Nakoda Aaniiih Economic Development Corporation

Cole currently serves as an NAEDC Board member for Agency area.

Lisa currently serves as an NAEDC board member for the Dodson area.

Dawn currently serves as the NAEDC board chair.

Meriah Horseman is an enrolled member of the Aaniiih Nation and serves as the Aaniiih Language Resource Specialist. She is deeply dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of the Aaniiih language and culture. In her role, Meriah is leading the revision of the Aaniiih dictionary to enhance language learning resources and support the development of new Aaniiih language curriculum for future generations. Her work reflects a strong commitment to sustaining the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Aaniiih people through education and community collaboration.

Leslie "Josie" Cliff is an enrolled member of the Nakoda (Assiniboine) Tribe from the Fort Belknap Reservation in Montana and a descendant of the Nez Perce and Turtle Mountain Chippewa Tribes. She has dedicated decades to uplifting her community as a leader, nonprofit executive, entrepreneur, artist, grassroots volunteer, business owner and traditional native games trainer.

As the Executive Director of the Nakoda Aaniiih Economic Development Corporation (NAEDC), Josie works passionately to build a brighter and more resilient future for the Fort Belknap Indian Community. Her leadership focuses on creating opportunities that foster sustainable growth, cultural preservation, and economic and social empowerment in a region facing complex challenges.

Josie holds an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration from Aaniiih Nakoda College and a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration from Montana State University. She blends her deep community knowledge and traditional ecological wisdom with strategic expertise in program and organizational development. This unique combination allows her to design and lead initiatives that address community needs holistically—driving meaningful, long-term impact for Fort Belknap and beyond.

Hą́ dagúyebi, Įté Sába cažé mitáwa. (Hello relatives, my name is Black Forehead.)

My English name is Gabriel Werk, and I have lived my entire life on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. As a proud member of the Aaniiih and Nakoda Nations, I am dedicated to preserving and promoting our cultural heritage.

In my work, I focus on transcribing traditional Nakoda stories into the Fort Belknap Nakoda orthography to support language learning and the development of new curriculum materials for future generations. Additionally, I am a certified Traditional Native Games Trainer and enjoy crafting as a meaningful way to stay connected to and celebrate our traditions.

Peter Horse Capture is an enrolled member of the Aaniiih Tribe and was born in Great Falls, Montana, to the late George P. Horse Capture Sr., a respected and prominent member of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation community.

Peter was raised in Cody, Wyoming, and is a graduate of Hays/Lodgepole High School in Hays, Montana. After serving three years in the U.S. Navy and spending 24 years in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area, he returned home to Fort Belknap to continue contributing to his community.

Since October 2022, Peter has worked with Aaniiih Nakoda Tours, where he shares his cultural knowledge and community spirit. He is also a certified Traditional Native Games Trainer, promoting traditional wellness, education, and cultural connection through his work.