Mato Ohitika (Mah-Toe O-Hee-Tik-Ah) or Brave Bear is the Dakota name given to my late father, Creighton. His service to American Indian communities has been an inspiration to me and thus, I have named this company in his honor. As an enrolled member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation, my father sought to unify communities through meaningful dialogue and fellowship in the Episcopal Church as he served as the first Native American Diocesan Bishop in South Dakota's history.

Although my path has been through the lens of science, it is hard to deny the impact my father has had on my pursuits that continue to maintain community service as the most effective way to not only understand Dakota culture, but provide data driven solutions to empower Native communities to make use of data in a meaningful way. It is because of his sacrifice, I am here today to present a Native born company aimed at making the future of American Indian communities better through the Data Sovereignty Initiative.

Dad, wherever you are, I am in debt to you for the wisdom, strength, and perseverance you instilled in me to help make our Tribal communities better.

Joseph