Oaye Luta Okolakiciye

Matthew Shoulders

     Hau mitakuyepi, Wakinyan To Iciya emaciyapi, na wasicuiya Matthew Shoulders emaciyapi. Oglala Lakota na Ihanktowan Dakota hemacha. Oyuhpe Oyate ematahan. Hello relatives, my Lakota name is Thunderbeing that Paints Itself Blue and my english name is Matthew Shoulders. I am Oglala Lakota and Ihanktowan Dakota. I am from the Cast Aside/Unloaded Band of the Oglala people.

    I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Master of Arts Degree in Counselor Education from the University of New Mexico, Go Lobos! I am the School Counselor at Cankpe Opi Owayawa (Wounded Knee District School), a position I have held since 2017. I am also the proud father of micunksi (my daughter), Liana Joyce Shoulders. I am honored to serve on the board of Oaye Luta Okolakiciye to promote holistic healing to our relatives. Unkitokab takuni otehike sni (Nothing in front of us is difficult)

Patricia Brave Heart

Alli Moran

Tracy Sazue

Caitlyn Shoulder, M.A.

  Pȟežúta Hó Wašté Win, A proud enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Nation and a dedicated Administrative Supervisor with expertise in leadership, conflict management, and research. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in American Indian Studies and Socio-cultural Anthropology, along with a Master’s in American Indian Studies with an emphasis in Indian Law and Policy, Indigenous Healing Methods, and Indigenous Governmental Structures, bringing a strong foundation in Indigenous issues, community engagement, and advocacy for Native rights. A Ronald E. McNair Scholar, Caitlyn has served on academic search committees, is certified as a Tribal Grant Writer, and coordinated conferences such as the Nagi Gluwasaka Pi Kte Conference. She is a committed advocate for Native rights and Indigenous communities, with firsthand experience working with unhoused populations through community-based programs, mentoring youth and women, and collaborating with tribal organizations to support impactful projects. Her experience with these programs reflects her dedication to advocating for vulnerable populations and using her expertise to make a tangible difference. Outside of work, Caitlyn is a proud mother and partner who enjoys playing softball, hiking, sewing ribbon skirts and ribbon shirts, and modeling for Native designers and their clothing lines.

S Ramona White Plume

Tony Long Wolf

Reuben Weston

Allison Bear Nose, A.A.

    Han Mitákuyepi, my Lakota name is Mahpíya Ka Owáŋča Wiŋ (Scattered Clouds After the Storm). I am an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe.
I relocated from the reservation at the age of ten and spent my adolescent years in South Minneapolis near the Little Earth community. Growing up there presented many challenges, including limited adult guidance and the impacts of intergenerational cycles of substance abuse and violence. Despite these obstacles, I remained committed to my education and graduated from Nawayee Center School in 2014.
In 2017, I returned home to pursue higher education at Oglala Lakota College and to be closer to my family. I began my studies in Lakota Studies before transitioning to Business Entrepreneurship, and in 2024 I earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Business. I am currently continuing my education toward a bachelor’s degree and will also be pursuing an additional Associate of Arts degree in Tribal Law.
My work is grounded in service to my community, and I am committed to supporting and uplifting those I work with. Outside of my professional responsibilities, I value spending quality time with my two children and my family, who continue to inspire and motivate me.

Jeremy Blacksmith

Rochelle Baustian, BSW

Tricia Old Elk, MSW

    Tricia Old Elk is an enrolled member of the Crow Tribe and descendent of the Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe. She was born in Crow Agency, Montana, and raised in a military family across various Air Force bases. She spent meaningful time with her maternal grandmother, Betty Sanders (Two Bulls), whose presence grounded Tricia’s connection to her heritage.

    She earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Washington, specializing in mental health, addictions, and homelessness—areas deeply tied to her community and lived experience. Armed with both personal insight and professional training, she has supported and uplifted individuals facing complex challenges. At home, she enjoys cooking alongside her beloved dog Bruno (a Maltese–Papillon mix) and recharges through independent film and documentaries. Tricia is also active in her recovery journey and dedicated to supporting others facing addiction with empathy and lived experience. Her commitment to service and community remains strong.

Lloyd Big Crow

Kaden Klatt, A.A.

    My name is Kaden Klatt, and my Lakota name is Tha Makóče Inájin. I am an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. I grew up in Rapid City for most of my life and graduated from Rapid City High School in 2022.
I am currently pursuing a Business degree at Oglala Lakota College. Alongside my studies, I work in maintenance at OLO.

    I have a strong passion for sports, and I also enjoy singing and making drumsticks, which help me stay connected to my culture and creativity.
    I consider myself an open‑minded person who is always willing to learn new things and grow both personally and professionally.

Haley Hernandez, BSW

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Haley Hernandez is a proud member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe. Rooted in her identity as a BIPOC professional and shaped by lived experiences from the reservation, Haley brings deep cultural insight and a strong commitment to Indigenous communities to her work.

With five years of experience in a consulting firm and an additional three years working with nonprofits, Haley has built and strengthened relationships with partners across the country. She has participated in national philanthropy conferences focused on Indigenous populations, continually expanding her knowledge and advocating for equitable opportunities.

Driven by a passion for growth, Haley is always seeking new goals to support and uplift Indigenous communities. Outside of work, she is a dedicated mother who enjoys spending her downtime at open gym and staying active. 

Marisa Moran, B.S.​​

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     I was raised on the Rosebud Reservation and recently graduated from Oglala Lakota College with a bachelor’s degree in information technology. I am honored to help care for my late brother’s four children, with the support of my mother Carolyn Black Elk. I also have a loving and supportive partner, Kiko, and we enjoy spending our free time playing video games together.

    I have experience working within non-profit organizations and have always been committed to using technology to strengthen and support our communities. In my role as an IT Specialist, I strive to apply my skills in a way that uplifts our relatives and contributes to the mission and values of our cultural organization. 

Marlin Medicine Horse

Tokahe Inyanke (Marlin Medicine Horse) descends from the Northern Arapaho, Apsaalooke and Oglala Lakota people. He comes from the Kiyuksa band of the Oglala Lakota. Every day he strives to live as a Lakota to keep his culture and language alive in hopes to pass that down to the future generations. While living amongst his people, he provides help by singing at traditional events throughout the year. He also dedicates his time to teaching the youth the songs and teachings that come with it.

Mr. Medicine Horse is also a mentor for cultural youth camps through the Knife Chief Buffalo Nation organization and the Tasunke Wakan Okolakiciye. These two groups share a common goal of keeping the Lakota culture and language alive.

Marlin has worked as a Special Education Paraprofessional and also a Professional Mentor to youth on the Pine Ridge Reservation. He gained experience working with children that ranged from kindergarten through 8th grade. With his experience and knowledge he earned while working with Native youth, he strives to be a positive male role model to the kids he serves

Ryott Glayzer