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Dancer Profile – Northern Plains Jingle Dress Championships
Name: Aerius Benton-Banai (Jingogiizhigookwe) Tribal Affiliation: Ojibwe Anishinaabe Home Community: Lac Courte Oreilles (Odaawaazaaga’iganing) Clan: Bullhead Fish Clan Dance Background & Inspiration Aerius was raised in a traditional Ojibwe environment surrounded by Midewiwin teachings and ceremonies. From a young age, she witnessed her aunties dancing in jingle dress healing ceremonies, observing the discipline, humility, and responsibility they carried for those seeking healing. Their dedication deeply influenced her path and continues to guide how she dances—with grace, resilience, and a commitment to helping others. |
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Short Bio
Aerius Benton-Banai is an Ojibwe Anishinaabekwe from Odaawaazaaga’iganing of the Bullhead Fish Clan. She is a jingle dress dancer, designer, and educator, and the founder of House of Jingle Dress, with work shared across the United States and Canada. Through her dancing, designs, and workshops, Aerius teaches the cultural and spiritual significance of the jingle dress, carrying forward teachings passed down from her ancestors.
Her dresses have been featured in museums, and she is a published author with the Eiteljorg Museum. Aerius holds an associate degree in Native American Studies and contributes to conversations on Indigenous knowledge and fashion. Rooted in healing, her dancing reflects her family’s experiences with the Sixties Scoop, residential schools, and colonization, while honouring the original purpose of the jingle dress—to heal and carry medicine for future generations.
Aerius Benton-Banai is an Ojibwe Anishinaabekwe from Odaawaazaaga’iganing of the Bullhead Fish Clan. She is a jingle dress dancer, designer, and educator, and the founder of House of Jingle Dress, with work shared across the United States and Canada. Through her dancing, designs, and workshops, Aerius teaches the cultural and spiritual significance of the jingle dress, carrying forward teachings passed down from her ancestors.
Her dresses have been featured in museums, and she is a published author with the Eiteljorg Museum. Aerius holds an associate degree in Native American Studies and contributes to conversations on Indigenous knowledge and fashion. Rooted in healing, her dancing reflects her family’s experiences with the Sixties Scoop, residential schools, and colonization, while honouring the original purpose of the jingle dress—to heal and carry medicine for future generations.
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Dancer Profile – Northern Plains Jingle Dress Championships
Name: Jonna Grace Brady Tribal Affiliation: Mandan, Hidatsa & Arikara Nation Additional Representation: Cheyenne, Otoe, Sac & Fox, Pawnee, Kiowa-Apache, Tonkawa Home Community: Fort Berthold Indian Reservation Dance Background & Inspiration Jonna’s greatest inspiration is her father, Jon “Poncho” Brady, a respected powwow trailblazer known for creating his own powerful and original Fancy Dance style. His lifelong dedication to culture, community, ceremony, and family continues to guide Jonna’s path. She admires the way he carries himself in the dance arena and in everyday life, always leading with heart, prayer, and integrity. |
Short Bio
Jonna Grace Brady began dancing before she could walk, moving to the songs of her grandmother while dancing on her knees. She was first brought into the powwow arena at two years old and has carried a deep love and respect for the Jingle Dress ever since. As she grew, Jonna developed an interest in contemporary Jingle Dress style and travelled widely with her sister, Cheyenne, gaining teachings, relationships, and experiences across Indian Country.
Today, Jonna continues to dance alongside her own young family, carrying forward those teachings. The Jingle Dress is central to her identity and spiritual grounding. She dances with intention and prayer—for her family and friends, for those who cannot dance, for those in need of healing, and for balance in her own life. To Jonna, the Jingle Dress is medicine, responsibility, and a living expression of prayer.
Jonna Grace Brady began dancing before she could walk, moving to the songs of her grandmother while dancing on her knees. She was first brought into the powwow arena at two years old and has carried a deep love and respect for the Jingle Dress ever since. As she grew, Jonna developed an interest in contemporary Jingle Dress style and travelled widely with her sister, Cheyenne, gaining teachings, relationships, and experiences across Indian Country.
Today, Jonna continues to dance alongside her own young family, carrying forward those teachings. The Jingle Dress is central to her identity and spiritual grounding. She dances with intention and prayer—for her family and friends, for those who cannot dance, for those in need of healing, and for balance in her own life. To Jonna, the Jingle Dress is medicine, responsibility, and a living expression of prayer.
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Dancer Profile – Northern Plains Jingle Dress Championships
Name: Tanksi Morning Star Clairmont Traditional Name: Pte’ Sa Sapa Winyan (Black Buffalo Calf Woman) Tribal Affiliation: Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota, Sicangu Lakota, White Earth Band of Ojibwe Home Community: Rosebud, South Dakota Dance Background & Inspiration Tanksi comes from a strong lineage of powwow dancers. Her mother and aunt Camille began dancing Fancy in 1969, at a time when the style was still emerging and not widely accepted. Their courage and dedication laid the foundation for Tanksi’s own journey. She is also inspired by many respected dancers and mentors, as well as her immediate and extended family, including her late brother, nieces, nephews, and children. |
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Short Bio
Tanksi Morning Star Clairmont, also known as Pte’ Sa Sapa Winyan (Black Buffalo Calf Woman), is a mother of three and Co-Executive Director of Tribal Energy Alternatives, a tribal-led nonprofit serving renewable energy needs of Tribes across the United States. She was born into powwow dancing, beginning as a Tiny Tot Fancy Shawl dancer, transitioning to Jingle Dress from ages 8–13, and returning to Fancy for over two decades.
In 2019, Tanksi returned to Jingle Dress dancing, earning a first-place win at the Gathering of Nations. Following the loss of her brother, Jingle Dress became a source of healing, strength, and reconnection to cherished childhood memories. Over the past six years, she has earned multiple first-place titles at major powwows and Jingle specials, including Gathering of Nations (2019, 2023), Manito Ahbee (2024), Shakopee Mdewakanton (2021, 2025), Seminole Tribal Fair (2023), Lead Horse Jingle vs. Grass Champion, and Tokala Sage Women’s Jingle Champion. For Tanksi, the Jingle Dress continues to carry healing, resilience, and joy.
Tanksi Morning Star Clairmont, also known as Pte’ Sa Sapa Winyan (Black Buffalo Calf Woman), is a mother of three and Co-Executive Director of Tribal Energy Alternatives, a tribal-led nonprofit serving renewable energy needs of Tribes across the United States. She was born into powwow dancing, beginning as a Tiny Tot Fancy Shawl dancer, transitioning to Jingle Dress from ages 8–13, and returning to Fancy for over two decades.
In 2019, Tanksi returned to Jingle Dress dancing, earning a first-place win at the Gathering of Nations. Following the loss of her brother, Jingle Dress became a source of healing, strength, and reconnection to cherished childhood memories. Over the past six years, she has earned multiple first-place titles at major powwows and Jingle specials, including Gathering of Nations (2019, 2023), Manito Ahbee (2024), Shakopee Mdewakanton (2021, 2025), Seminole Tribal Fair (2023), Lead Horse Jingle vs. Grass Champion, and Tokala Sage Women’s Jingle Champion. For Tanksi, the Jingle Dress continues to carry healing, resilience, and joy.
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Dancer Profile – Northern Plains Jingle Dress Championships
Name: Lacy Albert Tribal Affiliation: Cree, Treaty 6 Territory Home Community: Sweetgrass First Nation Dance Background & Inspiration Lacy draws inspiration from many respected Jingle Dress dancers, including BJ McDaniels-Fox, Jackie Klein, Dorothy Crowfeather, Kristy Yuzicappi-Tootoosis, and Rowena Roberts, whose graceful footwork, presentation, and beautiful regalia left a lasting impression on her. Her greatest influence, however, is her late mother, whose love of sewing, beading, and travelling powwows helped instill Lacy’s deep connection to dance and culture. |
Short Bio
Lacy Albert has been dancing for as long as she can remember. Raised around powwow life, her mother’s creativity and dedication shaped both her love for Jingle Dress and her confidence as a dancer. Naturally shy, Lacy found strength and expression through her regalia—while public speaking felt daunting, dancing in front of thousands became a place of comfort and empowerment.
To Lacy, the Jingle Dress represents pride, beauty, and healing. Through dancing, she has formed lifelong relationships and community connections that continue to enrich her life. One of her greatest accomplishments is the honour of initiating and guiding many powwow daughters into the circle, embracing her responsibility to support and mentor them as they grow in dance and life. For Lacy, Jingle Dress is not only movement, but medicine, mentorship, and gratitude.
Lacy Albert has been dancing for as long as she can remember. Raised around powwow life, her mother’s creativity and dedication shaped both her love for Jingle Dress and her confidence as a dancer. Naturally shy, Lacy found strength and expression through her regalia—while public speaking felt daunting, dancing in front of thousands became a place of comfort and empowerment.
To Lacy, the Jingle Dress represents pride, beauty, and healing. Through dancing, she has formed lifelong relationships and community connections that continue to enrich her life. One of her greatest accomplishments is the honour of initiating and guiding many powwow daughters into the circle, embracing her responsibility to support and mentor them as they grow in dance and life. For Lacy, Jingle Dress is not only movement, but medicine, mentorship, and gratitude.
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Dancer Profile – Northern Plains Jingle Dress Championships
Name: Ashleigh Robin Bonaise Tribal Affiliation: Cree Home Community: Onion Lake Cree Nation Dance Background & Inspiration Ashleigh’s greatest inspiration in Jingle Dress dancing is her aunt, Alana Tootoosis-Baker, whom she describes as the true embodiment of strength and resilience. Her aunt’s example continues to guide Ashleigh in how she carries herself within the dance circle and in life. |
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Short Bio
Ashleigh Robin Bonaise began dancing as soon as she could walk. Her journey in the powwow circle started in Traditional dance, followed by Fancy, before Jingle Dress ultimately captured her heart. Jingle Dress dancing brings Ashleigh a deep sense of joy and peace—it is where she feels most grounded and whole.
For Ashleigh, each song offers a moment of clarity and connection, where distractions fade and movement becomes expression. Dancing Jingle is both personal and spiritual, a way for her to release, reflect, and restore balance. She believes in the power of a strong sidestep and the healing energy it carries for the mind, body, and spirit.
Ashleigh is grateful for the opportunity to dance and share her style, and extends thanks to Kahkewistahaw First Nation and the Think Indigenous team for supporting this gathering. She looks forward to dancing alongside fellow Jingle Dress dancers and sharing in the collective beauty, strength, and medicine of the circle.
Ashleigh Robin Bonaise began dancing as soon as she could walk. Her journey in the powwow circle started in Traditional dance, followed by Fancy, before Jingle Dress ultimately captured her heart. Jingle Dress dancing brings Ashleigh a deep sense of joy and peace—it is where she feels most grounded and whole.
For Ashleigh, each song offers a moment of clarity and connection, where distractions fade and movement becomes expression. Dancing Jingle is both personal and spiritual, a way for her to release, reflect, and restore balance. She believes in the power of a strong sidestep and the healing energy it carries for the mind, body, and spirit.
Ashleigh is grateful for the opportunity to dance and share her style, and extends thanks to Kahkewistahaw First Nation and the Think Indigenous team for supporting this gathering. She looks forward to dancing alongside fellow Jingle Dress dancers and sharing in the collective beauty, strength, and medicine of the circle.
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Dancer Profile – Northern Plains Jingle Dress Championships
Name: Amanda Goodwill Traditional Name: Zintkala Mni Wi (Water Bird Woman) Tribal Affiliation: Nakoda/Dakota/Oglala Lakota Enrolled Nation: Oglala Lakota Nation, Pine Ridge, South Dakota Home Community: Oceanman First Nation Dance Background & Inspiration Amanda’s greatest inspiration is her late mother, Yvette Ewalk-Goodeagle, whose teachings and example continue to guide her journey. She is also inspired by many respected Jingle Dress dancers, including Grace Hill, Winona Tahdooahnippah, Anika TopSky, Cassie Hindsley, Raedawn Bison, Denise OneStar, Farica Prince, Ashley Phelps, Lacy Albert, Kristy Tootoosis, Jovelle Schuylar, and Elissa Gadwa. |
Short Bio
Amanda Goodwill, also known as Zintkala Mni Wi (Water Bird Woman), has danced since she could walk, with Contemporary Jingle Dress becoming her passion during her Junior Girls years. She is deeply grateful for the healing and blessings the Jingle Dress continues to bring into her life, carrying her through both joyful and challenging times.
In addition to dancing, Amanda enjoys creating regalia for herself and her family. Her powwow journey includes notable accomplishments such as Denver March Powwow Princess (2008), Gathering of Nations (2012, 2018), INFP (2016), N.I.C.E. (2018, 2025), and Northern Quest Dance Championships (2025). One of her most meaningful experiences was attending the powwow in Whitefish Bay, Ontario—the birthplace of the Jingle Dress—in summer 2025. Amanda is honoured to dance alongside many of the top Jingle Dress dancers at this year’s Northern Plains Jingle Dress Championships. Pilamayayapi.
Amanda Goodwill, also known as Zintkala Mni Wi (Water Bird Woman), has danced since she could walk, with Contemporary Jingle Dress becoming her passion during her Junior Girls years. She is deeply grateful for the healing and blessings the Jingle Dress continues to bring into her life, carrying her through both joyful and challenging times.
In addition to dancing, Amanda enjoys creating regalia for herself and her family. Her powwow journey includes notable accomplishments such as Denver March Powwow Princess (2008), Gathering of Nations (2012, 2018), INFP (2016), N.I.C.E. (2018, 2025), and Northern Quest Dance Championships (2025). One of her most meaningful experiences was attending the powwow in Whitefish Bay, Ontario—the birthplace of the Jingle Dress—in summer 2025. Amanda is honoured to dance alongside many of the top Jingle Dress dancers at this year’s Northern Plains Jingle Dress Championships. Pilamayayapi.
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Dancer Profile – Northern Plains Jingle Dress Championships
Name: Prairie Rose Jack Dance Style: Jingle Dress Short Bio Prairie Rose Jack is a respected and accomplished Jingle Dress dancer known for her strong presence, precise footwork, and consistency in the dance circle. As a champion dancer, she carries herself with humility and confidence, reflecting the responsibility and discipline that Jingle Dress dancing requires. Her style honours the healing origins of the Jingle Dress while demonstrating excellence in movement, timing, and expression. Prairie Rose is admired for the way she connects to the drum and carries each song with intention, balance, and respect for the teachings of the dance. Through her dedication, Prairie Rose continues to inspire fellow dancers and audiences alike, contributing to the strength and continuity of Jingle Dress traditions within the powwow circle. She is honoured to share her gifts and dance alongside other accomplished Jingle Dress women at the Northern Plains Jingle Dress Championships. |
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Dancer Profile – Northern Plains Jingle Dress Championships
Name: Elissa Gadwa Indigenous Nation: Cree Home Community: Kehewin Cree Nation Dance Background & Inspiration Elissa’s dance journey is deeply rooted in family and community. Her greatest inspiration is her mother, Florence Gadwa, who ensured she was always supported with what she needed to dance. Her aunt, Dr. Lillian Gadwa, played a key role by taking her and her sister to powwows, teaching them to sew their own regalia, and emphasizing the importance of training and staying in “powwow shape.” Elissa also honours her nokompan, Mary Gadwa, who brought their family into the powwow circle and carried teachings that continue to guide her. Her children, nieces, nephews, fellow Jingle Dress sisters, mentors, and the young dancers she has helped initiate into the circle continue to inspire her commitment and humility. |
Short Bio
Elissa Gadwa began dancing at a young age, starting in Fancy Shawl before transitioning to Jingle Dress at age ten. She has danced Contemporary Jingle ever since. For Elissa, the Jingle Dress is medicine—a healing dance, a prayer, and a reminder of resilience. Dancing has guided her through many stages of life, helping her remain grounded, connected, and strong.
When Elissa dances, she carries the teachings of her nokompan, mother, aunties, and the strong iskwew women who came before her. She dances for healing—for herself, her family, and her community. One of her proudest achievements is being chosen as a Head Lady Jingle Dress dancer, an honour that allowed her to represent her family and community with pride while uplifting others through dance.
Elissa Gadwa began dancing at a young age, starting in Fancy Shawl before transitioning to Jingle Dress at age ten. She has danced Contemporary Jingle ever since. For Elissa, the Jingle Dress is medicine—a healing dance, a prayer, and a reminder of resilience. Dancing has guided her through many stages of life, helping her remain grounded, connected, and strong.
When Elissa dances, she carries the teachings of her nokompan, mother, aunties, and the strong iskwew women who came before her. She dances for healing—for herself, her family, and her community. One of her proudest achievements is being chosen as a Head Lady Jingle Dress dancer, an honour that allowed her to represent her family and community with pride while uplifting others through dance.