John Little

Native student advocate | Higher education equity leader | Systems shifter

John Little believes that education can be a tool for healing, advancement and transformation in Native communities. A citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, John grew up between urban and rural worlds, shaped by both the Denver urban Native community and a small South Dakota town. That duality led him to pursue history and higher education as paths for reclaiming Native narratives and mentoring the next generation. 

As Director of Native Recruitment and Alumni Engagement at the University of South Dakota, John dramatically increased Native student enrollment through advocacy, relationship building and culturally responsive systems of support. Now, he is ready to launch the Tokahe Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to higher education access and advancement for Native students in South Dakota.

John is widely recognized as a connector—someone who draws links between past and present, systems and people, history and action. His background in historical research sharpens his ability to see patterns and possibilities others might overlook, while his deep commitment to Native identity fuels his advocacy. Through his work, he conveys to students that they belong, and their presence matters. As a Bush Fellow, he will grow his leadership, fundraising and organizational design skills to bring his vision to life.

What does meaningful leadership look like to you?

Each milestone in my journey has been focused on challenging stereotypes, creating positive representation and mentoring the next generation of Native leaders. While many might view leadership as their own moment in the lights, I strive to be the leader in the background helping and taking part in the little moments that lead a Native student to the graduation stage. For me, leadership is about serving the larger vision—that together we are stronger—and that we are even more powerful when we tell our own stories. 

Why has Native student success become the heart of your work?

Change in higher educational systems for Native people is slow and uncertain. We can make spaces safer, but our wellness as Native people hangs in the balance of what a system upholds as what is right. My passion and talent for recruiting, retaining and supporting Native students will be best served in the creation of a program where I get to set the standard. I believe in the power of opportunity and the possibility of truly inclusive spaces.