Gerald Sherman (Oglala Lakota), Wicahpe To Wicasa (Blue Star Man), grew up in Kyle, SD. He currently lives in Bearcreek, MT, within the traditional territory of the Oceti Sakowin, Cheyenne, Apsaalooke people, with his wife Jael Kampfe.

One of the early co-founders of the Community Development Finance Industry (CDFI) movement, Gerald’s professional career in banking began as the founding board chairman and the first Executive Director of the Lakota Fund on Pine Ridge reservation. This experience propelled Gerald into the field of bank management and community development. He was trained at Norwest Bank, went on to work for the Federal Reserve Bank and later, First Interstate Bank as their Community Reinvestment Officer. He left banking in the late 90’s to return to the world of Native CDFIs, working as Program Officer at Four Times Foundation, which provided equity for Native entrepreneurs to start reservation based businesses. 

Gerald was co-founder and CEO of Indian Land Capital Company, which financed tribes to acquire former homelands and which became one of the larger, national Native CDFIs. Although now retired from a full time, executive role, Gerald is a considerable contributor to Indigenous Impact Co. Adept at facilitating strategy grounded in Indigenous values that scales impact, Gerald now advisers the next generation of leaders to build the long-term relationships that systems change strategies require. 

Gerald embarked on a life-changing journey of sobriety and spirituality 41 years ago. He has a strong belief that sobriety for Native people is a prerequisite for decolonization. His leadership, sacrifices, and his journey are greatly valued by his tiospaye.

Meat over vegetables. Cars over horses. Leisure time over work. Diplomacy over protesting. Ice cream over fruit.