Biography

Erika Bailey-Johnson is beginning her seventh year as the first Sustainability Director at Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minnesota. She works in the Ganawendakamigaawigamig (Office of Earth-Caretaking or Sustainability Office).

Erika’s grandma is a Red Lake enrolled band member and much of what she does connects to her Ojibwe roots.

She completed her BA in Biology from the University of Minnesota, Morris in 1998 and her Master’s degree in Environmental Studies from BSU in 2006. Her background is in science teaching, as Erika and her husband taught for two years in Mexico and three years in Kuwait before returning to home in Northern Minnesota.

Erika is currently on the board for RREAL (Rural Renewable Energy Alliance) in Pine River and is a core member of the City of Bemidji Sustainability Committee. Erika maintains an active schedule with two young boys and a passion to make the Bemidji community a healthier and more sustainable place.

Degrees

University of Minnesota, Morris
BA in Biology, 1998

Bemidji State University
MS in Environmental Studies, 2006