Tara Houska
Tara Houska, a proud citizen of Couchiching First Nation, is a distinguished tribal attorney, land defender, and a prominent advocate for environmental and Indigenous rights. Her multifaceted career and activism make her a notable member of the Advisory Council for the Center for the Futures of Native Peoples at Dickinson College.
Educationally, Houska's academic achievements are impressive. She holds a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Arts, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Minnesota. Her educational background laid a strong foundation for her career in law and activism.
Houska co-founded Not Your Mascots, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the stereotyping of Native Americans, particularly in sports. This initiative notably contributed to the renaming of Washington, D.C.'s football team, highlighting the issue of racial stereotyping in sports.
As the founder of the Giniw Collective, an Indigenous-women and two-spirit-led frontline resistance group, Houska played a pivotal role in environmental activism, particularly in resisting the Line 3 and Dakota Access oil pipelines. Her commitment included living in a tent on the pipeline's route for extended periods, including harsh winters, to directly oppose the construction.
Her work extends beyond direct activism, as she has contributed essays to notable publications like "All We Can Save," Vogue, the New York Times, and CNN. Houska also served as a Native American advisor to Senator Bernie Sanders and was the lead author of his Native policy platform during his 2016 presidential campaign.
Houska's efforts have been recognized through several awards, including the Good Housekeeping 2017 Awesome Women award. She was also a speaker at the 33rd European Green Party Council, discussing climate change and biodiversity. Most recently Houska's contributions and activism have been duly recognized through her receipt of the esteemed Rose-Walters Prize from Dickinson College. This prestigious award underscores her significant impact in the field of global environmental activism. As a recipient of the Rose-Walters Prize, Houska joins a distinguished group of individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the preservation and enhancement of the natural world and to raising awareness about environmental issues.
At Dickinson College, Houska's presence and insights, particularly during her residency associated with the Rose-Walters Prize, have enriched the Center for Sustainability Education, CFNP, and the college community. Her expertise and experiences are invaluable to advancing the rights and futures of Native peoples and the environmental movement.