4:00 PM

NATIVE ART MARKET – Yellowstone Forever Headquarters

Located at the Cole Conference Room until 9:00 PM, the Native Art Market will feature artists –

• Carrie McCleary, Little Shell Band of Chippewa
• Della Big Hair Stump, Apsáalooke
• Samuel Jaxin Enemy Hunter, Apsáalooke
• Willy & Debbie Lamere, Assiniboine and Sioux, Blackfeet, and Shoshone-Bannock | Shoshone-Bannock

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

7:00 PM

OPENING CEREMONY & LIGHTING OF THE TEEPEES – Arch Park

• Opening remarks from Yellowstone Forever and Pretty Shield Foundation
• Blessing & Honor Song & Dance – Patti Baldes, Northern Arapaho & Big Pine Paiute
• Drum Circle – The He3eti Zhant
• Flute – Rachel TwoTeeth-Pichardo, Little Shell Band of Chippewa

*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, Legacy of Light, the first night lighting of the illuminated teepees.

9:00 AM

CULTURAL TOUR – Yellowstone National Park

Join Mike Jetty, enrolled member of the Spirit Lake Dakota Nation and a Turtle Mountain Chippewa descendant

Lamar Valley Tour

This tour will take us to the Lamar Valley where you will have an opportunity to view bison and if we are lucky maybe catch a glimpse of bears, elk, coyotes, foxes, and even wolves.

Mike will share some traditional Dakota/Lakota stories and songs regarding relationships with buffalo.  In addition, he will also share cultural information related to some of the tribal nations that have historic connections with YNP such as the Crow, Nez Perce and Shoshone. The historic Bannock Trail also runs through part of the Lamar Valley and Mike will also share some of the archaeological research that has been conducted in the park.  Throughout the tour Mike will be sharing cultural traditions and stories from the Dakota/Lakota. Participants will have an opportunity to view YNP through an Indigenous lens.

Mike Jetty is an enrolled member of the Spirit Lake Dakota Nation and a Turtle Mountain Chippewa descendant. Mike is currently working at the Montana Office of Public Instruction as an Indian Education Specialist. He has been working with Indian Education issues for the past 31 years and has teaching experience at both the K-12 and University level. He has a B.S. in History Education, a Master’s in School Administration and an Education Specialist Degree. Mike is currently working on updating model social studies lesson plans to incorporate the recently adopted Social Studies Standards and adding new classroom activities and links to online resources. Please contact Mike if you are looking for ideas and resources to support your Indian Education for All instructional efforts. In addition to his work with K-12 education, he is an active member of the American Indian and Minority Achievement Council for the Montana University System.

The tour will start at the Yellowstone Forever Headquarters building at 9:00 AM and return by 4:00 PM. The tour is limited to 12 people and is $99.00 per person.

4:00 PM

NATIVE ART MARKET – Yellowstone Forever Headquarters

Located at the Cole Conference Room until 9:00 PM, the Native Art Market will feature artists –

• Carrie McCleary, Little Shell Band of Chippewa
• Della Big Hair Stump, Apsáalooke
• Malaina Guzman, Shoshone-Bannock
• Willy & Debbie Lamere, Assiniboine and Sioux, Blackfeet, and Shoshone-Bannock | Shoshone-Bannock
• 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.

7:30 PM

MUSIC AND SPEAKER – Yellowstone North Entrance

Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents,

• Flute music – Rachel TwoTeeth-Pichardo, Little Shell Band of Chippewa
• Speaker – Joseph Pichardo, Blackfeet, Chippewa & Cree

9:00 PM

LIGHTING OF THE ILLUMINATED TEEPEES – Yellowstone North Entrance

Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents, Legacy of Light, the nightly lighting of the illuminated teepees.

9:00 AM

CULTURAL TOUR – Yellowstone National Park

Join Mike Jetty, enrolled member of the Spirit Lake Dakota Nation and a Turtle Mountain Chippewa descendant

Sheepeater Cliff and Obsidian Cliff Tour

This tour will take us to Sheepeater Cliff and Obsidian Cliff. At Sheepeater Cliff, we will take a short hike and learn about some of the history regarding tribal nations that frequented this area to gather obsidian and other resources. At Obsidian Cliff we will hear about the extensive trade networks that existed among tribal nations and learn about some of the history and traditions of a few tribal nations. Participants will have an opportunity to view YNP through an Indigenous lens. Throughout the tour Mike will be sharing cultural traditions and stories from the Dakota/Lakota.

Mike Jetty is an enrolled member of the Spirit Lake Dakota Nation and a Turtle Mountain Chippewa descendant. Mike is currently working at the Montana Office of Public Instruction as an Indian Education Specialist. He has been working with Indian Education issues for the past 31 years and has teaching experience at both the K-12 and University level. He has a B.S. in History Education, a Master’s in School Administration and an Education Specialist Degree. Mike is currently working on updating model social studies lesson plans to incorporate the recently adopted Social Studies Standards and adding new classroom activities and links to online resources. Please contact Mike if you are looking for ideas and resources to support your Indian Education for All instructional efforts. In addition to his work with K-12 education, he is an active member of the American Indian and Minority Achievement Council for the Montana University System.

The tour will start at the Yellowstone Forever Headquarters building at 9:00 AM and return by 4:00 PM. The tour is limited to 12 people and is $99.00 per person.

4:00 PM

NATIVE ART MARKET – Yellowstone Forever Headquarters

Located at the Cole Conference Room until 9:00 PM, the Native Art Market will feature artists –

• Carrie McCleary, Little Shell Band of Chippewa
• Della Big Hair Stump, Apsáalooke
• Malaina Guzman, Shoshone-Bannock
• Willy & Debbie Lamere, Assiniboine and Sioux, Blackfeet, and Shoshone-Bannock | Shoshone-Bannock
• 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.

7:30 PM

MUSIC AND SPEAKER – Yellowstone North Entrance

Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents,

• Flute music – Rachel TwoTeeth-Pichardo, Little Shell Band of Chippewa
• Speaker – Willy Lamere, Assiniboine and Sioux, Blackfeet, and Shoshone-Bannock

9:00 PM

LIGHTING OF THE ILLUMINATED TEEPEES – Yellowstone North Entrance

Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents, Legacy of Light, the nightly lighting of the illuminated teepees.

9:00 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.

Chris La Tray is a Métis storyteller, a descendent of the Pembina Band of the mighty Red River of the North and a citizen of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He writes the newsletter “An Irritable Métis” and lives near Frenchtown, Montana. He was the Montana Poet Laureate for 2023–2025 and has written three books, most recently Becoming Little Shell: A Landless Indian’s Journey Home (2024, Milkweed Editions).

The tour will start at the Yellowstone Forever Headquarters building at 9:00 AM and return by 4:00 PM. The tour is limited to 12 people and is $99.00 per person.

4:00 PM

NATIVE ART MARKET – Yellowstone Forever Headquarters

Located at the Cole Conference Room until 9:00 PM, the Native Art Market will feature artists –

• Carrie McCleary, Little Shell Band of Chippewa
• Della Big Hair Stump, Apsáalooke
• Malaina Guzman, Shoshone-Bannock
• 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.

7:00 PM

TRADITIONAL NATIVE GAMES – Arch Park

Join educators Joseph Pichardo & Rachel TwoTeeth-Pichardo for an evening of Native Games at Arch Park. The event goes till 9:00 PM and is free and open to participants of all ages, join anytime.

7:30 PM

MUSIC AND SPEAKER – Yellowstone North Entrance

Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents,

• Speaker & Music – Ryan Littleeagle, Cheyenne River Lakota, Taino

9:00 PM

LIGHTING OF THE ILLUMINATED TEEPEES – Yellowstone North Entrance

Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents, Legacy of Light, the nightly lighting of the illuminated teepees.

9:00 AM

CULTURAL TOUR – Yellowstone National Park

Join Ryan Littleeagle, Cheyenne River Lakota and Taino, along Yellowstone’s Northern Range to explore and share Lakota stories.

Ryan Littleeagle is a traveling Indigenous singer-songwriter from the small town of Canyon Lake, Texas. Though the road is his home most of the year, he primarily calls the traditional homeland of the Oceti Sakowin outside the Black Hills of South Dakota home. A Midwest musician with a country charm, Ryan shares his unique blend of Country/Americana music with the soothing and haunting sounds of contemporary Indigenous music. With 15 years of experience, he travels the country from the Old West across America’s Heartland to the Southern Appalachians, playing over 300+ shows a year. Ryan tirelessly works and hustles to hone his craft and share a unique and intimate musical experience that connects to the human spirit walking between a traditional and modern world.

The tour will start at the Yellowstone Forever Headquarters building at 9:00 AM and return by 4:00 PM. The tour is limited to 12 people and is $99.00 per person.

4:00 PM

NATIVE ART MARKET – Yellowstone Forever Headquarters

Located at the Cole Conference Room until 9:00 PM, the Native Art Market will feature artists –

• Kayla Kujaczynski, Chippewa-Cree
• Malaina Guzman, Shoshone-Bannock
• Shana Yellow Calf, Northern Arapaho
• Loren Henderson, 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.

7:30 PM

MUSIC AND SPEAKER – Yellowstone North Entrance

Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents,

• Music & Speaker – Franco Littlelight, Apsáalooke

9:00 PM

LIGHTING OF THE ILLUMINATED TEEPEES – Yellowstone North Entrance

Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents, Legacy of Light, the nightly lighting of the illuminated teepees.

9:00 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.

Chris La Tray is a Métis storyteller, a descendent of the Pembina Band of the mighty Red River of the North and a citizen of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He writes the newsletter “An Irritable Métis” and lives near Frenchtown, Montana. He was the Montana Poet Laureate for 2023–2025 and has written three books, most recently Becoming Little Shell: A Landless Indian’s Journey Home (2024, Milkweed Editions).

The tour will start at the Yellowstone Forever Headquarters building at 9:00 AM and return by 4:00 PM. The tour is limited to 12 people and is $99.00 per person.

4:00 PM

NATIVE ART MARKET – Yellowstone Forever Headquarters

Located at the Cole Conference Room until 9:00 PM, the Native Art Market will feature artists –

• Kayla Kujaczynski, Chippewa-Cree
• Malaina Guzman, Shoshone-Bannock
• Shana Yellow Calf, Northern Arapaho
• Loren Henderson, 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.

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: AMB West, Auster at Dome Mountain, Bear Creek Council, Gateway Hose Company, In Our Nature Guiding Services, Park County Environmental Council, Rigler’s River Rest, Rockin’ HK Outfitters, Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North, Walking Shadow Ecology Tours of Yellowstone, Yellowstone Dreamin Retreat, Yellowstone E-Bikes, Yellowstone Gateway Inn, Yellowstone National Park Lodges, Yellowstone River Motel, and Yellowstone Wolf Tracker.

7:30 PM

MUSIC AND SPEAKER – Yellowstone North Entrance

Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents,

• Flute music – Rachel TwoTeeth-Pichardo, Little Shell Band of Chippewa
• Speaker – Chris La Tray, Little Shell Band of Chippewa

9:00 PM

LIGHTING OF THE ILLUMINATED TEEPEES – Yellowstone North Entrance

Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents, Legacy of Light, the nightly lighting of the illuminated teepees.

4:00 PM

NATIVE ART MARKET – Yellowstone Forever Headquarters

Located at the Cole Conference Room until 9:00 PM, the Native Art Market will feature artists –

• Kayla Kujaczynski, Chippewa-Cree
• Shana Yellow Calf, Northern Arapaho
• Loren Henderson, 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.

7:30 PM

MUSIC AND/OR SPEAKER – Yellowstone North Entrance

Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council presents,

• Flute music – Rachel TwoTeeth-Pichardo, Little Shell Chippewa
• Speaker – Steven Davis, KiiNock”KooMii (First Thunder), an enrolled member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe and descendant of the Blackfeet Nation

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. 

Chris La Tray is a Métis storyteller, a descendent of the Pembina Band of the mighty Red River of the North and a citizen of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He writes the newsletter “An Irritable Métis” and lives near Frenchtown, Montana. He was the Montana Poet Laureate for 2023–2025 and has written three books, most recently Becoming Little Shell: A Landless Indian’s Journey Home (2024, Milkweed Editions).

Debbie Lamere specializes in working with porcupine quills and beadwork, creating intricate and meaningful pieces of art. Debbie proudly shares her heritage as the great-great-great-granddaughter of Sacajawea, a member of the Lemhi Shoshone Band. Her lineage also includes her great-great-grandfather, who was a Chief of the Shoshone Tribe, and she is related to Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Tribe. Debbie’s commitment to preserving and showcasing Native American arts is evident through her extensive participation in various programs across the United States. She has been a part of the Native Arts program at Colter Bay in the Grand Tetons for 44 years, twice at Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center, and 5 years at Fort Union in North Dakota. Additionally, Debbie contributed her talents to the Ute Tribal Museum in Montrose, Colorado. Her artistic journey has also led her to the entertainment industry, where she has been in two movies and one music video. Debbie has performed across the USA with the Lamere family dancers, captivating audiences with her cultural and artistic expressions

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. 

Franco Littlelight is Crow Indian educator from the Crow Reservation in Montana. One of the Crow Tribe’s cultural treasures, Franco is the carrier of traditional, ceremonial, and ritual songs of the Crow People. In addition to his extensive repertoire of songs, he is an accomplished story-teller of Crow Indian mythology and folktales. His greatest passion is giving westerners and non-natives access to the rich cultural heritage of the Crow People by sharing his talents with audiences across the region.

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. 

At glassybaby, giving is at the heart of everything we do. Since our founding, our community has helped us give nearly $16 million to organizations creating hope, healing, and meaningful change. We are proud to support the important work of Voices of Yellowstone: First Peoples Celebration and are honored to help shine a light on this meaningful gathering. We believe even small acts of generosity can spark connection, and we’re grateful to be part of a celebration that brings people together through shared stories, culture, and kindness.

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 (Kiiw Piyeso Iskwesis) is a Chippewa-Cree visual artist. She was born in Havre, Montana and grew up in Michigan and Nevada. Kayla currently resides in Bozeman, Montana where she attends Montana State University, majoring in Biology full time. Since 2021, Kayla has been a recognized artist after placing in Native POP: People of the Plains, as an emerging artist. She is self-taught and her love for art began at a very young age and she has continued to refine her craft. While Kayla specializes in ledger art, she also creates other unique pieces and projects, ranging from stickerdesign, skateboard decks to acrylic paintings.

Kayla’s work often features blending traditional elements of Native American culture while including contemporary urban influences. Much of her inspiration comes from life experiences, contemporary issues and interests, stories from elders, and historical references. The intention behind much of her work is to elicit conversation, highlight diversity and beauty within Indigenous communities, and honor nature.

Loren Henderson is a Native American woodburning artist from the Rocky Boy Reservation in Montana and a member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe. A dedicated pyrographic artist for many years, Loren creates distinctive mixed-media works that combine intricate wood-burning techniques with vibrant acrylic paints. His artwork reflects both technical skill and creative expression, blending traditional and contemporary artistic elements.

Malaina Guzman is a Shoshone-Bannock Tribal member and lives on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation.  She creates a variety of handcrafted body care products made with plants, flowers, leaves, berries, bees wax, and tree resins from Shoshone-Bannock traditional homelands. Her ancestors have cared for and harvested many plants from our traditional homelands including what is now Yellowstone Park for thousands of years. Products Malaina makes are Soap, Lip Butter, Pine Resin Balm, Sagebrush Scrub, Elderberry Scrub, Bison Tallow Balm, Arnica Balm, Soaking Salts and more.  She has been making body care products for over 25 years.

Many of the plants Malaina uses are wild harvested from local high desert and mountain areas, some she grows herself and others are sourced from sustainable businesses.

Mike Jetty is an enrolled member of the Spirit Lake Dakota Nation and a Turtle Mountain Chippewa descendant. Mike is currently working at the Montana Office of Public Instruction as an Indian Education Specialist. He has been working with Indian Education issues for the past 31 years and has teaching experience at both the K-12 and University level. He has a B.S. in History Education, a Master’s in School Administration and an Education Specialist Degree. Mike is currently working on updating model social studies lesson plans to incorporate the recently adopted Social Studies Standards and adding new classroom activities and links to online resources. Please contact Mike if you are looking for ideas and resources to support your Indian Education for All instructional efforts. In addition to his work with K-12 education, he is an active member of the American Indian and Minority Achievement Council for the Montana University System.

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.

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. 

Ryan Littleeagle is a traveling Indigenous singer-songwriter from the small town of Canyon Lake, Texas. Though the road is his home most of the year, he primarily calls the traditional homeland of the Oceti Sakowin outside the Black Hills of South Dakota home. A Midwest musician with a country charm, Ryan shares his unique blend of Country/Americana music with the soothing and haunting sounds of contemporary Indigenous music. With 15 years of experience, he travels the country from the Old West across America’s Heartland to the Southern Appalachians, playing over 300+ shows a year. Ryan tirelessly works and hustles to hone his craft and share a unique and intimate musical experience that connects to the human spirit walking between a traditional and modern world.

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.

Steven Davis, KiiNock”KooMii (First Thunder), an enrolled member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe and descendant of the Blackfeet Nation, graduated in 2014 with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, a B.S. in Biological Engineering, and an Honors Baccalaureate Degree from Montana State University—Bozeman. A 2014 Rhodes Finalist and former NCAA Division I athlete, he remained actively engaged in research and community outreach with the local & Tribal communities during his undergraduate studies. After having worked nearly a decade in the industry as an engineer while serving on the Honors College External Advisory Committee, he is thrilled to have had the opportunity to return home to the Valley of The Flowers with his wife and three boys (8yo, 6yo, 6mo), serving the next generation of students as the Assistant Dean of the Honors College. Steven is currently pursuing his PhD in Engineering, he recently completed his Masters in Environmental Engineering.

KiiNock”KooMii is a Sloan Indigenous Graduate Partnership (SIGP) Fellow and LSAMP Bridge to Doctorate recipient whose current research translation efforts are aiming to bridge the gap between traditional, Indigenous ways of knowing and Western empirical sciences – i.e. fluid mechanics, heat transfer, transport principles inherent in the design and structure of traditional lodges (tipsi/teepees). Niitoyis (real original home or dwelling) was designed and adapted by various nomadic Great Plains Tribes living in balanced relationships with the peoples, places, and processes that have shaped this continent since time immemorial. There is much to learn and share from the ancestral knowledge and ancient wisdom inherent in their stories and structures. His professional work and research will continue to focus on these studies within engineering education so as to broaden access and promote success in higher education for all students, and to inspire a new generation of problem solvers who will develop more sustainable engineering solutions for the next seven generations.

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. 

Willy Lamere has presented workshops at the Ute Tribal Museum and Idaho State University. He has demonstrated in Grand Teton National Park for 44 years and at Fort Union in South Dakota. As a professional magician, he holds the distinction of being the only Native American to perform at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California. Willy has appeared in two movies and served as an advisor on another. He has also been in a music video. Currently, Willy is the president of the local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He has traveled extensively across the USA with the Shoshone Bannock dancers and his own family dancers, educating non-natives about native culture. Furthermore, he has advised the archaeological department at the Idaho National Laboratory in southeastern Idaho.

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.