Education as a Tool, as a Weapon: What it Creates by its Use? with Jonny BearCub Stiffarm

Jonny BearCub Stiffarm, an enrolled member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Nation, came out of semi-retirement in 2015 to join the World Wildlife Fund as a Buffalo Program Administrator. Initially serving as a contractor for three years, she now volunteers with the Fort Peck Tribes Fish & Wildlife Department and the Pte’ Group. In this role, she translates their ideas, guidance, and experiences into policies, infrastructure, and educational initiatives, all aimed at ensuring a sustainable bison herd for future generations.

Her distinguished career spans both public service and private industry. She served as a Fort Peck Tribal Council member, an appointee of Mayor Webb as Deputy Director of Contract Compliance for the City and County of Denver and held the position of Chief Judge of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. In private industry, she worked as Director of Business Development for Native, Inc., where she is also one of five owners.

Jonny holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Minnesota School of Law and a Bachelor of Science from Brigham Young University. 

This presentation is part of the Native American Achievement Center’s “EmpowerED Futures: Bridging the Native American Achievement Gap” project.