Lead Forensic Interview Brandi Tonkel of Children’s Home Child Advocacy Services was honored in a Lakota ceremony on March 10, 2022, in Kyle, S.D.

Along with FBI Specialist Dannie Dosch, Brandi provides services at the Four Directions Clinic on the Pine Ridge Reservation as part of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner/Sexual Assault Response Team.

Brandi has fostered a unique and intentional relationship with the FBI office and provides interviews and travels to Kyle at least once a month to serve children in the community. The pair, who advocate together for Indigenous children who are victims of crime, have served the Lakota community for a number of years.

At the ceremony, they were honored with smudging, prayers, kind words, and each received a special star quilt. This well-deserved honor is representative of their commitment to serving others. They were thanked for their gentle approach in working with the Lakota people and empowering women and children.