Executive Committee
Mike Dunn, CEO
Michael "Mike" Dunn is of Cherokee descent. He grew up in Southern Indiana, and now resides in Louisville, KY with his wife of 37 years, Donna, and they have three adult children (Jennifer, Katherine, and John). Mike currently serves as the CEO of Kentucky Indigenous Peoples (KIP), as well as serving as the Vice Chair of the Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission, and the Commander of the Ohio Valley Native American Veteran Warrior Society. Mike is a retired Marine Corps combat veteran. He was a Tank Platoon Commander during Desert Storm, and received numerous awards during his military career including: the Navy Achievement Medal, the Southwest Asian Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, the National Defense Medal, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabian medal). He recently retired from his position as a middle school science and social studies teacher.
Michael Merritt, President
Michael, of Shawnee descent, was born and raised in Winchester, just down the road from Eskippikathiki or Indian Old Fields. A George Rogers Clark High School Alumni representing the Indigenous youth, Michael is the youngest member of KIP and the youngest member on the Executive Committee. The Indigenous history of Kentucky is the true history of Kentucky, and it is Michael’s passion and goal to make sure the Indigenous history and places like Eskippikathiki aren't forgotten.
Bonita Callahan, Vice President
Bonita is a resident of Ravenna, KY, a quantum card carrier, and a Native American card carrier. Due to her mother forbidding Native American customs being practiced when she was growing up, Bonita missed out on learning a lot of Native knowledge, but she is trying to learn those customs and ways now. She is very proud to be Native American and wants to pass on the knowledge she has learned - and continues to learn - to her peers and younger generations. Everyone should be proud of who they are and where they come from.
Jennifer Dunn, Treasurer
Jennifer Dunn is of Cherokee descent, born and raised in Louisville Kentucky. Jennifer lives with her mom, dad, and sister. She also has a younger brother. Jennifer graduated from Waggener High School in 2007, and went on to get a degree in medical billing and coding.
She used to dance Fancy Shawl and Jingle Dress, but now dances Women's Traditional. Jennifer currently serves as the Treasurer for Kentucky Indigenous Peoples (KIP) and the Ohio Valley Native American Veteran Warrior Society. (OVNAVWS). KIP is a non-profit that addresses issues and concerns facing Indigenous residents of Kentucky today - a cause that is near and dear to her heart.
Stephanie Hunt, Secretary
Stephanie was born in Florida but her family is from Kentucky and she's called Kentucky home most of her life. She has always been fascinated by Native American cultures and customs, so when she began to hear stories about Native Heritage in her family, she had to know if they were true. Stephanie is of Cherokee descent and is currently researching her genealogy to get supporting documentation, as well as to determine if there might be other Native Ancestry from a different tribe in her family history.
Stephanie is proud to be a member of KIP and honored to be part of the leadership team. She is excited to see how she can help KIP become all it can be and make an impact for Indigenous peoples in Kentucky.