CONTACT:
Howie Padilla
howie.padilla@state.mn.us
952-378-6775

March 13, 2024

Irene Folstrom Joins Department of Public Safety
as New Tribal Affairs Director

ST. PAUL — A Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe member with 25 years of experience serving Tribal nations and Indigenous communities is the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) new Tribal Affairs director. 

Irene Folstrom will help guide DPS’ efforts to learn from and connect with the 11 Tribal nations in Minnesota.

“Irene is a dynamic and influential leader who brings 25 years of experience serving Tribal nations and Indigenous communities to our department,” DPS Commissioner Bob Jacobson said. “Her advocacy background and policy roles within Tribal and governmental organizations make her uniquely qualified for this role. She will be at the forefront as we work to more completely serve Tribal nations and the entire state of Minnesota.” 

Folstrom most recently led the government relations work for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe directing the government-to-government relationship between the tribe and local, state and federal governments. Earlier in her career, she served as a policy advisor for the National Congress of American Indians in Washington, D.C. She is a graduate of Cornell Law School and Stanford University. 

“I am committed to fostering positive change as we continue our work to build bridges of trust and communication with Minnesota’s Tribal nations,” said Folstrom. “In Minnesota, the state and Tribal nations face unique public safety issues. I look forward to making progress for all Minnesotans.”  

Editor's note: Click here to download a photo of Irene Folstrom.       

About the Minnesota Department Public Safety
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) comprises 10 divisions where 2,100 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention. 

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