FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MARCH 8, 2024
Rapid City, SD – Today, NDN Collective announced Gaby Strong, Sisseton Wahpeton/Mdewakanton Dakota, as the new Vice President of the Collective. Gaby has worked with NDN Collective since February 2020 as the Managing Director of the NDN Foundation. She led the grantmaking arm of the collective, building the largest Indigenous-led fund in her/history, rematriating wealth back into the hands of Indigenous Peoples while honoring community self-determination.
“It has been a blessing to join our relatives in the ramp up of NDN Collective, being able to support movement infrastructure, strategize on policy and actions, offer huge investment opportunities and to rematriate resources to our people at a scale that’s never been seen before,” said Gaby. “I’m looking forward to the next phase of this journey as we nurture our roots in the Ȟesápa (Black Hills) while fulfilling our commitment to our People throughout Turtle Island aka North America.”
Gaby has over forty years of experience in tribal, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors, including community development and cultural revitalization. Gaby graduated from the Red School House, one of the first Native-controlled survival schools founded by the American Indian Movement. She later graduated from Macalester College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and the University of Minnesota with a Master’s Degree.
She has founded and led some of the most enduring Native-led organizations in the Minnesota region, served in tribal government administration, fulfilled several state and public appointments, and built several philanthropic funds and initiatives in support of Indigenous People.
“Gaby is a fierce, grounded leader and matriarch not only of NDN Collective but of her community and family. Her leadership has played a vital role in building this organization and supporting the growth of Indigenous movements. I can’t think of anyone better suited to step into this role than her,” said Nick Tilsen, NDN Collective President & CEO. “I am honored to walk by her side while we do this work to help the people and the land. There are very trying times ahead of us and Gaby’s cultural and spiritual knowledge combined with her professionalism and skills will anchor the work ahead.”
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NDN Collective is an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to building Indigenous power. Through organizing, activism, philanthropy, grantmaking, capacity-building, and narrative change, we are creating sustainable solutions on Indigenous terms.