Shelley Buck
Shelley Buck is an American nonprofit executive and politician who is a member-elect of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 47A. She has served as the president of Owámniyomni Okhódayapi, a Dakota-led community organization working on restoring Bdóte, since January 2023. Before that she spent 12 years on the Prairie Island Tribal Council, including six years as its president.
Education
Buck has a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Indiana University, a Master of Arts in sports management from Concordia University, and a Master of Jurisprudence in Indian tribal law from the University of Tulsa.Career
Buck is an enrolled member of the Prairie Island Indian Community. She served on the Prairie Island Tribal Council for 12 years, including stints as the tribe's president.In 2023, Buck became the president of Owámniyomni Okhódayapi, a nonprofit organization formerly known as Friends of the Falls. The leadership transition occurred when the organization's founders turned control over to Dakota members. Under Buck's leadership, the organization works to restore the area surrounding the Upper Lock at St. Anthony Falls on the Mississippi River. The group advocates for converting the site into a place of education, healing, and cultural connection.