Lynette Chandler-Stein

Lynette Kay Chandler-Stein, an enrolled member of the Aaniiih (Gros Ventre Nation), answered to the ceremonial name of Bitathaa (Dancing Woman) because of her love and abilities in jingle dress dancing at pow-wows. She earned a bachelor’s degree in letters and science in English literature in 2000 and a master’s degree in Native American studies in 2003, both from Montana State University. In 2010, she attained a Ph.D. in educational leadership from the University of Montana. In 2003, she founded the White Clay Language School to revitalize the Aaniiih Language, thus changing the course of Aaniiih history. Well known throughout the country and internationally through her American Indian language efforts, Chandler-Stein received many awards including the Unsung Hero Award in 2011, Montana Indian Educator of the Year in 2012 and from the University of Montana, the Educational Leadership Excellence Award in 2013. The Fort Belknap Indian community also recognized her achievements by declaring May 7, 2012, Dr. Lynette Chandler Day.  Chandler decided to move from Bozeman to Harlem in 2001 to help in the education of her people at Aaniiih Nakoda College on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation.

Lynette Chandler-Stein founded the White Clay Language School to revitalize the Aaniiih Language, thus changing the course of Aaniiih history.