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Master Artisans ~ Caring Mentors
Board President/ Founder
Tilda Long Soldier St. Pierre of Kyle, SD is an Enrolled Member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and recognized as a Master Artisan. She began her study and practice of traditional Lakota art at the age of ten and has grown to be a respected artisan and native arts instructor. She has worked with the SD Arts Council and served as an Artist in Residence for both schools and museums. Tilda served as a cultural consultant for the HBO production of "Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee" and provided Lakota art gifts for the cast, crew and publicity department.
A gifted teacher, she has tutored individuals and served as a teacher aid with Shannon County Schools. Also a community leader, Tilda is a former Americorp Director for Red Cloud Indian School and a former Director of Cheyenne River Christian Children’s Fund. As a business woman she has owned and operated various art related businesses and is currently the co-owner and operator of the Odd Duck Inn Bed and Breakfast.
Tilda’s artwork has been featured in numerous Museum Exhibits and is included in Private Collections throughout the United States.
Board Vice President
Richard Red Owl of Kyle, SD has been a full time working artist for over 30 years. He works in a variety of medium such as acrylic on canvas and paper sculpture. Richard’s subject matter is the culture of the Lakota People, its spirituality, dances, nomadic culture, dreams and visions. His work uses specific symbols and colors to extend its meaning and interpretation as an expression of a living culture.
Richard has a strong board background having previously served on the Shannon County School Board and others. Richard has had a long standing commitment to share his knowledge with youth all over South Dakota and beyond.
Board Member
Warren (Gus )Yellow Hair of Allen, SD is enrolled as Northern Cheyenne and was raised an Oglala. He has a BA in Lakota Studies and is an Indian Studies Instructor at Oglala Lakota College where he teaches Lakota Language and History. Gus has been working with college students, either as a counselor or Instructor for over 25 years. A fluent Lakota speaker, he is also widely recognized as a Lakota Historian and has been invited all over the U.S. and Europe to speak and present. Gus is a family man and a leader in the local Native American Church.
Gus is a traditional artist working in Parfleche and Pictography and also has an amazing and broad knowledge of many foundational Lakota cultural arts from flute playing to drum making. A man of constant curiosity and high energy he also has his own Tipi Manufacturing Business.
Board Treasurer
Mark St. Pierre has a BA in Community Development and a Masters Degree in School Administration. He is a long time educator having taught at high school and college levels both on and off the reservation.
Mark is a published author and has experience in the Native film industry. He served as lead technical advisor to HBO for their production of “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee”. He is a Pulitzer Prize nominee and a NEA Fellow in Creative Non-Fiction.
Mark has operated numerous private businesses and is the former CEO of the Sioux Indian YMCA and previously served as Executive Director of the Pine Ridge Area Chamber of Commerce.
Board Member
Shilo Comeau of Martin SD is a Hunkapa, enrolled at Standing Rock,. She holds a Masters Degree in Fish and Wildlife Management and is currently the lead Biologist at LaCreek Wildlife Refuge. She is also a Board Member and Youth Leader of the Native American Wildlife Society.
Shilo has a passionate concern for young people and skillfully integrates Western Science with traditional Lakota culture and beliefs. She is passionate about helping young folks to incorporate traditional values in their lives while stressing their individual role as responsible world citizens.
Board Member
James Carlin of Cascade CO has a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts and a Masters Degree in Gifted and Talented Education. Jim has thirty years experiences in private and public schools. He is a very humble, very innovative, award winning teacher who is also a working artist in a number of medium including one of a kind furniture.
Board Member
JoEllen Koerner of Sioux Falls, SD has a Masters Degree in Nursing and is the former Head Nurse of a large urban hospital. She is a proven innovator and has authored two very well received books on healing. JoEllen travels the world speaking and teaching, and consulting on community revitalization and renewal.
