Nick Tilsen

Oglala Lakota Nick Tilsen is a fourth generation organizer who has been active in many human rights to environmental justice and community economic development efforts. He is a founding member of the Coalition of Young Social Innovators and the current Executive Director of Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation doing positive youth-led community development on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Tilsen was the founder of the Lakota Action Network, a youth organization working to protect sacred sites while promoting sustainable alternatives in renewable energy. He 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. 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, working to create online economic opportunities. From 2002-2003, Tilsen served as the goodwill ambassador for the American Indian Higher Education Consortium promoting the Tribal college system.