The Native Governance Center celebrated Native American Heritage Month by naming 22 tribal citizens from the MN-SD-ND region to Cohort 13 of Native Nation Rebuilders.
The new Rebuilders include Lakota representatives SummerRose Last Horse, Dawn Moves Camp, Faith Moves Camp and Ernest Weston Jr. from the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Also named was Alexis White Hat-Kayonnie from the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Other South Dakota Rebuilders include Burt Dillabaugh (Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe), Marquel Holiday (Yankton Sioux Tribe) and Feather LaRoche (Lower Brule Sioux Tribe).
“This cohort of leaders is remarkable and committed to positive change in their communities. Participating in this program will allow them to forge new connections, gain valuable insights and knowledge, and learn about the rebuilding framework needed to support their nations,” stated Jessica Glidden. She serves as the Native Governance Center Leadership Development Program Manager.
Cohort 13 of Native Nation Rebuilders represents 22 of the 23 Native nations located in Native Governance Center’s three-state region (MN, ND, and SD). Rebuilders cohort 13 shares a common desire to use seventh generation thinking (care for future generations) throughout their work. Many of them also are passionate about working with youth, reinforcing their commitment to the future of their nations.
Cohort members have backgrounds in entrepreneurship, corporate ventures, community infrastructure, cultural revitalization, education, health, government relations, and more. Native Nation Rebuilders are leaders who are passionate about strengthening their nations. Indigenous-led and grounded in Indigenous values, the two-year program helps future Rebuilders develop skills around community engagement, movement building and Indigenized governance practices. The curriculum provides participants with a Native nation rebuilding framework they can use to solve problems and jumpstart their leadership journeys. Rebuilders also design and carry out community action plans that demonstrate what they’ve learned and positively impact their communities.
Native Governance Center (NGC) staff have made extensive updates to the Rebuilders curriculum over the last few years, ensuring that the content reflects feedback from previous cohorts, NGC’s organizational values, and a variety of learning styles. The curriculum now features updated and regionally focused governance case studies, experiential learning opportunities grounded in community, new speakers, and hands-on activities honoring cultural match. The goal of the Rebuilders program is to equip changemakers with tools and frameworks they can use to help rebuild their nations.
Also named to Cohort 13 were Shelly Davis, Zachery King, Jade Malaterre, Cynthia Poitra and Cedar Savage all representing the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. Téa Drift and Jaylen Strong represent the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. Cyndy Milda and Carrissa Pickit, both from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. Wendy Spry, Angela Vig and Rita Walaszek Arndt from the White Earth Nation. Andrea Reese will attend from the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. And Tawnya Stewart will represent the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
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