CRST member named one of 40 under 40 Native Americans

EAGLE BUTTE – When Alli Moran (Cheyenne River Lakota) was a young child, her mother Shelley Moran Alkire would say to her, “When you are older and go to Washington, D.C., to speak for your people…” There was no doubt in Alkire’s mind that her daughter would one day do just that. It was only a matter of “when,” not “if.”

Alkire had been taught Native American history and the meaning of concepts such as “tribal sovereignty” by her grandmother, Catherine Dog Eagle, a boarding school survivor. Alkire passed these teachings down to Moran, who was also instructed by her grandfather.

The message Moran consistently received was that she had an “inherent responsibility” to the ancestors, to relatives living today, and to future generations to do all that she could possibly do to help her people move forward.

Moran said, “The ancestors fought for us to be here. They survived Wounded Knee and made it home. It is an honor to do my part.”

By the time she reached middle school at Cheyenne-Eagle Butte schools, Moran said everything she had been hearing from her family about her cultural history and responsibility “clicked” for her.

She began doing her own research to understand more and more. Alkire had told her, “We live in a system that was designed for us to fail. We have to work within that system (and succeed.)”

In the seventh grade, one of Moran’s Lakota language teachers, Ms. Susan Ducheneaux, took Moran’s class to a Tribal Council meeting to observe. After this introduction to the Tribal Council, Moran was excused from school regularly to go alone to observe Tribal Council meetings. Ms. Ducheneaux assigned Moran the task of bringing back to her a report about the meeting.

Since 2023, Moran attends Tribal Council Meetings as the Intergovernmental Affairs Officer for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST). In this position, she coordinates high-stakes government-to-government work for CRST and provides clear public messaging and media engagement on sovereignty, safety, and intergovernmental respect. She lobbies for the tribe on the federal and state level, interacting frequently with all members of the SD state legislative delegation, Senators Thune and Rounds and Representative Johnson. Her focus is on tribal sovereignty.

Moran learned in December, 2025, that she had been selected by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) for its 2026 class of Native American 40 Under 40 award recipients.

Nominated by their peers, 40 Under 40 honorees exemplify leadership, initiative, and dedication and have made significant contributions to their professions and communities, according to a press release published by NCAIED. The 40 Under 40 awards are now in their 17th year.

“The 2026 honorees embody the spirit of rising together, achieving excellence while lifting up others and creating opportunities for their communities to thrive,” said Chris James, President and CEO of The National Center. “Their accomplishments remind us that progress is the result of collaboration, innovation, and shared visions.”

This year’s 40 Under 40 award winners will be recognized at the Reservation Economic Summit (RES) scheduled for March 23- 26, 2026, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. It is called the largest and longest running national American Indian business event in the nation. The event features tribal leaders, members of Congress, federal agency representatives, state and local officials, and top CEOs on a national platform.

James added, “I’m thrilled to celebrate the 2026 class at RES and continue to follow their success in the years ahead.”

“There is no doubt that Native talent and determination are shaping a bright future for Indian Country,” said Lillian Sparks Robinson, Vice Chair of The National Center’s Board of Directors and chair of the committee that reviews 40 Under 40 nominees. “The creativity, perseverance, and achievements of the 2026 class of Native American 40 Under 40 awardees are an inspiration for us all, demonstrating that we can rise together when passion meets purpose.”

Moran said that when she learned she had been named for the honor, “It was hard for me to take it all in. I was excited to see friends’ and colleagues’ names on the list along with mine. …I just felt so thankful for how far I have come and for all the people who have helped me develop as a young woman in leadership. I’m thankful for my tribal nation, my community, and the whole oyate.”

ND House of Representatives Minority Caucus Leader Jayme Davis nominated Moran for the 40 Under 40 award. The nomination received letters of recommendation from Chairwoman Lonna Jackson-Street of the Spirit Lake Tribe in North Dakota and from Kevin Killer, Former SD State Senator.

In addition to Moran’s work with the CRST Tribal Council, her nomination noted the following exceptional achievements and activities:

Founder, Wakpá Wašté Scholars Alliance—an education empowerment initiative serving Cheyenne River youth since 2017;

Past Chair and current Board member, YMCA of the Seven Council Fires (Sioux YMCA), Dupree, SD, guiding programming that strengthens children and families across reservation communities;

Co-President & Senior Policy Analyst, Tribal Science International— supporting Tribal forestry, natural resources, and environmental policy;

Chief Operations Officer, Sovereignty First Native Consulting Firm—advancing Tribal constitutional/ code reform and strategic planning;

Executive education: Harvard Business School—NCAI Leading Tribal Nations (2023) and “Leading People & Investing to Build Sustainable Communities” (2024);

United Nations Global Leadership School for Indigenous Women (North American Ambassador, 2021–2022);

Moderator/speaker for Native Governance Center on “Partnering with Native Nations in a Good Way;”

Exceptional contributions listed on the nomination include:

Tribal sovereignty champion;

Nation-building & youth pipelines: Through Wakpá Wašté, mentors high-school learners into college, scholarships, and leadership— building long-term community capacity;

Systems-level impact: Helps Tribal governments strengthen laws, institutions, and environmental policy (forestry, lands, water, EPA coordination), translating values into durable codes and programs;

Regional service leadership: Board leadership with the YMCA of the Seven Council Fires and other nonprofits expands access to youth programming, housing ideas, and wellness;

National convening and education: HBS and NGC engagements bring cutting-edge governance and investment tools back to Indian Country, multiplying impact across communities;

Prior roles: Senior Policy Analyst, South Dakota Department of Tribal Relations; Emergency-hire Paralegal supporting CRST AG & Prosecutor; Treaty database consultant to U.S. DOI/USDA/OSU;

Recognition & networks: Native Governance Center Rebuilder (Cohort 11); featured by Native Governance Center and in national nonprofit listings;

Community-first leadership: Founder of CRST Native Vote Initiative, long-time volunteer mentor and organizer, frequent moderator/ speaker on partnering with Native Nations.

Moran has plans to study law at the University of Arizona and tentative plans to run for the SD House of Representatives. She also plans to perhaps someday campaign to be the governor of South Dakota.

Moran said that her message to other “under 40” Lakota relatives is, “Don’t be afraid to dream big. We all have greatness within us. You can do absolutely anything you want to do in this lifetime. Keep your heart and mind as one and no one can shake you. Live your life in a good way.”

The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. According to the press release, “Since 1969, we have been a driving force for the advancement of Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses. Through training, programming, and subject-matter expertise, The National Center has become the preeminent non-profit in the United States focused on the American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian economies. ‘We Mean Business’ is our motto – a testament to our tireless dedication to helping tribes, tribally owned businesses, and Indigenous entrepreneurs thrive. Our work has improved countless lives and communities, both now and for future generations.”

(Contact Grace Terry at westrivereagle@gmail.com)

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