Staff

Haŋ mitákuyepi. Eileen Bass is MIGIZI’s Community Archivist. She is currently pursuing a double major in anthropology and English at the University of Minnesota. Eileen has a background in digital archiving, youth work, urban Native research, creative writing, and studying and teaching Dakota language. Her tribal communities include the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, the Mvskoke Creek Nation, and the Sac & Fox Nation of Oklahoma, where she is enrolled.

Binesikwe Means was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is an enrolled citizen of the Oglala Lakota Tribe in Pine Ridge, South Dakota and a descendant of the White Earth Nation . Her name Binesikwe (Bi-Nay-See-Kway) is from the Ojibwe language meaning “Thunderbird Woman ''. Binesikwe has a deep love of storytelling because it is who we are as indigenous peoples, it's how we passed on our traditions and languages for generations. She is passionate about creating the next generation of storytellers. She has worked for MIGIZI for five years as Lead Media Instructor for First Person Productions, a youth led social enterprise that produces videos, design work and social media campaigns for small businesses and nonprofits. ​ Binesikwe was recognized for her hard work, dedication, and mentorship as Step Up's Supervisor of the Year for 2022. This prestigious award is given to supervisors who have gone above and beyond to provide an exceptional experience for their Step Up interns, who nominate deserving supervisors. Binesikwe’s mentorship and dedication shows her commitment to being youth-centered and equity driven. She develops incredible relationships and creates safer spaces for these talented students. She is committed to connecting the students to the community and fostering the next generation of storytellers. Binesikwe empowers these students by allowing them the space and opportunity to become their authentic selves. She has continually nurtured the development of American Indian youth.

Eddy was born and raised in North St Paul, Minnesota and is Guatemalan and of Swedish descent. He got his Associate of Arts at Century College, then a Bachelor's degree at the University of Minnesota, where he majored in Biology, Society, and the Environment. Eddy's work experience has included working in sustainable agriculture growing culturally relevant foods, community organizing and advocating for local and global environmental justice issues, and environmental education at an ecological research station. A former Minnesota Greencorps member, Eddy is now a science education specialist at Migizi, where he is excited to continue working with youth to inspire them to find strength in their culture, deepen their relationship with and understanding of the land, and push towards a better future.

Jada Aljubailah is a mixed Black and Native American woman, proudly Anishinaabe from the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Born and raised in the Twin Cities metro area, Jada's journey into embracing her Native heritage began at 18 when she was welcomed and mentored by her community. She holds a degree in Liberal Arts from Minneapolis Community and Technical College, where she developed a deep love for language revitalization and its significance to Indigenous identity. Jada brings this passion into her role as Cultural Support Specialist, where she supports community healing, cultural connection, and youth empowerment. She believes in the power of creative expression as a form of cultural connection and healing, and actively incorporates her love of music and art into her work with youth.

Jaycee Anderson (Ojibwe-Métis) is a descendent of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, in what is now North Dakota. She was born and raised in eastern North Dakota in the Red River Valley, growing up in the countryside near Manvel. Jaycee attended the University of North Dakota and graduated in the fall of 2023 with her degrees in American Indian Studies and English. While in college, she became a McNair scholar and began working for UND’s Upward Bound program and discovered her passion for youth work, especially in fostering connections with Indigenous youth. She credits much of her success to her family, her advisors, Birgit and Crystal, as well as UND’s TRIO staff. Jaycee moved to Minneapolis in 2024 and is so excited to be working at MIGIZI doing what she loves! She is also a proud auntie, sister, and daughter - spending as much of her spare time as she can with her family.

Shane Brink was born and raised in Southeast Minnesota, having lived in Owatonna, Austin, and Rochester. He moved to Minneapolis in 2003, where he attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Shane is Migizi’s newly appointed Academic Support Specialist. Prior to joining Migizi’s circle, he worked at South High school as an Associate Educator, where he supported Indigenous youth through the All Nations Program. He has worked as an Education Support Professional for Minneapolis Public Schools for the past 8 years. Shane has a strong appreciation for the outdoors and spends much of his free time canoeing and kayaking throughout Minnesota’s lakes and rivers. He is excited to bring both his professional experience and his passion for nature to CLAW’s Water Sovereignty Summer Programming.

Alex Oetken (she/her or he/him) is a recent transplant to the Twin Cities, having grown up in Iowa. She graduated from Western Governors University in 2025 with a Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering and, prior to that, received an Associate's degree in Software Development from Kirkwood Community College. Previously, she worked in various software and IT support positions, but, in looking for more meaningful work, has joined the team at Migizi as a Best Buy Teen Tech Center Co-Coordinator. Alex is extremely passionate about making people feel heard and secure in their identities. Nothing makes her happier than watching people achieve their goals while also getting the opportunity to freely express themselves in the process. She understands that art and expression, no matter what medium they take, are lifesaving and valuable work. Alex enjoys spending her free time hanging out in cafes and working on various creative projects with her beloved partner, Mads. She also enjoys playing video games, hiking, painting, writing, and coddling her two very high-maintenance cats.

Teklu was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska for the Crow / Frog Clan of the Tahltan Nation. He is of Tahltan, Deg Xit’an, Polish, and Irish descent. In 2022, he graduated from the Institute of American Indian Arts, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, earning a BFA with a focus on Creative Writing and the Performing Arts. He has worked variously as a Peer Mentor, Teaching Artist, Community and Event Organizer, poet, rapper, and actor, Interdisciplinary Writer, Multi-media Artist, and Indigenous Rights Activist. ​ “I strongly believe in the unique and inherent value of each individual as a community member and in the power of creativity as a healing means to learn about the worlds within and all around us, and the interrelationships that exist between them. I am grateful to join the MIGIZI Circle and look forward to contributing to the organization’s rich legacy of Indigenous Youth Empowerment.”

My name is Cyrus Andress Hernandez(He/Him) and our family history comes from the stories passed down throughout generations of migration, farming, exploration, and resiliency. While my upbringing has centered on finding my way forward through experiences and storytelling. My family's Indigenous roots come from the Mayan people of Chiapas Mexico. The Chichimeca. I have a deep care for wildlife, nature, and preservation efforts which stems from my living environment and what I have learned/inherited from my grandmother, she is descendant from a healer practiced in medicinal plants. By practicing reflection on my actions, deeply listening to understand intention, holding accountability to myself and others, and listening to the rhythm of the seasons with my body. I'm resisting urgency while centering a curiosity and appreciation of our planet and relatives. I care deeply for our woods and wildlife while encouraging sustainable practices, as well as diversity focussed efforts to better our communities in practice. Especially for our youth and future generations to come. Practicing a relational world view that's important to me because it reflects the same values I’ve learned growing up- like being in right relationship with all living things: from each to one another, the earth with all her beauty, and our plant relatives. I am still finding my style, voice and leadership to this day. While some of my slowness is just a part of who I am, much is because I've been displaced from my land and my blood relatives. When I am in the presence of wisdom, whether that comes from youth or elders, I see pieces of myself and my story reflected back to me in a brilliant light and I yearn for more of those moments not just for myself but for other youth/students. I believe education comes from practices and our elders more than it does from just institutions. I’ve experienced flawed educational systems which demand one style, one speed, and success or failure approach. I’ve grown to learn that isn't the way for children from families of color to learn and find joy through educational efforts. I am a slow and thoughtful learner who values tending to the emotions and feel of the group. I want to use this opportunity to slowly learn more about Migzi and the practices of relational intergenerational learning in leadership, economic justice, and educational support. I see myself growing into more responsibilities and am excited to serve as a supporter for our program leads and Native Youth.

Serene Contreras is Sicangu Lakota and an enrolled member of Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate. Growing up, she developed a deep appreciation for the importance of community, resilience, and the strength of Indigenous cultures. Those values continue to guide her work today. Serene recently graduated from Normandale Community College with her Associates degree where she was recognized on the Dean’s List. Her background includes childhood education, administrative support, and youth advocacy, all of which have strengthened her passion for building meaningful relationships and supporting youth as they grow into their fullest potential. As Community Liaison at MIGIZI, Serene is excited to connect with youth, families, and community partners while helping create opportunities that celebrate Indigenous identity and empower future generations. She believes that culture, connection, and belonging are at the heart of strong communities. In her free time, Serene enjoys reading, baking, practicing yoga, trying new vegetarian recipes, and spending time outdoors.