Janet Alkire was born and raised in Fort Yates on the Standing Rock Sioux reservation. Janet is the daughter of Basil Alkire of Kenel and Helen Crowghost of Rock Creek. Her paternal grandparents are Louise Hona Alkire and James Alkire. Her maternal grandparents are Winnefred White Paw and Samuel Crowghost. Janet is a direct descendant of Chief Rain in the Face. Janet attended school in Fort Yates from elementary through high school and graduated from Sitting Bull College with a degree in ??.

After graduating from Sitting Bull College, Janet joined the United States Air Force. Janet served for 11 years active duty. She was stationed both stateside and oversees. She served in both Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Her last assignment was at the United States Air Force Headquarters in the Pentagon in Washington D.C. She then served 3 and half years with the Air National Guard before leaving to become a mother.

Over the last 15 years, Janet has continued to work towards tribal sovereignty and effective governance. She worked for Senator Heidi Heitkamp, the Northern Plains Tribal Epidemiology Center (NPTEC), United Tribes Technical College (UTTC), and other tribal nations. She served as Executive Director of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe again in 2017.

Throughout this time, Janet has cared for her iná, Helen Alkire. She values family and always goes out of her way help any and all her relatives.

Her many years of experience have shown her the importance of integrity and empathy when it comes to effective government. She hopes to continue to serve the Standing Rock community as the next tribal chairperson.