ND ICWA Partnership

Today we share with sadness the passing of Dr. Melanie Sage whose early leadership and contributions helped shape much of the ICWA partnership work that continues across North Dakota today.

Dr. Sage played a central role in the original ICWA audit work through the North Dakota Supreme Court’s Court Improvement Program and helped bring partners together to develop the first ICWA Tribal and State Partnership Grant awarded by the Administration for Children and Families - Children's Bureau in 2016. Her work helped lay important groundwork for the collaborative efforts that continue to support Native children, families, Tribal Nations, and systems partners today.

Over the years, she remained engaged in this work through consultation, innovation, program development, and ongoing support, even as the work evolved and grew in complexity.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to her husband Todd, her son Kris, her family, friends, colleagues, students, and all who knew and cared for her. Her passing is a profound loss.

For those who may wish to support her family during this time, a GoFundMe link has been included. There is absolutely no expectation to contribute, but we wanted to provide the opportunity for those who feel moved to do so.

We hold deep gratitude for her contributions and the role she played in helping begin and continue this work.

With Gratitude,
The UND Grant Team

Donate to In Loving Memory of Dr. Melanie Sage, organized by Laurel Hitchcock From Melanie's husband, Todd Sage: On May 15, 2026, my wife Melanie passed … Laurel Hitchcock needs your support for In Loving Memory of Dr. Melanie Sage