Emily White Hat at the 2015 Rosebud Parade. Photo by Shirley Iron Shell

Rosebud citizen joins American Indian College Fund
By Brandon Ecoffey
Lakota Country Times Editor
www.lakotacountrytimes.com

DENVER—The American Indian College Fund has recruited one of Indian Country’s rising stars as their new Native Arts & Energy Infrastructure Project Manager.

Emily White Hat, a citizen on the Sicangu Nation, was announced last week to fill the position. Possessing a Juris Doctor degree from the University of New Mexico, White Hat also has a Natural Resources Law Certificate from the University of New Mexico School of Law. Additionally, White Hat has Bachelor’s of science degree in forestry with a concentration in fire science and a minor in rangeland ecology from Colorado State University, and an associate of arts degree in Lakota history and culture from Sinte Gleska University.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with tribal nations at a tribal, regional, and national level on various policy, research, and evaluation issues. The American Indian College Fund has become a lead advocate nationally in advocating the importance of education and specifically a tribal college education in transforming individuals’ lives and communities, said White Hat. “My interest in joining the American Indian College Fund was inspired by the history of the tribal college and university movement."

Emily White Hat. Photo from American Indian College Fund

"When we look at the various issues and challenges our native people face today, such as health care and work force development, it’s always inspiring to look at our tribal colleges and universities and be reminded that if we work together we can make the change in our communities to address the challenges our people face as well as improve lives,” she added.

Born and raised on the Rosebud Reservation, White Hat brings not only an authentic reservation perspective to the national scene, but strong family ties as she is the daughter of the late Albert (Sr.) and Marlies White Hat. These ties have reinforced her passion for improving the educational opportunities available to Native people across the country.

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  “I grew up with the tribal college and university movement. My uncle Isadore White Hat was one of the founders of Sinte Gleska University. I am an alumni of Sinte Gleska University. My father taught Lakota Language, Lakota Teachings and Health, and other courses, as well as chaired (in terms) the Lakota Studies Department at Sinte Gleska University over 35 years. My mother has been implementing and directing grant initiatives at Sinte Gleska University for over 30 years as well. She currently directs Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi a children’s mental health center at SGU,” said White Hat.

Prior to joining the College Fund Ms. White Hat worked for Sanford Research in Sioux Falls, South Dakota as a project evaluator, where she oversaw and conducted research using a capacity-building approach to benefit regional tribal nations.

(Contact Brandon Ecoffey at editor@lakotacountrytimes.com)

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