FIRST NATIONS
WOMEN'S ALLIANCE
Supporting and Healing the Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault


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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AMY WHITESHIELD
Board Member
Amy WhiteShield has been with UTTC for almost 4 years. She received A Bachelor’s Degree in Health Services Administration from Keiser University in 2018. Her pursuit is to provide Chemical Health and Domestic Violence services to the
students of UTTC.
United Tribes Technical College Campus Violence Advocate
Bismarck, ND
Erika Thompson-Cavanaugh
Board Member
Erica Thompson- Cavanaugh is an enrolled member of the Spirit Lake Tribe. She resides in rural St. Michael with her family. Erica attended the University of North Dakota and earned her Bachelors of Science in Social Work (BSSW) and Masters of Social Work (MSW) degrees. She is the current director of the Spirit Lake Tribe Victim Assistance Program.
STAFF
Our team of employees is comprised of highly trained, experienced individuals who are dedicated to the success of our coalition members.
SANDRA BERCIER
Executive Director
Sandra is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. She is wholeheartedly dedicated to her work as the Executive Director of First Nations Women’s Alliance. Sandra has a Master of Business Administration from Gonzaga University and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Mary. From a biological perspective Sandra has 4 daughters, 1 son, 7 granddaughters, and 4 grandsons and 1 great-granddaughter. From a heart perspective she has innumerable children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sandra lives a humble and traditional life with her love Rick; though, admittedly, she often finds herself in the middle of critical issues where she feels she must stand. She loves flowers, plants, water, rocks and all things provided by Creator.
BONNIE PALECEK
Organizational Development Specialist
Bonnie has worked in the movement to end violence against women for many years. She has been part of FNWA since 2007.
Her responsibilities include policy and organizational development, assisting with grant writing, and technical assistance to coalition members.
STACEY KARTES
Executive Administrative Assistant
Stacey has worked with FNWA for the past 5 years as the Executive Administrative Assistant. Prior to that she has had extensive experience working with individuals to find community resourses and housing opportunities. Stacey brings a wealth of experience in working with victims of domestic violence, and sexual violence. She is looking forward to many more years with FNWA. In her free time, she enjoys being with her young children and animals.
RUTHANNA BUFFALO
Advocate/ Special Projects Coordinator
Ruth Buffalo is Hidatsa, Mandan, and Apache. She is an enrolled citizen of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation. She is originally from Mandaree. Ruth has served in various capacities focused on building healthy and safe communities. She has 25+ years of community advocacy work. Ruth is a former Fargo Native American Commissioner and former North Dakota State House Rep. She has introduced new laws focusing on public safety; prevention and awareness of MMIP and Human Trafficking, and a Missing Persons Database. She serves as First Vice President for the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition’s board. She is a co-founder of the local FM MMITP Taskforce. She is an appointed commissioner to the Not Invisible Act Commission.