May 4, 2026
Media Advisory: Activist and actor Dallas Goldtooth to address Native American graduates at the University of Arizona
- What: Media are invited to cover activist and actor Dallas Goldtooth's speech at the University of Arizona's Native American Graduation Celebration.
- When: May 8, 4-6 p.m.
- Where: Student Union Memorial Center, Grand Ballroom, 1303 E. University Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85719
- RSVP: Media who wish to attend may RSVP to Kyle Mittan, mittank@arizona.edu. Goldtooth will be available for brief one-on-one interviews, starting at 3 p.m. on May 8, with media who RSVP in advance.
TUCSON, Ariz. – Dallas Goldtooth, an activist and actor widely known for his role as William "Spirit" Knifeman on FX's acclaimed series "Reservation Dogs," will deliver the keynote address at the University of Arizona Native American Student Graduation Celebration and Native American Student Affairs Awards Ceremony.
Goldtooth will address approximately 70 students and 600 guests expected to attend the event to celebrate the U of A's Native American graduates. The university currently enrolls about 2,000 Native students representing about 200 tribal communities, and has been ranked by the National Science Foundation as the top Ph.D.-awarding university to Native Americans between 2016 and 2020.
Goldtooth, who is Mdewakanton Dakota and Diné, has helped shape Indigenous representation in mainstream media. Goldtooth co-founded the 1491s, an all-Native sketch comedy group that uses humor to challenge stereotypes of Indigenous people and address social and environmental issues.
As a former campaign organizer for the Indigenous Environmental Network, Goldtooth now speaks all over the world on topics including environmental protection, Indigenous rights, storytelling and more.
Goldtooth's role as Spirit in "Reservation Dogs" helped earn him mainstream acclaim, and he was also a writer on the series for its three-season run. His screen credits also include roles in "The Last Frontier," "Fallout," "Echo" and "Rutherford Falls."
Goldtooth is also passionate about language revitalization and is a Dakota language instructor who works to preserve and pass on traditional Indigenous knowledge.
"Native students carry more than degrees when they walk across that stage," Goldtooth said. "They carry families, histories, and entire communities with them. I want to remind them that their academic journey matters, and that our people need their brilliance, their leadership, and their courage now more than ever."
In addition to Goldtooth, the following university staff members and students will be available for interviews during the 3 p.m. availability:
- M. Talia White, interim director, Native American Student Affairs
- Tessa L. Dysart, assistant vice provost, Native American Initiatives
- Levi Esquerra, special adviser for Native American Affairs, Office of the Provost
- Devin Lewis, student host, Native American Student Affairs
- Angela Monetathchi, Outstanding Graduate Academic Awardee
- Jasmine Lopez, Outstanding Graduate Senior Awardee
- Nehemiah Simpson, student host, Native American Student Affairs
- Kaiden Sitaiai, student host, Native American Student Affairs
- Hayle Bobbie Trujillo, Outstanding Undergraduate Awardee
- Cody Tsinnajinnie, Outstanding First Year Awardee
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Media contact:
Kyle Mittan
University Communications
520-626-4407
mittank@arizona.edu
Established in 1885, the University of Arizona is the state's flagship, land-grant institution. The U of A ranks among America's top institutions, focusing on student access and success while driving a $1 billion research enterprise and engaging communities throughout the state, nation and world. As a leading Research 1 institution and member of the Association of American Universities, the U of A advances the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships. With two accredited medical schools, designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, recognition as a premier university for service members, distinguished programs in management information systems, planetary sciences, dance, photography, and public and applied humanities, the U of A offers the world to its students while uplifting Arizona.