Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Dr. Hobot, CEO of American Indian OIC, born in Minneapolis/St. Paul, is dedicated to empowering the urban American Indian community. With ancestral roots in the Hunkpapa Band of the Lakota Nation, he's committed to workforce development and education. Recognized for his service, Dr. Hobot received the Bear Award from the MN American Indian Chamber of Commerce and was named one of "100 People to Know in 2020" by Twin Cities Business Magazine. Residing in Minneapolis, he continues his mission to uplift communities nationwide.
Jasmine Grika's dedication, and passion advocating for healing and justice is driven by her personal experience in the child protection system. Much of her background is with the ICWA, and helping systems build their capacity for change. She currently works as the Disability Services Division Tribal Coordinator for MN DHS, focused on government-to-government relations.
Bill Vanderwall has over 30 years of experience in nonprofit management, housing, community engagement, serving as Community Development Manager at Minnesota Housing before his retirement in 2020.
Jane Prince represented Ward 7 on St. Paul’s City Council from 2015–2023 as an advocate for better housing for children and families. Before her time on city council, Jane was an attorney, a community volunteer, and a city council legislative aide.
Brooke Blakey, director of the Office of Neighborhood Safety, joined the City of Saint Paul from Metro Transit, where she has served as Chief of Staff to Metro Transit Chief of Police. In this role, she oversaw operations, investigations, administration and community outreach and engagement, along with ushering forward the development of the Metro Transit Police Department’s Homeless Action Team (HAT).
Eric Buffalohead is Associate Professor and Chair of American Indian Studies at Augsburg University where he teaches numerous courses including "American Indian in the Cinema." When not teaching, he performs in the Native American blues band Bluedog, who performed in 2018 and 2019 at ADYC's Badges & Blues fundraiser.
Melissa Bringsthem has a Degree in Business Management and currently works in housing management. In her free time she is a dedicated outreach worker; assisting children, young adults and adults in Minneapolis. She enjoys learning and teaching cultural values while helping to make healthy changes for all.
Angie Vig is from the White Earth Nation of Ojibwe. Owner of Vig Guitars in St. Paul since 2014. She enjoys being of service to the enormous music community in MN. To her knowledge, she is the only, and maybe first ever Indigenous Female Music Store owner in the country. Her and husband Ted Vig are very active in the local music scene, when she isn't playing with her bands, or out supporting local bands, she is usually making jewelry. She's a huge advocate for stressing the importance of “Off-Rez” representation and how valuable the Urban Members are to all of our communities.
