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.

Howie Thomson

Howard “Howie” Thomson is a member of Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation in southeastern Saskatchewan, Canada. Raised in a strong cultural family with deep roots in both powwow and farming traditions, Howie carries forward a proud legacy of community and ceremony.

He has worked alongside world-class announcers and head staff throughout Canada and the United States, bringing energy, smiles, and laughter to every arena. A Traditional-style dancer and occasional singer, Howie values the powwow trail as a lifelong journey of friendship, love, and connection, and is always willing to travel wherever he is needed to lend a helping hand.

Kent Ayoungman

Kent Ayoungman is from the Siksika Nation. He grew up travelling with family to powwows throughout powwow country. As a child attending powwows on Siksika he admired drum groups such as Blackfoot Drummers, Big Four Singers, Eagle Society and Blackfoot Crossing. He has always had a keen interest in singing and drumming but did not have the opportunity to participate in drumming and singing until he was a teenager and has not stopped since. He has had the opportunity to record and sing with a number of champion drum groups throughout the years and is still active on the powwow trail both with singing and dancing.  

Arena Directors

Sheldon Scalplock Sr

Sheldon Scalplock Sr. is a member of the Siksika Nation. He began dancing in 1967 and by 1971 was initiated into the Prairie Chicken Society. A champion dancer, Sheldon has won numerous awards including crowned champion at Heartford Connecticut (1999), Gathering of Nations (2015), and the Calgary Stampede (2022).

Sheldon Scalplock Jr

Sheldon Scalplock Jr. is a proud member of the Siksika Nation. A lifelong powwow singer and dancer, Sheldon has traveled extensively across Canada and the United States, earning multiple championships in both dancing and singing throughout his career. In addition to his accomplishments in the arena, he has served on numerous powwow committees as an Arena Director and Head Judge. Sheldon extends his heartfelt gratitude to the Lead by Example Powwow Committee for the honour of being named the 2026 Arena Director.

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.

Head Drum Judge

Malcom Murphy

Malcolm Murphy is from Fort Defiance, Arizona, and is of the Diné and Cochiti Pueblo tribes. He is Áshįįhi (Salt People Clan), born for Todích’íí’nii (Bitter Water Clan), with ties to Cochiti Pueblo (Turquoise Clan) and Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan).

He began singing and dancing at the age of five, starting as a Grass Dancer before transitioning to the Northern Traditional style. Malcolm has had the honor of traveling throughout Indian Country, proudly representing his family and his Diné and Cochiti people, and looks forward to sharing the arena with his Powwow family and friends.

Head Men’s Dance Judge

Jarred Buffalo

Jared Buffalo, also known as Asiniy Awasis, is a member of the Samson Cree Nation from Maskwacis, Alberta. Raised within the Pow-wow circle from a young age, Jared has carried the songs, dances, and teachings of his people throughout his life. His journey has taken him across North America and around the world, sharing and celebrating Cree culture on international stages.

A husband to Jaime Buffalo, father of four, and grandfather of three, Jared is deeply rooted in family and community. He remains grateful for the lifelong blessings and opportunities the Pow-wow way of life has provided, and he continues to honor and uphold the traditions of his Nation. Hiy hiy, ninanâskomân.

Head Women’s Dance Judge

Prairie Rose Jack

PrairieRose Jack proudly represents her traditional Diné clans: Tó’aheedlíinii, born for Tsi’naajinii, with Honágháahnii as her maternal grandfather’s clan and Tséńjíkiní as her paternal grandfather’s clan. She is from Chinle, Arizona, on her maternal side and White Cone, Arizona, on her paternal side.

Dancing in the Jingle Dress category since she was a toddler, PrairieRose is known for her contemporary style and enjoys traveling across Indian Country sharing her passion. She is honored and grateful to serve as the 2026 Head Woman Dance Judge for the Lead by Example Pow Wow and looks forward to working alongside an outstanding head staff. Ahéhee’.