Advisory Committee provides pulse on American Indian leadership issues:

The Blandin Foundation Leadership Team is working in partnership with American Indian reservation communities developing programming, identifying potential partnering opportunities and growing leadership skills.

The vehicle for the Foundation to explore leadership opportunities in American Indian communities is known as Blandin Reservation Community Leadership Program Advisory Committee.

“The role of the Advisory Committee is to ensure that the voice of the reservation communities served is present and heard in developing and offering programs to Indian communities that are culturally appropriate and relevant to their unique opportunities and challenges,” said Valerie Shangreaux, Blandin Foundation Leadership Director.

The committee is comprised of representatives from several reservations throughout the state: White Earth, Leech Lake, Mille Lacs, Upper Sioux, Lower Sioux, Fond du Lac and Bois Forte. Current members of the committee are: Kathy Annette (chair), Andy Favorite, Chris Jourdain, Judy Hanks, Joe Day, Joe Naquonabe, Teresa Peterson, John Robertson, Rick Smith and Deanna Drift. All committee members are alums of BRCLP or BCLP.

“The committee seeks out American Indians who are current leaders in their own right and those who can develop into future leaders and provides them with skills that can be used in that endeavor,” said Joe Day (Leech Lake).

Members of the committee provide a vital link between foundation staff and American Indian communities.

“The committee is used to bring up-and-coming community leaders from their respective reservation communities to the leadership table,” said Teresa Peterson (Upper Sioux).  “We also advise the Blandin Foundation around issues within our reservations and how the Foundation can partner and positively affect our communities; such as the current statewide Indian youth initiative.”

“The Reservation Advisory Committee’s greatest impact is the ability to provide honest and timely guidance to the Foundation,” concluded Chair Kathy Annette (White Earth).  “The members are Indian community leaders from across the state who have their fingers on the pulse of Indian country and each are committed to assisting the Blandin Foundation to provide the best American Indian rural community leadership program possible.”

For more information about the Advisory Committee or other American Indian leadership issues contact Valerie Shangreaux at: vdshangreaux@blandinfoundation.org. Those who would like to share a reservation community leadership success story can contact Malissa Bahr at: mjbahr@blandinfoundation.org.