Who We've Funded

Charlie Thayer wants to make it easier for stories about Native culture to be told in the voice of Native people. Particularly stories of healing from historical trauma or its aftermath. His vision is to create a platform from which the voices of the

Native Nations Rebuilders Program (cohort 6) - Mona currently works as the general manager of the Cheyenne River telephone authority, a tribally owned enterprise. She is actively involved in youth issues, from serving as a past school board member of

In 2009, Marge Anderson, then the chief executive of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, tapped Jennifer Waltman to join her cabinet as commissioner of community development. Jennifer wasn't sure she was the right fit for the job, but Anderson, who passed

Native Nations Rebuilders Program (cohort 6) - Josh has a background working for his tribe in gaming in various capacities, as well as experience as an elected representative of his nation to tribal council. He currently works for the Royal River

Native Nations Rebuilders Program (cohort 6) - Whitefishwoman worked her way through college while juggling multiple jobs and raising her five children. She earned her undergraduate degree from Minot State University and law degree from the

Native Nations Rebuilders Program (cohort 6) - Tipiziwin is a Wiciyena Dakota and Hunkpapha Lakota. She was raised on the Standing Rock Reservation by her loving parents who instilled a strong work ethic and fierce love for her people and community

For Laura Zabel, creativity is a natural resource. As executive director of Springboard for the Arts, she has helped ensure the region maintains an abundance of creativity by connecting artists with the resources they need to make a living and a life