Join Angie Lion on an inspiring journey in this episode of The Leader U Podcast, as we welcome Randy’L Teton, a distinguished member of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes and the model for the Sacajawea dollar coin. Randy’L has leveraged her background in museum studies focusing on tribal history and culture to advocate for the preservation of her heritage through education and storytelling. In this episode, she shares her experiences, including the significance of asking questions, sharing tribal stories, and keeping cultural practices alive. Randy’L also discusses her role as a model on the Sacajawea coin, which opened doors to further collaborations with giants like Disney and Netflix. Additionally, she talks about her children’s book on Sacajawea, offering a vital tribal perspective and history. Listen as Randy’L explains the importance of staying connected to her roots through tribal rituals like praying and participating in sweat lodges. Tune in to hear how Randy’L Teton’s life work enriches the cultural tapestry and ensures that the legacy of Sacajawea continues to inspire.
Randy’L is a member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation. Teton is a first-generation college graduate with 11 plus years’ experience in Tribal government, public relations, museum studies, history and community development.
Teton’s educational background includes a Bachelors of Fine Arts from the University of New Mexico (Albuquerque, New Mexico), a Museum Studies degree from the Institute of American Indian Arts (Santa Fe, New Mexico), Fort Lewis College (Durango, Colorado) and completed eight years of museum training at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American Indian (NMAI) in both Washington DC and New York City, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming and the Bureau of Historical Sites Peebles Island in New York City in the following area of studies: conservation, exhibition planning and tribal ethnographic research.
Over the years, Randy’L has been instrumental in various communication and museum projects throughout Indian Country. Recently, Teton played a significant role with collaborating with media projects including Disney Plus and Netflix. Teton also has her first published children’s book to be released this November 2023 highlighting Sacajawea from a tribal perspective.
Recent accomplishments include: the Idaho ‘Lifetime Achievement Award” from Idaho State Journal, Southeast Idaho Business Journal’s “Twenty under 40” award, the “Idaho Hometown Hero Medal Award” that recognizes significant dedication and achievement to the Southeastern Idaho community; “Trailblazing Women of Idaho” where only 100 women, historically and contemporary, were chosen statewide and the Yellow Rose Award from Zonta Club of Pocatello.
In Randy’L spare time, she enjoys spending time with her three children, collecting coins and baking.
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