Meet the Executive Director: Dr. Amber Annis

Native Governance Center (NGC) recently welcomed Dr. Amber Annis (Cheyenne River Lakota) as its new executive director. Dr. Annis joined the organization from the Minnesota Historical Society, where she served as the Associate Vice President of Tribal Nation Relations and Native American Initiatives. A lifelong advocate for Native peoples, Dr. Annis brings rich experience and powerful vision to this next chapter of NGC.  

Dr. Annis has spent the last several years educating the public about Native peoples. This has included building relationships, encouraging robust communication, and uplifting accurate information about Tribal nations as a way of dismantling harmful stereotypes. She has also served as an instructor at Metropolitan State University and the University of Minnesota, covering topics like cultural awareness, contemporary Native identity, environmental justice, and United States politics. 

“I am at a point in my personal and professional journey where I see the greatest impact I would like to have is empowering Native people to lean into our own leadership abilities. There is nothing more powerful or beautiful than Native people exerting self-determination in all forms of decision-making, self-governance, self-reliance, and so much more,” said Dr. Annis.

“I see this kind of beautiful work at NGC and know that the next phase of my journey in leadership will have the most impact working directly with my own community and people,” Dr. Annis continued. 

Dr. Annis has previously worked with the Harvard Project on Indigenous Governance and Development’s Honoring Nations program, which seeks to highlight examples of Native success across Indian Country, and sits on the board of directors for the Tiwahe Foundation. She is also an alumna of NGC’s Native Nation Rebuilders Cohort 11, which factored into her joining the organization as its executive director. 

Dr. Annis and other NGC program participants at a recent event.

“I spent two years with a cohort of strong and brilliant Native professionals who all want what is best for their nations. I thought of my cohort and the work they do individually and the impact I might be able to have as executive director,” said Dr. Annis. “To borrow our Cohort 11 motto, I plan to ‘Build It Up!’ NGC has always been a source of inspiration and empowerment in my professional career.”

“The importance of strengthening our governance systems and our capacity to exercise sovereignty through the development of Native changemakers cannot be overstated. We are the ones who know what is best for our communities. NGC’s impact in my own community has led to change and new thought leaders,” Dr. Annis continued. 

As an alumna of the Native Nation Rebuilders program and accomplished Indigenous educator and advocate, Dr. Annis’ vision for NGC’s future is one that builds on the organization’s foundation with an eye toward expansion. 

“NGC is an organization that is very close to my heart. I think it is one of the most unique Native-led organizations out there doing some of the most creative work around Tribal self-governance and resiliency. My goals are to continue this profound work and provide the support and guidance that our team and programs need,” said Dr. Annis. 

“My vision for NGC is to expand past the traditional areas we have supported and embrace all the other Native changemakers across the country. Our future really is our young people so I am excited to work with the team to find innovative and creative ways to bring more young Natives into this world of nation rebuilding,” Dr. Annis concluded.