Alfreda Beartrack Algeo is an artist, illustrator, author, and educator who joined the NLAPW Denver Branch as a letters member in 2023.
Alfreda is an enrolled citizen of the Oceti Sakowin, Kul Wicasa Oyate, Lower Brule, South Dakota where she was born and raised. She is also a member of the Oceti Sakowin Writers Society (formerly Oak Lake Writers’ Society); a supportive community of writers and scholars committed to preserving Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota cultures, oral traditions, and histories through the development and dissemination of culture-based writing.
Alfreda’s passion as a storyteller, artist, and writer is intertwined with her passion to help others. Alfreda’s career resided in the health field. Most notably, as a Tobacco Specialist and a Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Specialist on a Tribal, State, and National level. Alfreda holds a Bachelor of University Studies from the University of New Mexico, a Master of Arts from the University of South Dakota, and a Doctor of Management with Dissertation from
the University of Phoenix (with a focus on Public Administration and Nonprofit Management), and numerous certifications in Health and Wellness.
Alfreda’s love for arts was cultivated by her father’s renaissance style. Her father was an engineer, bronze sculptor, painter, and farmer. From an early age, Alfreda painted in oils and learned the lost-wax-method for bronze casting. Her artwork has flourished into a multifaceted
array of mediums and techniques in acrylics, watercolors, oils, pastels, paper-cast, bronze, sculpture, and graphic art. Her artwork is represented in numerous private collections,
museums, and galleries world-wide.
Alfreda’s love for the literacy arts was enriched by her mother’s love for reading. Alfreda interweaves her Native history, indigenous narratives, and contemporary diversities to build empathy, diverse worldviews, and intercultural communications for all of her readers. Alfreda is an in-house author for the 7th Generation Native Voices Book Publishing Company. Alfreda children’s book, The Day the Earth Rose Up was selected by the Wyoming Humanities Council for the National Book Festival, Library of Congress 2023.
In all her creative ventures, Alfreda encourages her young readers to never stop believing in their dreams and never be afraid to let their imaginations soar. And to read, read, read, and write, write, write with an open sense of curiosity, and wonder about life that will come through in all they do. Most of all, never be afraid to be authentic, because writing and creating art with authenticity is a wonderful gift you give to others.
Alfreda makes her home in the beautiful valley of Palisade, Colorado with her husband David. She states, “This is the perfect time in my life and the ideal location to write, create art, and pass on the knowledge to the younger generations.”
Published Dissertation:
Tobacco Use Attitudes and Beliefs of Lakota Sioux Youth: A Qualitative Case Study.
Ziegler Beartrack Algeo, Alfreda G. 2013. University of Phoenix ProQuest Dissertations
Publishing, 2013.
PUBLICATIONS:
Children’s Picture Books: Illustrator and Author:
The Day the Earth Rose Up
Father Eagle
Cottonwood Sings
Children’s Picture Book: Illustrator:
How Oceans Came to Be
Teen Novels: Author
Legends of Big Heart: The Land Grab
Legends of Big Heart: The Roan Stallion
Legends of Big Heart: The River Run