James Gilbert “Jim” Pepper
(Kaw/Creek) (1941-1992)
Jim Pepper Native Arts Council
We are a Native American-led 501c3 charitable organization celebrating and exploring the legacy of the great Kaw/Creek musician Jim Pepper, raising awareness of and creating opportunities for Indigenous musicians, and improving access to culturally-relevant musical education for Native American students. In 2024, we are developing a culturally relevant music education curriculum under contract with the Oregon Department of Education and the Southern Oregon Educational Service District for grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12.
Donate to Native American and Indigenous Music Education Today
Jim Pepper “Eagle Tone”
Jim Pepper was the Flying Eagle, and he had a tone admired by many. Joe Lovano, Rakalam Bob Moses and many others described it as his “Eagle Tone.” In this live recording, Jim performs his composition Funny Glasses and a Moustache with Mal Waldron, John Betsch and Ed Schuller.
Speak/Sing Native™
“The Well-Rounded Access Program is excited to announce a project to increase access to arts learning through culturally responsive lessons about contemporary and regional Native artists! This work aims to boost access to accurate, Tribal-specific arts content for Native and non-Native students through partnerships with federally recognized Tribes, Southern Oregon ESD, and the Jim Pepper Native Arts Council.” – Oregon Department of Education
“They will develop lessons and professional development sessions integrating local Tribal cultural practices and the work of contemporary Native artists, incorporating the Oregon Arts Standards and the 9 Essential Understandings (developed for the Tribal History/Shared History (TH/SH) project.” – Oregon Department of Education
Partners & Sponsors
Remembering Jim Pepper
June 18, 1941 – February 10, 1992
