Charles Littleleaf facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Charles Littleleaf
Charles Littleleaf at Smith Rock State Park, Oregon
Background information
Born	Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Oregon, United States
Genres	Native American
Occupation(s)	Musician, flute maker
Instruments	Native American flute
Years active	1995–present
Labels	Littleleaf Music

Charles Littleleaf is a talented musician who plays and makes Native American flutes. He is a member of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in Oregon, USA. Charles is also an honorary member of the Piikani Nation in Alberta, Canada. His father was the late Chief Jack Littleleaf.

Charles Littleleaf: A Flute Player

Charles Littleleaf started his musical journey in 1992. He received a special flute from a famous Native American flutist named R. Carlos Nakai. This gift was meant to encourage Charles to learn how to play.

Learning to Play from the Heart

The next year, R. Carlos Nakai held one of the first workshops for Native American flute players. Charles was invited to attend this workshop in Montana. It lasted for two weeks. There, Charles learned a very important lesson. He discovered that the most beautiful flute music comes from playing with your heart and spirit.

Sharing Music with the World

Charles kept playing the flute without formal lessons. He found that playing helped him express his feelings. It also brought healing qualities to himself and others. At first, Charles played for his family and friends on his reservation. This is where his unique music style began.

Today, Charles still loves playing the native flute. His music is deeply connected to Mother Earth. He also shares memories of growing up on his reservation with audiences worldwide.

Charles Littleleaf: A Flute Maker

Besides playing, Charles Littleleaf also makes Native American flutes. He has been creating these beautiful instruments for over 20 years. He makes flutes for both professional musicians and people who are just starting to learn.

Music Albums by Charles Littleleaf

Charles Littleleaf has released several music albums. These albums share his unique flute music with listeners.

• Whispers of Earth Medicine (1997)
• Ancient Reflections (2002)
• Essence of Life (2019)
• Ancient Reflections II (2024)

Music Collaborations

Charles has also worked with other artists.

• Heart of the Wolf (2001) – This album features Charles playing the flute and Karen Therese singing.

Awards and Recognition

Charles Littleleaf has received several honors for his music and work.

• In 2008, he won a Just Plain Folks Award for 'Song of the Year'. This was for his song Eagle Spirit from his Ancient Reflections album.
• In September 2007, he was featured in an article in Celebrity Magazine, Cowboys and Indians.
• In 2004, Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) made a documentary about him. It showed how he makes flutes and told his life story.
• In 2001, his music was used in a documentary called The Oregon Story, Tribal Economies. This was also by Oregon Public Broadcasting.
• He was nominated for a Native American Music Award (NAMA) in 2001.