Wyoming native Ian Munsick has never shied away from sharing the influence of his homeland and its people in his music. Known for his ability to transport people to the west by way of his sawing fiddle and coyote cries, Munsick is now giving his sophomore album White Buffalo a cinematography debut with its companion documentary White Buffalo: Voices of the West, premiering Wednesday, Dec. 6 during Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.
The documentary expands on the album’s concept, with the white buffalo representing a sacred symbol for the plains tribes of Native America, its return signaling prosperity and rebirth. Delving into conversations with Pro Buckin’ Horse producer and entrepreneur from the Blackfoot Tribe, Dougie Hall; rancher, horse trainer and actor from the Crow Tribe, Stephen Yellowtail; and cowgirl from the Blackfeet Nation, Sammy Jo Bird; together with Munsick, they explore the modern-day relationship between cowboys, ranchers and Native American tribes, and how they often rely on each other to live off the land out west.
“Some of the best kept secrets are out there, thriving, where the prairie meets the mountains,” Munsick states. “I was lucky enough to be born and raised in the heart of cowboy country, mostly untouched by the outside world. It’s a culture where Cowboys and Native Americans are one in the same. I’ve always wanted to use my platform to help shed light on what’s been hidden for decades, so naturally The Voices of the West was a great way to convey an important message, while artistically collaborating with a people who rarely get the opportunity to have their voices heard.”
Following the premiere, Yellowstone actor and enrolled member of the Lakota Nations Mo Brings Plenty will moderate a panel discussion between Munsick, Hall, Yellowtail and Bird, alongside director/cinematographer from the Tohono O’odham Nation Cam Mackey and producer Caroline Munsick.
“For centuries, our horse nation relatives carried my ancestors on their backs and continue to in these modern times. It can be said they are responsible for our existence today," says Brings Plenty. “American Indians, cowboys, ranching, and rodeo are deeply rooted in this country's history, culture, and the enduring spirit of the American West, and through Ian's lens, a historical story of growth, camaraderie, respect, humility, and the importance of creating allies with communities other than our own -- organically through our shared love of our four-legged relatives -- will appear for audiences of all ages.”
The event is sponsored by Wrangler; Boot Barn; Musket Powder Seasoning; Big Horn Bison Ranch; Southern Recipe Small Batch Pork Rinds; Sheridan Travel & Tourism; Montana Silversmiths; Lone River Beverage Company, and Pendleton Whisky.
Munsick released his full-length sophomore album White Buffalo earlier this year, earning accolades from Billboard, American Songwriter, People, MusicRow and more. Grammy.com remarked, “Munsick's ability to turn his Western upbringing into relatable sentiments is the epitome of what makes him special… his passion for his homeland — from the culture to the people — rings through in both the lyrics and the musicality.”
Munsick’s solo version of “Long Live Cowgirls,” which he performed at Nissan Stadium for CMA Fest and on stadium appearances supporting Morgan Wallen’s One Night At A Time World Tour, is now playing on country radio. His headlining The Buffalo Roams Tour is currently underway, featuring a rotating lineup of special guests including Randall King, Triston Marez, Catie Offerman, Jake Worthington and Chancey Williams. Visit www.ianmunsick.com for tickets and more details.
