MyKel Johnson

MyKel Johnson is an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe and a direct descendant of Old Chief Joseph of the Wallowa Band. She is the daughter of Anthony and Verna Johnson of Lapwai, Idaho. Mykel graduated from Washington State University (WSU) with a major in Risk and Crisis Communication and a minor in Anthropology. She has taken up numerous roles at WSU including building awareness concerning the Dakota Access Pipeline, cultural appropriation, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

What advice would you give to youth who are looking to be active in their communities?

“I would advise youth to start small and see who is already doing projects similar to theirs in their community. Partner with your local organizations and see what resources are available. Build connections and let people have input to your project. Then, usually one opportunity leads to another.”