Robert “Black Eagle” Costa’s journey began when he was four years old, traveling with his grandfather to the reservation of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation in Cherokee, North Carolina. Though he was only a child, he vividly remembers the juxtaposition he felt between the sadness of the land and the beautiful spirit of the people. It was then that he felt an awakening in his heart. He did not have the words for it, but he knew then that there was something significant, maybe spiritual, sacred, about this place and the people who called it home.

Since that moment, Robert spent his life searching to fulfill the spiritual awakening within him. He went on to receive two degrees in psychology from Florida State University and Georgia State University, and proceeded to study at Emory’s Candler School of Theology for three years. During his education, Robert was an active ordained minister of the United Methodist Church for thirteen years. He is also an eight year United States Air Force Vietnam Service Veteran.

After his time as a minister of the church was complete, Robert admits he felt lost. That was, until he befriended a Muscogee Creek medicine man who renewed the spiritual awakening from his childhood and reinforced his passion for the Native American people. With this renewal of the fire within him, Robert knew that he was being called to speak to and educate others about a Nation of people who have been overlooked and mistreated for so long… but how?

In the Summer of 2015, he took a trip out West that culminated at Hovenweep National Monument. This journey became what Robert speaks of as a “Vision Quest” -- a mission of seeking out what Creator was asking him to do next. After four days in the desert, Hovenweep National Monument, Utah,  Robert had a profound vision that reinforced what he knew in his heart what he was called to do, and the Creator had been preparing him for his entire life to carry it out.

Exactly one year after after receiving this message at Hovenweep, the North Dakota Access Pipeline controversy began. In May of 2016, the Indigenous Youth Council, joined by members of more than 200 Native American Tribes, took a stand in solidarity against the pipeline construction that posed danger for the surrounding environment and threatened the entire Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s only source of water. 

It wasn’t long before the protests quickly got out of hand, resulting in unnecessary violence. Robert was called in to help facilitate the Mental Health Council for the thousands of peaceful, prayerful water protectors who repeatedly suffered trauma at the hands of the militarized police forces.

Robert was originally asked to come for three days, but after realizing his ability to help these people, he was asked to stay. In this moment, he admits that he didn’t know whether or not to stay. He was ridden with self-doubt, asking himself and the Creator “Why would they ask me, a 65 year old man from Georgia, to come out to the harsh North Dakota winter to speak to these people.. What do I have to offer here?”

In that moment, as he looked out over 10,000 people at the camp who needed help, he was reminded of the visions from his childhood and in Hovenweep just one year prior, and he realized everything in his life had been leading up to this opportunity. His counseling service, every class he had taken, every book he had read, every sermon he had listened to and preached, every passion in his heart -- all had been preparing him for Standing Rock. 

In that moment he distinctly heard the Creator say, “Who knows? Perhaps you were created for such a time as this”.  (Esther 4:14)

Robert took a leap of faith and remained where he had been called. Sure enough, the Medical Healer Council of the Oceti Sakowin Camp provided him with a tipi for shelter, and the Creator sent a Muscogee Creek warrior to bring Robert food and firewood every day that he was there.

Since his time at Standing Rock, Robert has dedicated his life to spreading his story and the message of the Native American people -- one of unity, understanding, and perseverance. Speaking and performing at schools, colleges, churches and more, he has travelled coast-to-coast having shared his music and message to well over four-thousand people. Robert is ready to educate and inspire all who are willing to listen.

“I had the privilege of meeting Robert at an office where I worked. He carries a calming energy about him and speaks with wisdom. It is clear he is a wise elder of our community. I highly recommend him, and if any of his offerings call to you, you should follow that voice. I will. It makes me happy to see Robert is making himself available to our community. What a blessing!” - Kim L.

To learn more about Robert and his Journey of Magic and Miracles, explore his Upcoming Events or contact him directly at robertblackeagle@outlook.com.