Jessica Simpson is a Tlicho First Nations from Wha Ti, NT, who grew up in Somba Ke (Yellowknife), Denendeh. She is a young indigenous leader with a diverse array of interests and accomplishments. In October 2007, she received her Bachelor of Arts with major in Anthropology and minor in Canadian Studies, from Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick. Jessica continues to gain knowledge about her Dene culture by learning traditional recipes and reading about Tlicho legends, she plans to write a children's book about the influential stories. Jessica has written a number of youth-focused articles on 'How to stay motivated and the struggles therein'. Her written work has been published in RedWire and Spirit-Mag; both Canadian Aboriginal youth magazines. She was also published in the New Socialist Magazine which concentrates on politics, social movements and culture. In 2003, Jessica attended the annual general meeting of the NWT Youth Council, during this time she was became more interested in Northern issues and of the proposed Mackenzie Gas Project. It wasn't one person in particular that influenced Jessica but everyone that attended the meeting. She found inspiration in the stories and emotions expressed, many relating to the concerns of youth in northern communities. In retrospect, it was her sympathetic concern for northern people that motivated Jessica to advance her involvement in Northern issues. More... (PDF - 16 kb)