SkasdiCon Is Go For Launch
Schedule of Events
Special Guests
Eugene Brave Rock is an Indigenous actor, stunt performer, cultural consultant and storyteller from the Kainai Nation of the Blackfeet Confederacy. From bringing Chief to life in “Wonder Woman” to appearing in “The Revenant,” “Dark Winds,” “That Dirty Black Bag” and “Hell on Wheels,” Eugene has helped shift how Indigenous peoples are seen on screen. As founder of the Oki Language Project, he travels across Turtle Island recording Elders and protecting the languages, stories and teachings that have survived for generations. His mission is powerful and clear: reclaim the narrative, honor the ancestors and ensure Indigenous voices are carried boldly into the future.
The Bitter Water Scout Trooper was conceptualized by Michael Paul (Navajo) and designed by Mike Toya (Jemez Pueblo), with moccasins crafted by Cedric Fragua (Jemez Pueblo). A longtime 501st Legion member and part of the Dewback Ridge Garrison in New Mexico, Michael has cosplayed as a Shadow Stormtrooper, Shoretrooper and Kashyyyk Scout Trooper.
Inspired by Native artists who merge their cultures with their love for “Star Wars,” Michael partnered with Mike, providing the Scout Trooper armor for Mike to transform with his signature Jemez art style. “Bitter Water” comes from Michael’s maternal clan, Tó díchʼíiʼnii, one of the original four clans of the Navajo Nation.
Known for his bold and engaging 2D work inspired by pop culture, Adam Youngbear creates art with a unique and dynamic style. He’s also known for his detailed cosplay, often embodying the same characters and energy reflected in his artwork and blurring the line between creation and performance. You can often catch Raphael of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles hanging around the Youngbear Art booth at markets. Adam enjoys fusing pop culture with Native flair in both his art and cosplay.
Kenny Glass (Cherokee Nation) is a modern Cherokee textile artist who brings together his love of fandom with Cherokee language and culture. From ribbon skirts and baskets inspired by anime, Frankenstein and other pop culture favorites to a textile series reimagining Disney Princess dresses, Kenny puts a distinctly Cherokee spin on the characters that inspire him.
With 17 years of experience in sewing, costume design and garment construction, Ben brings extensive competitive and professional experience to the judging panel. His work was featured twice in the Chickasaw Times before he earned a degree in design and performance, during which he costumed more than 10 theater productions, including independently designing and constructing costumes for an entire one-act festival. A multiple-time contest winner himself, he understands the dedication, creativity, precision and craftsmanship required to create standout work. Today, he works professionally as a tailor and specializes in custom-order ribbon skirts, continuing to build his skills and share his passion for exceptional design and craftsmanship.
Lara Jewell No Braid is an enrolled member of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota (Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara). She is also Oglala Lakota and lives on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Her Lakota name is Wanbli Ska Win (White Eagle Woman), and her Hidatsa name is Aru Naarui Cagi-sh (Goes Along Good).
A former fancy shawl and traditional dancer, she currently dances Women’s Jingle and works on outfit repairs and updates to her powwow regalia. She is honored to participate in SkasdiCon 2026 and is beyond excited to see the hard work and craftsmanship of this year’s cosplay entries!
“I hear the Drums of Liberation!” Actor, cosplayer and voiceover artist Treyton D. Vu Morris (Cherokee Nation, Mississippi Choctaw) has returned! With his heart set ablaze, he shifts into a new gear to entertain the masses and bring smiles to all. A man’s dream never dies!
Cast of
Creators
SkasdiCon creators utilize a wide variety of media, styles and forms, including Indigenous pop, sci-fi, fantasy and even game design! Check out our lineup.
Blair’s Beads
Kadie Wabnum
Olivia Briggs
Sil’s Beadery
The Wild Opossum
Art by Matt Stick
Ashley Bond
Britney Barnard
Cherokee Metal Art
Dylan Sinor
Elena Staubus
Emiliee Edwards
Fred Howell
Jessica Thompson Art & Design
Kadie Wabnum
Katelynn Pipestem
LithicLab918
Makiya Deerinwater
Michael Willis
The Wild Opossum
