January Johnson, BSW is an enrolled Ojibwe Band member at Red Lake Nation in Minnesota. She is a dedicated community-based researcher engaged in research activities surrounding the ICARE and AMICA projects at Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team at The University of Minnesota Duluth Medical School. Her role involves bridging the gap between academic research and the live experiences of Indigenous communities by conducting interviews with her local community members.  

Validating their personal stories about dementia and its impact on their lives is vital for addressing health disparities. She collaborates closely with community leaders and Elders who ensure that the research respects and integrates Indigenous knowledge. Through this work she is broadening her understanding of dementia and aiming to empower families and caregivers by providing them with relevant resources to navigate the challenges of dementia.  

As well as advocating for policies that reflect the needs and priorities of the community she serves.