Jillian Topsky is a Nehiyahw Iskwew (Cree Woman) from Red Pheasant, Saskatchewan and Rocky Boy, Montana. She was partially raised in both areas and calls each place home. She is the youngest of six and the first to attend university straight out of high school. After Jillian graduated from Rocky Boy High School, she went to the University of Montana to study sociology and international development studies.
Jillian plans on studying Native American law after she receives her bachelor's degree because of her late cousin/brother Colten Boushie. The injustices committed against him and other Indigenous people have inspired her to help change the systems in place to help future generations receive the justice they deserve. Jillian is working with Change Labs to compile research about the connection between small businesses and economic development in Indigenous communities on the Colorado Plateau.
We're preparing young Indigenous leaders to invest in their communities through internships, leadership training programs, river trips, and more.
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Native young people are following the sacred traditions and teachings of their grandparents.
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