Our Board & Staff

Indigenous Association is a grassroots, community-led organization based in Fargo, ND. Our board of directors and leadership team are made up of Indigenous people from Tribal Nations across the region and beyond. Each member brings distinct professional and personal experiences. Our purpose is to unite, connect, and strengthen the Indigenous community in the Fargo–Moorhead area. Since our founding in 2020, Indigenous Association has become a central hub for community building through events, workshops, and culturally grounded programs and activities.

Board Members

Whitney Johnson– Board Chair
Lauretta Blakely – Board Vice Chair
Jorden Donner – Board Treasurer
Anne Lafrinier-Ritchie – Board Secretary
Trevan Longfeather – Board Member
Ruth Ann Buffalo – Board Member
Emily Sargent – Board Member

Staff Members

Brandon is a White Earth descendant, founding board member of the Indigenous Association, and current Executive Director.

Brandon Baity

Executive Director

Brandon is a White Earth descendant, founding board member of the Indigenous Association, and current Executive Director.

Renee R. Ellis is a visionary entrepreneur and proud member of the Navajo Nation, serving as the founder of Ellis Transit, LLC, and an IBA advocate.

Renee Ellis

Indigenous Business Association Lead

Renee R. Ellis is a visionary entrepreneur and proud member of the Navajo Nation, serving as the founder of Ellis Transit, LLC, and an IBA advocate.

Mora works for Indigenous Association's social media. You'll often find her at events taking photos! She strives to amplify the Fargo-Moorhead community and work towards unity.

Mora Sanders

Social Media

Mora works for Indigenous Association's social media. You'll often find her at events taking photos! She strives to amplify the Fargo-Moorhead community and work towards unity.

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Tanya RedRoad

Ogimaa Youth Group, Open Craft Night Coordinator

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Vanessa is a web developer at Indigenous Association, where she brings creative designs to life with her expertise.

Vanessa Parker

Web Developer

Vanessa is a web developer at Indigenous Association, where she brings creative designs to life with her expertise.

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Andrew Blackbird has a Master's in Natural Resource Management, he is passionate about nature conservation and restoration. He loves learning about traditional Anishinabee medicines and ceremonies.

Andrew Blackbird

Garden Manager

Andrew Blackbird has a Master's in Natural Resource Management, he is passionate about nature conservation and restoration. He loves learning about traditional Anishinabee medicines and ceremonies.

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Sandi Berlin

Elder in residence

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Candi Smith, IBCLC, RN

Maternal and Child Health Lead

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Tara Toxel

Ogimma Youth Group

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Sadie Nelson

Ogimma Youth Group Lead