Ep. 40 Warrior Society with Andrew Bouchard, Harrison Jim Sr. and Montana Miller

In this episode, I’m joined by three guests Andre Bouchard (Kootenai/Ojibwe/Pend d’Oreille/Flathead Salish), Harrison Jim Sr. (Diné), and Montana Miller (Diné), who are involved in the upcoming live event Stories from the Warrior Society, that explores the evolution of warrior societies in Tribal communities through the lived experiences of Indigenous veterans and active-duty military across three generations. This will be held on Tohono O’odham and Yaqui Tribal territory (Tucson, AZ) and Squaxin Island Tribal territory (Olympia, WA). Each site will feature six Native storytellers who are veterans or active duty— two of whom will be drawn from each site’s local Tribal communities as well as the directors who are Navajo storytellers themselves. This local event will take place at the Fox Theater in downtown Tucson on March 28, 2026 at 2:00 pm, tickets are now available for purchase on the Fox Tucson Theatre website.

Logo for the Warrior Society storytelling event

Our conversation centers on what it means to be a warrior in Indigenous communities—past and present—and how service, protection, and responsibility have taken many forms over time. Our guests reflect on the power of storytelling as a way to honor ancestors, uplift veterans, and create understanding between generations. They also share what audiences can expect from the live event, where personal stories illuminate history, identity, and the ongoing role of warriors in Tribal life.

A photo of Andre and his dog

Andre Bouchard (of Kootenai/Ojibwe/Pend d’Oreille/Flathead Salish descent) is an educator, director, producer and consultant who was born and raised on the Flathead Reservation in western Montana. He works to build bridges and reverse the invisibility that serves to marginalize Native people in the US. Andre is the founder and director of Indigenous Performance Productions. He holds a Master’s degree in Arts Management from the Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon University, a BFA in Dance and a BA in Anthropology from the University of Montana. Another storytelling project Andre is involved is called “The Aunties“, which focuses on storytelling from the perspectives by Indigenous women who call the local area their home who have dedicated their lifework in service to their community. A project is shared at sites across Turtle Island with locations that include, Yakima WA, Los Angeles, CA, Salt Lake City, UT, Minneapolis, MN, etc.

A photo of Harrison Jim Sr., Diné (Navajo)

Co-Director, Harrison Jim, Sr. a Diné (Navajo) 

Born into Haltsooi, born for Kinyaa aanii, maternal grandfather is Tsi’najiinii, paternal grandfather is Tsi’najiinii. Harrison Jim Sr. is a Navy veteran and Traditional Practitioner at Sage Memorial Hospital, where he developed a program utilizing traditional practices to help western medicine in healing patients. Mr. Jim is a member of the Dine’ Hat’aalii Association as a traditional practitioner (Hat’aalii), traditional counselor, traditional herbalist, and cultural teacher. Mr. Jim is the only full-blooded Native American awarded a Robert Wood Johnson Fellowship for Developing Leadership in Reducing Substance Abuse.

Photo of Montana Miller, Diné (Navajo)

Co-Director: Montana James Miller yinishyé

Tabaaha nishti. Áshjjh bashishchiin. Tachii’nii dashicheii. Kinyaa’aanii dashináli. Ákótéego Diné hastiin nishij. Montana Miller (Diné) was born to the Water Edge Clan, Salt People Clan, Red Running into Water Clan, and the Towering House Clan. He is an Infantry Airborne Army veteran who studied Performing Arts at the Institute of American Indian Arts. An actor, director, writer, and producer, he is known for his role as “Arizona” in Into the Wild Frontier (Season 4, Episode 1). Through his work, he strives to bring greater diversity to the world and highlight the beauty of diverse cultures and human experiences. Montana is also a co-founder of a Native Production company called Natives of the Apocalypse (N.O.T.A.), dedicated to empowering Natives to tell their stories.

As I sat down with my guests I began to fully understand the importance of the topic of healing ceremonies for returning military men and women and why it is an important process for those dealing with traumatic war experiences. While listening to Harrison speak about the Native/Indigenous perspectives of the spiritual practices that support returning Native/Indigenous soldiers,  I learned that ceremony can help restore balance, reintegrate returning military service men and women into their communities, and cleanse them of the impacts of war.

This episode offers a meaningful introduction to an event rooted in respect, resilience and the voices of those who have served. For more information on this upcoming event and for any questions visit Fox Theatre, or email Andre Bouchard (Executive Creative Producer/Founder) at [email protected]

Graphic created by T. Andrew