Master of Ceremonies
Arlie Neskahi is a member of the Diné Nation, of Naaneesht’ezhi Tachiinii Clan, and born for the TodiCh’iinii People. Having grown up on the Diné reservation in NW, New Mexico, he comes from a very spiritual family. His parents and grandparents were very prayerful people and encouraged him to learn and practice traditional music and culture. Arlie is known as a traditional songcarrier, composer, and performer. He also travels across the country as a Native consultant, trainer, and inspirational speaker and is thankful for his professional colleagues and relationships both in the arts and professional realms. He practices the Diné Beauty Way and is thankful to the Holy People for these continued blessings. Since 1974, he has been the Lead Singer of the fabled White Eagle Singers. They have traveled extensively across North America winning numerous singing contests and serving as host drum at many premier pow wows. Arlie is called upon to serve as an MC for his Native community and is widely regarded for his deep knowledge of tribal traditions, song, dance, and history. His MC’ing work is noted for its insightful educational commentary and for providing a bold and uplifting spirit. In addition to MC’ing pow wows, he has composed music for theatre, video, and film. And, he is known in the Native World as the Voice of the Wisdom of the Elders radio program, broadcast nationally on NPR stations. He is honored to serve as this year’s MC. .
Head Man Dancer: Jacob Pratt
(Dakota / Ojibway)
Jacob Pratt is Dakota and Ojibway from Cote First Nations in Saskatchewan Canada. He is a Traditional Dancer and a Hoop Dancer. He has been living in LA since 2015 and currently an Instructor at CSULB and Program Director of Native Ways 2 College. Jacob has been working within the Native community in LA since he moved here and will continue.
Head Women Dancer: Nanabah Kadenehii (Dine’)
Nanabah Kadenehii is a member of the Diné nation from Big Mountain, Arizona, currently residing in Orange County, CA. With a lifelong passion for dancing, Nanabah has been perfecting her skills in various styles, including jingle, fancy shawl, northern traditional, and hoop, since she was a toddler. Her interest in hoop dancing began when she watched a female hoop dancer at the age of 10, and since then, she has won several champion titles for her outstanding performances.
For Nanabah, dancing serves as a powerful medium for cultural expression and inner peace. Through her dancing, she feels a deep connection to her roots, and it has led her to explore numerous new and familiar places. Growing up, she was often reminded to take care of her outfit/hoops, and it would take care of her. Nanabah takes great pleasure in dancing for others, knowing that it can bring them the same sense of joy that it brings to her. Nanabah would like to thank the WildHorse Powwow committee for selecting her as this year’s Head Woman Dancer. Ahéhee!
Host Drum: Phoenix Boys (Los Angeles, CA)
Phoenix Boyz, a Northern-Style drum group based out of Los Angeles. We are Tohono O’odham from Gunsight Village in Southern Arizona, Northern Paiute from Fort Bidwell in Northern California, Laguna Pueblo from Laguna, New Mexico, Navajo from Blue Gap Arizona, Juaneno from San Juan Capistrano, California, also Tule River Yokut from Tule River, California. We were raised and grew up in the powwow circle, first as dancers and then as singers. The four Phoenix brothers started the drum group to sing together, along with our family and friends so that we could share our music, our experiences, and talents to teach our own children and future generations. We have traveled and hosted various powwows across Indian Country. Participated in photo shoots, short movies, and documentaries, and showcased Native American singing and dancing throughout So. California. The drumbeat is the heartbeat of Mother Earth for our Indian People. We hope our music brings you good vibez.
We would like to thank the Wildhorse Powwow Committee for having us here as Host Northern Drum.