Does BRYAN V. BREWER sound like a traditional Native American Name to you?

Bryan V. Brewer -- Bio
 
Chairman Bryan V. Brewer is from Pine Ridge, South Dakota on the Pine Ridge Indian
Reservation. He is an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Presently, he is a Lakota
Culture teacher at Pine Ridge High School and is in his 26th year there. During his years at Pine
Ridge High School he has served in many capacities. He has been a teacher, coach, principal,
athletic director and Dean of Students. He also lived and coached in Rocky Boy, Montana where
his team, the Rocky Boy Northern Stars, played in the state basketball tournament .
 
Currently, and for the past 30 years, he has been the director of the Lakota Nation Invitational. He
was the original founder of the LNI and has been the driving force in overseeing the growth of
this huge event. The Lakota Nation Invitational was featured in Sports Illustrated magazine in
2006.
 
The LNI is one of the most prestigious and eagerly anticipated events in South Dakota. It is a
mixture of athletics, academics and cultural activities. The LNI will celebrate its 32nd anniversary
in December of 2008. It features some of the best teams in South Dakota and without a doubt the
best that basketball has to offer. In addition, students are able to participate in wrestling,
handgames, Knowledge Bowl, Language Bowl and art. The LNI awards 16 scholarships and 16
public service awards.
 
Bryan is a member of the Board of Directors for the South Dakota High School Activities
Association. He is the first ever Native American to hold a position on the board. During his term
on the board, he has brought to light many of the issues that plague Native American students in
this state. As a result of his commitment to bringing about positive change, a new awareness and
perspective into the rich culture of South Dakota’s Native Americans has been brought to the
forefront. Racism issues are now open for discussion and there have been some positive changes
for South Dakota’s Native American athletes.
 
Bryan is a Vietnam veteran, having served two tours of duty there as a member of the United
States Navy. He is a traditional dancer sun dancer and craftsman. He attended Black Hills State
University and graduated from there with a degree in secondary education.
 
During his spare time Bryan likes to watch sports events and attend pow wows. The dance regalia
that Bryan wears was designed and constructed by him.
 
Bryan has worked tirelessly and remains committed to improving conditions for native youth. He
continues to provide positive learning experiences for area students and a realization that we are
all related. He stresses strongly the idea of reconciliation among all people.