May 27, 2024
The Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation is pleased to welcome Jonni Hertel to her new position as Associate Director of The Indian University of North America® of Crazy Horse Memorial®.
Jonni Hertel (Cheyenne River Sioux), received her master’s degree from Southwest Minnesota State University, and was awarded the 2023 Crazy Horse Memorial® Educator of the Year Award for recognition of her dedication within the Rapid City Area Schools. She has always had a passion for education, from lessons instilled by her family, and from her own experience in moving from her reservation and transitioning to a new school as a young child.
Jonni is a visionary and one of the first educators in the Black Hills area to implement the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings and Standards within her classroom, as well as founding the General Beadle Wacipi, and an art auction fundraiser for student after school programs. Seeing what students bring out of her classroom and into the community has been one of the greatest highlights of her career. She is certain to enrich the experience of all students at The Indian University of North America®.
Crazy Horse Memorial® CEO, Whitney Rencountre II proclaims, “We are excited to welcome Jonni Hertel to The Indian University of North America®. Jonni’s commitment to educating Native American students and providing them with the tools needed to be successful in their educational journey aligns with the Memorial’s commitment to growing the next generation of Native American leaders.”
