Tony (Chinoodin) Drews

FOUNDER & CEO

Tony is a first generation descendent from Gaa-zagaskwaajimekaag (Leech Lake band of Ojibwe). His Indian name is Chi-Noodin (Big Wind) He is sturgeon clan and a lifelong student of our culture and Language. Tony has worked in the Native American community his whole professional career.

Tony worked at Ain Dah Yung as the Residential Director and oversaw operations of their Native American youth homeless emergency shelter and transitional living shelter. Tony was also Vice President of Operations for Circle of Life Anishinaabe Home Care.

Tony spent 5 years working with Anoka-Hennepin Schools as the Indian Education Advisor. He now works as a Program Coordinator, and he leads the American Indian Family Empowerment Fund at the Tiwahe Foundation, in addition to being the Founder and President of Nashke Native Games.

Tony attended the University of Minnesota and studied Sociology, American Indian Studies, and the Ojibwe Language.  Tony is Happily married to his wife Kathy and has three children. Tony is a recent Finnovation Fellow and sits on the Board of Directors for the Anoka Hennepin Educational Foundation and is on the  Anoka-Hennepin American Indian Education Parent Advisory Committee.