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Ernest House, Jr.
Ernest House, Jr.
01:24

Ernest House, Jr.

Keystone Policy Center

Denver, CO USA

"Always find a way to go back home—whatever home is, whatever you define home as, whatever centers you and brings you back."

Career Roadmap

Ernest's work combines: Politics, Government, and Upholding a Cause and Belief

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Day In The Life

Senior Policy Director

I work with stakeholders in the areas of tribal consultation, energy, healthcare, and education.

Skills & Education

Advice for getting started

I was only 23 years old when I started as the Director of Indian Affairs for the State of Colorado. It was challenging. Every meeting I went to, I'd hear people refer to me as an intern and not take me seriously. I spent years wishing I could reach a level where people would take me seriously. Regardless, I was still advocating for my people, which was the foundation that kept me going despite the challenges. I also found support in great partners and mentors.

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    I grew up in a tribal leadership family—my father was a longtime tribal leader for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and my great-grandfather was the last hereditary chief of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.

  • 2.

    The things we’re still fighting for—hunting rights, fishing rights, and water rights—were instilled in me from a young age.

  • 3.

    At 23 years old, I became the executive director for the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs.

  • 4.

    As executive director, I served as the official liaison between the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe, and the State of Colorado.

  • 5.

    I spent 12 years with the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs before joining Keystone Policy Center as the senior policy director.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Peers:

    Oh, they sent the intern to this meeting.

  • How I responded:

    I was only 23 years old when I started as the Director of Indian Affairs for the State of Colorado. It was challenging. Every meeting I went to, I'd hear people refer to me as an intern and not take me seriously. I spent years wishing I could reach a level where people would take me seriously. Regardless, I was still advocating for my people, which was the foundation that kept me going despite the challenges. I also found support in great partners and mentors.