Co-founder

Founder, Board President, and Board Chair

Reo grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and currently splits time between Baawiting (Sault Ste Marie), Vancouver BC, and Vermont. His work emerges from the understanding that a community's original teachings, practices, and language are essential in order for collectives to thrive socially and culturally, especially during periods of rapid change. Reo is a committed Ojibwe language learner who enjoys surfing, skateboarding, gardening, and family time.

Board Secretary

Giizhkaandak is an Anishinaabemowin math immersion teacher at Anishinaabeg Kinomaagewgamig, where he supports young learners in reclaiming their language and cultural identity through land-based teaching.  As a second-language learner of Anishinaabemowin, he brings lived experience to the realities many educators face: developing immersion pedagogy, creating curriculum, and fostering daily language use while continuing his own learning journey.

He witnesses firsthand the pride and growth of his students as they strengthen their voices in Anishinaabemowin.  His teaching is grounded in patience, relational practice, and a commitment to helping youth feel confident speaking their language.  His work reflects the everyday reality of revitalization: learning alongside students, supporting each other, and strengthening a speaking community for the generations to come.

Board Treasurer

Darren is originally from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, but currently residing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  He’s a seasoned engineer, mentor, and executive leader leveraging his professional experiences for the benefit of American Indians, particularly in urban settings.  He enjoys combining his passions, specifically skateboarding and music, with Indigenous culture and lifeways.  He currently serves as the Vice President of Operations for NovoLINC, Inc., a “deep tech” semiconductor firm focusing on sustainable advanced materials.