Daniel W. Vandever

Keynote Speaker

Daniel W. Vandever (Irish/Navajo) is an award-winning author and entrepreneur from Haystack, NM. As CEO of South of Sunrise Creative, his publishing and consulting firm advances education in tribal communities by combining innovation and cultural advocacy.

Vandever is the author of Fall in Line, Holden!, a 2018 Honor Book for the American Indian Youth Literature Award (AIYLA), and Herizon, which won AIYLA’s Best Picture Book of 2022. His latest book, We Weave, was named one of Kirkus Reviews’ Best Indie Books of 2024 and received AIYLA honor recognition in 2026. Scholastic published his early reader Behind Every Rug in 2024 as part of its Own Voices – School and Friends collection.

Vandever’s books blend Navajo culture with contemporary experiences, which he shares with schools across the country. He has promoted literacy with eight tribal nations, from Arizona’s Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community to North Carolina’s Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Vandever holds an undergraduate degree in Strategic Communications from the University of Missouri and a master’s in Community and Regional Planning from the University of New Mexico. He is the grandson of Joe Vandever, Sr., a Navajo Code Talker with the U.S. Marine Corps.
Code Talker, U.S. Marine Corps

Louis Williams

Speaker

My name is Louis Williams. I am the owner of Ancient Wayves River and Hiking. Adventures is a guiding outfit based in Blanding, UT, where I live with my family. I was born and raised on the Navajo Nation. Teehindeeh nasha.

I have guided on the San Juan River since 2011 and in Bears Ears National Monument since 2015. My passion for the outdoors stems from my native roots and the teachings of my elders. My love for nature inspired me to pursue an education at the University of New Mexico. Go Lobos! I studied Environmental Science at UNM.

Today, I apply what I have learned from my elders and my academic experience to my profession. I am grateful to have the opportunity to do work I love.