Winona LaDuke:

"We are the ancestors of the future."

I am Oglala and Sicangu from the Titunwan Oyate of the Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires). I grew up in Rapid City, Porcupine, and Mission, South Dakota, where my passion for business, Lakota studies, and making an impact in my communities started. In the fall of 2019, I began developing my sage-infused coffee company, Wakhályapí, formerly known as 'Exhilarating Coffee,’ then ‘Pejihota’ (gray grass aka sage). I launched my company in 2021 at Fort Lewis College, leveraging various business plan competitions, collaborative projects, and vendor opportunities.

Since 2021, I have been actively involved with American Indigenous Business Leaders (AIBL) at Fort Lewis College, initially as a business owner and then as an executive officer. I held successive leadership roles, advancing from Vice Chair of Fundraising to Vice President of Outreach, and ultimately serving two years as President.

I am a recent grad from Fort Lewis College focusing on building my company and working for a local non-profit called Knife Chief Buffalo Nation Society located in Porcupine, SD on the Pine Ridge reservation. Here I help with marketing, buffalo care, and facilitating Lakota cultural camps!

I thank you for your interest in looking at my portfolio. Please feel free to contact me with questions, insights, and opportunities to connect!