Ferguson Receives National Award

Lakota FCU's Shayna Ferguson receives national Annie Vamper Helping Hands Award.

George McDonald recognizes Shayna Ferguson at 2026 DakCU Summit Awards Banquet

Lakota Federal Credit Union (Lakota FCU) Manager Shayna Ferguson has been named a recipient of the 2026 Annie Vamper Helping Hands Award, one of the highest honors presented by Inclusiv to leaders who have made extraordinary contributions to advancing the mission of community development credit unions. Ferguson was also recognized during the Dakota Credit Union Association's (DakCU) 2026 Summit Awards Banquet, where Dakota credit union leaders celebrated her national achievement and dedication to serving Native communities.

A member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Ferguson serves as Manager of Lakota FCU, the only federally insured financial institution located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in Kyle, South Dakota. She was the credit union's first Member Service Representative when its doors opened in 2012 and became Manager in 2016.

Under her leadership, Lakota FCU has continued to expand its impact throughout Native communities. Most recently, the credit union received approval to extend its field of membership to the Rosebud Indian Reservation, increasing access to affordable financial services for the Sicangu Lakota people.

Ferguson remains committed to providing financial opportunities, promoting homeownership, and expanding financial inclusion across the reservations the credit union serves. Guided by Lakota FCU's mission of "Empowering Dreams, Enriching Community," she works to ensure that underserved and underbanked individuals have access to financial services designed to meet their unique needs.

The Annie Vamper Helping Hands Award was established in 1993 to honor individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to improving lives through credit unions. Inclusiv recognized Ferguson for her leadership, service, and dedication to strengthening financial well-being in Native communities.

Lakota Federal Credit Union, located in Kyle, South Dakota, is the first and only federally insured financial institution on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Since opening in 2012, LFCU has provided trusted financial services and resources designed to strengthen financial well-being and expand economic opportunities for the Oglala Lakota Oyate and surrounding communities.

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