Inspired by his father’s experiences in boarding schools, Johnny Keams tells stories to highlight Native histories and overturn stereotypes. He began presenting Native stories and histories during his time as Native Club President at BYU. Johnny Keams is Navajo and has a Bachelor’s in Computer Science. He uses his platform to showcase differences between life on and off the reservation, as well as stories of Native struggles. While at UVU, he noticed that club associations needed people to talk about Native topics and he volunteered, presenting public discourses on Native Americans in media, common micro aggressions against Natives, and on mental health issues.

As a father of three, Johnny tries to teach his children about Navajo culture and instill in them the knowledge of his father and grandfather. As a presenter, he draws on his cultural heritage to encourage listeners to look past stereotypes and see the difference in Natives from tribe to tribe. Johnny isn’t afraid to shy away from Native traumas, and shares his Dad’s stories from boarding school. He says,-œwhen my Dad was taken to boarding school, he was five years old. My son is six and it touches me to see the similarities.- Johnny also showcases how negative media portrayals of Natives can have a huge effect on how Natives see themselves. His personal experiences and presentations open a dialogue of cross-cultural understanding and show how Natives’ modern struggles stem from past traumas.

Johnny is available for school groups from the 6th grade up.