Sioux Falls Business Journal

This week’s Monday Q&A featuresEmily White Hat, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe who grew up in St. Francis. She has an associate of arts degree in Lakota history and culture from Sinte Gleska University, a bachelor of science in forestry from Colorado State University and a juris doctor and natural resources law certificate from the University of New Mexico School of Law.

She has worked as a firefighter, EMT, policy researcher and most recently at Sanford Research as a project evaluator. She recently accepted a job as a project manager for the Denver-based American Indian College Fund but will work remotely from Sioux Falls.

Question: What’s the best part about your new job?

Answer: The best part of my job will be working directly with the Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) leadership, faculty and staff in the region. I was born and raised on the Rosebud Reservation and had the opportunity to experience the tribal college movement from the early beginnings to current day through my parents and as a graduate of Sinte Gleska University. I appreciate the value and need for infrastructure development and planning to attain long-term sustainability. I believe our Tribal Colleges and Universities make a positive impact in our tribal communities and look forward to being a part of the process.

Q: What would you like the community to know about the work you do?

A: The American Indian College Fund transforms Indian higher education by funding and creating awareness of the unique, community-based accredited tribal colleges and universities, offering students access to knowledge, skills and cultural values, which enhance their communities and the country as a whole. There are 34 accredited Tribal Colleges and Universities in the United States. Three are located in South Dakota: Sinte Gleska University, Oglala Lakota College and Sisseton Wapheton College. TCUs provide access to affordable education along with important services such as GED coursework, day care, health centers, libraries, computer centers, language preservation classes, community activities and lifelong learning programs. Native and non-native students attend tribal colleges.

Q: You recently were named a Native American “40 Under 40” by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. Congratulations! What do you credit for your success?

A: My family support, understanding of our Lakota way of life and a good work-life balance is pivotal to my success. I am fortunate that my career, while varied, has provided me the opportunity to work on Native issues from a tribal, local, regional and national level. I’ve worked with my tribe and other tribes directly as well as nationally at the National Congress of American Indians in Washington, D.C. I’m highly motivated, driven, an effective problem solver and good facilitator focused on acknowledging success while addressing barriers to improving access to health, education and justice.

Q: What motivates you to be active in your community or profession?

A: Personal accountability, good work ethic and education inspire me to be involved in my community. We all have a responsibility to do our part to make this world a better place for our children and grandchildren.

Q: Do you have a certain service organization or charity you like to support?

A: The American Indian College Fund and Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi – Bringing the Family Back to Life is a children’s mental health center using a Lakota-based mental health model.

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: I enjoy quilting, beadwork, participating in Lakota cultural events, horseback riding, baking and hot yoga.

Q: What do you like about living in Sioux Falls?

A: I enjoy the variety of Sioux Falls, from the range of business, coupled with the great outdoor recreation areas such as the bike trail and parks. Santosha Hot Yoga is one of my highlights of Sioux Falls and has provided me a place to practice hot yoga, as well as an opportunity to meet and develop friendships with great individuals.

Q: What can Sioux Falls do to attract more young professionals?

A: Continue to support small-business development, cultural and ethnic diversity, social events, community-work spaces such as The Bakery. A Thai restaurant would be a good addition.