We invite you to join us for Stories from the Warrior Society, a live storytelling event that explores the evolution of warrior societies in Tribal communities through the stories of Indigenous veterans and active duty military across three generations. Events will be held on Tohono O'odham and Yaqui Tribal territory (Tucson, AZ) and Squaxin Island Tribal territory (Olympia, WA). Each site will features six Native storytellers who are veterans or active duty— two of whom will be drawn from each site’s local Tribal communities as well as the directors who are Navajo storytellers themselves.

 

This is a community event rooted in the practice of oral tradition. Stories will be shared in the spirit of Indigenous storytelling—creating space to gather, witness, and honor those who protect, serve, and care for our people. The evening includes storytelling alongside contemporary and archival images and music. Each gathering opens with a traditional blessing from local Indigenous culture bearers. A facilitated community conversation, led by Indigenous journalists or cultural workers, will follow to invite shared reflection and dialogue.

 

The live performance is directed by Native veterans Montana Miller and Harrison Jim, Sr., who also serve as lead storytellers: 

 

• Montana Miller (Diné) is an Infantry Airborne Army veteran, actor, writer, and director. He recently earned his BFA in Performing Arts from the Institute of American Indian Arts and is known for his role in Into the Wild Frontier.
   

• Harrison Jim, Sr. (Diné) is a Navy veteran and Traditional Practitioner at Sage Memorial Hospital, where he developed a Traditional Program Called Office of Indigenous Medicine, utilizing traditional ceremonies and traditional herbal medicine to help western medicine in healing patients.Mr. Jim is a member of the Dine’ Hat’aalii Association as a Traditional Practitioner (Hat’aalii), Traditional Counselor, Traditional Herbalist and Cultural Teacher, Mr. Jim, provides Equine therapy through Navajo Traditional Teachings.

 

Warrior societies—traditionally rooted in hunting, protection, and defense—existed long before the creation of the United States. Today, those responsibilities are often carried out through service in the U.S. military or law enforcement—institutions that once displaced Native communities and now, paradoxically, depend on their participation.

 

The program offerings provide space to reflect on the transformation of warrior roles within the ongoing coexistence of U.S. and Tribal nations. Rooted in place, memory, and collective experience, Stories from the Warrior Society honors the continuity of warrior culture and the ways it is reclaimed, redefined and passed on. These gatherings invite veterans, families, and community members to reflect together on service, sovereignty, and what it means to carry warrior responsibilities today.