Tleena Ree Ives Port Gamble S' Klallam, of Port Angeles, Washington
As MIUSA, Tleena remained in Washington State to pursue her education. She is the first American Indian woman to represent the Great Pacific Northwest as a National Miss Indian USA. Appearance highlights include traveling on numerous Canoe journeys with many Coastal Tribes, greeting Canadian Tribal Leaders and a VIP appearance for the Youth Conference at the Warm Springs Tribe in Oregon. She was also featured in and graced the cover of the College Digest.
Raised with both of her grandmothers on the reservation, they taught her about the indigenous plants of the Northwest region and their traditional natural medicinal and food uses. This early influence fostered a desire to retain these ancestral teachings and knowledge of traditional medicines for future generations. She has extensively pursued becoming a Naturopath, in order to preserve these native plants. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany with a specialty as a Naturopath.
