Litefoot facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Litefoot
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Litefoot in Tahlequah (1995)
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Gary Paul Davis |
| Born | September 11, 1968 Upland, California, U.S. |
| Origin | Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1989–present |
| Labels | Red Vinyl |
Gary Paul Davis (born September 11, 1968), known as Litefoot, is a Native American rapper, actor, and businessman. He is a member of the Cherokee Nation. Litefoot is the Executive Director of the Native American Financial Services Association (NAFSA). He also leads his own company, Davis Strategy Group. As an actor, he is famous for playing Little Bear in the movie The Indian in the Cupboard. He also played Nightwolf in Mortal Kombat Annihilation.
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Litefoot's Early Life and Family
Litefoot was born in Upland, California. He grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Since 1997, he has lived in Seattle, Washington. His father's family is from the Cherokee Nation. His mother's family is from the Chichimeca people in northern Mexico.
Litefoot is married to Carmen Davis. Carmen is a leader for the "Reach The Rez" project. She is from the Makah, Yakama, and Chippewa Cree tribes. They have three sons named Quannah, Sequoyah, and Qwnuseia.
Litefoot's Career Journey
Litefoot has had a very busy career. He works in business and entertainment. He also helps many communities.
Business Ventures
Before his current role, Litefoot was the President and CEO of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED). He also served on their board. He was Vice-President of Native Affairs for the Triple Five Group. This group owns huge shopping malls like the Mall of America. He also helped lead the National Indian Gaming Association's business network.
Litefoot owns his own company, Davis Strategy Group. Through this company, he helps create business deals in Native American communities. These deals include energy, land, and health projects. He also owns the Native Style Clothing brand and Red Vinyl Records.
Entertainment Work
Litefoot is a successful musician and actor. He has released eight award-winning albums. He has also starred in movies like The Indian in The Cupboard. He appeared in TV shows such as House of Cards. Litefoot was one of the first Native American hip hop artists who is also a member of a federally recognized tribe. He has won six Native American Music Awards. His most recent award was for Artist of The Year.
Since 2005, Litefoot has hosted his own radio show. It is called Reach the Rez Radio. This show plays hip hop and R&B music. It broadcasts every week through the Native Voice One Satellite Network. Litefoot also creates several clothing lines. The most famous one is "Native Style." He spends many months each year working in Native American communities. He visits reservations across the United States and Canada. His "Reach the Rez Tour" was a big project. It covered 54,000 miles and included 211 events across the U.S.
Helping Communities: Philanthropy
Litefoot has traveled all over the United States. He has visited over 450 American Indian communities. He shares messages of hope and strength. As the spokesperson for the "Reach The Rez Project," he has helped raise almost $1.5 million. This money helps make the project successful.
Public Speaking Engagements
Litefoot often gives motivational speeches. He speaks to tribal groups, schools, and businesses. He has given important speeches and business training sessions. He has also lectured at many colleges and universities across North America.
Awards and Special Recognition
Litefoot has received many honors for his work. The Cherokee Nation Historical Society gave him the Sevenstar Award. This award goes to a Cherokee person who has achieved a lot. It also honors those who bring pride to the Cherokee people and inspire others.
He also received a special award from the Department of Commerce. He was named an Ambassador for the Department of Energy’s Minorities in Energy initiative. He was also appointed to the United States Small Business Administration’s Council on Underserved Communities. Indian Country Today Media Network recognized him as one of the "Fifty Faces of Indian Country."
Music Albums (Discography)
- 1992 - The Money EP
- 1994 - Seein' Red
- 1996 - Good Day To Die
- 1998 - The Clown Kutz
- 1998 - The Life & Times
- 1998 - Red Ryders Vol. 1
- 1999 - Red Ryders Vol. 2
- 1999 - Rez Affiliated
- 1999 - The Lite Years 1989–1999 - The Best of Mr. Foot
- 2001 - Tribal Boogie
- 2002 - The Messenger
- 2003 - Native American Me
- 2004 - Redvolution
- 2008 - Relentless Pursuit
Movies and TV Shows (Filmography)
- 1995 - The Indian in the Cupboard - Played Little Bear
- 1995 - Showbiz Today - Episode on July 13, 1995 - Played Himself
- 1997 - The Song of Hiawatha
- 1997 - Mortal Kombat Annihilation - Played Nightwolf
- 1997 - Kull the Conqueror - Played Ascalante
- 1998 - Angel on Fire
- 2001 - The Pearl - Played Juan Tomas
- 2001 - Any Day Now - Episode "No More Forever" on July 22, 2001 - Played Charley Majors
- 2002 - Adaptation - Played Russell
- 2022–present - Spirit Rangers - Voices Qamash, Stone Cold, Catfish Spirit, and others
See also
In Spanish: Litefoot para niños
