JACKSON, Wyo. — Central Wyoming College (CWC), Native American Jump Start and Wyoming Humanities Council are proud to announce “Native Voices: Honoring Indigenous Ways,” a five-day series of events celebrating Native American culture, storytelling and traditions from Tuesday, April 29, to Saturday, May 3.
The festivities will culminate in the fifth annual Teton Powwow on May 3, returning to the Snow King Sports & Event Center.
The celebration aims to foster a deeper connection between Teton County residents and visitors with the region’s Indigenous history. It will feature a diverse range of Indigenous voices, including filmmakers, powwow dancers, athletes, artists, chefs and educators.
Scheduled just before Old West Days, Native Voices highlights the spiritual and historical significance of the land for Indigenous communities. The event will provide opportunities for attendees to learn, engage and celebrate Indigenous history and culture.
“Central Wyoming College is looking forward to presenting Native Voices,” said Ivan Posey, tribal education coordinator at Central Wyoming College. “This collaboration underscores the importance of educational initiatives that honor and uplift Indigenous narratives.”
The celebration showcases the richness of Indigenous cultures, featuring filmmakers, powwow dancers, athletes, artists, chefs and educators. Native Voices transforms the greater Teton region into a gathering space where visitors can connect, learn and engage with Indigenous history, traditions and contemporary practices.
The organizers are committed to promoting Indigenous culture and education. They actively support Indigenous students through internships, scholarships and other programs.
- Tuesday, April 29: Film Screenings and Conversation: Sacred Stoke: Native Athlete Stories
- Doors open at 5:30 p.m., event begins at 6 p.m.
- Jackson Hole High School Theater
- Professional Indigenous athletes Connor Ryan (Lakota) and Ellen Bradley (Tlingit) will present film shorts and discuss the deep connection between Native wisdom and the natural world. Free and open to the public.
- Wednesday, April 30: Wind River Cultural Presentations
- Begins at 12 p.m. at the Center for the Arts Theater
- Presentations featuring:
- Connor Ryan (Lakota): Skier and filmmaker
- Miracle Seminole and Cherokee Brown (Northern Arapaho): Discussing the tradition and healing of the Star Quilt
- Jasmine Pickner Bell: Internationally acclaimed hoop dancer, accompanied by students from the TCSD “After the Bell” program
- Free and open to the public.
- Wednesday, April 30: Prey, Moving Screening: Redefining Native Narratives with Jhane Myers.
- Doors open at 6 p.m., event begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Center for the Arts Theatre
- Emmy Award-winning producer Jhane Myers will discuss how Indigenous narratives are reshaping the film industry.
- Free and open to the public
- Friday, May 2: Star Quilt Exhibit
- This event runs from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Center for the Arts, The Center Commons
- Showcasing works by Wind River artists Miracle Seminole and Cherokee Brown, a CWC alum
- Saturday, May 3: Fifth Annual Teton Powwow & Native American Art Market
- This event runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Snow King Sports & Event Center, 100 E. Snow King Ave.
- A gathering of dance, music and community, featuring about 60 tribes from across the Western states. Free and open to the public. Donations accepted.
Educational Events:
Native Voices: Honoring Indigenous Ways is expanding to enhance cultural education in Wyoming. Chef KayAnn Miller will introduce Indigenous foods and culinary techniques to students at Central Wyoming College and other community educational groups. Lakota Connor Ryan and Tlingit Ellen Bradley athletes will inspire students at Wyoming Indian, Fort Washakie and Arapahoe/St. Stephens schools by sharing their experiences as athletes and advocates for Indigenous representation. Film producer Jhane Myers will engage with CWC Film and American Indian Studies students and present her film Prey at CWC’s theater, followed by a Meet & Greet, introduction, screening and Q&A session.
“As a local nonprofit providing financial support to Native people across the region, we are proud to partner with Central Wyoming College to help create cultural awareness of the rich history Indigenous people have played in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem,” said David Deschenes, chief advancement officer of Native American Jump Start.
For more information and updates on event details, please visit the Native Voices page.
Sponsors: Central Wyoming College and Native American Jump Start would like to thank and recognize the following sponsors for their support of the 2025 Native Voices and Teton Powwow: Center for the Arts, Wyoming Humanities Council, Wyoming Cultural Trust, First Western Trust, Snake River Roasting, Dave Hansen Whitewater, the late Berte Hirschfield, Mountain Modern, Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism, Bank of Jackson Hole and the Laura Jane Musser Fund.
About Central Wyoming College: Central Wyoming College’s mission is to transform lives and strengthen communities through learning, leadership and connection. The college includes a main campus in Riverton, as well as an outreach center and the Alpine Science Institute in Lander, and additional locations on the Wind River Indian Reservation, Jackson and Dubois. CWC is a designated Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institution (NASNTI) and serves the largest American Indian student population in Wyoming.
About Native American Jump Start: Native American Jump Start is a Jackson-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting high-potential Native American individuals through education and employment. The organization also co-hosts the annual Teton Powwow each May.
About Wyoming Humanities
Wyoming Humanities fosters collaboration among individuals and organizations to develop programs that deepen our understanding of Wyoming’s unique identity and broader human experiences. They support and create initiatives that enhance the vitality of Wyoming’s creative and cultural sectors.
