7:00 PM

OPENING CEREMONY & LIGHTING OF THE TEEPEES – Arch Park

• Blessing – Shane Doyle, Apsáalooke
• Opening remarks from –
  • Gardiner Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center – Maria Koppelberger-Rogers, Executive Director
  • Pretty Shield Foundation – Bill Snell, Executive Director
  • Yellowstone Forever – Lisa Diekman, CEO & President
  • National Park Service – Mike Tranel, Deputy Superintendent
• Honor Song – Shane Doyle, Apsáalooke
• Drum Circle – Cheyenne Boyz (Northern Cheyenne) – Isiah WalksAlong, Jaydell WalksAlong, Lloyd Lone Elk, James WalksAlong, Jehan 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, Building Bridges of Peace, the first night lighting of the illuminated teepees.

9:00 AM

NATIVE ART MARKET – Yellowstone Forever Headquarters

• There will be a variety of arts and crafts for sale, providing an opportunity to engage with Native artisans and purchase unique art. Located at the Cole Conference Room until 5:00 PM, the Native Art Market will feature artists –
  • Plains Soul – Carrie Moran McCleary, Little Shell Band of Chippewa
  • Lady Pompadour – Olivia Rose Williamson, Apsáalooke

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 $50.00 per person. SOLD OUT!

12:00 PM

CULTURAL AMBASSADORS – Arch Park

• Until 6:00 PM, visit with cultural demonstrators, James WalksAlong, Northern Cheyenne and Kinsley WalksAlong, Northern Cheyenne, who will be sharing their personal cultural traditions and knowledge.
  Teepees will be set up for folks to view and visit.

9:00 PM

LIGHTING OF THE ILLUMINATED TEEPEES – Yellowstone North Entrance

• Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents, Building Bridges of Peace, the nightly lighting of the illuminated teepees.

9:00 AM

NATIVE ART MARKET – Yellowstone Forever Headquarters

• There will be a variety of arts and crafts for sale, providing an opportunity to engage with Native artisans and purchase unique art. Located at the Cole Conference Room until 5:00 PM, the Native Art Market will feature artists –
  • Plains Soul – Carrie Moran McCleary, Little Shell Band of Chippewa
  • Lady Pompadour – Olivia Rose Williamson, Apsáalooke

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 $50.00 per person.
To register visit: https://www.yellowstone.org/cultural-tours/

12:00 PM

CULTURAL AMBASSADORS – Arch Park

• Until 6:00 PM, visit with cultural demonstrators, Joseph Pichardo, Blackfeet, and Les Left Hand, Crow, who will be sharing their personal cultural traditions and knowledge.
  Teepees will be set up for folks to view and visit.

9:00 PM

LIGHTING OF THE ILLUMINATED TEEPEES – Yellowstone North Entrance

• Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents, Building Bridges of Peace, the nightly lighting of the illuminated teepees.

9:00 AM

NATIVE ART MARKET – Yellowstone Forever Headquarters

• There will be a variety of arts and crafts for sale, providing an opportunity to engage with Native artisans and purchase unique art. Located at the Cole Conference Room until 5:00 PM, the Native Art Market will feature artists –
  • Plains Soul – Carrie Moran McCleary, Little Shell Band of Chippewa
  • Joseph Pichardo, Blackfeet
  • Loren Henderson, Turtle Mountain 

12:00 PM

CULTURAL AMBASSADORS – Arch Park

• Until 6:00 PM, visit with cultural demonstrators, Kayla Kujaczynski, Turtle Mountain and Olivia Rose Williamson, Apsáalooke, who will be sharing their personal cultural traditions and knowledge.
  Teepees will be set up for folks to view and visit.

6:00 PM

TRADITIONAL NATIVE GAMES – Arch Park

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

9:00 PM

LIGHTING OF THE ILLUMINATED TEEPEES – Yellowstone North Entrance

• Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents, Building Bridges of Peace, the nightly lighting of the illuminated teepees.

9:00 AM

NATIVE ART MARKET – Yellowstone Forever Headquarters

• There will be a variety of arts and crafts for sale, providing an opportunity to engage with Native artisans and purchase unique art. Located at the Cole Conference Room until 5:00 PM, the Native Art Market will feature artists –
  • Joanne Brings Thunder, Eastern Shoshone
  • Kayla Kujaczynski, Turtle Mountain

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 $50.00 per person.
To register visit: https://www.yellowstone.org/cultural-tours/

12:00 PM

CULTURAL AMBASSADORS – Arch Park

• Until 6:00 PM, visit with cultural demonstrators, Loren Henderson, Turtle Mountain, Chief Phillip Whiteman Jr. (Council of Forty-four), Northern Cheyenne), who will be sharing their personal cultural traditions and knowledge.
  Teepees will be set up for folks to view and visit.

9:00 PM

LIGHTING OF THE ILLUMINATED TEEPEES – Yellowstone North Entrance

• Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents, Building Bridges of Peace, the nightly lighting of the illuminated teepees.

9:00 AM

NATIVE ART MARKET – Yellowstone Forever Headquarters

• There will be a variety of arts and crafts for sale, providing an opportunity to engage with Native artisans and purchase unique art. Located at the Cole Conference Room until 5:00 PM, the Native Art Market will feature artists –
  • Joanne Brings Thunder, Eastern Shoshone
  • Designs by Della – Della BigHair Stump, Apsáalooke

10:00 AM

CULTURAL TOUR – Yellowstone National Park

• Join Lailani Upham, Blackfeet/ Aaniiih/Dakota, along Yellowstone’s Northern Range to connect with the land through oral traditions and learn about the importance of our relationships with wildlife, specifically bison.

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 $50.00 per person.
To register visit: https://www.yellowstone.org/cultural-tours/

12:00 PM

CULTURAL AMBASSADORS – Arch Park

• Until 6:00 PM, visit with cultural demonstrators, Jordann (Bright Trail Woman) Lankford-Forester, A’aniiih and Anishinaabe, and Miranda Murray, Yankton Dakota (Fort Peck Reservation), who will be sharing their personal cultural traditions and knowledge.
  Teepees will be set up for folks to view and visit.

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. Burgers and hot dogs will be provided, and 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: Bear Creek Council, Park County Environmental Council, Yellowstone Dreamin’ Adventures, Yellowstone Forever, Yellowstone Raft Company, Yellowstone Roughriders, and Yellowstone Wonders.

9:00 PM

LIGHTING OF THE ILLUMINATED TEEPEES – Yellowstone North Entrance

• Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents, Building Bridges of Peace, the nightly lighting of the illuminated teepees.

9:00 AM

NATIVE ART MARKET – Yellowstone Forever Headquarters

• There will be a variety of arts and crafts for sale, providing an opportunity to engage with Native artisans and purchase unique art. Located at the Cole Conference Room until 5:00 PM, the Native Art Market will feature artists –
  • Joanne Brings Thunder, Eastern Shoshone
  • Designs by Della – Della BigHair Stump, Apsáalooke

10:00 AM

CULTURAL TOUR – Yellowstone National Park

• Join Lailani Upham, Blackfeet/ Aaniiih/Dakota, along Yellowstone’s Northern Range to connect with the land through oral traditions and learn about the importance of our relationships with wildlife, specifically bison.

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 $50.00 per person.
To register visit: https://www.yellowstone.org/cultural-tours/

12:00 PM

CULTURAL AMBASSADORS – Arch Park

• Until 6:00 PM, visit with cultural demonstrators, Jordann (Bright Trail Woman) Lankford-Forester, A’aniiih and Anishinaabe, and Miranda Murray, Yankton Dakota (Fort Peck Reservation), who will be sharing their personal cultural traditions and knowledge.
  Teepees will be set up for folks to view and visit.

7:00 PM

CLOSING CEREMONY & LIGHTING OF THE TEEPEES – Arch Park

• Blessing – Kelly LookingHorse, Oglala Lakota
• Closing remarks from –
  • Gardiner Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center – Maria Koppelberger-Rogers, Executive Director
  • Pretty Shield Foundation – Bill Snell, Executive Director
  • Yellowstone Forever – Lisa Diekmann, CEO & President
  • National Park Service – Christina White, Chief of External Affairs & Partnerships
• Honor Song – Kelly LookingHorse, Oglala Lakota
• Drum Circle & Round Dance – Patti Baldes, Jason Baldes, Kynan Baldes, Dorian Baldes, Red Thunder Spoonhunter

*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, Building Bridges of Peace, the nightly lighting of the illuminated teepees.

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. 

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, Lloyd Lone Elk, James WalksAlong, and Jehan WalksAlong. 

Chief Phillip Whiteman Jr., also known as Heove ve ‘keso (Yellowbird), is a traditional Northern Cheyenne Chief, rodeo champion, and award-winning recording artist. Renowned for his accomplishments in both rodeo and pow wow arenas, he has also made significant contributions through his music and storytelling. Chief Whiteman’s work includes developing a DVD on Natural Horsemanship, reflecting his deep connection to traditional teachings and horse medicine. He is committed to empowering Indigenous youth and honoring cultural heritage through community events. His recent article in The Guardian calls for an end to genocide and highlights the resilience of Indigenous Peoples and the importance of intergenerational healing. 

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. 

Christina White is the Chief of External Affairs and Partnerships at Yellowstone National Park, where she manages the park’s Visitor Use Management program and fosters partnerships with nonprofits, communities, Tribal Nations, and government agencies. Before this role, she worked on Yellowstone’s Winter Use Plan, managed contracts for over snow vehicles and saddle stock, and was part of the Wilderness Stewardship Division in Washington, D.C. Christina holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of North Carolina and an M.S. in Resource Conservation from the University of 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. 

Dorian Baldes is a Lakota poet, artist, and musician from Fort Washakie, Wyoming. He’s currently a student at Oglala Lakota College and lives on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. 

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. 

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. 

Joanne Brings Thunder, an artist, designer, and architect, is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Shoshone on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. Influenced by her grandmother, renowned Shoshone artist Eva McAdams, she learned to draw, bead, and sew from a young age. Growing up in a matriarchal society, Joanne values her heritage and the legacy of Shoshone women. She teaches traditional and contemporary Shoshone arts to younger generations, including her two daughters. Surrounded by family and nature, Joanne is dedicated to living a creative and culturally rich life. 

Jordann Lankford-Forster, from Great Falls, Montana, is A’aniiih and Anishinaabe, with the A’aniiih name Bright Trail Woman. She serves as an educator and Indigenous Education for All instructional coach for Great Falls Public Schools. Jordann is also a co-facilitator for Bright Trail Education, an educational consulting company that operates both in Montana and nationally. Recognized as Montana Indian Teacher of the Year and the 2022 Montana History Teacher of the Year, she enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with her husband and dog. 

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. 

Kayla Kujaczynski is an enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe. She is a self-taught visual artist, specializing in ledger art but also creates skateboard decks, digital media, and other unique pieces. Her inspiration comes from life experiences, stories from Elders or historical references. Her works blend First Nation’s elements, while including contemporary influences. The intention behind much of her work is start conversations, highlight diversity, including LGBTQ2S, illicit personal reflection and showcase Indigenous beauty. 

Kelly LookingHorse is from the Oglala Lakota Nation. He is a traditional singer, dancer, storyteller, and award-winning artist. Kelly Looking Horse creates hand drums, moccasins, and dreamcatchers. He is primarily self-taught in his creations and enjoys sharing his knowledge with future generations. 

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. 

Kynan Baldes 

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. 

Les Left Hand is an enrolled Crow tribal member, and his Crow Indian name is ‘Usshshiidaadiish,’ English translation: ‘Robin’s Neck”. Les was raised on the Crow Tribal lands reservation in the district reservation community of “Aashbiichitchee,” English translation: “Valley of the Chief District,” also called Lodge Grass, MT, USA. Les is bilingual and bicultural and active in all Crow Tribal traditional cultural ways. 

Loren Henderson 

Maria Koppelberger-Rogers is originally from Michigan and first moved to the Yellowstone region for a summer internship with Yellowstone National Park Lodges. One summer became two, and then three, as she quickly developed a love for the mountains, wildlife, and people of Montana. After graduating with a master’s degree back East, she decided to make Gardiner her home. Maria joined the staff of the Chamber of Commerce in 2023 as Operations Manager and became Executive Director in 2024. 

Mike Tranel has been deputy superintendent of Yellowstone National Park since February 2021. With 35 years at the National Park Service, he previously managed Bighorn Canyon, Little Bighorn Battlefield, Devils Tower, and Fort Laramie. Mike oversees Yellowstone’s 800 employees and $60 million budget. Originally from northern Wyoming, he has worked at Denali National Park and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and has international experience in Sweden, South Africa, and China. He holds a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and an M.S. from the University of Iowa. 

Miranda Murray, from Great Falls, MT, is a descendant of the Yankton Sioux and holds a degree in Art Education from the University of Montana. With a decade of experience in education, she currently works as an IEFA instructional coach for Great Falls Public Schools and co-facilitates Bright Trail Education, an educational consulting firm. An advocate for integrating Indigenous Education for All, Murray strives to enhance public education by incorporating diverse perspectives and fostering critical thinking in students. She has been recognized with the Teresa Veltkamp Advocacy Award and the 2019 Salute to Women Award for her contributions to local and state communities. 

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. 

Patti Baldes, born on the Big Pine Paiute Reservation in California and raised on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming, is an enrolled Northern Arapaho with Northern Paiute lineage. She is the Executive Director of the Wind River Native Advocacy Center, focusing on conservation, tribal sovereignty, and self-determination. Patti lives on the Wind River Reservation with her husband and four children. She shares her story and conservation experiences through her photography line, Patti with an Eye. For nearly 20 years, she has concentrated on buffalo restoration and increasing tribal lands in Wyoming through her art, photography, and storytelling. 

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. 

Red Thunder Spoonhunter, an enrolled Northern Arapaho, Hiinono’ei, and Oglala Lakota, has extensive experience in conservation and tribal programs. He has worked with the Southwest Conservation Corps, Wind River Native Advocacy Center, and Montana and Arizona Conservation Corps, leading tribal conservation crews in various national parks. Spoonhunter, a National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) alumnus, has summited Mount Kilimanjaro and is noted for his achievements in outdoor education and environmental sciences. He also serves on the advisory board for the Wind River Foundation and enjoys activities like powwows, hunting, and skydiving. 

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. 

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. 

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.