7:00 PM

OPENING CEREMONY & LIGHTING OF THE TEEPEES – Arch Park

• Opening remarks from Yellowstone Forever and Pretty Shield Foundation
• Blessing & Honor Song – Shane Doyle, Apsáalooke
• Drum Circle – Cheyenne Boyz, Northern Cheyenne
• Flute – Rachel Two-Teeth Pichardo, Little Shell Chippewa
• Round Dance – Cheyenne Boyz and Kinsley WalksAlong

*PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR AND/OR BLANKET FOR SEATING – NO CHAIRS PROVIDED. 

9:00 PM

LIGHTING OF THE ILLUMINATED TEEPEES – Yellowstone North Entrance

Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents, Coloring the World of Cultures, the first night lighting of the illuminated teepees.

10:00 AM

CULTURAL TOUR – Yellowstone National Park

Join Jesse DesRosier, Blackfeet, along Yellowstone’s northern loop to learn about the intricate connection of the Blackfeet Language to the land and how Blackfeet ways of life are directly embodied in the language.

The tour will start at the Yellowstone Forever Headquarters building at 10:00 AM and return by 4:00 PM. The tour is limited to 12 people and is $99.00 per person. To register visit: https://www.yellowstone.org/cultural-tours/

12:00 PM

NATIVE ART MARKET – Yellowstone Forever Headquarters

Located at the Cole Conference Room until 8:00 PM, the Native Art Market will feature artists –

• Susan Stewart, Apsáalooke
• Rose Williamson, Apsáalooke
• Cedar Bulltail, Apsáalooke
• Jeff Reddoor, Assiniboine

There will be a variety of arts and crafts for sale, providing an opportunity to engage with Native artisans and purchase unique art.

8:00 PM

MUSIC & SPEAKER – Yellowstone North Entrance

Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents,

• Flute music – Rachel Two-Teeth Pichardo, Little Shell Chippewa
• Speaker – Cultural Knowledge Keeper, TBD

9:00 PM

LIGHTING OF THE ILLUMINATED TEEPEES – Yellowstone North Entrance

Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents, Coloring the World of Cultures, the nightly lighting of the illuminated teepees.

10:00 AM

CULTURAL TOUR – Yellowstone National Park

Join Jesse DesRosier, Blackfeet, along Yellowstone’s northern loop to learn about the intricate connection of the Blackfeet Language to the land and how Blackfeet ways of life are directly embodied in the language.

The tour will start at the Yellowstone Forever Headquarters building at 10:00 AM and return by 4:00 PM. The tour is limited to 12 people and is $99.00 per person. To register visit: https://www.yellowstone.org/cultural-tours/

12:00 PM

NATIVE ART MARKET – Yellowstone Forever Headquarters

Located at the Cole Conference Room until 8:00 PM, the Native Art Market will feature artists –

• Susan Stewart, Apsáalooke
• Rose Williamson, Apsáalooke
• Cedar Bulltail, Apsáalooke
• Jeff Reddoor, Assiniboine

There will be a variety of arts and crafts for sale, providing an opportunity to engage with Native artisans and purchase unique art.

8:00 PM

MUSIC & SPEAKER – Yellowstone North Entrance

Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents,

• Flute music – Rachel Two-Teeth Pichardo, Little Shell Chippewa
• Speaker – Cultural Knowledge Keeper, TBD

9:00 PM

LIGHTING OF THE ILLUMINATED TEEPEES – Yellowstone North Entrance

Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents, Coloring the World of Cultures, the nightly lighting of the illuminated teepees.

10:00 AM

CULTURAL TOUR – Yellowstone National Park

Join Chris LaTray, Little Shell Band of Chippewa, along Yellowstone’s Northern Range to explore the original language of the land, a language that we all once shared and that teaches us everything we need to know about a reciprocal and respectful relationship with our relatives.

The tour will start at the Yellowstone Forever Headquarters building at 10:00 AM and return by 4:00 PM. The tour is limited to 12 people and is $99.00 per person.
To register visit: https://www.yellowstone.org/cultural-tours/

12:00 PM

NATIVE ART MARKET – Yellowstone Forever Headquarters

Located at the Cole Conference Room until 8:00 PM, the Native Art Market will feature artists –

• Jeff Reddoor, Assiniboine
• Carrie Moran McCleary, Little Shell Band of Chippewa
• Della Big Hair Stump, Apsáalooke
• Loren Henderson, Turtle Mountain and Chippewa Cree

There will be a variety of arts and crafts for sale, providing an opportunity to engage with Native artisans and purchase unique art.

6:00 PM

TRADITIONAL NATIVE GAMES – Arch Park

Join the International Traditional Games Society for an evening of Native Games at Arch Park. The event goes till 8:00 PM and is free and open to participants of all ages.

8:00 PM

MUSIC & SPEAKER – Yellowstone North Entrance

Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents,

• Flute music – Rachel Two-Teeth Pichardo, Little Shell Chippewa
• Speaker – Cultural Knowledge Keeper, TBD

9:00 PM

LIGHTING OF THE ILLUMINATED TEEPEES – Yellowstone North Entrance

Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents, Coloring the World of Cultures, the nightly lighting of the illuminated teepees.

10:00 AM

CULTURAL TOUR – Yellowstone National Park

Join Chris LaTray, Little Shell Band of Chippewa, along Yellowstone’s Northern Range to explore the original language of the land, a language that we all once shared and that teaches us everything we need to know about a reciprocal and respectful relationship with our relatives.

The tour will start at the Yellowstone Forever Headquarters building at 10:00 AM and return by 4:00 PM. The tour is limited to 12 people and is $99.00 per person.
To register visit: https://www.yellowstone.org/cultural-tours/

12:00 PM

NATIVE ART MARKET – Yellowstone Forever Headquarters

Located at the Cole Conference Room until 8:00 PM, the Native Art Market will feature artists –

• Carrie Moran McCleary, Little Shell Band of Chippewa
• Della Big Hair Stump, Apsáalooke
• Loren Henderson, Turtle Mountain and Chippewa Cree
• Samuel Jaxin Enemy Hunter, Apsáalooke

There will be a variety of arts and crafts for sale, providing an opportunity to engage with Native artisans and purchase unique art.

8:00 PM

MUSIC & SPEAKER – Yellowstone North Entrance

Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents,

• Flute music – Rachel Two-Teeth Pichardo, Little Shell Chippewa
• Speaker – Cultural Knowledge Keeper, TBD

9:00 PM

LIGHTING OF THE ILLUMINATED TEEPEES – Yellowstone North Entrance

Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents, Coloring the World of Cultures, the nightly lighting of the illuminated teepees.

10:00 AM

CULTURAL NATURALIST DAY HIKE – Yellowstone National Park

Join Lailani Upham, Blackfeet/Aaniiih/Dakota, on a hike of the Beaver Ponds Trail to connect with the land through oral traditions and learn about the importance of our relationships with wildlife, specifically bison.

• Meet at Beaver Ponds trailhead.

The group will meet at the trailhead at 8:30 AM, and the day hike will begin at 9:00 AM and return around 12:30 PM. The tour is limited to 12 people and is $99.00 per person.
To register visit: https://www.yellowstone.org/cultural-tours/

12:00 PM

NATIVE ART MARKET – Yellowstone Forever Headquarters

Located at the Cole Conference Room until 8:00 PM, the Native Art Market will feature artist –

• Loren Henderson, Turtle Mountain and Chippewa Cree
• Brianna Rosin, Little Shell Chippewa – Zazegaa Jewelry
• Samuel Jaxin Enemy Hunter, Apsáalooke

There will be a variety of arts and crafts for sale, providing an opportunity to engage with Native artisans and purchase unique art.

5:00 PM

GARDINER/MAMMOTH COMMUNITY POTLUCK –Chamber of Commerce

The Gardiner Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center is hosting a community potluck until 8:00 PM at the parking lot in front of the Visitor Center. Locally sourced BBar Ranch brats and hot dogs as well as huckleberry lemonade will be provided, all attendees are asked to bring a side dish to share. This event is made possible by the sponsorship of several Gardiner area businesses, including: Bbar Ranch, Bear Creek Council, Cowboy’s Lodge & Grille, Greater Gardiner Community Council, Park County Environmental Council, Park’s Fly Shop, Sagebrushers, Walking Shadow Ecology Tours of Yellowstone, Wildlife Restoration Foundation,  Yellowstone Dreamin’ Adventures, Yellowstone Forever, Yellowstone Grill, Yellowstone Luxury Tours and Shuttle to Big Sky, Yellowstone National Park Lodges, Yellowstone Raft Company, Yellowstone River Motel, Yellowstone Wolf Tracker, and Yellowstone’s Treasure Cabins.

8:00 PM

MUSIC & SPEAKER – Yellowstone North Entrance

Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents,

• Flute music – Rachel Two-Teeth Pichardo, Little Shell Chippewa
• Speaker – Cultural Knowledge Keeper, TBD

9:00 PM

LIGHTING OF THE ILLUMINATED TEEPEES – Yellowstone North Entrance

Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents, Coloring the World of Cultures, the nightly lighting of the illuminated teepees.

Brianna Rosin, a Little Shell Chippewa Tribe member from Butte, Montana, is a beaded jewelry artist and art teacher at a private school. A self-taught beader, she creates vibrant, meaningful pieces inspired by the support and creativity of her family and friends. Her work reflects a deep connection to her culture and community, blending traditional Native design with her own personal style. Through both her teaching and her art, Brianna shares her passion for creativity and heritage with others.

Carrie Moran McCleary, a Little Shell Chippewa Tribal member, is a fashion designer and artist based on the Crow Reservation in Montana. Founder of Plains Soul, she creates unique clothing and accessories by upcycling everyday items, blending contemporary styles with traditional designs. Growing up as the tenth of eleven children, McCleary learned to bead and sew from her mother, transforming thrift-store finds into expressions of her identity and artistry. Her work reflects a commitment to Indigenizing fashion and preserving cultural heritage. 

Cedar Bulltail is a Crow tribal member and a descendant of the Hidatsa/Arikara of the Three Affiliated Tribes. A former wildland firefighter, Cedar transitioned to a new path after a knee injury, founding Cedar Rose Creations. Through this endeavor, Cedar provides balms, moisturizers, seasonal teas, and other nurturing products, all crafted from wild-harvested herbs, plants, and fungi gathered on the Crow Reservation or on public lands within the traditional Crow homelands. Cedar also creates contemporary beadwork pieces.          Cedar is affiliated with the Montana Indigenous Tourism Alliance and serves as a board member of Fierce Woman Warriors Society, an organization dedicated to supporting, mentoring, and empowering girls and women. The society’s mission is to help them become strong, confident defenders of themselves, fostering a future where women in their families and communities can thrive with strength and assurance.

Cheyenne Boyz are a Northern Cheyenne family drum group known for their traditional drumming and singing. They perform at cultural events and educational programs, celebrating and preserving their Native American heritage. Members are Isiah WalksAlong, Jaydell WalksAlong, Jehan WalksAlong, Wesley SpottedElk, Pious ShoulderBlade. 

Chris La Tray, a Métis storyteller and Montana Poet Laureate (2023-2025), is the author of the award-winning One-Sentence Journal, Descended from a Travel-worn Satchel, and the upcoming Becoming Little Shell (August 20, 2024). He writes the weekly newsletter “An Irritable Métis” and resides near Frenchtown, Montana. 

Della Big Hair Stump is an enrolled member of the Apsáalooke (Crow) Tribe of Montana, belonging to the Whistling Water Clan and the Child of the Big Lodge Clan. Since 2016, she has been designing native fashion and accessories. Growing up, she observed her mother, grandmothers, and grandfathers beading, sewing, doing feather work, and designing geometric and floral Crow patterns. Inspired by these teachings, Della combines traditional and modern elements to create contemporary wearable fashion. 

Gardiner Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center in Gardiner, Montana, helps visitors by offering information on local attractions, accommodations, and activities, including those in nearby Yellowstone National Park. It also supports local businesses through promotion, events, and networking opportunities, contributing to the area’s economic growth and community development. 

Jeff Reddoor is a proud member of the Assiniboine Tribe, from Fort Peck, Montana.

He retired after 40 years of service with the State of Utah as the Director of the Utah State Building Board, appointed by the Governor. He is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Throughout life, he pursued a passion for art in many forms. His journey began at an early age with pencil drawings and portraits, and over the years grew to a wide range of mediums, including oils, acrylics, pen and ink, and more. Today, he focuses on creating intricate wood carvings of fish and expressive sandstone art.

Jesse DesRosier, an Amskapi Piikani and Blackfeet Tribal Member, teaches Blackfeet language at The Piegan Institute’s Cuts Wood School and Blackfeet Community College in Browning, Montana. An artist, veteran, husband, and father, he advocates for cultural preservation, emphasizing the deep connection between the Blackfeet language and the land, and takes hope in the new generation of language learners revitalizing their heritage. 

Joseph Pichardo is known for his dedication to preserving and promoting traditional Indigenous sports and cultural practices. As a passionate advocate for Native games, he has played a key role in organizing and participating in events that celebrate and sustain these important traditions. Pichardo’s efforts focus on not only showcasing the athleticism and skill involved in Native games but also highlighting their cultural significance and historical roots. Through his work, he aims to foster greater appreciation and understanding of Indigenous heritage while encouraging the younger generation to engage with and honor their cultural legacy. 

Kinsley WalksAlong is an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne Nation, born and raised on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. She attended Lame Deer Public Schools and obtained her associate’s degree from Chief Dull Knife Community College. In 2012, Kinsley relocated to Billings, Montana, to seek better opportunities for her and her daughter. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications at Montana State University – Billings. Kinsley enjoys spending time with her children doing outdoor activities or staying safe at home in these precious times. She also enjoys various hobbies, including hiking, cooking, beading and quillwork, and sewing native regalia. 

Lailani Upham-Bear Chief, an Amskapi Pikuni (Blackfeet Nation) Tribal member, is a storyteller, photographer, videographer, and writer who travels Montana to share Indigenous perspectives. Serving on multiple boards and committees, she advocates for public land protection, Tribal storytelling, and nature connection through her creative work and outdoor adventures. 

Loren Henderson is a Native American woodburning artist from the Rocky Boy Reservation in Rocky Boy, Montana. As a member of the Chippewa Cree tribe, Loren traces lineage to Little Bear and Chief Rocky Boy from the north central region of Montana. Loren’s artistic journey began around the age of 15, developing into a specialty in pyrography and mixed media works that combine wood-burned art with acrylic paints. He has participated in various juried art shows across the United States, bringing a unique flair to Native American subjects with a blend of traditional themes and cowboy style. Wildlife art comes to life under Loren’s skillful hand, celebrating both heritage and the natural world.

National Park Service (NPS) is a U.S. federal agency responsible for managing national parks, monuments, and historical sites. In Yellowstone National Park, the NPS preserves the park’s natural and cultural resources, ensuring their protection for future generations. They oversee visitor services, educational programs, and conservation efforts to maintain the park’s unique ecosystems and wildlife. The NPS also manages infrastructure, conducts research, and provides guidance to ensure that Yellowstone remains a world-class destination for education, recreation, and appreciation of natural beauty.

Olivia Rose Williamson is located in Crow Agency, MT. She is an Apsáalooke Artist who loves beading flowers, and occasionally she beads crow designs. She gets her inspiration from the older generation artists of her Tribe. She wants to make you look beautiful with stunning and one-of-a-kind handmade creations. 

Pretty Shield Foundation focuses on empowering individuals through cultural awareness and education. It promotes healthy lifestyles and encourages self-fulfillment within the community, aiming to help people realize their strengths and goodness. The foundation believes that embracing cultural diversity enriches and beautifies the world. 

Rachel Two Teeth Pichardo is an enrolled member of the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe. She was born and raised in the beautiful vast landscapes of Montana. Growing up she often traveled Indian Country for pow-wows and family gatherings and has since held a special appreciation for indigenous expression and knowledge. Rachel is a lifelong maker; and has honed her traditional craft abilities from the table at her Grandma’s trading post to fine tuning her artistic skills in university classrooms. When she’s not doting on her two daughters, she is a professional artist at Omerta Arts in Helena, Mt. 

Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council (RMTLC) is a coalition of tribal leaders from the Rocky Mountain region dedicated to advancing the interests and sovereignty of their member tribes. The Council works to address regional and national issues affecting Native communities through advocacy, policy development, and collaborative initiatives. It promotes the preservation of cultural heritage, supports economic development, and fosters intertribal cooperation to strengthen the voice and influence of the tribes within the broader political and social landscape. 

Samuel Jaxin Enemy Hunter is a beadwork artist, designer, and entrepreneur. He is the owner of Enemy-Hunter Designs and a founding member of the Apsaalooke Community Market on the Crow Indian Reservation. At a young age, Samuel learned to bead and make traditional clothing from his great-grandmother Winona Yellowtail-Plenty Hoops and his mother Susan Yellowtail-BirdInGround. Samuel has participated in various art shows and artist residency programs throughout the U.S. Samuel is an enrolled member of the Crow Tribe and grew up on the Crow Indian Reservation. He is a descendant of Chief Enemy – Hunter and comes from the Bird In Ground and Yellowtail families. Samuel is a member of the Greasy Mouth Clan and a child of the Big Lodge Clan.

Shane Doyle is a member of the Crow Tribe and an esteemed cultural historian and educator. He is known for his work in preserving and sharing Native American history and traditions, particularly those of his own tribe. Doyle’s efforts include research and advocacy aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of Indigenous cultures. His work often involves collaborating with educational institutions, museums, and community organizations to promote cultural heritage and address historical injustices. Through his dedication, Doyle contributes significantly to the preservation and celebration of Crow cultural traditions and broader Native American history. 

Susan Her Colors Are Good-Stewart is an artist and enrolled member of the Crow Nation, residing in Montana. With a diverse artistic practice that includes painting, printmaking, traditional Native American art, installation, performance, and video art, she has been an influential figure in the art world for over 50 years, exhibiting her work both nationally and internationally. Currently based in Bozeman, Susan is also the founder of the Fierce Women Warrior Society.
In addition to her artistic endeavors, Susan continues to create traditional Native art, fulfilling commissions for beadwork, moccasins, belts, and traditional elk teeth dresses, among other pieces. She operates a business called Fierce Warrior Buffalo Tallow moisturizer, which helps fund her nonprofit organization, the Fierce Women Warrior Society, dedicated to mentoring and empowering young Native women.
Susan is a proud mother of two: her son Noah Watts is a professional actor and accomplished musician, while her daughter, Dr. Vanessa Simonds, serves as a professor at Montana State University. As a loving grandmother, she enjoys spending time with her two grandsons, Micah and Zane, who affectionately call her Kaala

William Snell is the executive director of the Tribal Leaders Council, where he focuses on improving health, economic development, and education for Tribal members through advocacy and collaboration. An enrolled member of the Crow Nation and Assiniboine/Sioux of Fort Belknap Agency, Snell earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Eastern Montana College in 1981. He co-founded the In-Care Network Inc., a licensed mental health center and child placement agency in Billings, and serves as President of the Pretty Shield Foundation, Inc., which promotes cultural awareness through various programs. William and his wife, Karen, have three sons, nine grandchildren, and 36 therapeutic foster children. 

Yellowstone Forever is the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park, dedicated to supporting and enhancing the park’s conservation and education efforts. The organization raises funds to support vital programs, including wildlife protection, habitat restoration, and educational initiatives. Yellowstone Forever also provides visitor experiences through guided tours, educational workshops, and special events, all aimed at deepening the public’s connection to the park. Their work helps ensure that Yellowstone’s natural beauty and ecological integrity are preserved for future generations.