The Indigenous Association was founded in response to a shared vision: to uplift, connect, and celebrate the region’s Indigenous communities through Indigenous led programs rooted in culture, belonging, and community care.

Seeking to highlight and create more cultural responsive and grounded opportunities for Indigenous people in the Fargo–Moorhead region, the City of Fargo, through the Native American Commission, hired Chalsey Snyder (MHA Nation) as a consultant to begin laying the groundwork for a new kind of organization, one guided by Indigenous leadership and grounded in the needs, strengths, and traditions of Indigenous Nations.

That vision became a reality in 2020, when Indigenous Association was formally chartered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The founding board included Audra Stonefish (Oneida Nation), Tracey Wilkie (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), Brandon Baity (White Earth Nation), Whitney Fear (Oglala Sioux Tribe), Jorden Donner (White Earth Nation), Ryan Eagle (MHA Nation), and North Dakota Senator Tim Mathern.

Since its founding, Indigenous Association has become a central hub for community building among the region’s Indigenous population, which includes citizens of more than 23 Tribal Nations. From its roots as a bold idea and a community effort, the Association has grown into a vibrant organization that reflects the community it serves.

Today, Indigenous Association supports a wide range of initiatives that promote health and wellness, educational opportunity, professional development, youth engagement, and cultural revitalization. Every program is built on a foundation of Indigenous culture, language, and values. Whether through community events, trainings, family gatherings, or advocacy efforts, all of our work is done with community, for community, and by community.   

Together, we are building a stronger, more connected future, one grounded in the knowledge and ways of our ancestors and the power of our collective voice.