Tree" has a remarkable ability in communicating with people, particularly young people of all cultures. He has given generously of this time and talents for benefits of people in need. This talent he received from his father, the late Iron Eyes Cody who taught "Tree" the many different aspects of show business as well as the traditional red road of his people.

A versatile flute player and a gifted singer, "Tree" has thirteen albums on the Canyon Records label. And other albums that have been released on other labels, with Russ Freeman and the Rippingtons entitled "Topaz". Another album has been released through the Cracker Barrel Franchise. His album "Crossroads, Music of Indigenous North America" was released in the spring of 2000. He is joined by Xavier Quijas Yxayotl who is from Guadalajara,Mexico, of the Huichol Nation on this album. Also this album was nominated and made the Final Five list of nominees for the Native American Catagory of the Indie Awards of the year 2001. "Maze", his sixth album won the Native American Music award for Best New Age Album of the Year 1999. The album "Native Flamenco" with world-renowned Flamenco guitarist, Ruben Romero won two Native American Music Awards in the World and Latin categories of the year 2000.His current and latest album is titled"Heart of the Wind" with award winning percussionist Will Clipman, is now out to the world for everyone to enjoy. He currently now lives on the Navajo Reservation with his wife Cynthia and is doing lectures and programs to many schools on the Navajo reservation as well as other schools on many other reservations in Indian Country.

In addition to his knowledge of 6 Native American languages "Tree" speaks English, Spanish a bit of French and Japanese. When he travels abroad his ability with foreign languages comes in handy.

Resume

ROBERT "TREE" CODY
Oou Kas Mah Qwet "Thunder Bear"

Tribal name: Oou Kas Mah Qwet
Tribal Affiliation: Maricopa/Dakota Heritage
Tribal Enrollment: Enrolled Member of the Salt River Pima/Maricopa Indian Community
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California

Professional Activities:
 

• Artisan, lecturer and performing artist on indigenous North American culture and music, actor, stage productions, composer and instructor of the Native American flute.

Education:
 

• Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colorado 9/70 - 5/72, BA Psychology, Pre-Law
   
• Bacone Community Jr. College, Bacone, Oklahoma 9/68 - 5/70 Physical Ed Sociology
   
• John Marshall High School, Los Angeles, California, Graduate of 1969