Central Wyoming College’s Ivan Posey Honored with Chief Washakie Foundation Distinguished Leadership Award, Contributes to Morning Star American Indian Village and Expands Opportunities for Native Communities

Central Wyoming College is celebrating the leadership and accomplishments of Ivan Posey, Tribal Education Coordinator, whose recent recognition with the Chief Washakie Foundation Distinguished Leadership Award, leadership in launching the Morning Star American Indian Village at Cheyenne Frontier Days and continued work expanding educational opportunities for Native communities exemplify the college’s mission of serving American Indian students and communities across Wyoming.

Posey received the Chief Washakie Distinguished Leadership Award in June 2026 from the Chief Washakie Foundation in recognition of his leadership, dedication to education and lifelong service to Native communities. The award honors individuals whose work reflects the vision, integrity and enduring legacy of Chief Washakie.

At Central Wyoming College, Posey has become a driving force behind initiatives that strengthen educational access, preserve Native cultures and create meaningful pathways to workforce development. 

Posey leads the college’s Institute of Tribal Learning, which serves as a bridge between Native and non-Native communities through education, dialogue and cultural engagement. The institute’s Speaker Series brings tribal leaders, educators, scholars and community members together to explore Native history, culture, sovereignty and contemporary issues affecting tribal nations. Designed to foster understanding and strengthen relationships, the series reflects the college’s commitment to honoring Indigenous knowledge while creating meaningful opportunities for learning throughout Wyoming.

In addition, Posey serves as the visionary leader behind Native Voices, Central Wyoming College’s annual celebration of Native culture, history and contemporary Indigenous perspectives in Jackson. The weeklong event brings together tribal leaders, artists, educators, students and community members through films, lectures, exhibits and cultural events that foster understanding, strengthen partnerships and celebrate the rich heritage and living traditions of tribal nations.

This summer, Posey also contributed to the debut of the Morning Star American Indian Village during the 130th Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming  The theme for 2026 is The Year of the American Indian. The new cultural destination celebrates the traditions, artistry, history and living cultures of tribal nations through educational exhibits, demonstrations, storytelling, music, dance and authentic Native artisans. The village quickly became one of the signature additions to the annual celebration, giving visitors from around the world opportunities to engage directly with Native culture while highlighting the enduring contributions of Indigenous peoples. Posey advised on the project over the last two years.  Central Wyoming College is a sponsor of Cheyenne Frontier Days. 

“Ivan’s leadership reflects the very best of Central Wyoming College,” President Brad Tyndall said. “His commitment to education, cultural preservation and community partnership continues to create opportunities that strengthen tribal communities and enrich our entire state. Whether leading the Institute of Tribal Learning Speaker Series and Native Voices, helping launch the Morning Star American Indian Village or expanding educational and workforce opportunities, Ivan leads with humility, vision and an unwavering dedication to serving others.”

“Ivan embodies the very heart of Central Wyoming College’s mission,” Vice President of Academic Affairs Kathy Wells said. “He has earned the trust and respect of the communities he serves because he leads by listening, building relationships and honoring Native traditions while creating meaningful educational opportunities. His work extends far beyond the classroom. It strengthens communities, preserves culture and opens doors for future generations. We are incredibly fortunate to have Ivan’s leadership at Central Wyoming College.”

For Posey, the work is rooted in relationships and a shared commitment to honoring Native cultures while creating opportunities for future generations.

“Receiving the Chief Washakie Distinguished Leadership Award is a tremendous honor,” Posey said. “I accept it with deep gratitude and humility because it reflects family, the many elders, tribal leaders, students, colleagues and community members who have shared their knowledge, encouragement and friendship throughout my journey. Every opportunity we create, whether through education, cultural celebration or workforce development, is about investing in our people, preserving our traditions and ensuring the next generation has every opportunity to succeed while remaining connected to who they are.”

Drawing on decades of leadership, education, and service to the Wind River Indian Reservation, Ivan Posey developed Central Wyoming College’s Wind River 101 training to foster a deeper understanding of the history, cultures, governments, and contemporary issues of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. The comprehensive training provides participants with historical context, treaty history, tribal governance, sovereignty, cultural traditions, and relationship-building protocols, while encouraging respectful engagement and meaningful partnerships with tribal communities. The Wyoming Department of Education, through the University of Wyoming and the Malcolm Wallop Civic Engagement Program, has worked with Posey to utilize Wind River 101 for teacher lesson plans across the state of Wyoming.  Through Wind River 101, Posey has created an important educational resource that reflects Central Wyoming College’s commitment to cultural understanding, tribal engagement, and serving Native students and communities.

Working alongside the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, community organizations and college partners, Posey has helped ensure these programs are culturally responsive and designed to meet local needs while creating opportunities for long-term economic growth.

Central Wyoming College has long maintained a deep commitment to serving Native students and communities through innovative educational programs, cultural partnerships and community engagement. Through initiatives such as the Institute of Tribal Learning, Native Voices, and partnerships with the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, the college continues to connect education, workforce development and cultural preservation in ways that honor tribal sovereignty, celebrate Indigenous knowledge and create lasting opportunities throughout the Wind River Reservation and beyond.

For more information about Central Wyoming College’s Native American initiatives and the Intertribal Center, visit www.cwc.edu/windriver.