Office of the Tribal Liaison

Donald Wetzel Jr., a proud member of the Blackfeet Tribe, is a devoted husband and father of three. For over two decades, Donnie has worked tirelessly to create positive outcomes for Native youth and tribal communities at both the state and national level.

For over a decade, Mr. Wetzel served with the Montana-Wyoming Tribal Leaders Council, focusing on health initiatives and technology programs, with a strong emphasis on fostering tribal youth leadership. He then dedicated 13 years to the Montana Office of Public Instruction as the Tribal Student Achievement, Relations, and Resiliency Director, where he championed educational opportunities for Native students. Currently, as the founding Tribal Liaison at the Department of Labor & Industry, Donnie bridges cultural and professional worlds, promoting understanding and collaboration to honor and expand both past and present Indigenous knowledge.

In addition to his professional roles, Donnie directs the Montana Indian Athletic Hall of Fame and leads various initiatives to celebrate the achievements and talents of Montana’s Native workforce. Guided by an Indigenous worldview, he fosters positive energy, authentic communication, and relationship-building to create meaningful opportunities. Donnie believes deeply in the potential of Native youth and is committed to empowering them through purpose-driven initiatives rooted in their unique gifts and strengths.

Alicia Doney, a proud member of the Aaniiih Nakoda Nations. She was raised by her grandparents and grew up in the Little Rocky Mountains of Hays, Montana. Rooted in her culture and community, Alicia was inspired by her grandfather’s example of resilience, humility and service. Values that continue to guide both her life and leadership.

After graduating from Hays/ Lodgepole High School, Alicia pursued higher education at Montana State University Billings before beginning her career in public service. She previously served as the Tribal Youth Coordinator at the MT Office of Public Instruction, where she focused on empowering Native youth to reconnect with their culture, identity and purpose within the education system.

Alicia currently serves as the Tribal Youth and Young Adult Coordinator with the MT Department of Labor & Industry. In this role, she works to expand equitable and culturally grounded workforce pathways for Native Youth and young adults, particularly in areas beyond traditional post-secondary education. She is committed to strengthening tribal communities by creating access to meaningful career opportunities, mentorship and skill development.

Through her work, Alicia remains dedicated to uplifting Native youth and young adults and fostering self-determination, dignity and long-term success grounded in identity and pride.