Anishinaabe Student Council
Mission Statement
The Anishinaabe Student Council’s primary responsibility is to advocate and act as a voice for the Anishinaabe student body at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. The primary purpose is to support, maintain, and encourage acceptance and respect for the Native American culture. Anishinaabe Student Council was established to participate as part of a dual government and will provide proper representation and leadership in accordance with the Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe; Minnesota State Colleges and Universities; Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College; and local, state, and federal entities in a respectful yet culturally appropriate manner.
Purpose
The purpose of the Anishinaabe Student Council shall be:
- To assure that activities are provided for FDLTCC students on campus that promote acceptance and respect of the Native American culture.
- To actively recruit Native American Students as members of the ASC.
- To create, promote, and support an atmosphere of acceptance and respect among all students from all cultures.
Students are encouraged to contact their ASC representatives with any concerns or questions. ASC meetings are open to all. Meeting notices, agendas, and minutes are posted on the ASC bulletin board outside Room 242. The ASC Office is in Room 246, also known as the Student Union.
Anishinaabe Student Council Offices:
- Chair: Shawntay Brown
- Vice-chair: Abbi Zapata
- Historian:
- Secretary: Tasheana Rule
- Treasurer: Izzy Proulx
To learn more about the roles and responsibilities, read the Council’s By-Laws here: Anishinaabe Student Council By Laws 2023 to 2024
Elections
Officers are elected by a plurality vote of the student body. Elections for the academic year will take place in the spring. All students enrolled in one or more credit may cast one vote for each office.
Requirements for Candidacy
All officers of the ASC must be enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe. ASC officers must have and maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average or better on a 4.0 scale. For more information regarding Anishinaabe Student Council, contact Blair Powless by email at blair.powless*AT*fdltcc.edu.
Meet our Council Members!
Chair: Shawntay Brown
From: White Earth, MN
American Indian Studies, AA Degree
Favorite Quote: “As Anishinaabe we walk with the sun and moon, in darken times we shine, in constant times we shine.”
The Why: “I wanted to be on the Council to learn more about leadership and teamwork. I want to be able to help at events and connect more people to the school and culture.”
Vice Chair: Abbi Zapata
From: Nett Lake, MN
AA Degree
Favorite quote: “Dropping frybread is like dropping a feather, you better put some tobacco down for that.”
The Why: “I wanted to be on Council because I’ve never been a part of something like this. I joined for the experience.”
Secretary: Tasheana Rule
BA Elementary Education Program
From: Fond du Lac Reservation
Favorite quote: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
The Why: “I want to be a part of the Anishinaabeg Student Council because I am proud of my heritage and want to actively contribute to the community. I believe that being a member of this council will give me the opportunity to connect with other Native American students, share our experiences and challenges, and work together to address issues and promote cultural awareness. As a member of the council, I hope to be a voice for my fellow Native American students and help create a more inclusive and supportive environment on campus. I also see it as a chance to learn from others and gain valuable leadership skills that will benefit me in my future endeavors.”
Treasurer: Izzy Proulx
Criminal Justice / Peace Officer
From: Cloquet
Favorite quote: “Never give up, no matter what may set you back, and know that at the end of the road, you’re going to have something that you can be proud of.”
The Why: “I want to be on the Council because I want to come out of my comfort zone and be more a part of our community.”