Meet Joshua Bertalotto, 2018 Gen-I Career Success Fellow

Joshua Bertalotto, Tunica-Biloxi Indian Tribe
21 years old

Hometown: Hamburg, LA

“To better care for the youth and the elders and the history of our tribes, we must know that economic development can provide improvements and increased sovereignty throughout Indian Country.”

Joshua Bertalotto is a proud member of the Tunica-Biloxi Indian Tribe. He is a current senior at Johns Hopkins University studying sociology and social policy. At only 21 years old, Joshua has already had a number of policy experience and has interned with the Democratic National Committee, the National Congress of American Indians, and the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.

Joshua believes that tribal economic development is the bedrock of growth, especially for sovereign nations. For him, economic development means a greater ability create more opportunities to fund education, healthcare, and infrastructure improvements.

In the near future, Joshua sees himself working in policy at the federal level in order to better advocate for tribal sovereignty. He plans to eventually pursue a graduate degree in Policy and return home to support his tribe.

Fun fact about Joshua B.: “My town has a population of 120 people.”

Attending the 36^th Annual NAFOA Conference in New Orleans? Make sure to connect with Joshua B. and the other 2018 Gen-I Career Success Fellows! Email bettina.gonzalez@aspeninst.org for more information.