Claire Charlo

Collaborator - Content Builder

Claire Charlo is a member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes. Claire grew up on the Flathead Reservation. Claire was raised by parents ahead of their time. Homeschooled and taught cultural lessons on medicinal plants, Salish language, beading, tanning deer hides for regalia and moccasin making. Claire started going to poetry readings as a child when her father, Victor Charlo would have readings at university's, bookstores and coffee shops. A love of poetry began, writing on paper napkins, scratch paper and notebooks, Claire began writing poetry. At a young age, Claire started her spiritual teachings in the sweat lodge and at winter ceremonies.  The relationship with the land, plant, animal, aquatic relatives were all inspiration and helped create Claire’s spiritual foundation. Claire left her home to attend Cornell College in Iowa. Learning different ways to write, Claire graduated and went to the University of Arizona School of Law and graduated with a Juris Doctorate. Currently. Claire works as a Civil Advocate with the CSKT Defender's office. In her spare time, Claire beads jewelry, writes poetry/short articles, organizes awareness for Murdered Missing Indigenous Relatives, and is a Land and Water Protector. To stay balanced, soul work is crucial as an organizer. Claire incorporates Indigenous spiritual teachings with somatics, song, breath work, and movement.