Laurie York works as Executive Director for White Earth Nation. Previously, she worked as Director of White Earth Indian Child Welfare for 5 years and 10 years as a Child Protection Social Worker, working directly with clients involved in child protection cases. To start her career in child welfare, she worked as an Intern for White Earth Child Welfare. She continues to learn her Ojibwe language and has experience teaching Ojibwe Culture classes.
She has a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Bachelor of Arts in Indian Studies from Bemidji State University. She also has her Associate of Arts from Rainy River Community College. During her time at Rainy River, she had mentors that taught her more about her own Anishinaabe history and traditional teachings. Laurie assists with Cedar healing ceremonies, feasts, and other ceremonies in the White Earth Community. She has worked diligently advocating for Native families as the Co-Chair of the Indian Child Welfare Advisory Council for the past 6 years. Laurie has testified before the Minnesota legislature in Indian Child Welfare issues that affect tribal families. In March 2020, Laurie presented at the World United Nations in Vienna, Austria on an Indigenous panel to inform treaty and policy makers from around the world on the importance of our way of life and how it is key to our healing. Laurie is also a member of the Criminal Justice Institute, ICWA Subcommittee.