August 12-13, 2026

Riverton, Wyoming

The conference aims to assist teachers of tribal youth but is open to all as many sessions address issues beyond the classroom. It is not just for teachers nor tribal members. We welcome anyone interested in learning more about our Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone friends, and in learning best classroom practices and other activities that will help all students.

Rose Ann Abrahamson, M.A., Indigenous Educator

Walking Forward in the Footsteps of Our Ancestors Together

August 12th, 9:15am

With 30+ years of dedicated work in Indigenous education, Rose Ann Abrahamson bridges ancestral wisdom with contemporary pedagogy. Her presentations equip educators with actionable strategies to foster academic success.

“As we walk in the footsteps of our ancestors, we draw strength from their legacy, ensuring that their wisdom empowers our journey forward. This is the foundation of true resilience: knowing ancestral knowledge and carrying that strength into the future, as we walk with others along the way.”

  • Understanding Native American history and culture.
  • Classroom techniques and lesson plans to enhance student achievement.
  • Addressing students’ well-being.
  • Inspiring youth leadership and empowerment.

  • Generation Warrior 
    • Follow the lives of eight members of the Arapaho and Shoshone tribes over a period of four years as they navigate the challenges of early adulthood. Co-produced by Jordan Dresser and Lynette St. Clair, this film also features music by singer-songwriter Christian Wallowing Bull of the Wind River Indian Reservation.
  • Before Wyoming: The West in 1776
    • This film expands the story of 1776 beyond the East, revealing the overlooked history of the Northern Rockies and Great Plains. It explores thriving Indigenous nations, early European influence, and the changing world of the West through historians, Native voices, artifacts, and the perspectives of young people today.

Pacesetter Awards

The conference also recognizes and honors the top Native American youth across the state with the annual Pacesetter Award. The award ceremony will take place at 4 p.m., Aug. 12, at the Peck Auditorium.

  • Arapahoe Charter High School
    • Nyjah Behan 
    • Kenya Rhodes
  • Fort Washakie High School
    • Zydreus Friday
    • Lexi Redbear
  • Lander Valley High School
    • Precious Bowstring
    • Bekah Friday
  • Riverton High School
    • Suvannah Duran
    • Casey Young Chief
  • Rock Springs High School 
    • Clayton Kirk
    • Riley Kirk
  • Rocky Mountain High School
    • Johnny Yellowtail
  • Whiting High School
    • Nikki Hogan
  • Wind River High School
    • Jeffrey Strock
  • Wyoming Indian High School
    • Chloe Iron Cloud
    • Noah Red Willow
Contact
Rob Black

Native American Liaison

Educators