A new person has joined the Spirit Lake Tribe office. Vicki Alberts, from New Town and raised on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, was hired as a public relations specialist. Her father was a member of the Spirit Lake Tribe and grew up in St. Michael. She currently lives in Bismarck and makes the long commute when she is working at the office in Spirit Lake.
Alberts sat down with the Journal and told us about herself and her goals in this new department.
She has an extensive education background holding an M.A. and J.D.
She told the Journal that this department was something that the council had pushed for. She started in February and has already been an asset to media and the public with information coming from the top.
“There was a little pushback,” she said. “Kind of like whether the role was really needed. But I think since coming on board… I think that the community is becoming more receptive.”
She said her goal for the department is “laying a good foundation” when it comes to media policies.
“A lot of times there are not necessarily media policies and procedures that are in place. And so having a media plan in addition to developing policies and procedures for the department is so important.”
Alberts said there is an online community open to tribal and non-tribal members that will be available until April 15. The survey can be accessed here. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/68WDPB6. Completing the survey will give you a chance to win a $30 gift card. The purpose of the survey is to solicit the best way to communicate with the members of the community on events, news, and other things pertaining to Spirit Lake.
“I really like to abide by data-driven processes,” Alberts said. “And I think that this community survey is great because it’s all community input, community feedback… I want to make sure that we’re providing it in an effective way for Spirit Lake members and outside stakeholders.”
When she isn’t working she said she likes to spend lots of time on the road. She also writes poetry and has competed in slam poetry in the past. She also likes to spend time with her family and friends.
In her closing statement to us, she said “I represent the people of Spirit Lake.” She wants to ensure that the “people are represented in a good light and in an effective light.” She also wants to honor “[her] father’s legacy by being a part of his home community.”
