The Aunties is an invitation to come together to honor the women that shape, heal, and uphold Indigenous communities—the aunties—through an evening of contemporary storytelling. The Aunties will feature aunties who call our local region home.
The Aunties creates a dedicated space for Indigenous storytelling traditions. Indigenous storytelling spans purpose, complexity, and tradition. This event honors storytelling as a living art form that continuously shapes identity, facilitates healing, and builds solidarity across and within communities.
We gather to honor the contributions and enduring legacy of aunties, whose stories inspire new narratives and guide new generations of leaders.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AND FUNDERS
This program has received funding from Utah Humanities (UH). The UH mission statement: We strengthen Utah communities by cultivating connections, deepening understanding, and exploring our complex human experience.
AUNTIES Bios
Regina Lopez-Whiteskunk (Ute Mountain Ute Tribe of Towaoc)
Regina Lopez-Whiteskunk was born and raised in southwestern Colorado and resides on the Ute Mountain Ute reservation. She is a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe of Towaoc. She attended school and graduated from Montezuma Cortez High School. She has spent 10 years in the information technology field, working for Chief Dull Knife College, the Southern Ute Indian and Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribes. In October of 2013, she was elected to serve as a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal council.
At an early age, Lopez-Whiteskunk began to advocate for land, air, water and animals, and strongly believes that the inner core of healing comes from the knowledge of our land and elders. She is currently the Cross Cultural Programs Director at Montezuma Land Conservancy. She is a former co-chair for the Bears Ears Intertribal Coalition and education director for the Ute Indian Museum in Montrose.
Currently, she is seeking a Master’s of Environmental Management with Western Colorado University. She serves on the Telluride Institute Board, Advisory board for Great Old Broads for Wilderness, Torrey House Press Board, and Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance.
Lopez-Whiteskunk has traveled extensively throughout the country sharing the Ute culture through song, dance, and presentations, and is honored to continue to protect, preserve and serve through education, creating a better understanding of our resources, culture, and beliefs—a great foundation for a better tomorrow.
Randy’L Teton (Shoshone-Bannock)
The U.S. Mint considers Randy’L to be the “Youngest & Only Living model” to appear on U.S. currency. She was born and raised on the Fort Hall Reservation in Idaho and has been culturally active in her community. Some of her community involvements include serving as the Miss Shoshone-Bannock Queen and serving on various museum boards throughout her career. In 1998, she served as the Shoshone model for artist Glenna Goodacre, on the Sacajawea golden dollar coin that was released to the public in 2000. After the release of the coin, Teton spent two years working with the U.S. Mint to market and promote the new coin. Teton has traveled the nation representing Sacajawea by sharing her story as the coin’s only living model. Teton resides in Idaho with her 3 children and enjoys collecting coins and writing.
Mickaela Allison (Navajo/Diné)
Mickaela, a proud Navajo woman from Mapleton, Utah, now living in Salt Lake City, is the creator of Keikis Collection, where she designs beaded pet collars inspired by the belief that pets provide protection and security. Her craft has led to collaborations with major pet brands and recognition from Adobe Small Business in 2022.
Beyond her business, Mickaela works as a College and Career Pathways Facilitator for the City of South Salt Lake and the Best Buy Foundation, guiding youth from diverse backgrounds, including refugee communities, toward career exploration and self-expression. Her work earned her the Social Impact Champion of the Year award for establishing the Native Student Club at Cottonwood High School, creating a safe and empowering space for Native youth to feel supported and celebrated.
Her passion for supporting Indigenous communities began in high school, where she taught powwow dance styles like fancy shawl and jingle to K-12 youth, helping them stay connected to their cultural roots.
As a mother to four dogs, Mickaela channels her love for animals into Keikis Collection, combining her cultural heritage with her deep understanding of the bond between pets and their owners. Through her business and youth work, Mickaela empowers young people to embrace their identities and shape their futures with confidence.
