The New Radical is a skiing series that questions the line between the version of radical that is celebrated by our sport and the version of radical that is criticized by contemporary media and politics. We are here to show just how close and how far these concepts are to one another, states Connor Ryan, one of the film’s Director/Producers in the video introduction.  

In episode one, Lakota pro skier Connor Ryan is joined by Bird Red and Cyrus Naranjo as he skis on their traditional Ute homelands with local Lakota skier, Napayshni Kills Enemy. This little day in the mountains serves a big metaphor for a re-education on what is radical. 

“The New Radical is any exploration of how Indigenous perspectives and values can change the way people see skiing and the outdoors,” Ryan said. “It’s my hope that we can make the sport more inclusive of the people who have always been on these lands that are appreciated by so many.” 

According to Ryan’s YouTube Channel, SacredStoke — This series is for everyone who finds a way to do what is radical, for themselves, for their community, and for our planet. This series is for everyone who has learned to live a more radical life from their relationship to the mountains. 

“As a Lakota skier I’ve always been aware that all the mountains we ski on here in Colorado are the homelands of the Ute people,” Ryan said. “Ute people like Bird, Cyrus, Lorelei Cloud, and Regina Whiteskunk Lopez, have taught me a lot about how to honor these places and make sure that Ute people and traditions are present now and in the future of how we recreate in the mountains.” 

Bird Red is a Southern Ute first descendent, with strong ties to his culture. He is an Indigenous rap artist, musician and songwriter who goes by the name Cousy (Coo-zee). Red first worked with Connor Ryan during the filming of the Spirit of the Peaks, a 43-minute documentary film that was released in 2022. Spirit of the Peaks is centered around Indigenous skier Connor Ryan (Hunkpapa Lakota), the film dives deep into the struggles of identity that comes with being stuck between two worlds. In the film’s synopsis, Ryan says his mission is to connect the Ute people with the mountains that they were displaced from and work towards restoring balance through his own reciprocity. 

Ryan first connected with Red through his music back in 2018, and the two have been collaborating ever since. Red then introduced Ryan and his crew to Southern Ute tribal member, Cyrus Naranjo — an avid skateboarder, snowboarder from Ignacio with a passion for extreme sports.  

“Bird told Connor about me like being a skateboarder, native, and being indigenous, being in the same tribe as Bird, and he wanted to do a video with me,” Naranjo said. “And I was super stoked. Like, I didn’t know what to say … like I’m about to go snowboarding with someone famous who was also indigenous.” 

“We planned a date to go backcountry snowboarding, which I have never done before,” Naranjo said. “I was so used to like, you know, snowboarding up at Purg where the runs are like groomed and everything, this was a new experience for me.” 

Red sees this as just the beginning for what they can accomplish with The New Radical. Red sees himself as a mentor and hopes that these films will give Indigenous youth some perspective on what is possible, to help them see beyond any barriers that might be holding them back.   

“Another role that I think I play is being a young Native man who is really trying to do things that you would never think you would do…know what I mean?” Red said. “I would like to hope that kids see me in that video and be like, ‘I can’t believe he’s there. Like, he’s doing that. I know him. I’m gonna ask him, you know, or like, yeah, I can do that, too!’” 

The New Radical, Episode 1, “What is Radical” is directed by Isaiah Branch-Boyle and Connor Ryan; produced by Connor Ryan and Bryan Cole; and Executive Producer Cody Townsend.  

Direct link to view The New Radical, Episode one on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J-X5Fzm5Ek