Day 10. Raye Zaragoza: Songs of Resistance

On Day 10 of our 30 Days of Honoring Native American Heritage Month Through Music, we celebrate the powerful voice and activism of Raye Zaragoza, an Indigenous singer-songwriter known for her soulful songs of resistance, environmental justice, and cultural pride. Zaragoza’s music bridges the personal and political, offering listeners both introspective reflections and a call to action. As a member of the Akimel O’odham Nation on her father’s side and of Mexican and Japanese descent on her mother’s, Zaragoza uses her diverse heritage to craft songs that reflect the complexities of identity and the struggle for justice.

Finding Her Voice in Resistance
Raye Zaragoza grew up in New York City but found her voice as an artist and activist in the Southwestern United States. Her music blends elements of folk, Americana, and indie rock with traditional Indigenous themes. Zaragoza’s songs focus on themes like environmental conservation, Indigenous rights, and the importance of standing up for marginalized communities.

Her song “In the River” became an anthem for the fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline, a protest led by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Released in 2016, this haunting and poignant ballad raised awareness about the environmental risks posed by the pipeline and the violation of Indigenous land rights. Zaragoza’s voice, paired with simple acoustic guitar melodies, captured the emotional and spiritual depth of the movement. “In the River” continues to inspire activists around the world as a song of resistance, hope, and healing.

Songs of Identity and Empowerment
In addition to her environmental advocacy, Raye Zaragoza writes songs that reflect her experiences as a woman of color navigating a world where racism, sexism, and discrimination persist. Tracks like “Fight Like a Girl” and “American Dream” challenge listeners to confront systemic injustice while celebrating the resilience and strength of marginalized communities.

In her album Fight for You (2017), Zaragoza explores the intersection of identity and activism. Songs like “Driving to Standing Rock” tell stories of both personal and collective journeys toward justice, emphasizing the responsibility we all have to stand up for what is right. Her music offers a space for listeners to reflect on their own roles in social movements, reminding us that the fight for equality, environmental sustainability, and Indigenous rights is ongoing.

A Modern Folk Artist with an Indigenous Heart
Raye Zaragoza has often been compared to other folk artists like Joan Baez and Tracy Chapman, who similarly used their music to raise awareness about social issues. However, Zaragoza’s Indigenous roots give her a distinct voice within the modern folk scene. By integrating traditional Indigenous stories and experiences into her music, she continues to break barriers and create space for Indigenous voices in contemporary folk music.

Through her music, Zaragoza speaks to the heart of Indigenous resistance, not only against colonization and environmental destruction but also against the erasure of Native cultures. Her songs are a reclamation of identity and a celebration of the rich histories of Indigenous peoples, emphasizing the need to protect and uplift these stories in a modern world that too often ignores them.

The Power of Healing Through Music
Zaragoza’s music is also deeply healing. While she is known for her songs of resistance, she also writes from a place of deep emotional vulnerability. Songs like “Red” speak to the complexities of mixed-race identity and the journey of self-discovery and healing. Zaragoza’s gentle yet powerful voice provides comfort and strength, reminding listeners that there is healing in storytelling, and there is power in vulnerability.

As a musician and activist, Raye Zaragoza embodies the spirit of Indigenous resistance while creating space for personal growth, healing, and empowerment. Her music is a reminder that art is a powerful tool in the fight for justice and that the stories of Indigenous peoples must be heard, honored, and shared.

Raye Zaragoza’s music invites us to reflect on the importance of standing up for justice, honoring our cultural identities, and finding healing through storytelling. Her songs of resistance resonate deeply with those who fight for Indigenous rights, environmental justice, and social equality. As we honor her today, let us be inspired by her commitment to using music as a tool for change, reminding us all that we have a role to play in creating a more just and compassionate world.

Learn more about this interview with Raye as she discusses her new single, Fight Like a Girl, and how her work supports the breakdown of race and gender stereotypes at (https://atwoodmagazine.com/rzfg-raye-zaragoza-interview-2020-fight-like-a-girl).

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Join us throughout the month of November as we celebrate these remarkable achievements, creating space for reflection, joy, and growth as we listen to the voices of Native American musicians past and present.

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