An enrolled member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota Oyate, Fern Cloud creates dance regalia as a form of expression.   She credits many mentors with sharing their knowledge and guiding her on a life-long learning journey of Dakota history, culture and traditions.  Fern Cloud’s journey began when her great grandmother taught her to thread a needle as a small child.  This simple skill was the foundation of all that was to come on her journey.

Fern Cloud shares her heritage through several mediums; including oral history, traditional hide painting, storytelling and the performing arts. Working through the schools, she does presentations for youth, bringing to the next generation the gift of cultural support and knowledge of a proud heritage.  A Dakota language activist, Fern Cloud advocates for creative ways to teach Dakota people their first language.