FEATURED SPEAKERS
For a full list of presenters see the tentative agenda on the homepage
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
GENERAL SESSION-THURSDAY
DECEMBER 19TH, 2024
MO BRINGS PLENTY
REBECCA CLARREN
WHITNEY RENCOUNTER AND ANGEL LEE
Mo Brings Plenty is an enrolled Lakota who hails from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. His traditional name -- given to him as a young boy -- is Ta Sunke Wospapi ("catches his horse"); it befits a man who spends more time on his horses than anywhere else. As a Makes Room on his mother's side and a Brings Plenty on his father's, he is the stock of his grandfathers who fought at the Battle at Little Big Horn. Those familiar with the battle will know the strengths of those names and understand why Mo sees the world through the lens of the forces and sacrifices his family and ancestors made so that he could be here today. His relatives long passed are an intrinsic part of everything he does: every decision he makes and everywhere he goes.
As an actor, Mo is best known in his self-titled role as "Mo Brings Plenty," Chief Thomas Rainwater's enforcer on the Taylor Sheridan/ViacomCBS record-breaking juggernaut series Yellowstone. Moviegoers can now catch him playing "Shep Wauneka" in the newly released Jurassic World Dominion (2022) and as "Ottawa Jones" in Showtime's Peabody award-winning limited series The Good Lord Bird (2021). He has played "Crazy Horse," "Sitting Bull," and many other historical Indian notables who have solidified their place in this Country's history. And he has spent a fair amount of time in the biopic world twice portraying Charlie Soap -- the husband of the first woman elected Chief of the Cherokee Nation, the late Wilma Mankiller-- in The Cherokee Word for Water and Gloria Steinem's The Glorias, respectively.
Mo Brings Plenty is an actor, horse stunt rider, rancher, and American Indian storyline consultant. But above all, he is a man who wholeheartedly believes in human kindness, and he trusts the good in humanity still exists and feels it just needs to be dusted off a bit. Out of respect and honor for those who have come before us, Mo knows we have a profound obligation to leave a livable planet for those who will follow after we are gone, and he starts and ends every day, with thoughts of how he and we can make the world a better place while we are here.
When Mo isn't working as an actor, he can be found ranching or seeking ways to give back to his Lakota communities and Indian Country -- ways that include preserving culture, tradition and seeking cultural truth in diversity.
We are honored to have Mo Brings Plenty join us at the 2024 Lakota Nations Education Conference.
As an actor, Mo is best known in his self-titled role as "Mo Brings Plenty," Chief Thomas Rainwater's enforcer on the Taylor Sheridan/ViacomCBS record-breaking juggernaut series Yellowstone. Moviegoers can now catch him playing "Shep Wauneka" in the newly released Jurassic World Dominion (2022) and as "Ottawa Jones" in Showtime's Peabody award-winning limited series The Good Lord Bird (2021). He has played "Crazy Horse," "Sitting Bull," and many other historical Indian notables who have solidified their place in this Country's history. And he has spent a fair amount of time in the biopic world twice portraying Charlie Soap -- the husband of the first woman elected Chief of the Cherokee Nation, the late Wilma Mankiller-- in The Cherokee Word for Water and Gloria Steinem's The Glorias, respectively.
Mo Brings Plenty is an actor, horse stunt rider, rancher, and American Indian storyline consultant. But above all, he is a man who wholeheartedly believes in human kindness, and he trusts the good in humanity still exists and feels it just needs to be dusted off a bit. Out of respect and honor for those who have come before us, Mo knows we have a profound obligation to leave a livable planet for those who will follow after we are gone, and he starts and ends every day, with thoughts of how he and we can make the world a better place while we are here.
When Mo isn't working as an actor, he can be found ranching or seeking ways to give back to his Lakota communities and Indian Country -- ways that include preserving culture, tradition and seeking cultural truth in diversity.
We are honored to have Mo Brings Plenty join us at the 2024 Lakota Nations Education Conference.
Rebecca Clarren is an award-winning journalist who has been writing about the American West for more than twenty years. Her most recent book is titled The Cost of Free Land: Jews, Lakota, and an American Inheritance. The book is a powerful, nuanced, and deeply personal exploration of her ancestors fleeing antisemitism in Russia and immigrating to the South Dakota prairie at the turn of the 20th century. I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of the book, and I absolutely loved it. Rebecca seamlessly weaves together heavily researched US and Native American history with a vulnerable, clear-eyed examination of her family’s legacy. The result is an engaging story that not only helped me better understand the past, but provided a blueprint for how we can begin to make amends and move forward, both individually and as a nation.
We are honored to have Rebecca Clarren join us this year as a Keynote speaker.
We are honored to have Rebecca Clarren join us this year as a Keynote speaker.
Whitney Rencountre - Black Hills State University alum Whitney A. Rencountre II was recently named Chief Executive Officer for Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation by their board of directors. “The Board conducted an extensive search for a new CEO and found Whitney’s leadership experience in operations, program management and development best suited to carry forward the mission of the Foundation -- to protect and preserve the culture, tradition and living heritage of North American Indians,” commented Foundation Board Chair, Steve Helmers. “Whitney often speaks of the importance of ‘building bridges’ and is widely known for his ability to establish strong relationships, forge alliances, and connect with advocates, supporters, and volunteers. Further, Whitney honors his heritage as a member of the Crow Creek Hunkpati Dakota Nation through his commitment to family, and to work that promotes respect and healing among people of diverse cultures.”
Rencountre has served as Associate Director of the Indian University of North America at the Crazy Horse Memorial since January 2021, and for several years, has been associated with the Foundation in various roles relating to education and cultural programming. He has held several leadership roles within the Rapid City community and is currently a Commissioner on the Rapid City Human Relations Commission.
We are honored to have Whitney Rencounter join us this year as a Keynote speaker.
Rencountre has served as Associate Director of the Indian University of North America at the Crazy Horse Memorial since January 2021, and for several years, has been associated with the Foundation in various roles relating to education and cultural programming. He has held several leadership roles within the Rapid City community and is currently a Commissioner on the Rapid City Human Relations Commission.
We are honored to have Whitney Rencounter join us this year as a Keynote speaker.
Angel Lee has over 20 years’ experience working in Indigenous Education, integrating Indigenous Lakota Knowledge/Language and Western science, continuous school improvement, accreditation, data analysis, and 21st Century Learning. She has served at the tribal college, K-12, tribal, and federal education agency levels across her homelands on Cheyenne River. For three years, Lee did the oversight of the Rapid City Area Schools Office of Indian Education and Title VI Program. During her time there, she served in senior leadership roles assisting the district with the Indigenous Education Task Force and Lakota Language Immersion Pilot School. She began her new position as Director of the Indian University of North America on June 1, 2023.
Angel earned both a Baccalaureate of Science, Biology, and teaching credentials from Northern State University, as well as a Master of Arts in Education Administration and Lakota Leadership and Management. As a Doctoral student at Johns Hopkins University School of Education, she has focused her research on entrepreneurial leadership, equity, inclusivity, and cultural responsiveness, particularly in the realm of Indigenous education systems. She is certified as both an Advanced Teacher and Advanced Administrator. Her original lesson designs of integrating Lakota language, culture and history with her research in biochemistry and optical engineering have been showcased nationally.
We are honored to have Angel Lee join us this year as a Keynote speaker.
Angel earned both a Baccalaureate of Science, Biology, and teaching credentials from Northern State University, as well as a Master of Arts in Education Administration and Lakota Leadership and Management. As a Doctoral student at Johns Hopkins University School of Education, she has focused her research on entrepreneurial leadership, equity, inclusivity, and cultural responsiveness, particularly in the realm of Indigenous education systems. She is certified as both an Advanced Teacher and Advanced Administrator. Her original lesson designs of integrating Lakota language, culture and history with her research in biochemistry and optical engineering have been showcased nationally.
We are honored to have Angel Lee join us this year as a Keynote speaker.
Breakout sessions and trainings
From South Dakota Public Broadcasting - Marcy Drew
Lakota Nations Education Conference is pleased to announce that Marcy Drew, Director of Education at SDPB, will be joining us once again at the conference as a presenter. Marcy presents many wonderful presentations such as: Difficult Times & Tough Talks with Sesame Street in Communities-SDPB Marcy Drew
Marcy Drew grew up on a farm near Fort Thompson and graduated from Chamberlain High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from South Dakota State University and a master’s in Early Childhood Special Education and a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Dakota. Most recently, Drew was a lecturer at USD, where she taught courses in early childhood, elementary, and special education and also supervised student teachers in classrooms for several types of field experiences.
We are thrilled to include Marcy Drew to our team at LNEC. Her background and passion for education will help LNEC strengthen programming and services that provide a lifetime of learning. Marcy will be presenting December 14th at 1:00 PM in the Bear Butte Room.
I Love You Guys Foundation
(Safety and Security Training)
The “I Love U Guys” Foundation’s programs for crisis response and post-crisis reunification are used in more than 30,000 schools, districts, departments, agencies, organizations and communities around the world. They are created through the research-based best practices of school administrators, psychologists, public space safety experts, families, and first responders. We’re a powerful conduit uniting this work.
The “I Love U Guys” Foundation team of trainers all have personal and professional experience with school and public safety. Through their experiences, our trainings come to life in a way that can only be felt through people who’ve been there.
It was a tragedy that launched The Foundation. And we thrive because we know that with love, we can work together to protect and restore the joy of youth. We’re doing it. Join us. With you, we got this.
Below is the speaker who you will be hearing at this All Day Training - starting at 9:00 am - 4:00 PM on Wednesday December 18, 2024 in the Washington Room.
The I Love U Guys Standard Response Protocol and Standard Reunification Method:
Officer Stacy Avila (Retired)
Introduced in 2009, the Standard Response Protocol is a proven enhancement to school safety planning. Thousands of schools in the US and Canada have adopted the program. Introduced in 2012, the Standard Reunification Method fills a critical void in school safety planning: How to reunite students with their parents after a crisis. Also included in the training is a segment on Incident Command and how it relates to crisis management for educators.
Stacy was raised on a cattle ranch in southwestern Montana, approximately 30 miles from the middle of nowhere.
In 1995, she graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Administration of Justice and an emphasis in Psychology and Sociology. Stacy was a police officer for the City of Arvada, Colorado for twenty-one years and during her tenure served as a Field Training Officer, Patrol Sergeant, and Hostage Negotiator. Stacy served as a negotiator on the Jefferson County Regional SWAT team for fifteen years and was the primary negotiator at Platte Canyon High School on September 27, 2006.
Officer Stacy Avila (Retired)
Introduced in 2009, the Standard Response Protocol is a proven enhancement to school safety planning. Thousands of schools in the US and Canada have adopted the program. Introduced in 2012, the Standard Reunification Method fills a critical void in school safety planning: How to reunite students with their parents after a crisis. Also included in the training is a segment on Incident Command and how it relates to crisis management for educators.
Stacy was raised on a cattle ranch in southwestern Montana, approximately 30 miles from the middle of nowhere.
In 1995, she graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Administration of Justice and an emphasis in Psychology and Sociology. Stacy was a police officer for the City of Arvada, Colorado for twenty-one years and during her tenure served as a Field Training Officer, Patrol Sergeant, and Hostage Negotiator. Stacy served as a negotiator on the Jefferson County Regional SWAT team for fifteen years and was the primary negotiator at Platte Canyon High School on September 27, 2006.
John Forkenbrock
From Washington DC, we welcome back John Forkenbrock to LNEC. He is a strong advocate for children and a strong advocate for Native People. Mr. Forkenbrock is an expert in funding issues for Native Schools and will be speaking several times during the 2024 LNEC Conference held at Ramkota Inn, December 17-21st, 2024. He will also be one of the speakers at the LNEC pre-conference December 17th.
Mr Forkenbrock has a long history with NAFIS and is one of the nation's foremost experts on Impact Aid. He retired as NAFIS Executive Director in 2015 after serving in the role for 27 years. Since then he has continued to lead Impact Aid technical assistance workshops and provide support to the organization. In addition he has traveled throughout Indian country offering assistance and information to educational leaders.
When John speaks we all listen because no one wants to miss a single word he says. His experience and wisdom make him a valuable asset to LNEC. LNEC is in it's 46th year, John has only missed two of those years. Please don't miss his informative talk on the History of Indian Education with an emphasize on education funding issues. Presenting 2024
"Active Shooter"
Training with Brett Garland
December 19th, 2024 @ 1:00 PM
Washington Room
Brett Garland is the Director of South Dakota Safety Center, under the direction of the Department of Public Safety, Office of Homeland Security. The School Safety Center serves as the core for information, training, technical support, and resources on school safety for school facility and staff, students, parents/guardians, law enforcement, and mental health professionals. Since its inception in 2020, the School Safety Center has applied a holistic approach to school safety, utilizing partnerships, with educators, administrators, counselors, mental health professionals, and law enforcement. Prior to his duties as Program Director for the South Dakota School Safety Center, Brett was the Supervisory Special Agent with the West Region Major Crimes Unit of the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, retiring in 2020. Brett spent 19 years with the DCI, and 5 years with the Aberdeen Police Department before that. Brett holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and a Masters Degree in Administrative Studies/Criminal Justice from the University of SD.
Lisa Hare-Author of "No Dogs or Indians"- "Magic Panties" - "Well Broke: A collection of Short Stories" - and "Truly Blissed: Guidebook.
Lisa was born and raised in the Sandhills of western Nebraska.
A lifelong horse enthusiast, she worked as a riding instructor in Southern California, and an equine specialist for Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy.
Miss Hare’s love for the equine, and her experience with them both personally and professionally, provide much of the horsepower behind her writing, offering readers a unique ride through the landscape of love, loss and redemption.
To learn more about the author, or to join her Reader List, visit her website. Lisa will be presenting in the Bear Butte Room at 9:00 AM on December 20th, and she will be doing a book signing Thursday afternoon in the conference foyer area and her books will be available in the Rushmore room throughout the conference.
A lifelong horse enthusiast, she worked as a riding instructor in Southern California, and an equine specialist for Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy.
Miss Hare’s love for the equine, and her experience with them both personally and professionally, provide much of the horsepower behind her writing, offering readers a unique ride through the landscape of love, loss and redemption.
To learn more about the author, or to join her Reader List, visit her website. Lisa will be presenting in the Bear Butte Room at 9:00 AM on December 20th, and she will be doing a book signing Thursday afternoon in the conference foyer area and her books will be available in the Rushmore room throughout the conference.
Kansas Middletent
Washington Room
Friday December 20th, 2024
9:00-10:15 AM-Native Students Lifestyle: An Advocates Perspective
2:30-3:45 PM Awaken the Warrior: Youth Leadership Development
Empowering People, especially our Indigenous Peoples, to Reclaim Their Lives, through proactively strengthening healthy social bonds, focusing on community engagement, and supporting disadvantaged youth and people.