Head Staff

The Head Staff of a powwow play an important role in the event's visible operations. These individuals have the responsibility of being exemplary role models with outstanding traditional qualities. They must be present throughout the whole powwow and are selected based on their exemplary skills and dedication.

Master of Ceremonies

Don Speidel

Donnie “Buffalo Boy” Speidel is a member of the Standing Rock Dakota and Lakota nations of South and North Dakota. An accomplished Lakota singer, dancer, and choreographer, Don has performed internationally and across North America, including performances for royalty and heads of state; He’s dedicated his life to the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous languages, culture, and the performing arts.

Jackson Rolling Thunder Tahuka

Jackson Rolling Thunder Tahuka is a member of the Juaneño band of Mission Indians, the Seminole Nation of Florida (bear clan), and the Tohono O’odham Nation of Arizona. Jackson like to thank the powwow committee for asking him to be one of the Master of ceremonies here this years powwow. He is grateful for them allowing him to bring his knowledge of powwow and the love for powwow here to this community and to others. Jackson has been singing , dancing and powwowing all of his life and was blessed to sing and sit with the best powwow groups across the U.S. and Canada from Eagle Whistle to Young Spirit and many elders across Turtle Island. 

Arena Directors

Algin ScabbyRobe

Algin ScabbyRobe is a member of the Kainai band of the Blackfoot Confederacy and the Yakama Nation. He is from White Swan Washington. Member of the Black Lodge singers and chicken dancer. Algin has had the opportunity to be Arena Director and Head Dance/Drum judge at many celebrations. He thanks the Lead by Example powwow committee for being a part of this years Head Staff and thanks you for choosing to participate with us this year and wishes good luck to all drums and dancers.

Justice Cree Sr

Justus Cree Sr is an enrolled member of the Nooksack tribe of Washington and also with bloodline to the Yakama nation and Assineboine Souix. Justice has been arena directing since the age of 15 yrs old, he says he has been blessed to learn from many young and old on the proper respect and responsibility of taking care of the arena . He currently makes his home in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

Host Drum

Young Spirit

The 2024 Lead by Example 1st place drum contest winners

Head Drum Judge

Clyde Tootoosis

Clyde Tootoosis is from Poundmaker First Nation and Peepeekesis First Nation. His Mother is  Shirley Tootoosis (Poundmaker) and father Harold McNabb (Peepeekesis) danced and traveled to powwows before he was born, he was raised into the powwow circle. In his time he learnt and became a dancer and singer too. Clyde has been lucky to be taught by his mentors Allan Bonaise and Terry Paskimen. Clyde is truly grateful these gifts of song and voice leant to him by the creator. Hiy Hiy Clyde Tootoosis Lead Singer of Poundmaker

Head Men’s Dance Judge

Dwayne Wesley

Mini Wagichi, also known as Dwayne Wesley, is from the Mini Thni Nakoda Sioux Tribe of Alberta and was raised in Kiska Wahpta (Big Horn, Alberta) by his grandparents, John and Helen Wesley. He is the eldest son of the late Dion Wesley and the late Dorothy Wesley (Ochiese). Honored to serve as the 2025 Head Dance Judge, he takes great pride in his Nakoda and Ojibway heritage and is fluent in the Nakoda language. A Men's Northern Traditional Dancer since 1998, his dancing has taken him across Canada and the United States. He has lived in Siksika, Alberta, for 22 years with his wife, Dawn Wesley (Eagle Speaker), where they raised their son, Varon “Linii” Wesley.

Head Women’s Dance Judge

Marrisa Mitsuing

Marrisa Moccasin is a proud member of Saulteaux First Nation, situated on Treaty 6 territory. Raised by her maternal grandmother, Lydia Witchekan, Marrisa draws inspiration for her artistry and dance from her parents’ resilience as Indian residential school survivors and the healing power of the land. Her style is deeply rooted in the beauty of the flowers, plants, animals, and insects on the rez behind her Kokum’s house, reflecting a profound connection to her traditions and environment. A multi-international award-winning artist, Marrisa’s beadwork has been showcased in the French Canadian and Japanese Canadian embassies. While her achievements are many, Marrisa is most proud to be a mother to her five children: Dashayne, Leland, Ari, Vatsana, and Piyesiw.