Champion dancer, politician and pow-wow MC, Tommy Christian from Poplar MT is well respected in all three areas. Tommy has remained grounded, humble, and gained vast amounts of knowledge from teachings of the elders. He will share his knowledge and guidance on how he prepares mentally, physically, and spiritually for dancing and how that translates into preparing for life.

My name is Shayna McArthur - Wagíya Wakán Wįya. I am a Nakoda from the Whitebear First Nation. I am currently in the BEd Indigenous Education Program at the First Nations University of Canada. I have been raised in the Nakoda traditions and life ways, and I am a language learner of the Nakoda language.

Matthew Spencer B.A., B.Ed.  is a community historian and language instructor from Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation.  He is currently living in Regina and studying ways to improve Nakoda language retention for learners of all ages.  

Keegan McArthur is a learner of the Nakoda language and attended the Oćeti Śakowin: Iapi Wakan Ayuwankan Eunhnakapi (Promoting the Spirit of our Language) Live Conference at the Dakota Dunes Resort in 2024.

Chief Darcy Bear has been the Chief of Whitecap Dakota First Nation for over twenty years. Chief Darcy Bear was born on the Whitecap Dakota First Nation. His grandparents raised him with the knowledge of his Dakota history and culture. 

In his presentation, Arvol Looking Horse talks about the importance of World Peace and Prayer Day--June 21, and his life journey that brought him to the Oceti Sakowin conference.