Hilary Penfield

Oki! Hello! Haʔɬ sləx̌il, good day. Hilary Penfield (she/her) is a member of the Blackfeet Nation. She was born on the Flathead Indian Reservation and, when she was five years old, her family moved to Washington. Since then, she has attended Muckleshoot Tribal School and will graduate this year with the Class of 2026. Attending the Tribal school exposed her to Lushootseed language, culture, traditions and opportunities she might not have otherwise experienced. In elementary school, she took culture class, performing arts and language courses. Throughout high school she has attended various conferences across the nation.

During the summer, Hilary had the opportunity to work in the Muckleshoot Forest, where she learned about Tribal forest management and the effects of invasive species on the land. In her sophomore year, she joined a Native education program in Seattle that expanded her knowledge of community organizing and Native leadership. These experiences have shaped her interest in Tribal sovereignty, traditional techniques and Tribal innovation. She often asks questions about language and culture whenever she can, as she enjoys breaking down systems to better understand how they work.

In her spare time, Hilary enjoys tending to the garden and creating gifts through sewing, beading and weaving. She is excited to be part of the 2026 Brave Heart cohort and to create a project that protects and promotes food sovereignty within her community.