NPTEC Seat 3 – Quintin Ellenwood
Name: Quintin Eugene Ellenwood
Spouse: Janice Marie Ellenwood (married 21 years)
Children: Tristan, Anthony, Kimiwan, Loreal & Leiloni
Parents: Late Ruby Lyn Jackson
Grandparents: Shirley Ann Ellenwood, Charles Jackson Sr, Birtha Stevens Webb, Gene Ellenwood, Ruth Corbette Jackson, Andrew Jackson.
Education: Lapwai High School graduate, Undergrad at Lewis Clark State College (business major).
Experience: Nine years Nez Perce Fish & Wildlife Commission & Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission (CRITFC), Tribal Interior Budget Committee (TIBC), Interagency Bison Management Plan (IBMP), Nez Perce Enterprise Board, Nez Perce Resolutions Committee, six years Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee (NPTEC).
What I will bring to the NPTEC table:
I am deeply committed to serving the NiMiipuu people, and I believe my education, diverse work experiences, and previous policy roles make me a strong candidate to represent our community. I bring eight years of experience in the construction field, along with a history of serving in various capacities within the Nez Perce Tribe, including fisheries, cultural resources, ERWM, and Executive Direction.
I have proudly served nine years on the Nez Perce Fish & Wildlife Commission, including my work with CRITFC, and six years on the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee. During my time on NPTEC, I held key leadership roles, including Chairman of the Natural Resource Sub-Committee, Treasurer and Chairman of the Budget & Finance Sub-Committee, Land Enterprise Chairman, and CRITFC Chairman for two years. My dedication to our community extends beyond these roles. Before, during, and after my time on NPTEC, I have consistently volunteered with the Nez Perce Veterans program and stepped up to assist during emergency situations.
I was raised by a single mother and by my Great Grandfather Gene, along with many other members of my family and community who shaped who I am today. Growing up, my mom and I moved around frequently, staying with family and friends. No matter how tough times got, my mother always made sure I was safe, had clothes on my back, and food to eat. Life wasn’t always easy, but those experiences taught me valuable lessons—how to work hard, take pride in everything I do, lend a helping hand, support those less fortunate, and honor and respect all Nez Perce people, as well as our NiMiiPuu way of life.
After graduating from Lapwai High School, I attended Lewis-Clark State College, majoring in business. After I lost my mother twenty-four years ago, I was heartbroken, lost, and unsure of my path. I traveled and held various jobs. Eventually, I found my way back home; that’s when I met my wife, Janice. Meeting her was a turning point in my life—everything changed for the better. I settled down and married the love of my life. We’ve now been together for twenty-three years and married for twenty-one. Together, we are blessed with three daughters, Kimiwan, Loreal, and Leiloni, two sons, Tristan and Anthony, two grandsons, and one granddaughter.
If elected, I will dedicate myself to the wellbeing and prosperity of the Nez Perce Nation. I am committed to addressing critical issues such as tribal housing, job creation, services for our elders and children, natural resource issues, and the Clean Water Act, to name a few. I also plan to implement strategies to increase fuel tax revenue through higher gallons sold, ensuring greater financial support for our community.
Every issue that comes before the NPTEC holds great importance, and I will approach each decision with care, integrity, and a focus on what is best for the Nez Perce Nation. Together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous future for generations to come.
With the support of my wife, children, and countless family members and friends, I am committed to working tirelessly for the wellbeing of our people. I will honor and respect our ancestors, provide a safe working environment and community, and always keep the future of the next seven generations at the forefront of every decision.
As the saying goes, “To go fast, go alone; to go far, go together.” Our people have always stood together, united in strength and purpose. We are NiMiiPuu—The People—and together, we can achieve great things.