The Utah Division of Indian Affairs proudly presents the Utah American Indian Day on the Hill.
DATE: Tues., Jan. 27, 2026
TIME: 4:00-5:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Rotunda, Utah State Capitol
Prepare for this annual celebration that unites vibrant cultural performances, insightful exhibitors, inspiring community leaders, and essential resources, all in honor of Utah’s rich Native communities.
This incredible event is free and open to everyone! Stay tuned for more details by visiting our web page frequently. We look forward to seeing you there!
Registration is closed
For more information, contact James Toledo at [email protected].
Presentations
Kyri Ungatavinekent-Duncan is Northern Ute of the Uncompahgre Band. He is from Neola, Utah and currently resides in Salt Lake City, UT. Kyri comes from the Duncan and Kanip family. He grew up close to the Ute culture and actively practices those teachings throughout the year. Currently, Kyri is the Program Manager at the University of Utah for the Center for Native Excellence and Tribal Engagement.
Rachel Brooks is a Policy Analyst with the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel, a non-partisan staff office of the Utah Legislature. She primarily works on transportation and tribal issues. Prior to coming to the Legislature, Rachel worked for the Refugee Services Office. She holds a Master’s degree in Global Policy Studies and a Master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri.
Naakaii Tsosie is part of the Navajo Nation, Dine tribe. He has traveled around the world sharing our part of the Native American culture dancing in countries like China, Europe and Central America. Naakaii has been hoop dancing for more than 20 years and has competed in the world competition and placed 11th. He recently placed in the Utah hoop dancing competitions and won first place in California competitions. Hoop dancing is a healing dance and Naakaii dances to bring healing to those who need it. He is currently in school for a PhD in chemical engineering.
Edna Steele is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation and was duly elected to serve as Vice-Chairwoman in November 2024. She is the daughter of the late Rupert Steele, former Chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation, and Catalina Steele of the Hualapai Tribe. She is also a proud mother of three children, Mckell, Kaylise, and Floyd Old Bull. Jr. Raised in a traditional household, Ms. Steele learned early the importance of preserving cultural beliefs, practices, and traditions. These values continue to guide her leadership and commitment to serving her community. Professionally, Ms. Steele has more than 20 years of experience serving the Goshute Tribe in financial and operational leadership roles. She began her career as a Finance Clerk and advanced to Finance Director, where she oversaw daily financial operations and managed tribal funding. In 2023, she joined Sacred Circle Health Clinic as a General Ledger Accountant, continuing her work in fiscal management, compliance, and accountability. Among her many accomplishments, Ms. Steele has helped sustain uninterrupted financial operations and ensure successful audits for nearly a decade. She managed approximately $6 million in federal American Rescue Plan funds and developed budgets exceeding $15 million in Child Care Development Fund grants. These efforts supported the construction of a new 6,000-square-foot childcare facility on the Reservation, the Tribe’s first major new facility built in more than 40 years, completed under the leadership of her late father, Chairman Rupert Steele. As Vice-Chairwoman, Ms. Steele is deeply committed to protecting tribal assets, preserving Native traditions, and making integrity-based decisions that serve the long-term interests of the Goshute people. She is honored to carry forward her father’s legacy of leadership, cultural preservation, and advocacy for the Tribe.