CAST

Vicki Oceguera* (Ajijaak) is a New York based actor, singer and puppeteer. She is a proud member of the Qawalangin Tribe and is ecstatic to work on such a beautiful, important piece. Selected credits include: National Tour: Clifford the Big Red Dog; Jim Henson's Dinosaur Train Live! (Director: John Tartaglia). Off-Broadway: Disney’s Winnie the Pooh Show; The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show; Treasure Island. Regional: Elf (Emily Hobbs); Grease (Jan); James and the Giant Peach (Aunt Sponge). www.vicki-oceguera.com

Sheldon Raymore* (Brings Humble) is a Multi-disciplinary artist, an award-winning Grass Dancer, and an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.  He currently resides in Hardin, Montana. The Lakota Artist has been inspiring young traditional Native American dancers for more than 25 years, making him one of the most sought-after grass dancers in New York City.  Ever the consummate keeper of tradition, he continues to cultivate his artistry, with the upmost integrity, humility, and authenticity, letting the love for his culture shine through in all that he does. 

Matt Cross* (Coyote/Turtle) is a Kiowa actor originally from Oklahoma City that has appeared onstage in theatres such as La Mama, and Theater For The New City. Matt Cross is also a member of the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers. 

Emily Preis* (Deer / She Has Corn / Crab / u/s Ajijaak / Dance Captain) is a proud citizen of the Osage Nation as well as a New York City-based maker, performer, and organizer. Since receiving her BFA from NYU Tisch’s Experimental Theatre Wing, she has been named a finalist for Yale Indigenous Performing Arts Program’s inaugural Misty Upham Award for Young Native Actors. Select credits include: COMPASS (RipeTime), Where We Belong (National Tour), Fairly Traceable (American Bar Association), Bingo Hall (AICH), Michael Crowe Presents: The Dick Cavett Show (ETW), When Farah Cries (Borderlight International Theater Festival).

Kimberly JaJuan* (Grandmother Aki) proudly representing the Haliwa-Saponi Nation! Graduate of Eastman School (BM), Juilliard (MM). Performed her show playing Natalie Cole: Miss You like Crazy. Broadway, Off-Broadway, National Tours: Ragtime, Dreamgirls, Marie Christine, King David, Running Man, Smokey Joe’s Cafe and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Music of the Night. Cast Recordings: King David, Marie Christine, Great Joy I (Grammy Nominated), Great Joy II. Investor/Producer with Hadestown, Ain’t too Proud, and MJ, the Musical. MFA Drama Department Teaching Artist-Columbia University. Member: SAG-AFTRA, AEA, CAEA.

Bradley Lewis* (Walks in Two Worlds) is thrilled to be a part of Ajijaak on Turtle Island! A proud member of the Acoma Pueblo, he's honored to be a part of telling a very important Native story that resonates with people of all ages. Recent projects- Off-Broadway: Soledad, Audrey: A New Musical as Gregory Peck. IFC Films’ Resurrection opposite Rebecca Hall/Tim Roth and Flying Birds Diary at Long Wharf Theatre (dir. Madeline Sayet). Special thanks to the people of Acoma, NM, director Jen/associate director Daniel, Heather Henson & Green Feather Foundation, Mungioli Casting, and his partner Danny. Dá'wá'éh! Website: bradleylewisactor.com

Emmeline Briggs* (Swing) is a Lakota actor based in North Carolina. She is passionate about creating art that accurately reflects the truth of indigenous people past, present, and future. Favorite credits include: Natasha in Three Sisters, Cherokee Tales with Bright Star Touring Theatre, and Manteo’s Wife in The Lost Colony.

Opalanietet* (Swing) is the Founder and Artistic Director of Eagle Project, The Eagle Project - Home.  Upon graduating from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, Opalanietet has performed in workshops and productions at such renown New York theatrical institutions as the Public Theater, Nuyorican Poets Café, and New York City Opera at Lincoln Center.  In November of 2020, Opalanietet made history by giving the first-ever Lenape Land Acknowledgement at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC.