About the author:

Gillian Joseph (they/them) is a 2-Spirit Ihaŋktoŋwaŋ and Mdewakaŋtoŋ Dakhóta storyteller who grew up as a guest on Waxhaw and Catawba lands. Alongside writing, they work as a researcher with a focus on Indigenous health and wellbeing. Gillian loves spending time near mní, trying to figure out what their dreams mean, and hanging out with their cats, Smudge and Solstice.

You can find more of Gillian’s writing in Room Magazine, The Ex-Puritan, anthologies such as Indiginerds (Iron Circus Comics), and on their website: gillian-joseph.com.

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About the illustrator:
Delaena Rae Uses Knife’s Lakȟóta name is “Itanca Yalówaŋpi ” meaning, “Holy men/Head men are singing with you”. She is a Miniconjou Lakota enrolled member from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe of South Dakota.

Uses Knife received her liberal arts associates degree from the Oglala Lakota College in 2013. Her artistic style explains the Lakota Sioux traditions passed on and her illustrations are inspired by Walt Disney and Pixar Studios. Her dream is to be an animator and storyteller for children’s books.

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About the beadwork & book designer:

Marlena Myles is a Spirit Lake Dakota artist whose work blends traditional Dakota knowledge with contemporary art and design. Coming from generations of beadwork artists, including her mother, aunts, and grandmothers, she grew up surrounded by the creativity, stories, and cultural knowledge carried through beadwork.

For Protector of the Beads, Marlena created original beadwork designs and the book's visual layout, bringing together traditional artistic influences with contemporary illustration. Her contributions reflect a personal connection to the story and honor the generations of Dakota women who have passed down their creativity, knowledge, and love through their art.

Through her publishing company, Wíyouŋkihipi Productions, Marlena creates books and educational resources that celebrate Dakota culture and help carry Indigenous knowledge forward to future generations.