Joan also brings a deep connection to our homebase on the conservation ranch where we are fortunate to live each summer. This land, now named Yellow Bird Woman Sanctuary, at one time belonged to her great grandmother, who raised four children in the one-room cabin that still sits on the property. Joan has two sons, Jalen and Chazz. Chazz is a renowned Indian Relay champion. Joan’s father, Ervin Carlson, is a project manager for the tribe’s Buffalo “Iinnii” Program. Iinnii is the Blackfeet word for buffalo and the tribe has been expanding the size and grazing area of the herd, and has been building a market for the healthy buffalo meat, as well.
Joan is currently enrolled at Blackfeet Community College, where she is studying to get a Health Science Degree. She plans on transferring to Western Montana College to continue with a Bachelor’s in Microbiology.
Recent Blog Posts
VISIONS AND THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS
A volunteer service trip with VISIONS Service Adventures shaped a student’s college application journey and future aspirations. It gave her new perspectives, more to write about than just “fluff”, and exceeded her teenage volunteering expectations.
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Spotlight: Tim Parsons, Former VISIONS Leader and Office Staff
Tim has led VISIONS programs all over the world – Mississippi, Australia, South Carolina, Dominica, Alaska, Montana Blackfeet Indian Reservation and Montana Northern Cheyenne. Today he uses the skills that he developed as a VISIONS team member to enhance his life and others’ around him.
Santos Ramos: The Patron Saint of VISIONS Dominican Republic
Meet Santos Ramos, our “Saint” of VISIONS Dominican Republic. Since 1991, Santos has been an integral part of VISIONS, dedicating his life to serving communities, building schools, and providing homes. Read on to discover his remarkable story and lasting impact.