San Juan School District Presents
27th Annual
Heritage Language Conference
View Full Conference Here, or Individual Presentations Below
Keynote Speaker
Pete Sands
Pete Sands was born and raised on the Navajo-Indian reservation. He attended Montezuma Creek Elementary School and graduated from Whitehorse High School in 2001. In 2015 Sands entered the entertainment world through his music, playing in Los Angeles and appearing in a Hollywood musical. His unusual take on integrating his Navajo culture into his art has made him stand out among his peers. In 2017 things took another turn for the better. Sands was cast in a new television series by the name of "Yellowstone". The writer and director of the show was none other than Taylor Sheridan who had also heard of Sands through his music. Soon enough Sands not only had music in the new show, but also made several cameo appearances.
Sands had a grand vision in place now. He knew that he had to record a full length album with a sound he knew that no one else had ever heard. After headlining their first big show in Salt Lake City at the legendary venue "the State Room" which was hosted by none other than Taylor Sheridan, Sands knew there was a change coming. So with the change he also knew the old name of the band had to go with it. BLACKKISS was now PETE SANDS & THE DRIFTERS.
Baje Whitethorne
Baje grew up on the Navajo Reservation near Shonto, Arizona. As a child, he was first drawn into the world of storytelling when he and his brothers would make up stories on the way to their grandmother's house. His talent for art was apparent even in grade school, and his teachers were all supportive of his gift.
Currently, Baje resides in Flagstaff, Arizona, and he continues to pursue his childhood interests of storytelling and art. His artwork reflects his homeland and rich culture, depicting striking landscapes and the harmony of the Navajo way of life. In most of his pieces is a small folding chair, popularly regarded as Baje's personal trademark.
Baje has illustrated eight children's books, two of which he also authored. Among them are the Native American legends Monster Bird, Monster Slayer, and Sika and the Raven. His unique style has earned him the Western Heritage Wrangler Award from the Cowboy Hall of Fame, in addition to many other honors.
Baje's artwork can be seen at various museums, art galleries, and private collections across the globe.
Lyle Harvey
Lyle is from Rock Point, AZ and has worked with youth and educators for 14 years. He worked for Diné College, Rock Point Community School, 21st Century, Office of Diné YOUTH and many schools on the great Diné Nation along his path towards the preservation and perpetuation of our Diné language and culture. He currently assists and services schools and organizations through his company Báhózhóní Consulting. He provides services in the areas of educational awareness, cultural sensitivity, staff training, professional development curriculum building or presentations in Diné language, culture, history and fundamental law. Through Báhózhóní Consulting he has serviced and worked with many schools.
Jeffrey Veregge
Jeffrey Veregge is an award-winning Native American Artist & Writer from the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe near Kingston, Washington. He is best known for his use of form-line design with pop culture inspiration which his fans dub "Salish Geek". He has over 100 comic book covers working for Marvel, IDW, Valiant, Dynamite, Boom! & Darkhorse Comics.
His story and works have been featured in The Huffington Post, Fast Company Magazine, Wired Magazine (Germany), Entertainment weekly, Seattle Times and Magazine, Evening Magazine and many others.
Along with his comic work, gallery shows, and public art works, Jeffrey had a 15 month solo exhibit in 2018 that featured his favorite Marvel characters at the Smithsonian in New York City called; "Of Gods & Heroes: The art of Jeffrey Veregge". The end result being 250ft murals that were purchased for the Smithsonian's permanent collection.
Most recently he has agreed to create a large exit mural for Climate Pledge Arena, the future home of Seattle’s NHL team: The Kraken.
Ron Nielson, Superintendent . 435-678-1211 . rnielson@sjsd.org
Brenda Whitehorse, Bilingual Director . 435-678-1251 . bwhitehorse2@sjsd.org
Trevor Olsen, Student Services Director . 435-678-1227 . tolsen@sjsd.org