JoLynn Shopteese, Tribal Liaison
JoLynn Shopteese joined the MDA in November 2024 as the agency's Tribal Liaison. Our Tribal Liaison works to increase government-to-government consultation and cooperation with the 11 sovereign tribal nations in Minnesota on matters of agricultural policy.A highlight of her work experience includes being the Legislative and Grants Director for the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council whose mission is to protect the sovereignty of the 11 Minnesota Tribes. In collaboration with indigenous language experts from across the state, she assisted in the creation of the First Dakota and Ojibwe Language Revitalization Grant program, which resulted in significant funding for the revitalization of Minnesota's first languages. The language program was instrumental in developing the state’s first study on the direction of the two languages and produced a leading effort between tribes and the state that has led to the significant growth in language revitalization continuing today.
Her private sector experience includes advising State, Local, and Tribal Governments on streamlining workflows surrounding grants management, compliance, and reporting. JoLynn holds both a master’s degree in organizational leadership and undergraduate degree in communications.
