Upbringing
Victor was born in Rapid City, South Dakota, the third youngest of ten siblings. Shortly after his birth, his mother lost her job when the business she worked for went bankrupt. With few options, she moved the family back to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to live with Victor’s grandfather. Despite immense financial hardship, Victor’s mother worked tirelessly, eventually saving enough to move the family back to Rapid City in pursuit of better opportunities for her children. Even then, she continued commuting daily to the reservation for work, exemplifying her resilience and determination.
Victor and his siblings were raised in a home marked by the struggles of growing up with an alcoholic and abusive father. These early experiences of instability and adversity shaped Victor’s deep empathy and instilled in him a strong desire to advocate for others—especially those who feel voiceless or powerless.

Leadership and Advocacy
During high school, Victor served as the student representative for Stevens High School on the Rapid City Area Schools Indian Education Committee. In this role, he provided vital insight into the well-being of Indigenous students and worked to ensure their needs and perspectives were heard. He also delivered the opening speech at the 2024 RCAS Feather Tying Ceremony, a symbolic moment highlighting his leadership in the Native community.
Victor consistently used his voice to advocate for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, challenging school administrators when necessary to push for fairness and equity.

A Defining Moment
At the start of his junior year, Victor’s younger sister was placed in a class with students who had bullied and threatened her for years. In a protective and proactive move, Victor accompanied her to the school office to request a schedule change and report the ongoing harassment.
Aware of the school's strict no-hat policy, Victor intentionally wore his hat to draw attention to how minor rules were enforced more strictly than serious safety concerns. His peaceful protest proved his point: administrators focused on the hat rather than his sister’s safety. Despite calmly explaining his reasoning, Victor was arrested at the principal’s direction for "disturbance of school," with a deputy sheriff present during the exchange.
This unjust incident became a turning point. Word spread quickly among students, many of whom rallied in support of Victor, recognizing his unwavering commitment to justice and his courage to stand up—even at great personal cost.
Though the incident resulted in community service hours, it also strengthened Victor’s resolve. His experience continues to fuel his advocacy for those who can’t yet stand on their own.

The Future Ahead
Now running for the District 34 seat in the South Dakota House of Representatives, Victor brings a unique and powerful perspective as a young Indigenous leader shaped by firsthand experiences with poverty, injustice, and resilience. Guided by a deep love for his community, he is committed to protecting and expanding Medicaid access, standing up for veterans, ensuring our public schools are fully funded to prepare the next generation of leaders, and strengthening South Dakota’s economy so that every family has a chance to thrive.​