Northern Today_Nov-2018

NORTHERN TODAY 9 SPRING 2018 NORTHERN NEWS “She said, ‘I didn’t know boys could be doctors,’” Mathern said, smiling. “That was really exciting.” Involved in Native Rebuilders Program Mathern is also a part of the Native Rebuilders Program, launched through the Bush Foundation and taken over by the Native Governance Center. Through this two-year program, Mathern met with a group of 18 from tribal communities to talk about tribal sovereignty, constitutional reform and other issues. This program led to a trip to Harvard’s center on American Indian Economic Development last spring – and led to Mathern’s passion for the subject of tribal sovereignty and blood quantum. A lot of tribal nations have a blood quantum tied to their membership, she said. For instance, with Turtle Mountain Chippewa, you’re considered an enrolled member if you are one-fourth blood quantum. Her children are technically one-eighth. “So unless something with the tribe’s constitution would change, they are not considered enrolled members, which is sad to me,” Mathern said. “A lot of tribes have that, some with different percentages. My daughters will always be recognized as a descendent of an enrolled member, but for me it’s a deeper topic – a topic of identity. Identity is an individual’s way of being and belonging in the world. Holding a membership card with a blood quantum identification isn’t a way of being.” Passion for Working on Tribal Topics Moving forward, Mathern hopes to continue working on topics affecting tribal communities. “Professionally in the last six years or so, my passion has been to work more closely with affairs pertaining to Native American stakeholders – economic development, sovereignty,” she said. “I like to continually help and advocate for a better relationship between the tribal communities of South Dakota and the government of South Dakota.” Mathern was even able to choose the topic of Native Nations and blood quantum for her freshman IDL course. “That’s my opportunity to connect my two passions,” Mathern said. “I think it’s finding those little pieces. I have good friends working at the Native Governance Center – I feel like they’re doing so much more. But I have to remember why I’m at where I’m at right now and what I can do.” Mathern will continue to take opportunities as they arise – and she hopes others can look at her accomplishments and be inspired to go after their own. “If you’re passionate about something, then why not?” LaFave named VCSU president Northern State University Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Alan LaFave has been appointed the next president of Valley City State University. LAFAVE has been part of the Northern community for nearly 30 years, as a student, professor and dean before becoming provost/vice president for academic affairs in 2015. A native of Onida and graduate of Sully Buttes High School, LaFave received a Bachelor of Music Education degree in instrumental/vocal music from Northern State. He received his Master of Music and Doctorate of Music Arts in clarinet performance from Arizona State University. LaFave joined NSU in 1991, serving as an instructor, assistant professor, associate professor and professor of music before being appointed department chair in 1994. In 1997 he moved into the role of associate dean for the School of Fine Arts and was appointed dean for the school in 2000. BORN IN LANGFORD, Hanson graduated from NSU in 1988 with a B.A. in English. She then earned a law degree from the University of South Dakota and is currently a partner with the Davenport Evans Law Firm in Sioux Falls. “Sandra Hanson is a conscientious, respected attorney,” Daugaard said in a statement. “She will make an excellent judge, and I thank her for serving the public in this way.” The Second Judicial Circuit covers Lincoln and Minnehaha counties. Hanson replaces Mark Salter, whom Daugaard appointed to the South Dakota Supreme Court this year. Hanson lives in Sioux Falls with her husband, Mike. She looks back fondly on her time at Northern, where she was involved in student government, and said NSU provided her with a great education. “I cannot adequately express how highly-qualified, helpful, engaged and overall wonderful my professors were,” she said. “Attending a smaller institution meant I received personal attention from my professors and the administration.” Northern State University alumna Sandra Hoglund Hanson has been appointed a judge in the Second Judicial Circuit Court by Gov. Dennis Daugaard. Northern alum appointed to Second Judicial Court