Meet the Relatives Who Make PFNAC What It Is
The Payne Family Native American Center is home to an incredible community of people and programs. Within our walls, you’ll find relatives from many areas/specialties — including building management, faculty and professors, student success services, Indigenous governance and policy work, and program coordinators, managers, and directors. Each person here plays a part in supporting Native students, uplifting Indigenous knowledge, and keeping this space vibrant and welcoming. Apart of being the eager crew to help you out the relatives are some amazing folks outside the building. get to know your relatives here in the building down below.
Payne Family Native American Center
Zachariah Rides At The Door // Saaami' Siipisstto
Building and Program Manager of the Payne Family Native American Center
I help care for the building, manage reservations, and support the use of spaces in and around the PFNAC. As an ambassador for the building, I enjoy sharing its cultural importance, rich stories, and the sense of abundance it offers. My goal is to help create a space that feels like a home away from home—rooted in community, culture, and storytelling.
I dance Men's Prairie Chicken style, enjoy singing, and love speaking Blackfeet while also learning other tribal languages.
Contact Info:
Email :zachariah.ridesatthedoor@mso.umt.edu
Phone: 406-243-5831
Office: Suite 112
The NAS Faculty
Dr. Heather Cahoon
Associate Professor and Chair of Native American Studies
I am from St. Ignatius, MT on the Flathead Reservation and teach Native American Studies. I am also a poet and non-fiction writer. I am a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes with Upper Kalispel, Nez Perce, Spokane, Kootenai, Chippewa and western European lineages.
I love being outdoors in the woods and like that Missoula has such an extensive trail system because you can always find beautiful place to go where there aren't too many people.
Contact Info:
Email: Heather.Cahoon@umontana.edu
Phone: 406-243-5838
Office: PFNAC 203B
American Indian Student Services (AISS)
Laura Bird
Native American Compliance Specialist
I support the Indigenous students on campus with their Financial Aid! I process the American Indian tuition waivers, handle Financial Needs Analysis requests and assist students with their financial aid during the academic year. I do a little bit of everything in the Financial Aid department!
Fun fact: My roller derby name is Angry Bird!
Contact Info:
Email: laura.bird@mso.umt.edu
Phone: (406)243-5519
Offices: AISS Suite 113b; Aber Hall Room 518
Virgil Mad Plume
American Indian Student Services Program Coordinator
I am from the Blackfeet Nation. I have a family with three children each 7 years apart. I have been a wildland firefighter for 20 years. I own a small business-Divide Mountain Services- that includes a tiny house for Airbnb and a food trailer that serves BBQ entries.
Fun fact: I ride horse to hunt with!
Contact Info:
Email: virgil.madplume@mso.umt.edu
Phone: (406) 243-6308
Offices: AISS Suite 113C