Ernest House, Jr.
Senior Policy Director
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.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationErnest House, Jr.
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
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.
The things we’re still fighting for—hunting rights, fishing rights, and water rights—were instilled in me from a young age.
At 23 years old, I became the executive director for the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs.
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.
I spent 12 years with the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs before joining Keystone Policy Center as the senior policy director.
Education
High School
Career
Senior Policy Director
I work with stakeholders in the areas of tribal consultation, energy, healthcare, and education.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Politics
Government
Upholding a Cause and Belief
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
I recommend starting with internship opportunities in public policy. Internships are a great way to get first-hand experience working in the field so that you can decide if it's right for you or not. I think it's better to gain some experience and figure out what path is the best fit before committing to something like law school.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Peers:
"Oh, they sent the intern to this meeting."
Interviewed By
Native Way Forward
Rising Native leaders are fighting for a brighter future
