Gary “Litefoot” Davis is an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. He has long been a pioneering force in the indigenous community, boasting a multi-faceted career that seamlessly bridges arts, entertainment, and sophisticated business acumen. Over the years, he has gracefully transitioned from a notable figure in arts and entertainment to an accomplished business leader, before cementing his legacy as an organizational trailblazer.
Litefoot has earned considerable achievements in music, film, and television with eight award-winning albums and award-winning starring roles in such films as “The Indian in The Cupboard” (Paramount) and television programs such as “Spirit Rangers” and “House of Cards” (Netflix), along with numerous inspirational concert tours that have taken him to nearly every tribal nation in the United States. Along with his wife Carmen Davis, Gary “Litefoot” Davis founded IndigiStudios, a 100% owned and operated indigenous film and production company, focused on a slate of theatrical, episodic, and documentary projects, all centered around the company’s mission of reclaiming the indigenous narrative in film and television.
Litefoot is widely known as the first Native American rap artist, launching his musical career in 1992, pioneering a unique brand of indigenous rap under his own record label, Red Vinyl Records. His music, marked by albums like “Seein’ Red,” “Good Day to Die,” and “The Life & Times,” has won numerous accolades including multiple Native American Music Awards for Artist of the Year and Best Rap/Hip Hop Album. Throughout his career, Litefoot has not only redefined indigenous representation in the music industry but has also fostered the careers of other indigenous artists, cementing his legacy as a trusted advisor and mentor.
Mr. Davis is a recipient of the prestigious Sevenstar Award from the Cherokee Nation Historical Society and received the Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency National Director Special Recognition Award in 2015. Mr. Davis was also recognized by Scholastic Books in their publication “Native American Heroes” in 2019.
He has twice testified before the U.S. Senate and is astute at policy matters related to Indian Country. He has also twice been appointed an ambassador for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Minorities in Energy (2015) and Equity in Energy (2020) initiatives and was appointed to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Council on Underserved Communities (2016).
Gary “Litefoot” Davis serves as a successful example of the possibilities that exist for anyone who recognizes their worth, refuses to be defined by the limitations of others, and relentlessly pursues their goals until they have achieved their highest aspirations.
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