Our Government
Our Tribal Council
Dakota Machgan
CHAIRPERSON
Dakota Machgan has worked and volunteered in the Minneapolis Native community for over a decade. He works for North American Tradition Indigenous Food Systems, and specializes in food sovereignty, Native food education, and community organization. As the MMDTC Chairperson, he strives to strengthen cultural education, build stronger communication within the tribe, and improve access to culture and community.
Carol LaBine
VICE CHAIRPERSON
Carol LaBine has worked for the state of Minnesota for 18 years on behavioral health and health care policy. She is a therapist and previously taught for six years in the University of Minnesota’s Master of Social Work program. As the MMDTC Vice Chairperson, she values relationships and connections, and is passionate about helping the community reach its goals.
Danielle Ross
SECRETARY
Danielle Ross holds a PhD in history and is an Associate Professor at Utah State University- Blanding, where she teaches World History, US History, and Native American Studies. As the MMDTC Secretary, she is committed to guaranteeing effect communication and transparent recordkeeping in the community.
Carol Kraft
ACTING TREASURER
Carol Kraft is currently the Chief Sales, Marketing & Product Officer at Charter Solutions, Inc. Previously she was President & CEO of Select Account, a company focused on Health Savings Accounts. Her career also included working 30 years at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. Carol has close ties in Mendota Village, growing up on main street when it was populated mostly by families related through their Dakota ancestry. She currently lives in Mendota Heights and is a member of St. Peter’s Historic Church.
Greg Strandmark
HISTORIAN
Gregory Strandmark worked in the IT department of Anoka-Ramsey Community College for over 20 years. He has spent decades gathering information about the Dakota history and landscapes of Mendota village and the greater Twin Cities area. He works hard to preserve knowledge of our past and transmit it to our future generations.
Our Tribal Committees