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, which means she helps lead their government. The Oglala Sioux Tribe's lands include the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. She is currently in her second term as Vice President.

Early Life and Learning

Alicia Mousseau grew up in Porcupine, South Dakota. Her parents are Howard Brown and Karen Spoonhunter-Brown, who are from Arapahoe, Wyoming.

She studied at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, where she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and political science. Later, she continued her studies at the University of Wyoming, where she earned a PhD in Clinical Psychology in 2012. A PhD is a very advanced degree that shows someone is an expert in their field.

Mousseau has used her knowledge to help others. She worked with the University of Montana's College of Education at their National Native Children's Trauma Center. She also contributed to research programs at the University of Colorado.

Her Work as a Leader

Becoming Vice President

In 2020, Alicia Mousseau decided to run for Vice President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. She ran against Bryan Brewer, who had been the tribe's president before. Mousseau won the election. Her campaign had a special message: "Together We Can." This slogan showed her goal to bring people in her community closer.

In 2022, Mousseau ran for Vice President again. She was already in the position and faced three other candidates. She won with a large number of votes, getting 1,431 votes, which was 63% of all the votes. She won in 16 out of 17 voting areas.

Helping Her Community

As Vice President, Alicia Mousseau works hard to help her community. She focuses on helping people heal and making 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.

She is very dedicated to preventing problems and making sure everyone in her tribe has fair access to health and well-being. She is also part of the Democratic Party in South Dakota.

Awards and Recognition

In 2021, Alicia Mousseau was chosen as an Aspen Institute Ascend Fellow. This is an honor given to leaders who are doing important work. She was recognized for her efforts to create programs that help Native American youth and families. Her work also includes expanding science programs to teach about healing and understanding past difficulties.