saloli undatlv gatiyo -Squirrel Ridge Cherokee Nation Stomp Dancers: Once in a lifetime opportunity for Texas to see and experience traditional dances of the five civilized tribes and other Southeastern and Woodlands Nations.
Children’s Cultural Path & Workshop: Educational display of the sunflower and acorn/oak people, samples of sunflower seeds for touch and tasting. Water is a sacred theme in our culture, we will show how water brings color and beauty to life through exploration and artwork.
Auntie Tanya Bond (Dine’/Zuni), Vice President of IIA: Tanya is of Navajo and Zuni heritage—Diné, meaning “the people.” She was adopted as a baby by a white family after her biological mother, who was very young, made the difficult and loving decision to give her the opportunity for a better life and education. “I carry deep gratitude for her strength and sacrifice, as well as for the support of my adoptive parents. My journey has been shaped by both of these worlds, guiding my passion for growth, identity, and community. Since 2015, I have been involved with the Indigenous Institute of the Americas, where I have grown in leadership and purpose. Today, I serve as Vice President, continuing my commitment to uplifting Indigenous voices and creating meaningful change for future generations.”
Cathy Lopez (Hopi/Santa Ana Pueblo): Nationally recognized Contemporary Fashion Designer, and her daughter, Ashley, with models as seen at New York Fashion Week! foxfire_designs_Cathy Lopez, the founder of Foxfire Designs, will be bringing her amazing talent to IIAC 2026. She is a talented Hopi and Santa Ana Pueblo Contemporary clothing designer, she is a U.S. Army veteran, and a mother to amazing children. Please come out and let’s show @Foxfire_designs_ how much we appreciate them traveling all the way from New Mexico!!!!
G Precious (Ohkay Owingeh): Hip Hop, Pop, R&B Artist, and Native American Music Award Winner
Dr. Scott Langston,Dr. Teresa Gaul & Annette Anderson, LCSW (Chickasaw/Cherokee): History of Tarrant and Johnson County with Native peoples. This seminar will cover the 150-year relationship between Native people and Texas’s history. Being in Relation: Indigenous Peoples, the Land, and Texas Christian University, 1873-2023 is the book that inspired this deeper understanding of a history not taught in our K-12 classrooms.
“Our Journey” Storytellers (Speakers include Diana Parton, Tanya Bond, and Mike Rose): Community Elders and what we like to call “Culture Protectors” will share their personal stories, which include the joys and pains of reconnecting with our Nations and their people. These stories include the impact of child abuse, adoption, drugs, alcohol, boarding schools, murdered and missing relatives, relocation, and other experiences that have impacted our community.
Evelio Flores and Mitotiliztli Yaoyollohtli: this amazing group has been in DFW since 1998. Evelio has served on our Circle of Advisors for IIA since at least 2014. The Mitotiliztli Yeoyollohtli dancers will perform down at the powwow arena. Don’t miss this opportunity, as they sometimes include dance lessons for everyone to learn!
Head Gourd Dancer, Michael Tongkeamha (Kiowa): Learn the history and meaning of Gourd Dance to the Kiowa People. Michael Tongkeamha – Kiowa and descendant of Chief Stumbling Bear, Elk Creek and Saddle Mountain bands of Kiowa. Will be sharing this story at the powwow grounds for the 2pm Gourd Dance session on Saturday.
Eli Hickman (Mississippi Choctaw, Dine’) & DFW Kabutcha Toli: Our local stickball organization will be on-site daily for stickball workshops, scrimmage play, and more! Learn more from Eli at the Star Pavillion, as he speaks about his journey with Stickball.
Audricka Young (Natchitoches Tribe of Louisiana) “Our Mouths Share Our Stories”: Audricka Young- Woman Across the Water –Natchitoches Tribe of Louisiana is an actress and serves as the Education Director for her Nation. Ms. Young has been a wonderful friend to our organization, using her storytelling talent to engage our patrons.
Assistant Chief Jack Austin Jr., Choctaw Nation, “Tribal Nations Are More Than Casinos”: A representative from the Choctaw Nation will discuss the real-world concerns being addressed not only for Choctaw citizens but also for people living within the reservation territories.
Raquel Zamora (Texas Yorimea Band of Yaqui Indians) “Indigenizing Our View of Wildlife”: Raquel Zamora is the founder of Yo’oriwa Ania Wildlife Sanctuary, formed with an Indigenous worldview. Raquel is performing choreography inspired by her love for Mother Earth through the song “We are One” by Taboo and The Mag 7.
Alicia Dawn Robinson (Chickasaw) – “Neurodivergent Brains in NDN Country”: a workshop on using watercolor painting to heal and calm from a Native perspective. Alicia Robinson, known as Alicia DNA to her friends at IIA, has served on the Circle of Youth at IIA since her teens. Alicia has experienced serious health issues, emotional trauma, and what she has learned in the last 5 years -a neurodivergent brain. Art can be an outlet for patience during a migraine and a way to connect to her culture when living in a hectic urban environment.
Cheyhoma Dugger, Director of Development and Membership, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, will represent the Choctaw Cultural Center for “Tribal Nations Are More Than Casinos”, discussing the real-world concerns being addressed not only for Choctaw citizens but also for people living within the reservation territories.
