AIS 2021 Speakers & Presentations

Keynote Speaker: Virgil Johnson

Virgil Johnson is an educator and Native American activist who graduated from Southern Utah University. His work focuses on bringing Native-American voices to the forefront of discussions about governance in the State of Utah. This is exemplified by his work to seek representation on the Utah Governor's Cabinet. Virgil is also a marine veteran, and has served his community as a teacher, principle and coach. He served as the Chairman of the Confederated Tribe of the Goshute and as the Chairman for the Tribes of Utah.

Virgil Johnson
  • K-12 Educator (archaeology), coach, principal, and higher-education faculty member
  • Native-American activist
  • Spiritual leader
  • Former tribal chairman for the Confederated Tribes of Goshute Reservation
  • Former chairman for the Tribes of Utah
  • First Native-American graduate of Southern Utah University (SUU)
  • United States Marine Corp (USMC) Veteran
  • Recently assisted in two National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) workshops at SUU
  • Currently travels the state of Utah giving cultural presentations to teachers, girl scouts, and community members