Sara DeCoteau is proud of a forty-eight-year career as a Tribal employee (which includes the first two years as a Community VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). She was privileged to work with and be mentored by the Tribal Health Council, elders who worked to eradicate tuberculosis in the 1950’s and went on to develop programs that continue today, notably substance use disorder and child protection / family reunification services. Sara has been involved with the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Health Board since its inception, as well as its two predecessors, the Four State Indian Health Board, and the Lakota TB & Health Association. During her tenure, she has worked with 23 different Tribal Councils, 21 different administrations, 19 Tribal Secretaries, and 9 Indian Health Service Chief Executive Officers. In 2001, the Tribal Council adopted Resolution No. SWST-01-031, granting her Tribal honorary membership.