NE North Dakota News

Cynthia Lindquist has been appointed as the director of Tribal Initiatives & Collaboration at the University of North Dakota (UND). A graduate of UND, Lindquist previously served as president of Cankdeska Cikana Community College in Fort Totten, North Dakota. She is a member of the Spirit Lake Tribe and is known by her tribal Dakota name, Ta’sunka Wicahpi Winyan or Star Horse Woman.

In her new role, Lindquist will focus on fostering relationships with regional Tribal Nations and Colleges. Her responsibilities include working with UND faculty and Tribal representatives to develop research partnerships between these entities.

Lindquist is also tasked with leading the development of a new policy at UND aimed at enhancing consultation processes with Tribal Nations. This initiative seeks to respect tribal sovereignty and establish respectful relationships.

David Wilson, associate vice president for Health Research and chair of the Indigenous Health program at UND, expressed his enthusiasm about Lindquist's appointment. “The University of North Dakota is extremely fortunate to have Dr. Lindquist join our team,” he said. He highlighted her experience as a former Tribal College president as vital for advancing projects that foster equitable collaborations with Tribes.

Lindquist expressed her excitement about returning to UND, stating, “Besides being a UND graduate, I feel like I am coming home to UND and Grand Forks.” She emphasized the importance and timeliness of her new role in creating strong alliances with Tribes and Tribal Colleges.

Her academic background includes an undergraduate degree from UND in American Indian Studies and English, a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of South Dakota, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from UND.

During her tenure as president at Cankdeska Cikana Community College starting in 2003, Lindquist participated on several boards. Currently, she serves on the North Dakota Ethics Commission and is involved with accreditation work for the Higher Learning Commission. Additionally, she sits on the board of directors for the Bush Foundation.