KEYNOTE · WORKSHOP · PERFORMANCE
Rooted & Rising
This is a full day experience: a keynote that opens something up, a workshop that puts tools in people’s hands, and a live performance that seals it. Dakota Bear and Casey Desjarlais bring story, culture, and creativity into one room and leave lasting impact.
WHAT A DAY WITH US LOOKS LIKE
One day. Three parts. Lasting impact.
MORNING
Keynote
Dakota and Casey share their story: entrepreneurship, sobriety, activism, grief, and empowerment. Topics shaped around what your community needs to hear.
AFTERNOON
Workshop
A hands-on decolonial clothing workshop. Participants design and heat-press their own t-shirt. All materials included, something real to take home.
EVENING
Performance
Dakota closes the day with a live set: original music and storytelling that holds the energy the day built, and sends people home feeling something. Casey shares hand drum songs.
TOPICS WE CARRY
Entrepreneurship · Sobriety & Recovery · Decolonization · Mental Health · Empowerment · Grief & Loss
You tell us what fits. Every keynote is shaped around what your community needs to hear.
THE PEOPLE IN THE ROOM WITH YOU
Dakota Bear & Casey Desjarlais
Dakota Bear
ARTIST · SPEAKER · PERFORMER
Dakota co-founded Decolonial Clothing and Land Back Records and has performed sold-out shows and festivals across Turtle Island. His story centres on getting through addiction and hardship while staying on a creative path, and how creativity became the thing that saved his life. He brings that truth into every room, alongside the belief that everybody is creative, and that building something real is possible from exactly where you are.
Casey Desjarlais
ENTREPRENEUR · ACTIVIST · CO-PRESENTER
Casey co-founded Decolonial Clothing and Land Back Records, helping grow Decolonial into a multimillion dollar enterprise. Pow wow dancing saved her growing up, and she weaves those cultural teachings into everything she does, including the importance of staying connected to culture while navigating motherhood and running businesses. Casey brings the grounding, the business depth, and the lived proof that culture and commerce belong together.
SEE IT IN ACTION
Watch a Rooted & Rising day
2M+ Streams · 100+ Live Performances · 100+ Indigenous Youth Mentored · 280K+ Social Following · 50+ Workshops Delivered · $2M+ Revenue Generated
〰️
2M+ Streams · 100+ Live Performances · 100+ Indigenous Youth Mentored · 280K+ Social Following · 50+ Workshops Delivered · $2M+ Revenue Generated 〰️
What People Are Saying
“Dakota Bear speaks from his heart, and the stories he shared about his own life and healing remind us that amazing things can happen when we believe in ourselves. His message about never giving up, even when things are hard, really stuck with us. He connected with our students, made each one feel valued and heard.”
Kate P., Grade 7 Teacher, Valour JK-12 School, Petawawa ON
“The youth loved it. They still wear their shirts, and it had a great impact on our community.”
Coordinator, Sandy Bay First Nation
“The presentation was truly inspiring. The message about sharing your story, embracing creativity, and finding balance really resonated with this age group. One of the most powerful takeaways was the importance of believing in yourself and having the confidence to express who you are.”
Teri F., Indigenous Instructional Coach, RCDSB
Ready to book?
Contact us to inquire about availability and package options. Rooted & Rising experiences are built around your audience, goals, schedule, and event needs. For communities with limited budgets, we’re open to exploring a package that still creates meaningful impact.