Nick Tilsen, Executive Director a fourth generation organizer who has been active in many organizing efforts - from human rights to environmental justice and community economic development. He is a founding member of the Coalition Of Young Social Innovators. Nick founded Lakota Action Network, a youth organization working to protect sacred sites while promoting sustainable alternatives in renewable energy. Nick served as the Executive Director for Lakota Action Network for four years.Tilsen has been a national correspondent for the Odyssey, an online nonprofit producing original alternative content and interactive events on culture and politics aimed at educators and youth. The Odyssey serves over 75,000 k-12 students and 3,000 teachers worldwide.Tilsen has also served as the youth coordinator for the Teton Sioux Nation Treaty Council, working to get Lakota Treaty and human rights issues heard at the United Nations. He was also the director of LakotaMall.com for three years, working to create economic opportunities through the use of the internet.In 2002-2003, Tilsen served as the goodwill ambassador for the American Indian Higher Education Consortium promoting the Tribal college system.Nick’s ability to live in two worlds and balance the world of non-profit business and live the cultural role in the community makes him a perfect fit for this position.
Jerome Lebeaux, Cultural Coordinator, Jerome was born and raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. In Jerome’s early years he showed great interest in Lakota customs and beliefs. Attending healing ceremonies almost every other night he became very knowledgeable in ceremonial, spiritual & traditional way of singing by the age of 10. In his high school years Jerome attended Red Cloud Indian School. Where he took the varsity basketball team to victory in the State A basketball tournament. Jerome’s outstanding leadership won him the MVP, 1st team All-State, and Mr. South Dakota basketball finalist. With offers on the table for Jerome to play college ball Jerome made a decision to stay and pursue his vision that he had as a young boy. This vision was to help his young Lakota brothers and sisters back to their way of life. Since 1998 Jerome’s role in the community has been to be a traditional healer and leader of his people which he has done very successfully.Jerome has worked with a variety of Native American focused drug and alcohol treatment centers some of which include Anpetu Luta Otipi, Kyle SD and Hope Lodge of Rapid City, SD. Jerome has also worked for the OST diabetes program and the Indian Health Service. Jerome’s leadership and cultural knowledge has proven to be a huge asset to the community and to the organization.
Jack Conroy, Youth Coordinator Graduated high school from Little Wound High School in 2004, after graduation he attended Western Dakota Technical Institute, and Oglala Lakota College. He later worked at Wolf Creek School as a teacher’s aide and helped in the design of the youth program. At the young age of 20 Jack has become an active community member and continues to be involved in cultural ceremonies and events. He naturally became the youth coordinator because of his volunteerism and dedication to the youth in the Thunder Valley community. He has proven to be a dependable and trust worthy youth worker. Growing up on the reservation his entire life gives him the background and knowledge of how to move projects forward in a positive direction.
Misun Bowker, Community Coordinator
