A Ceremony Rooted in Legacy

They have stood for our land, our food, our dighity—and they’ve done it
when the cameras weren’t rolling.”

Farm Aid and Indigenous Rights: A Shared Struggle

Over nearly four decades, Farm Aid has raised more than $70 million and
has become a central force in the sustainable food movement.

But what many don’t realize is that Farm Aid also consistently advocated
for Native sovereignty, food justice, and land reclamation for Indigenous
communities.

Willie Nelson himself has long emphasized the spiritval link between
small farmers and Indigenous protectors of the land

An Emotional Moment for Two Reluctant Heroes

“I’aint much for awaras,” Nelson saia with a quiet smile. “But this one…
this goes straight to the soul”

Bridging Generations

That’s why we honor you today.”

She later gifted Young a handmade beaded guitar strap in the colors of
the Omaha Nation.

In return, Young promised to wear it on stage at his next performance.

Cultural Recognition Beyona Celebrity This moment wasn’t about
celebrity—it was about kinship.

Both Willie Nelson ana Neil Young were given honorary names in the
Lakota and Ponca languages, symbolizing their inclusion into the spiritval
and cultural fabric of the nations.

While the translations were kept private out of respect, a tribal elder
shared this:

“Their names rejlect their role as protectors of the Earth and defenders
of harmony. That is how we will remember them—from now, until long
after they ve crossed over

From the Land, For the Land

“The Earth aoesn’t belong to us. We belong to the Earth. And | think the
sooner we remember that, the better we’ll treat each other.”

Reverberations Across the Country

For Neil Young, the honor is another reminder that music, when rooted in
truth, can move more than just the charts—it can move hearts, policies,
and generations.

As the Texas sun dipped low behind the cedar trees, the two old friends
embraced the elders one by one, then turned quietly toward the road.

No flashing lights. No fanfare. Just two men who showed vp, and were
honored not as stars—but as stewards.

And maybe, that’s the highest honor of all.