Alicia Mousseau facts for kids
Alicia Mousseau is an important leader for the Oglala Sioux Tribe. She serves as the Vice President of the tribe, whose lands include the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. This is her second time holding this important position.
Alicia Mousseau's Early Life and Education
Alicia Mousseau grew up in Porcupine, South Dakota. Her parents are Howard Brown and Karen Spoonhunter-Brown, who are from Arapahoe, Wyoming. She worked hard in school and went to Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. There, she earned a bachelor's degree in both psychology and political science.
Later, Mousseau continued her studies at the University of Wyoming. In 2012, she earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology. After her education, she used her skills to help others. She worked with the University of Montana's College of Education at their National Native Children's Trauma Center. She also worked on research programs for the University of Colorado.
Alicia Mousseau's Political Career
Alicia Mousseau began her political journey by running for Vice President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe in 2020. She ran against Bryan Brewer, who had been the tribe's president before. Mousseau won the election. Her campaign had a hopeful message: "Together We Can," which aimed to bring her community closer.
In 2022, Mousseau ran for re-election as Vice President. She faced three other candidates: Javan Tony Ten Fingers, Jackson Ten Fingers, and Mary Felicia. She won with a strong majority, getting 1,431 votes, which was 63% of all votes. She won in 16 out of 17 voting areas.
As a leader, Mousseau focuses on helping her community heal and grow. She wants to make sure children in her tribe get the best education possible. She supported a non-profit group called Friends of the Children, which helps young people. Mousseau is also very passionate about preventing health problems and making sure everyone in her tribe has fair access to health care. She works to ensure all community members feel safe and respected.
She is also a member of the Democratic Party in South Dakota.
Awards and Honors for Alicia Mousseau
In 2021, Alicia Mousseau received a special honor. She was chosen as an Aspen Institute Ascend Fellow. This award recognized the important work she is doing for her tribe. Her work includes creating programs to help Native American youth and families. She also works to expand science programs that teach about healing from difficult experiences.
