Joan also brings a deep connection to our homebase on the conservation ranch where we are fortunate to live each summer. This land, now named Yellow Bird Woman Sanctuary, at one time belonged to her great grandmother, who raised four children in the one-room cabin that still sits on the property. Joan has two sons, Jalen and Chazz. Chazz is a renowned Indian Relay champion. Joan’s father, Ervin Carlson, is a project manager for the tribe’s Buffalo “Iinnii” Program. Iinnii is the Blackfeet word for buffalo and the tribe has been expanding the size and grazing area of the herd, and has been building a market for the healthy buffalo meat, as well.
Joan is currently enrolled at Blackfeet Community College, where she is studying to get a Health Science Degree. She plans on transferring to Western Montana College to continue with a Bachelor’s in Microbiology.
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