Rooted in Culture, Committed to Community: Delema’s Story

Featured Stories, News

Rooted in Culture, Committed to Community: Delema’s Story

Maria Ritter
March 17, 2026

From overcoming homelessness at 18 to becoming a leader in her community, Delema’s journey is one of resilience, culture, and purpose. Discover how she stayed connected to her roots while building a path to success and why her work today is so deeply personal.

Delema grew up in Minneapolis with a strong connection to her family, culture, and community. Her father is tribally enrolled with the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa in North Dakota, and her mother is enrolled in the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in Minnesota. Some of Delema’s favorite childhood memories are road trips up north to visit relatives in the Fond du Lac area, spending time by the lakes, and staying connected to the land where many of her ancestors are buried.

But during her senior year of high school, her life took an unexpected turn. After her parents went through a difficult divorce, Delema and her family lost their home. At just 18 years old, she found herself staying in a women’s shelter while trying to finish school.

Despite the uncertainty, Delema stayed focused on her future. With support from mentors and a college preparation program she had joined in high school, she found housing and continued pursuing her education.

After graduating, she enrolled at Minneapolis College and earned her associate’s degree. While working in the admissions office, she helped guide other students through the college process, which gave her the confidence to keep going.

She later transferred to the University of Minnesota, becoming the first person in her family to graduate from college. She earned her degree in American Indian Studies with a focus on the Ojibwe language — a meaningful step in reconnecting with her culture.

Today, Delema continues that journey. She is actively working to strengthen her connection to her culture by learning the Ojibwe language, attending cultural ceremonies, and deepening her understanding of the traditions passed down through generations.

Her passion for community eventually led her to American Indian OIC. She joined the organization in 2017 as a part-time career navigator, helping community members build resumes, search for jobs, and pursue new career opportunities.

Over time, her dedication and leadership helped the program grow. Today, Delema serves as the Career Services Director, where she continues to support community members as they pursue education, employment, and new opportunities.

For Delema, the work is deeply personal. She understands how powerful the right support can be — and she is committed to giving back to the community that helped shape her journey.

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