Nikki Santos is the New CEO of the Native American Boarding School Coalition

 The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Nikki Santos, a member of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Santos brings nearly two decades of leadership experience advancing the priorities of Native American communities through executive leadership, federal policy, philanthropy, strategic development, fundraising, and community-based organizing. As CEO, she will lead NABS in its mission to heal from the ongoing impacts of the U.S. Indian boarding school system through truth, justice, and Indigenous-led healing.

“I am deeply honored to join the Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition at such a pivotal moment,” said Santos. “The work of truth-telling, justice, and healing belongs to all of us. I look forward to working alongside survivors, descendants, Tribal Nations, and partners to ensure that the stories of those impacted by the federal Indian boarding school system are honored, preserved, and transformed into meaningful action for future generations.”

Throughout her career, Santos has championed initiatives that strengthen Indigenous communities and cultivate Native leadership. Before joining NABS, she helped launch the Sam McCracken Youth Project, supported tribal data sovereignty, and served as a philanthropic advisor supporting Native-led organizations and initiatives.

Santos was appointed by the Biden-Harris Administration to serve as a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is an Obama Foundation USA Leader. She previously served as Executive Director of the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, held several leadership positions with the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, and began her career with the Indian Gaming Association.

“Nikki’s vision, integrity, and lifelong commitment to Native communities make her the ideal leader for this next chapter of NABS,” said NABS Board of Directors President Benjamin Barnes (Shawnee). “Her extensive experience building partnerships, shaping policy, and advancing Indigenous priorities will strengthen our work as we continue our work to advocate on behalf of Native peoples impacted by U.S. Indian boarding school policies”

Santos draws inspiration from the strength of those who came before her, her daughter, and the generations yet to come. She lives in Washington, D.C., with her daughter, partner, and two dogs.

Under Santos’ leadership, NABS will continue expanding its efforts to document the history and ongoing impacts of the federal Indian boarding school system, advocate for truth and accountability, support community-driven healing initiatives, and ensure future generations understand this history.

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