Roger Vielle was raised by his grandparents on the Blackfeet reservation in Montana. After his grandparents passed, he went to a variety of Government Boarding Schools. He is currently an instructor in the American Indian Studies program at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho

He has traveled all over this country and has taken the Pow Wow trail many times as a Men’s Northern Traditional Dancer. He is also a renowned speaker and story teller speaking at resorts, retreats, schools, and youth functions. He was a featured speaker at” Native America Speaks in Glacier National Park. He enjoys sharing his stories, songs and culture with all people. Roger has been a bounty hunter, private investigator, process server, counselor, youth camp director, teacher, and a case manager (just to name a few careers). Through all types of employment and locations, Roger has continued to be involved in his communities, caring for people with a special place in his heart for the youth and Veterans. He has been a counselor in life skills for youth and adult detainees. With a unique “no-nonsense”, bold approach, he has been able to reach many individuals. He also facilitates traditional circle talks, sweat lodge ceremonies, and cultural connectedness. 

He has been a Board member since 2009 with BTYR and also the Native Spiritual Advisor for the organization. Amongst other duties with VCR he is the builder and facilitator of the Sweat Lodges for the Retreats.

He is a U.S. Army Veteran and specially trained Tribal Veterans’ Rep. He lives with his wife and two dogs and they all enjoy traveling around the country doing various speaking engagements, trainings, and attending Pow wows.

Conferences/Training/Professional Experience

Talking Circle Facilitator, Traditional Sweat Lodge Facilitator (ongoing)

Blackfoot Confederacy staff, Glacier National Park Conference (2009)

Crazy Dog Society Member, Blackfeet Tribal Warrior Society inducted in 2009

Native Historical Trauma and Grief, trained as facilitator, Browning, MT (2010)

Tribal Veterans’ Representative, Helena, MT (2011-2012)

Native Spiritual Advisor/Board Member, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, Spokane, WA (2010-Current)

American Indigenous Research Conference in Polson, Montana, October 2016. Out of the Box 

Presenter on Indigenous Teaching Methodologies, Success in the College Classroom.

Invited Talks and Presentations

Career Advisor, Grant County Jail inmates, Silver City, NM (2012)

Youth Day presentation, Red Paint Pow Wow, Silver City, NM (2012-2013)

Native Traditional Healing presentation, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA (2014)

Native Traditional Healing presentation, Spokane Vets’ Center, Spokane, WA (2014)

Storyteller, Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute, Moscow, ID (2014-15)

Presenter, Religion and Social Work, Whitworth University, Spokane, WA, Feb. 12, 2015

Keynote Speaker, Mother Language Symposium, Washington State University, Feb. 22, 2015

Keynote Speaker, Spirituality, Eastern Washington University, Feb. 25, 2015

Teaching Experience

Life Skills Coach, New Mexico Correctional Facility, Belen, NM (1998-1999)

Teacher, guiding sweats, talking circles and Medicine Wheel for incarcerated Native male youth State of Montana Juvenile Youth Authority, Deer Lodge, MT (2009-2010)

Instructor on Native Tradition and Culture, HOIST, University of Idaho (2014)

Instructor ANTH 329, North American Indians, University of Idaho, Spring Semester, 2015-16

Instructor, ANTH 404 Sacred Lands, University of Idaho, Spring Semester, 2017

Investigator, Tribal Juvenile Court, Toho’ O Odham Tribe (Pima), Sells, AZ (2007-2008)

Manpower TANF Case Manager, Browning, MT (2010-2011)

Counselor, mentor, Sierra Counseling Services, Silver City, NM (2011-2012)

Support Staff, Spokane Vets’ Center, Spokane, WA (2010-Current)

Native Youth Mentor and Assistant Teacher, NASC University of Idaho (2014-Current)