Bryant High Horse Jr., "Oyate Tawanawuchapi tejupi" or "Defends People," belongs to the Pute Oyate of the Lakota. High Horse Jr. identifies himself as a veteran and defender of American and Indian rights. He is also a relative of Crazy Horse. High Horse believes that racism comes from a lack of understanding about other cultures, stating, "If you do understand each other's cultures, you can have a beautiful journey together."

 

High Horse Jr. is grateful to have been raised by his grandparents. He was taught responsibility at age 9 through horse maintenance and tack. His cultural and English knowledge came from his Grandpa. He believes that levels of life and knowing origins, culture, and language must be passed orally.

 

Following the death of his grandparents, High Horse Jr. lived with an uncle in Chicago. Urban travel and military service have provided him with a sense of the importance of journeys. Following his travels, he returned to South Dakota and began working in K-12 and higher education. High Horse has been described as a  teacher, guidance counselor, KILI radio host, veteran and Lakota culture bearer. He has received a Master's degree and previously taught at Black Hills State University and in Rapid City, SD, for nineteen years. High Horse Jr. is currently an adjunct professor at Oglala Lakota College and he has no plans to retire from teaching.