My journey with dance began with my mother, Mary Shirley, a fancy shawl dancer who introduced me to the powwow circle at age two. The Men's Fancy War Dance captivated me the speed, movements, and the profound impact of the drum resonated deeply within me. This early exposure fueled my passion, leading me to win various powwow championships and showcase my style across the United States and Canada. Although dance was always my passion, I never envisioned it as a career.In 2015, my community college in Phoenix, Arizona, invited me to perform for Native American Heritage Month. This transformative experience allowed me to share my culture and educate my classmates about Indigenous heritage, dissolving their preconceived stereotypes. This pivotal moment inspired me to establish Indigenous Enterprise, a dance company dedicated to positively representing Native people and sharing our vibrant culture globally.Since its inception, Indigenous Enterprise has performed at renowned venues such as the Sydney Opera House, Lincoln Center, and the Super Bowl. Reflecting on the past, I find it humbling to consider that the U.S. government persecuted Indigenous people for practicing their culture. Today, I celebrate our traditions and share them with the world. Through my work, I strive to challenge harmful stereotypes and foster a respectful understanding of Indigenous cultures. Dance allows me to highlight the resilience and vibrancy of Indigenous traditions, honoring my ancestors who fought to keep our culture alive. My performances educate, inspire, and advocate for social change, promoting cultural awareness and pride.

My journey with dance began with my mother, Mary Shirley, a fancy shawl dancer who introduced me to the powwow circle at age two. The Men's Fancy War Dance captivated me the speed, movements, and the profound impact of the drum resonated deeply within me. This early exposure fueled my passion, leading me to win various powwow championships and showcase my style across the United States and Canada. Although dance was always my passion, I never envisioned it as a career.In 2015, my community college in Phoenix, Arizona, invited me to perform for Native American Heritage Month. This transformative experience allowed me to share my culture and educate my classmates about Indigenous heritage, dissolving their preconceived stereotypes. This pivotal moment inspired me to establish Indigenous Enterprise, a dance company dedicated to positively representing Native people and sharing our vibrant culture globally.Since its inception, Indigenous Enterprise has performed at renowned venues such as the Sydney Opera House, Lincoln Center, and the Super Bowl. Reflecting on the past, I find it humbling to consider that the U.S. government persecuted Indigenous people for practicing their culture. Today, I celebrate our traditions and share them with the world. Through my work, I strive to challenge harmful stereotypes and foster a respectful understanding of Indigenous cultures. Dance allows me to highlight the resilience and vibrancy of Indigenous traditions, honoring my ancestors who fought to keep our culture alive. My performances educate, inspire, and advocate for social change, promoting cultural awareness and pride.