Meet Our New CEO & President of First Peoples Fund, Justin Kii Huenemann

From the breezy, small town of Winslow, Arizona, Justin Kii Huenemann's story unfolds with the backdrop of the Navajo Reservation in Tsaile—where the majestic Canyon de Chelly sprawled out before him as a playground and the Chuska Mountains stood guard behind. Born into a tapestry of cultures, with a Diné mother, Martha, and a German father, Lynn, Justin was the spirited eldest of three, whose vibrant childhood was focused on outdoor adventures from climbing pinon trees to exploring the red rock canyons that painted his world with wonder.

In a blend of cultures and landscapes, Justin's early years were marked by independence and an adventurous spirit, embodied by his distinctive light-colored eyes and the traditional tsiiyééł (Navajo bun) he wore—a striking image against the 1970s and '80s reservation backdrop.

The journey led the Huenemann family to the vicinity of Mission, SD, within the embrace of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, before settling in Mitchell, SD—a town celebrated for its unique Corn Palace and the Oscar Howe Museum. Here, Justin's high school days were filled with creativity and athleticism as he delved into band, choir, running, basketball, and art while discovering a keen interest in drafting and design. This passion for art and structure-guided him to pursue architecture at the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities, where he achieved his degree and enriched his studies with a minor in American Indian Studies. His thirst for knowledge didn't stop there; Justin secured a Master's in Policy and Administration in Higher Education, making Minneapolis/St. Paul is his second home.

In Minneapolis, Justin's professional journey began to blossom. From teaching at the Heart of the Earth Survival School to designing at AmerInd Architecture Firm, counseling undergraduates at the University of Minnesota, and directing youth programming at the Minneapolis American Indian Center, Justin laid the groundwork for a remarkable community development and leadership career.

Assuming pivotal roles within the Minneapolis American Indian community, Justin's influence spread wide. He chaired the Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors, collaborated with the Police and Community Relations Council for the U.S. Department of Justice, and served on numerous boards including the Woodlands National Bank, the Indian Health Board, and the Neighborhood Development Center. His vision also led to the founding of the Tiwahe Foundation.

Justin's drive to uplift his community saw the birth of the American Indian Families Project with Hennepin County, the establishment of the Native American Community Development Institute, and the creation of the first-of-its-kind American Indian Cultural Corridor along historic Franklin Avenue. His leadership developed initiatives like the All My Relations Gallery, Powwow Grounds Café, and Woodlands National Bank on Franklin Avenue - the first tribally owned bank in a major city, marking significant contributions to community development.

Justin’s commitment to community development caught the attention of the Northwest Area Foundation in St. Paul, where Justin worked with 72 tribes across eight states, spearheading a social enterprise initiative. 

Yet, the call of the Southwest to move back closer to home proved irresistible, leading Justin and his family to Albuquerque, NM. Here, he took the helm as the President and CEO of the Notah Begay III Foundation (NB3), focusing on the health and wellness of Native children and families, before venturing into his role as President and CEO of Jemez Enterprises, owned by the Pueblo of Jemez. During this time frame, Justin was highly active in providing critical COVID relief to regional Native American tribes in the southwest.

Still residing in New Mexico, Justin cherishes life with his four children and a dog. He enjoys golf, painting, hiking, camping, fishing, and culinary explorations. His journey from a spirited child of the Navajo reservation to a national visionary leader embodies the spirit of resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to community.