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Student Testimonials ​ "I bought a lemon of a truck, it's been a lot of trouble and costly. However, this is the vehicle I use to get back and forth to college and my two great grandchildren ride in this truck as well. I needed to get my brakes fixed and didn't have the money to do so. The emergency financial assistance provided the help I needed to keep me going to school with perfect attendance. I have biology this semester and can't afford to miss a day." ​ "I recently got approved for the emergency aid, to help fix my car to be able to attend ALL my classes without worrying if the vehicle was going to give out on me. The repairs helped me make it to classes and find a job on the campus for the time being. I am a first year student and coming to the Red Lake College has been both beneficial and rewarding in my 1st experience with post-secondary schooling. I would like to thank the college for putting on programs such as the emergency aid as it’s helped tremendously with vehicle repairs so I could focus on my bills and other needs for school and not having to worry about transportation." ​ "Hi, I would like to thank Red Lake Nation College and the emergency aid fund for helping me with repairs on my vehicle. I can now not only make it to class, but I can also make it to appointments, get groceries, etc. This is my third semester at RLNC and I am planning on graduating in the next school year. I am also a single parent and my daughter attends the daycare here on campus. Again, thanks for the help." ​ "Boozhoo, I would like to thank the emergency aid program for paying my light bill in my time of need. For one it is December so the funds were greatly needed since Christmas was around the corner, being I have 7 children total to have Christmas for. Also being that my husband is missing, I have not been to work (currently still missing) so it helped out a lot. I didn't have to worry about not paying my lights, which means that my bill next month isn't twice as high. I aced all my classes with good grades, and got to study for all my finals being I had one less thing to worry about for the month of December. Again it was greatly appreciated. Miigwech."

Michelle Paquin, J.D. Adjunct. Instructor Michelle earned her B.A. in Political Science (Minor: French) from the University of Minnesota in 1988. Additionally, she earned her Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law in 1992. Michelle has work experience as the Chief Tribal Prosecutor for the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians. Additionally, her experience includes serving as a Judicial Clerk for Honorable Phillip Bush, Hennepin County Juvenile Court and as a Consultant for Mending the Sacred Hoop. She worked as a Program Manager for the Battered Women’s Legal Advocacy Project, first at a division of Southern Minnesota Legal Services, then as separate nonprofit. In addition to teaching treaty law and tribal sovereignty courses as an Adjunct Instructor at RLNC, Michelle currently works for the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians as a Tribal Legal Advisor.

Shieleen Omen Student Success Counselor Shieleen Omen is a member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa and a graduate of Cankdeska Cikana Community College, where her career in the higher education field began. She has six years of experience as the Executive Assistant to the President there. She also served as the Public Information Officer and a Grants Manager, submitting and maintaining grant files for the college. Shieleen has worked at Red Lake Nation College since 2015. She has a passion for helping students succeed in their pursuit of Higher Education and truly believes that stronger communities are forged through education.

Devery Fairbanks, M.A. Anishinaabe Culture Instructor and Student Success Counselor Devery Fairbanks earned his B.A. in American Indian Studies with an emphasis in Education from the University of Minnesota in 1988 and his M.A. in American Indian Studies with an emphasis in Education from the University of Arizona in 1997. Devery has extensive work experience and has served as a faculty member at Iowa State University, Des Moines Area Community College, Leech Lake Tribal College, and Red Lake Nation College. Devery has extensive teaching experience in the areas of Native American Studies (literature, art, higher education, contemporary issues, federal Indian policy, and leadership), American History, sociology, art, and physical education. Additionally, Devery works part-time as a trainer for the Department of Human Services in the areas of chemical dependency, health, and wellness. Devery also serviced on the MN American Indian Education Association Board of Directors for six years.

Rachele Donnell Secretary Rachele Donnell is an enrolled member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians and was born and raised on the Red Lake Reservation. She earned her Associate Degree from Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. She is an RN and has served as a Community Health Nurse. Additionally, she is a nationally recognized Emergency Medical Technician. Over the course of her career, Rachele has been employed by the Jourdain/Perpich Nursing Home in Red Lake, Red Lake Ambulance and Transportation, and has served as an EMT at Thief River Falls/Seven Clans Casino. Currently, Rachele is employed by Red Lake Comprehensive Health Services as a Community Health Nurse. Rachele is the mother of three children.

Jonathan Mountain Jonathan Mountain is an enrolled member of the Red Lake Nation. After graduating from Red Lake High School in 1999, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served nine years, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. He earned two Associates Degrees from the Community College of the Air Force; one in Aviation Maintenance Technology and the other in Aviation Operations. Jonathan returned home after his deployment and worked with the Red Lake Boys and Girls Club and Red Lake and the Department of Natural Resources. He is currently the Director of Red Lake Water and Sewer/Public Works, a position he has held since 2017. According to Jonathan, his own education pushed him to places that he may not have been without it and believes that, “Education is a stepping stone in bettering our people, our home, and our future.”

Thelma May Red Lake Community Representative Thelma May is an enrolled member of the Red Lake Nation and has lived on the reservation her entire life. She is filling her husband, Bill May's, vacant Board of Regent's seat. Bill passed away in 2021, and served on the RLNC Board for over 15 years. Thelma was inspired by his service and wants to continue their family commitment to RLNC. Thelma graduated from Red Lake High School and earned an AA in Accounting from Northwest Technical College in Bemidji. She has worked for the Red Lake Nation for over 30 years in different capacities, including Data Coordinator for Chemical Health, Director of the AmeriCorps Program, Executive Assistant for the Tribal Chairman, Financial Specialist for the Child Support Program, and Grant Accountant. Thelma is currently the Compliance Officer with the Red Lake Public Safety Deptartment. She enjoys spending time with her family, attending traditional ceremonies and gatherings, riding her Harley and attending concerts.

Lucas Bratvold, B.A. Anishinaabe Language and Culture Instructor Lucas is a citizen of the Red Lake Nation, where he was also born and raised. He attended Leech Lake Tribal College where he earned an A.A. in Liberal Education. He then earned a B.A. in American Indian Studies with a minor in Linguistics from University of Minnesota Duluth where he is currently pursuing a Master of Education degree. ​ Lucas’ experience includes a six year enlistment in the Air Force, mentorship and volunteer work with youth, and teaching and tutoring at the college and K-8 levels. He has a strong passion for Ojibwe language and culture as well as Indigenous Education and he feels honored to work for Red Lake Nation College.

Devin Crowe, B.S. IT Support - Minneapolis Devin is a Red Lake Tribal Member who grew up in Minneapolis. He provides IT support to RLNC students and staff in the Twin Cities. He recently earned his B.S. in B usiness and Marketing from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Dr. Thomas Hokanson, Ed.D. Social and Behavioral Sciences Instructor ​ Dr. Hokanson earned bachelor’s degrees in History and Social Studies from Minnesota State University, Mankato. At this same institution he received a graduate certificate in Culturally Responsive Teaching and a master’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies. He then attained a doctorate degree in Educational Administration: Adult & Higher Education from the University of South Dakota. While at USD his research focused on the influence that membership in a minority student organization had on student social integration, academic success, and persistence toward graduation. Dr. Hokanson also earned a M.S. in ethnic and multicultural studies from the Minnesota State University, Mankato, in 2019. Dr. Hokanson also earned a graduate certificate in online education from Bemidji State University in 2016. ​ He has a passion for working with students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Whether teaching in Honduras, helping international students in college or working with Native youth in the Bemidji school district, he believes that all students have important contributions to make to the learning process. A lifelong learner himself, Dr. Hokanson seeks to help further empower Red Lake Nation College students as they continue their academic journeys.

COVID-19 Education Videos GANAWENINDIDAA [Let's Take Care of Each Other] Vaccines & Ojibwe Culture Vaccines & Pregnancy Student FAQs COVID-19 Prevention on Campus

Rochelle Johnson, ABD Dean of Students Rochelle Johnson is an enrolled member of the Red Lake Nation. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Bemidji State University, a sixth year degree from St. Cloud State University, and her doctoral ABD from the University of North Dakota. Rochelle has 29 years of educational experience working in Minnesota schools. Her work includes elementary classroom teaching, on-line graduate instructor, and 15 years of school administration. She has a strong belief in education and is committed to providing educational opportunities for underserved populations, such as those of the Red Lake Nation and others in our Native and northern rural communities. She brings great experience, passion and a commitment to excellence to RLNC.