Paulette grew up in rural Northern Idaho in a family rooted in agriculture and caring for the land. This humble upbringing instilled in her the values of strength in the face of challenge and adversity, diligence in loving and helping family and neighbors, and pride in hard work and service. ...
Read morePaulette grew up in rural Northern Idaho in a family rooted in agriculture and caring for the land. This humble upbringing instilled in her the values of strength in the face of challenge and adversity, diligence in loving and helping family and neighbors, and pride in hard work and service. Paulette credits much of her leadership abilities and knowledge to having remarkable and wise role models who instilled in her the importance of taking action and fighting for justice while stressing the significance of first listening with an open heart and mind to a wide range of perspectives and ideas.
While pursuing her undergraduate degrees in communications, comparative literature, and American Indian studies at the University of Washington, Paulette became an active member of student government and developed a reputation for being a voice for her peers. Never one to be able to sit on the sidelines, Paulette reveled in the impact she could make by uniting people in the community and engagement to bring forth positive and crucial changes. After she graduated, she ran for Coeur d’Alene tribal council and became the youngest member to be elected. She continued her political success by securing a seat in the Idaho Legislature for District 5, first in 2014 and again in 2016, making her the only Democrat elected to represent Northern Idaho.
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