Jeremy Wade Shockley, Southern Ute Drum

Being the lightest-complected person in my family, I always got razzed by aunts and uncles and cousins...They called me 'little white boy'...'Cracker', 'Opie'....

Tim Ryder, November, 2018
Tim Ryder interviewed by Bird Red
Tim Ryder interviewed by Bird Red

Tim Ryder grew up in Ignacio, Colorado. His mother is Southern Ute and his father is white.

He spoke with his son, Bird Red, about his experience growing up as a light-skinned boy. Their interview was recorded in November, 2018.

Photo credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley, Southern Ute Drum

Pictured above: Tim Ryder, and son, Bird Red sing during ceremony honoring veterans, September, 2019.