Tylar M. Larsen, Lower Sioux Indian Community in the State of Minnesota
University of South Dakota
Tribal Public Policy
Tylar is Bdewakantunwan Dakota from Cansayapi, known as the Lower Sioux Indian Community. Studying psychology and public health, Tylar is in the honors program at the University of South Dakota and holds positions in several student organizations. He discovered USD through the Oscar Howe Summer Art Institute, where he now serves as a counselor; this is the highlight of his summers. He worked on Cansayapi’s Health and Human Services Advisory Committee, where he helped pass two policies, working closely with the American Indian Cancer Foundation. This opportunity is where Tylar discovered his passion and future goal of working to help his community, and eventually others, heal from historical trauma.