Promoting Economic Well-Being for Northern Cheyenne Communities

June is a consultant and grant writer with Old Bear & Associates and Evergreen International, Inc., in securing funding for low-income housing projects and the development of “Green Fields at Pablo Project” to meet the needs of food sovereignty in Indian Country.  June previously held a position as the MSPI (Methamphetamine & Suicide Prevention Initiative) Prevention Specialist for the Northern Cheyenne Board of Health and Coordinator of the Northern Cheyenne War on Meth Community Coalition.  June currently serves as the Chair for the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Cheyenne Nation-BGCNCN Best Beginnings Early Childhood Community Coalition and also serves as a board member on the Chief Dull Knife College Fund Board.  Mrs. Beartusk, mother of seven (five are enrolled members of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe) and a grandmother to four.

Roxanne Braine has served on the PPCD Board of Directors since March 2022. Roxanne owns and operates Roxy's Rockin' Coffee Shop in Ashland, Montana. Roxy’s Rockin’ Coffee Shop has been in operation since 2014, first as a mobile coffee shop eventually moving into a permanent location on Main Street in Ashland. Roxanne previously worked for St. Labre Indian Catholic Schools and the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Cheyenne Nation as a Unit Director. Roxanne has been a volleyball coach for many years, including middle school and high school at St. Labre. She and her husband, Barry, operate the business together, which is starting to include crafting, t-shirts, and other various products to their business. They have seven children and five grandchildren. Roxanne has also been a board member of the Wild Rose Center, Northern Cheyenne Development Corporation, and the Ashland District Vice-Chairman. 

Nizhoni Friesz has served on the PPCD Board of Directors since March 2022. Nizhoni is currently the Tribal Secretary for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. She completed her Masters in Professional Counseling in 2018 and worked as a Therapist with families and children in the area. She enjoys the relationships she built with community members and families during her time as a Therapist. She is also a graduate of Rocky Mountain College, attaining a Bachelor of Science in Professional Communication and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She lived in Brooklyn, New York for 6 years and enjoyed all the city had to offer. While there, she served as an Administrative Assistant at a Manhattan investment firm and enjoyed working with fund managers and research analysts. She now serves as a board member for the Everything Beautiful Thrift Store and enjoys helping others secure basic resources while providing jobs and volunteer opportunities for community members. Nizhoni is an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, and also of Navajo descent. She enjoys singing and is the worship leader of her church. She also loves Indian Tacos and building projects with her husband, Nathan Friesz.

Annette currently works for National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center as the Accountant. She brings extensive knowledge about the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Court System and lending foreclosure practices from her previous work as the Clerk of Court, as well as her role in the Office of the Prosecution within the Tribe. Prior to her work at NIWRC, Annette was a Staff Accountant for the Central Finance Department of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, primarily working with Federal Grants. Annette received her Associate of Arts Degree from Chief Dull Knife College and attended Rocky Mountain College, studying Business Management. Annette is a traditional artisan and small business owner. Mrs. Scalpcane, the Mother of three and Grandmother of three, is an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe.

Loranzy McMakin has served on the PPCD Board of Directors since March of 2022. Loranzy owns and operates Inter Tribal Clothing which has been in business since 2004. Inter Tribal Clothing offers silk screening, embroidery, and recently added a laser machine that cuts designs into products that can sell as patches, key chains, etc. Loranzy is in charge of design work, ordering, invoicing, shipping, and the day to day duties of Inter Tribal Clothing. He operates his business out of his home, but also has a storefront family business at the Northern Cheyenne Commerce Center, Buffalo Walking Ink & Threadz. Loranzy previously was a Tribal Council member for the Muddy District on the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council. He previously held positions for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Cheyenne Nation, and also operated a window cleaning business when he lived in Pennsylvania. Loranzy and his wife, Teresa, have 5 biological children and 5 adopted children. He enjoys playing guitar when he has a free moment, between his home business, office business and family time.