Galen LaRoche is a retired educator and a self-taught photographic artist and writer. His photography work has won numerous first-place and best-of-show awards at regional and national art shows. He is a member of the Oceti Sakowin Writers Society, assisting to strengthen and preserve Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota cultures through culture-based writing. He has a Master’s Degree in education administration, a Bachelor of Science in elementary education, and a K-12 gifted and talented endorsement. He has worked with every aspect of Native education, presenting on a national level. He is a Sicangu Lakota enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.