Chief Rueben George

Chief Rueben George is a Sundance Chief, ceremonial leader, author, and internationally respected voice for Indigenous rights, water protection, and human dignity. A grandson of the legendary Chief Dan George, Rueben carries forward a lineage of leadership rooted in spirit, culture, and the responsibility to protect the land and future generations. For more than thirty years, Rueben has led sweat lodge ceremonies and supported thousands of people in their healing journeys. As a family therapist and specialist in substance use and addiction, he has worked on the front lines of community healing — grounding his work in Indigenous teachings, relational responsibility, and the belief that wellness is created through connection to culture, land, and spirit. At the heart of his leadership is his role as Sundance Chief, a responsibility he carries with humility, devotion, and the guidance of his ancestors. His activism and leadership have been felt globally, particularly through his work defending the lands and waters of his people, and advocating for human rights and environmental stewardship. Rueben is also the author of It Stops Here, an award-winning book that weaves together personal story, cultural teachings, and the urgent call to protect Mother Earth. As a mentor with Thrive, Rueben shares Indigenous knowledge, ceremony, and teachings that help guide people back to the values of belonging, reciprocity, and collective care. His presence invites us to remember what it means to be in right relationship — with ourselves, with each other, and with the living world.