Jd Elquist

About Jd Elquist

With over 5 years of experience in Economic Development and Placemaking, 8+ years as a…

Experience

1. Director

   Pacific Northwest Native Lacrosse

   Jan 2024 — Present · Tacoma, WA, US

   As the Director and Founder of Pacific Northwest Native Lacrosse, I lead efforts to honor and grow the Indigenous origins of the Creator’s Game while creating opportunities for Native youth to connect with their culture through lacrosse. My role involves overseeing all aspects of the organization, including: • Cultural Advocacy: Promoting and educating others about the origins of lacrosse as a sacred game rooted in Native traditions, and collaborating with tribal communities to reintroduce its teachings. • Youth Development: Creating and running camps, clinics, and competitive travel teams to provide Native youth with opportunities to learn, play, and grow through lacrosse, while emphasizing leadership, teamwork, and well-being. • Program Management: Developing culturally attuned programming, such as the Four Directions Lacrosse Model and the Creator’s Game Festival, to foster holistic health, cultural connection, and community-building. • Partnerships and Networking: Building relationships with tribal nations, non-profits, schools, and organizations to expand our reach and impact. • Fundraising and Outreach: Securing grants, sponsorships, and community support to remove financial barriers and provide equipment, registration fees, and resources for youth to participate. • Strategic Leadership: Steering the organization’s growth by envisioning and implementing strategies that amplify representation and inclusion of Native youth in lacrosse.Through this work, I aim to inspire the next generation of Native lacrosse players while honoring the game’s sacred roots and promoting wellness in Native communities.

Education

• FIDM

  Fashion Design

  2006 — 2007

• Bates Technical College

  Certificate in Barbering

  2016 — 2017