Introducing
Lailani Upham
Supporting the migration for INDIGENOUS LED, Lailani chose the name Julia for her elephant twin.
"Great Grandma Julia was the rock of the family. She was Aaniih (Gros Ventre) and she raised all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was kind and strong. The most loving person I remember. She instilled in me how much she believed in me and that I was loved and she had a way of celebrating every person in her family. We all felt the special bond she had with us all."
Lailani is an adventurer, filmmaker, photojournalist, writer, and teacher. She’s worked as a journalist for over 20 years and has taught Indigenous story-based video, writing, and podcast courses at tribal colleges. Lailani is also the founder of Iron Shield Creative, a consultancy fostering Indigenous storytelling in all aspects of work, including guided cultural hikes. She is a mother and grandmother.