The current oil boom in North Dakota presents rewards and risks. We have the opportunity to use the wealth created to go forward in a way that honors our past, ensures present prosperity and creates a future for our children that we can be proud of
Native Nations Rebuilders Program (cohort 5) - Justin is the health care administrator for the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribal Clinic. Prior to this position, Justin worked in the health insurance industry serving as director of operations for Wellmark
The Hmong community is defined less by geography and more by an indestructible spirit. Without a country, written language or documented history, we’ve survived. The work of my fellowship will focus on engaging Hmong community members, leaders and
Native Nations Rebuilders Program (cohort 5) - David was recently elected to his nation’s Tribal Council, representing the district of Sawyer. David has lived and worked on the Fond du Lac Reservation his entire life. One of his top priorities as an
Native Nations Rebuilders Program (cohort 5) - Stephanie is from Mitchell, South Dakota, and a 1989 graduate of Mitchell High School. Having earned a biology and psychology degree from Dakota Wesleyan University, she is currently completing her
Native Nations Rebuilders Program (cohort 5) - Philimon currently works for the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Child Care Services as supervisor for Lakota language, history and culture. His job title, wakicunza, derives from the traditional Lakota leadership
Native Nations Rebuilders Program (cohort 5) - Courtney has served as the Oglala Sioux Tribe credit and finance director for the past 10 years. She was instrumental in passage of the Tribe’s business codes, consumer protection laws, secured
Nationally and locally, demand for local food is exploding while the existing food distribution system is geared to large-scale, long-distance delivery. In West Central Minnesota, “food deserts” are springing up even though the area is heavily based
After the last years of recession and insecurity, people want alternatives to “business as usual,” and an economic model that works for everyone rather than the fortunate few. Cooperatives have a 175-year track record of doing just that, and are now
Native Nations Rebuilders Program (cohort 5) - Wendy currently works as the general manager for the Lode Star Casino in Fort Thompson, South Dakota, on the Crow Creek Sioux Reservation. Previously, she worked at Hunkpati Investments, an organization
Native Nations Rebuilders Program (cohort 5) - Roger is proudly of Mandan, Hidatsa, and Turtle Mountain Chippewa decent. He is currently employed by his nation as executive assistant to the Office of Tribal Business Council Representative Barry L
Forced removal of the Dakota people from their lands following the 1862 Dakota War led to a devastating loss of cultural knowledge. I will help recover an important aspect of our cultural identity that cherishes indigenous foods and medicines
