Bernadine Tamara Fredericks was born February 1, 1977, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Dickinson, North Dakota, to the late Patrick Lawrence Fredericks and the late M. Melvina Black Hawk Fredericks. Bernadine’s traditional name is Daktsidi Mea (Calf Woman), which was her maternal great-great-grandmother’s name. This name was given to her in a traditional ceremony by Sally White.

Bernadine was raised and educated in Mandaree, graduating with the class of 1996. Bernadine continued her education at the Fort Berthold Community College, earning her Associate's Degree in Business Management with a minor in Business Accounting in 2001. Bernadine would continue her education at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she aspired to be the author of novels, but after her Father’s passing, she moved home to be with her mother. Bernadine would go on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Economics from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, in 2022. Alongside her formal education, Bernadine learned from her father, Patrick, a historian of Hidatsa and Mandan beliefs, sacred stories, and social life. Bernadine would also learn from her mother, Melvina, the maternal clanship information.

Bernadine balanced her education with her career, which began at 4 Bears Casino and Lodge during her senior year of high school as a PBX Operator. She then moved on to work at the CMO administration at the Indian Health Services under Dr. McRill. From there, she moved back to Mandaree’s medical branch for several months before becoming an administrative official to the Tribe’s North Segment Council. She would then go on to work for the Mandaree school Counselor. More recently, Bernadine worked for the West Segment as the Outreach Progressive Education Program Coordinator, a role that later expanded into other positions, including Chief of Staff, Chief of Finance, and Chief Executive Officer. She would also serve as Project Manager for the still-in-progress construction of Mandaree’s new West Segment Community Center, Elder Apartments, and Elbowoods Memorial Hospital’s West Segment Branch.

Bernadine enjoyed the lake and spending time with family, especially her cousins, whom she referred to as “her sisters and brothers. No family gathering was complete without her fry bread. Bernadine was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Anabel and Cheyenne. She was a very energetic mom, organizing school fundraisers and planning and chaperoning class trips. She was inspirational in her daughters’ religious upbringing, including baptisms, First Communion, and Confirmation, and she took pride in all their accomplishments. Anabel and Cheyenne enjoyed taking road trips with their mom, which included many concerts and festivals.

Bernadine is survived by her daughters, Anabel Marie Munro Mendez and Cheyenne Marie Munro Mendez, both of Mandaree; her brothers, Blaine Fredericks of Crow Agency, MT, Monte Delmar Fredericks and Marty Lawrence Fredericks, both of Mandaree; as well as her aunties, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Patrick Lawrence Fredericks and M. Melvina Black Hawk Fredericks, and numerous other family members.