About LFCU
Our Mission
The Lakota Federal Credit Union’s mission is to provide access to convenient, quality financial products and services in a friendly, professional, and respectful manner in order to help the Lakota people and the communities they live in achieve financial security and well-being.
History
In January 2009, several community leaders started in pursuit of a dream to establish the Lakota Federal Credit Union to serve the people of the Pine Ridge Reservation. The proposed credit union would provide basic banking services to help the Oglala Lakota Oyate (people) achieve their financial goals and, in turn, help the local economy on the Pine Ridge Reservation to thrive. This was a huge undertaking, as the Pine Ridge Reservation had not had a financial institution of its own since the Oglala Sioux Tribe accepted the Indian Recognition Act in 1935.
Lakota Funds, a non-profit organization that provides loan products and assistance on the reservation, anxiously agreed to sponsor the proposed Lakota Federal Credit Union. A steering committee comprised of knowledgeable, energetic, and hard-working individuals began the long and arduous process of establishing the first and only federally-insured financial institution on the 2.2 million-acre Pine Ridge Reservation.
In August of 2012, the Lakota Federal Credit Union received its charter from the National Credit Union Association and officially opened its doors in November 2012. Even on its first day of operations, the Lakota Federal Credit Union made a big impact – opening 26 accounts and making one loan.
How is a credit union different than a bank?
Although credit unions and banks offer many of the same products and services, they are very different. Banks are for-profit corporations, which means their biggest concern is their bottom line. Credit unions are not-for-profit organizations, which means they are mission-driven. Credit unions are frequently smaller institutions, have a regional focus, and are known for being community-oriented.
Credit unions are also different from banks because when you make a deposit, you are actually buying shares of the organization. Rather than being a customer, you are a part owner who is considered a member of the organization. Members vote on all major decisions and even elect the board of directors. Since credit unions are not in it for the profit, they usually have lower rates and fees. Any profit they do make is distributed to its members.
Staff & Board
Shayna Ferguson
Branch Manager
I have been an employee of the Lakota Federal Credit Union since October 18, 2012 – shortly after the credit union received its charter and before we officially opened our doors to the public in November that year. As a manager, I played many roles here at the credit union. I also did underwriting for loan products, assist members with opening accounts, open Share Certificates, and work the teller line processing everyday transactions for members.
I was born on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation here in South Dakota and am a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. After graduating at Red Cloud Indian High School, I attended South Dakota State University and then later Oglala Lakota College.
My goal is to provide our surrounding communities with easier access to a financial institution, which is member owned and not-for-profit. I enjoy conducting community outreach to the Oglala Lakota Nation and encouraging our people to utilize the products and tools that we provide here at home on the Reservation.
Lexxi Hunter
Mortgage Loan Officer
Lexxi Hunter is an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe and has been dedicated to serving her community through the credit union industry since 2015. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of roles, including Member Service Representative, Collections Specialist, Consumer Loan Officer, and currently Mortgage Loan Officer. This diverse experience has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of financial services and the unique needs of the communities she serves.
Lexxi is certified in Train-the-Trainer programs for Financial Literacy, Homebuyer Education, and Financial Coaching, allowing her to empower individuals and families with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed financial decisions. She has also volunteered for many years with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), helping community members access free tax preparation services and maximize available tax benefits.
Passionate about financial empowerment, Lexxi is committed to helping community members achieve their financial goals, build generational wealth, and strengthen the economic well-being of their communities. Through education, coaching, lending, and volunteer service, she strives to create opportunities that support long-term financial success for future generations.
Averia Fast Horse
Head Teller/BSA
I started working for Lakota Federal Credit Union in May of 2021 and I am a Member Service Representative. I am an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe. I grew up in Pine Ridge and attended Pine Ridge High School. It’s been an honor to be a part of Lakota Federal Credit Union. It brings me joy to be able to help nonmembers become a member of LFCU. While opening accounts I also have the opportunity to inform our members what we have to offer here at the Lakota Federal Credit Union with all our convenience products and services.
Shay Old Horse
Back-Office Support
I was born on the Pine Ridge Reservation. I am an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe.
I was raised in Kyle, SD my whole life. I graduated from Little Wound High School in 2015. I am currently the back-office support, and I have been employed with Lakota Federal Credit Union since June of 2020. It has been an honor and pleasure being able to work with our very own Native-owned Federal Credit Union on the reservation. I enjoy helping our members reach their goals with the best products and services we offer.
Andrea Rogers
Consumer Loan Officer
I am from Wanblee, SD. I am an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe.
I have been employed with Lakota federal Credit Union since March 2023 and I am currently the consumer loan officer.
I enjoy working with LFCU and our members because of its strong commitment to serving our communities.
Stephanie Janis
Member Service Representative
I am from Kyle, SD
I am also an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe.
I have been employed by Lakota federal Credit Union since August 2021. I am currently a member service representative.
I love working with LFCU and our members because of the great work environment, and I love helping our members from cashing checks to taking in loan applications.
TaMya Running Hawk
Member Service Representative
I am from Kyle, SD part of the Medicine Root district located on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
I graduated from Little Wound High School in 2017
I have been employed with Lakota Federal Credit Union since March 2022.
I am currently a member service representative. I enjoy working for LFCU I love the people I work with and I love our work environment, also helping our members out any way that I can.
Our members satisfaction is my main goal as a Teller.
Catalina Rodriguez
Collection Specialist
I was born and raised on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
I am an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe.
I graduated from Little Wound High School in 2017 and continued my education with Oglala Lakota College and receiving my AA in Tribal Law.
I have been employed with Lakota Federal Credit Union since September 2023 as a member service representative. I am currently the collection specialist and I enjoy doing what I do and I love my job, my co-workers, and our members. I understand the hardships locals on the reservation face and I take pride in helping members. Working together to come up with solutions is what I enjoy most from this job.
Thank you for this opportunity to serve my community.
Breanna Ferguson
Member Service Representative
I was born and raised on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
I am an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe.
I have been employed with Lakota Federal Credit Union since September 2023, and I am currently a member service representative.
The atmosphere and the people is what makes this job so enjoyable.
Annissia Pourier
Member Service Representative
I am from Kyle, SD
I am an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe.
I have been employed with Lakota Federal Credit Union since June 2026, and what I enjoy most about working here is seeing all the familiar faces and meeting the new ones everyday. I love working with and for the people.