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

Jackson 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.

Juaquin Hamilton

Juaquin Hamilton is an enrolled member of the Sac & Fox Nation of Oklahoma and represents the Cheyenne, Pawnee, Otoe-Missouria, Kiowa, Apache, and Tonkawa Nations. Originally from Pawnee, Oklahoma, he was raised in his cultural traditions from a young age. He has served in many head staff roles across the U.S. and Canada, with Master of Ceremonies being his favourite. He is a strong advocate for education and cultural ways, and he shares his gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this event.

Arena Directors

Rooster Topsky

Rooster Top Sky is a member of the Chippewa-Cree Tribe from Rocky Boy, Montana. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Health and Bio Mechanics from Montana State University Northern and is dedicated to living a healthy lifestyle while practicing the ceremonies of his people.

A third-generation member of the Rocky Boy Singers, Rooster continues the original grass dance singing style passed down by the group founded in 1977. He credits his late father as a major mentor in both education and culture. Rooster is honored to serve as this year’s Arena Director and wishes all dancers and singers the best of luck. Miigwetch.

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.

Justus 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 Men’s Dance Judge

Jared 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

Laryn Oakes

Laryn Rose Oakes, of Plains Cree, Meskwaki, Diné, and Nakota ancestry, is a proud member of Nekaneet Cree Nation in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. She earned her Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan and works with Rock Woman Consulting as an Education Consultant.

A fancy shawl dancer since 9 months old, Laryn carries the strength and healing of dance into her life and well-being. She has served as Head Dance Judge at He Sapa Wacipi in 2024 and 2025, United Tribes Powwow in 2023, along with many other powwows.

Laryn thanks the Lead by Example Committee for inviting her to be part of their celebration.

Headman Dancer

Malcom Murphy

Malcolm Murphy is from Fort Defiance, Arizona, and is of the Diné and Cochiti Pueblo tribes. His clans are Áshįįhi (Salt People Clan), Todích’íí’nii (Bitter Water Clan), Cochiti Pueblo (Turquoise Clan), and Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan).

Malcolm has been singing and dancing since the age of 5. He began as a grass dancer before transitioning to the Northern Traditional style. He has had the privilege of dancing and singing throughout Indian Country and strives to represent his family and his Diné and Cochiti people in a good way. Malcolm is excited to share the dance floor with his powwow family and friends.