Arnell D. Abold named Tanka Fund’s new Chief of Operations
Summary:
Arnell D. Abold, the new Chief of Operations at Tanka Fund, has dedicated more than two decades to Buffalo restoration, a passion that stems from her cultural heritage and personal inspirations. She aims to foster a deep connection to Buffalo among future generations and promote the broader impacts of Buffalo restoration on land, climate, and spiritual well-being.
Key Points:
Ms. Abold's connection to Buffalo restoration is deeply personal and fulfilling: “How can you not feel connected to the Buffalo if you’re a part of restoring and bringing them back?” she said.
Her career in Buffalo restoration began at the InterTribal Buffalo Council (ITBC), where she spent 20 years helping return Buffalo to tribal lands, inspired by her family's legacy.
At Tanka Fund, Ms. Abold aims to inspire future generations and highlight the significance of Buffalo restoration: “I want to be a mentor and role model for the next generation. That’s what I want to lean into,” she said. “Looking at how we return Buffalo to Native lands, lives and economies is really key to creating something more for the future of our children and our communities.”
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Rapid City, SD - Arnell D. Abold, recently named Tanka Fund’s new Chief of Operations, didn’t start out her career intending to work in Buffalo restoration. But after 24 years, the largest mammals in North America are now a part of her.
“How can you not feel connected to the Buffalo if you’re a part of restoring and bringing them back?” Ms. Abold said. “I can’t imagine working with anything else. It’s very satisfying. I work from the soul and (from the) connection with what makes my heart happy.”
“My mother was forced to go to boarding schools, and the opportunity to be around Buffalo was scarce then. That connection to Buffalo was never lost to us, though, and people can find it if they want to.”
A member of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Tribe, Ms. Abold joined the InterTribal Buffalo Council (ITBC) in 2001 where she worked with more than 75 tribes, tribal communities and community members to help return Buffalo to tribal lands and the people. She spent 16 years as Fiscal Director and four years as Executive Director at ITBC.
“My biggest inspirations were my mother and my mother’s parents, my grandparents,” she said. “They taught me to want something more and to never give up.”
Ms. Abold grew up in Batesland, S.D., just outside of the Pine Ridge Reservation. She has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from National American University in Rapid City, S.D. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration from the University of South Dakota, Vermillion.
“I want to be a mentor and role model for the next generation. That’s what I want to lean into,” she said. “I want people to see the big impact we’re having at Tanka Fund working with producers and collaborating and partnering with other organizations to move forward and change our perspective on the land, climate and our spiritual connection to the Buffalo.”
As a leader at Tanka Fund, Ms. Abold said she hopes to be able to create motivation and inspiration for others to find their connection to Buffalo, and to see the beauty and the history behind it.
“Looking at how we return Buffalo to Native lands, lives and economies is really key to creating something more for the future of our children and our communities,” she said. “It’s something that’s simple, yet makes you feel whole. That’s what dreams are made of.”
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