MC: Arlie Neskahi

Arlie Neskahi is a member of the Diné Nation, of Naaneesht’ezhi Tachiinii Clan and born for the TodiCh’iinii People.  Having grown up on the Diné reservation in NW, New Mexico, he comes from a very spiritual family.  His parents and grandparents were very prayerful people and encouraged him in the learning and practice of traditional music and culture.  Arlie is known as a traditional songcarrier, composer, and performer.  He also travels across the country as a Native consultant, trainer and inspirational speaker and is thankful for his professional colleagues and relationships both in the arts and professional realms.  He practices the Diné Beauty Way and is thankful to the Holy People for these continued blessings.  Since 1974, he has been the Lead Singer of the fabled White Eagle Singers.  They have traveled extensively across North America winning numerous singing contests and serving as host drum at many premier pow wows.  Arlie is called upon to serve as an MC for his Native community and is widely regarded for his deep knowledge of tribal traditions, song, dance, and history.  His MC’ing work is noted for its insightful educational commentary and in providing a bold and uplifting spirit.  In addition to MC’ing pow wows, he has composed music for theatre, video and film.  And, he is known in the Native World as the Voice of the Wisdom of the Elders radio program, broadcast nationally on NPR stations.  He is honored to serve as this year’s MC.

Head Man Dancer: Stoney Cloud Dodson

(Kosh da agh) meaning Cloud of Stone

Stoney cloud Dodson hails from the Navajo, Apache, Pueblo and Blackfoot nations from his father and the great purepecha people from his mother. Upon his birth he was placed on the drum and an oath was made to teach him and hand to him the ceremonies of his people. This is an oath he has and continues to keep in the steps of his life. Stoney, lead singer and founder of the Thunderhead singers, Events & Community Relations Coordinator of the Fresno Indian Health Project , takes his responsibility as head man for this years pow wow as a sacred honor. “I love to dance, even if I’m the only one.” Stoney, his fiancé Desiree and the rest of his family thank the committee and community for the great honor of representing this years pow wow as your head man. He wishes you all good health, joy and peace. “Let us dance together in celebration. We are the people and we are alive!”

Head Women Dancer: Kiara Love Flores

Miyaxwe/Hello, 

My name is Kiara Love Flores and I come to you from the Pala Indian Reservation in Southern California. I am Kuupangaxwichem/Cupeno and Northern Ute. In my twenty three years of life, I have been dancing since I've learned to walk. These styles include the Jingle Dress, Fancy Shawl, Northern Traditional, and Bird Dancing all taught to me by my Mother. Dancing has always had the biggest impact on my life and has led me to the path I'm on now. Currently I attend California State University San Marcos, soon to receive my Bachelors in Native Studies with a concentration in Arts & Humanities in May 2025. Working closely with Native communities has always been a part of me, especially with bringing light to Native issues like Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Native Education, and Native Erasure within education. Ichaam/Thank You

Host Drum: Enemy Hart (San Jose, CA)

Enemy Heart is the name of an Arikara old scout who traveled with the military in the late 1800’s to various different tribal posts.   He was labeled as having heart for the enemy because he didn’t view the tribes that the US military was overseeing as the enemy.   He utilized his travels as a means of obtaining knowledge of numerous songs from all those tribes and brought this song knowledge back to the Arikara people when his time in the military was finished.   His presentiment was in the belief that the unification of Native music would be vital in the salvation of our many cultures for generations to come.  

The exhibition of this very belief is why the lead singer, Jake Miller, took on the name of this acclaimed scout and singer for the drum group.   Although the group originated in the northern plains, the lead singer now resides in San Jose, CA and still maintains the old-time way of singing.   Enemy Heart’s vision of solidarity through Native music is even more relevant in the modern day and is a precedent that nearly every drum group follows.   In keeping with this tradition, it is our goal to bring outstanding Native music to the powwow circle.