JILL LA POINTE earned her BA and master’s degree in social work at the University of Washington. She is an enrolled member of the Upper Skagit Tribe in NW Washington state and is the granddaughter of the late Vi "taqʷšəblu" Hilbert (an international storyteller). Jill has worked with both tribal and non-tribal agencies that serve Native youth and families. Her experience ranges from being a direct service provider as a Mental Health Therapist, Training supervisor, and Instructor to Management and Administration.

Currently, Jill is the Director of Lushootseed Research (LR), a nonprofit founded by her grandmother in 1983, dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Lushootseed language and culture. Under Jill's leadership, LR continues to fulfill its mission, by providing educational publications and support for numerous language programs throughout Puget Sound. In addition, LR has successfully hosted an annual Lushootseed language conference at Seattle University since 2010. She draws strength and healing from her work with Lushootseed Research and envisions a day when all people who visit or live in Seattle and the surrounding area will be able to see and hear the beautiful Lushootseed language and learn and grow from the rich traditional culture and values of the first people of this land.