November is National Native American Heritage Month. This is a time to honor the contributions of Native American people toward the advancement of our country and our society. 

In celebration of National Native American Heritage Month, we recognize Central Electric Cooperative Director Donita Loudner for her leadership and for being a strong voice for Native American people in South Dakota. Loudner is an enrolled member of Hunkpati Dakota Oyate residing on the Crow Creek Reservation. 

Loudner not only serves on the Central Electric board, she has also represented us on the statewide board for the South Dakota Rural Electric Association (SDREA). To our knowledge, Loudner is the first person of Native American descent to serve on the board at Central Electric Cooperative. She is thought to be the third Native American woman to serve on the SDREA board in the organization’s history. Now, that’s something to celebrate! 

Central Electric provides power to the Crow Creek Sioux Reservation and the Dignity statue near Chamberlain, representing the rich Native American culture in South Dakota. We are proud to recognize National Native American Heritage Month.