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Meet Our Board of Directors

The AICAF Board of Directors is made up of Native leaders from across the nation. All board members are elected through a nomination process. Board members serve in many professional and volunteer capacities. They are devoted to improving and strengthening Native communities. These individuals bring an impressive set of skills, energy, passion, and connections that help the Foundation further its mission.

Chairperson

Nicole Hallingstad

Tlingit

Treasurer

Frances Tiger

Muscogee Creek Nation

Board Member

Lillian Sparks Robinson, JD

Rosebud Sioux

Board Member

Johnny Nelson

Navajo

Secretary

Donna Palakiko, PhD, RN, APRN

Native Hawaiian

Vice Chairperson

Tamera Begay, Esq.

Navajo

Founding Board of Directors:

Seven of the founding board of directors who successfully launched this foundation have served their maximum terms. Each member helped elect the new leadership who will guide our next phase of development and growth. We thank our founders for their service, and commitment to strengthening AICAF and its mission over the past years.

  • Michael A. Goze, Ho-Chunk
  • Laura Waterman Wittstock, Seneca
  • Joanna Bryant, Shakopee Mdewakanton Dakota
  • James Lien, Sicangu Lakota Oyate, Rosebud
  • Jessica Ryan, Brothertown Nation
  • Jo-Anne E. Stately, Anishinaabe, White Earth
  • Howard D. Valandra, Sicangu Lakota Oyate, Rosebud