Outstanding Alumni - 2004
Melanie Benjamin
Bemidji State University Graduate 1988
Ms. Melanie Benjamin graduated from Bemidji State University in 1988 with a degree in business administration. Before her study at BSU, she earned a degree in 1979 from the Minneapolis Area Vocational School, and continued her studies beyond BSU in tribal governance and natural resources at the University of Colorado Law School. Following graduation, Melanie has held many positions within the American Indian community which includes an eight year tenure with the Mille Lacs Band as its Commissioner of Administration, the Senior Vice President of Administration and Finance for Grand Casino Hinckley, the Assistant to the Library Services Director for the Nay Ah Shing Schools, and Melanie was also a member of the Board of Directors for the Mille Lacs Band's Corporate Commission. Currently, she is Vice President of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, a Minneapolis Region representative to the Tribal Task Force on BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs) Trust Management Reform, and the Tribal Liaison for the American Indian Resource Center at BSU. In her career, Melanie has also held positions including Business Development Specialist for the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe's Indian Business Development Center, Secretary of the National Indian Gamin Association, Treasurer of the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association, and member of the Board of Directors for organizations including the Minnesota Indian Education Association and Anishinabeg Legal Services. She was also appointed by Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson to serve on the Roundtable for Sustainable Development. Melanie lives in Onamia and has a son, Clayton, and two grandchildren, Clayton Jr. and Aubrey.