Central Wyoming College (CWC), Native American Jump Start, and the Wyoming Humanities Council are set to host “Native Voices: Honoring Indigenous Ways,” a five-day celebration of Native American culture, storytelling, and traditions from April 29 to May 3, 2025, GlobeNewswire reports.
The event will conclude with the fifth annual Teton Powwow on Saturday, May 3, at the Snow King Sports & Event Center.
This annual gathering provides an opportunity to engage with Indigenous history, arts, and traditions while recognizing the cultural significance of the Greater Yellowstone region. Attendees will experience film screenings, cultural discussions, art exhibits, and a powwow featuring tribal members from across the Western US.
The celebration will bring together Indigenous filmmakers, artists, athletes, dancers, chefs, and educators to share their stories and traditions. Ivan Posey, Tribal Education Coordinator at CWC, emphasized the event’s educational importance, saying:
“This collaboration underscores the importance of initiatives that honor and uplift Indigenous narratives.”
Among the featured guests are:
Jhane Myers (Comanche) – Emmy Award-winning film producer known for Prey
Connor Ryan (Lakota) & Ellen Bradley (Tlingit) – Professional Indigenous athletes and filmmakers
Jasmine Pickner Bell – Acclaimed hoop dancer
Miracle Seminole & Cherokee Brown (Northern Arapaho) – Artists showcasing the Star Quilt tradition
The event is scheduled just before Old West Days, allowing visitors to explore both Indigenous and Western heritage in the region.
Event Highlights
Tuesday, April 29 – Film & Discussion
📍 Jackson Hole High School Theater, 6 p.m.
Screening of Sacred Stoke: Native Athlete Stories
Discussion with Indigenous athletes Connor Ryan and Ellen Bradley on the connection between Native wisdom and the natural world
Wednesday, April 30 – Cultural Presentations & Film Screening
📍 Center for the Arts Theater
12 p.m. – Wind River Cultural Presentations featuring Indigenous storytelling, performances, and traditions
6:30 p.m. – Screening of Prey with producer Jhane Myers, discussing Indigenous representation in film
Friday, May 2 – Star Quilt Exhibit
📍 Center for the Arts, 5–6:30 p.m.
Exhibit featuring Wind River artists Miracle Seminole and Cherokee Brown
Saturday, May 3 – Teton Powwow & Art Market
📍 Snow King Sports & Event Center, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
A vibrant powwow featuring 60 tribes, dance, music, and community
Native American Art Market showcasing Indigenous artisans
Beyond public events, Native Voices is expanding cultural education efforts in Wyoming. Programs include:
Indigenous Culinary Workshops – Chef KayAnn Miller will introduce traditional Native foods at CWC
School Visits – Indigenous athletes will engage with students at Wyoming Indian, Fort Washakie, and Arapahoe/St. Stephens schools
Film Studies – Jhane Myers will host discussions with CWC Film and American Indian Studies students
David Deschenes, Chief Advancement Officer of Native American Jump Start, emphasized the importance of supporting Indigenous culture, saying:
“We are proud to help create cultural awareness of the rich history Indigenous people have played in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.”
The event is made possible through the support of sponsors such as the Wyoming Cultural Trust, Center for the Arts, First Western Trust, and the Bank of Jackson Hole.
For more details and updates, visit the Native Voices event page.
