Belinda Joe Is Welcomed to The Abbott House Board of Directors

 – By

Belinda Joe

Mitchell, SD  –  Abbott House is excited to welcome Belinda Joe to the Board of Directors. Belinda earned two Master’s Degrees in Education, from Northern State University, and Education Leadership, from Montana State University. Belinda was the first Native American court reporter to graduate from Mile Hi Court Reporting College. Belinda comes from a long line of strong Dakota grandmothers and is now a Dakota language, music, and dance teacher as well as a storyteller.

Belinda spent many years traveling within South Dakota to share the Dakota way of life. Belinda also traveled to San Juan, Costa Rico, to attend the 1999 World Peace & Prayer Day, along with other indigenous people from across North and South America. In 2019, Belinda traveled with Native American Korean Veterans to Seoul, South Korea, where she represented her late father and uncle, who were Korean warriors. In 2021, Belinda and her colleagues hosted the “Winyan Ki Woyuonihan Ikikcupi” (Women Taking Back Honor) event at the Dignity Site in Chamberlain, SD. Currently, Belinda is a Bush Foundation Native Nations Community Rebuilder and Scholar.

Belinda first learned of Abbott House through personal experience. A close family friend spent time at Abbott House many years ago. Belinda watched as Abbott House grew and improved throughout the years. She saw the commitment Abbott House made to serving children in the community, and how determined the staff was to always better their programs.

Belinda took on this role as an Abbott House Board Member to continue her journey in advocating for children. She understands the importance of not only protecting children, but also teaching them the traditions and values that were passed down to her and may have been lost to our children. We are excited to see what strengths Belinda brings to our team and what future she has in mind for Abbott House children.

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