John Scott-Richardson is a member of the Haliwa-Saponi tribe. Maternal lineage is Nansemond/Tutelo Saponi and parental lineage is Meherrin/Tuscarora. John Scott-Richardson is an accomplished Native traditional singer, dancer, public speaker, and emcee. He was taught eastern woodland traditions, songs, art and dances by his elders. As a traditional Native artist, John is a cultural advisor with the North Carolina Museum of History, as a producer of music, powwows and stage performances.
Scott-Richardson was Program Director for the North Carolina statewide youth advocacy program, American Indian Commercial Tobacco Prevention. He has been featured at North Carolina Museum and North Carolina Arts Council in several historical features for American Indians in the Southern Region.