Ruth Buffalo facts for kids

Ruth Anna Buffalo is an American politician. She served in the North Dakota House of Representatives for the 27th District. Her term was from December 1, 2018, to December 1, 2022. She made history as the first Native American woman from the Democratic Party to be elected to the North Dakota Legislature.

Early Life and School

Ruth Buffalo was born in Watford City, North Dakota. She grew up in Mandaree, North Dakota. She is a registered member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation. This means her family is part of these Native American tribes.

Her College Degrees

Ruth Buffalo studied a lot! She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Si Tanka University. A bachelor's degree is usually the first college degree you get.

She then went on to earn three master's degrees from North Dakota State University. A master's degree is an advanced degree you get after your bachelor's. Her degrees were in:

• Management
• Business Administration (MBA)
• Public Health (MPH)

Her Work and Public Service

Ruth Buffalo started getting involved in politics in 2016. She ran for North Dakota Insurance Commissioner in the 2016 North Dakota elections. This job helps make sure insurance companies follow the rules. She did not win that election.

Getting More Involved

In April 2017, she became the secretary for the North Dakota Democratic–Nonpartisan League Party. This is a big role in a political party. In July 2017, the mayor of Fargo asked her to join the Fargo Native American Commission. This group works to help Native American people in the city.

Serving in the Legislature

In 2018, Ruth Buffalo was elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives. She took the place of Randy Boehning. One important topic in her election was making sure everyone could vote easily. Other key issues she cared about were:

• Access to health care for everyone
• Improving education for students of all ages
• Property taxes
• Making communities safe