Sydney Opera House - Sydney, Australia 2019

Kenneth Shirley

Ty Lodgepole

CHAMPION CHICKEN DANCER

DINÉ

PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Ty is a talented Indigenous performer and a proud representative of the Diné people. He specializes in the Men's Prairie Chicken Dance, which originated from the Blackfeet People, and has dedicated his life to perfecting his craft.

Since the age of ten, Ty has honed his skills as a dancer and performer, showcasing his exceptional talent and deep connection to Indigenous culture. He has become a respected figure within the Indigenous community, and his performances have captivated audiences across the United States and beyond.

With his profound passion for Indigenous culture and his unwavering commitment to excellence, Ty represents the very best of Indigenous performers. His unique blend of skill, talent, and cultural pride continues to inspire and uplift audiences everywhere, making him a valued member of the Indigenous performance community.

ACOSIA REDELK 

CHAMPION JINGLE DRESS DANCER

UMITILA TRIBE

PENDLETON, OREGON

Acosia Red Elk is a highly accomplished jingle dress dancer from the Umatilla people of Oregon. As a descendant of Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekt, she has a deep connection to her culture and heritage, and has dedicated her life to advancing the art of Indigenous dance.

Despite not becoming interested in dancing until the age of 16, Acosia quickly became a self-taught expert in the field. Drawing on her innate talent and her passion for the jingle dance, she studied videos of other dancers and honed her skills through dedication and hard work.

Today, Acosia is widely recognized as one of the preeminent jingle dress dancers of her generation, and has won numerous awards and accolades for her exceptional performances. Through her dedication to preserving and promoting Indigenous culture, she has become a respected and valued member of the Indigenous performance community, inspiring and uplifting audiences everywhere with her dynamic and powerful artistry.

JORGE GONZALES

CHAMPION HOOP DANCER

SALT RIVER PIMA

PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Jorge Gonzales is a proud representative of the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community and a respected figure in the world of Indigenous dance. He has been honing his skills as a dancer since 2016, dedicating himself to preserving and promoting Indigenous culture through his art.

Recently, Jorge was honored with the prestigious Scottsdale Community College Indian Title Holder award, a recognition of his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to Indigenous culture. Through his dynamic and powerful performances, he has become a respected and valued member of the Indigenous performance community, inspiring and uplifting audiences with his deep connection to his heritage and his unmatched skill as a dancer.

As a leading figure in the Salt River Pima Maricopa community, Jorge has become a powerful ambassador for Indigenous culture, bringing his unique blend of talent, passion, and dedication to audiences across the United States and beyond. Through his unwavering commitment to excellence, he has earned a place as one of the preeminent Indigenous performers of his generation, and continues to inspire and empower audiences everywhere with his dynamic and captivating artistry.

DOMINIC PABLO

CHAMPION FANCY DANCER

NAVAJO NATION

LAKE VALLEY, NEW MEXICO

Dominic Pablo is a world-renowned champion fancy dancer and singer from the Navajo Nation, with a passion for promoting and preserving Indigenous culture through his art.

As a member of the esteemed Calling Eagle drum group, Dominic has traveled the globe, performing and showcasing his exceptional talent for audiences worldwide. He has become a respected and revered figure within the Indigenous performance community, inspiring and uplifting audiences with his captivating performances and his deep connection to his heritage.

With his unwavering commitment to excellence and his deep passion for Indigenous culture, Dominic has earned his place as one of the preeminent Indigenous performers of his generation. His dynamic and powerful performances continue to captivate and inspire audiences everywhere, and his unique blend of skill, talent, and cultural pride serves as a shining example of the very best of Indigenous art and culture. 

CHAMPION GRASS DANCER

APACHE TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA

LAWRENCE, KANSAS

Freddy Gipp is a highly accomplished entrepreneur and a proud enrolled member of the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma. Born and raised in Lawrence, Kansas, Freddy has dedicated his life to advancing the cause of Indigenous culture and heritage.

Under his Kiowa Indian name, "T'san T'hoop Ah'n" (Lead Horse), Freddy has become a respected and valued member of the Indigenous community. He is a graduate of the University of Kansas, where he studied advertising and marketing at the William Allen White School of Journalism, honing his skills and knowledge to promote and preserve Indigenous culture.

Through his unwavering dedication to excellence and his deep passion for promoting Indigenous heritage, Freddy has become a highly respected figure in the Indigenous business community. He has leveraged his unique blend of cultural pride, business acumen, and marketing expertise to build a powerful platform for the advancement of Indigenous culture, inspiring and uplifting audiences around the world with his dynamic and innovative approach.

As a leading voice in the Indigenous community, Freddy continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, building a legacy of excellence and progress that will inspire generations to come.