Montana Indigenous Tourism Alliance Staff
Lailani Upham
Lailani Upham
Executive Director,
Montana Indigenous Tourism Alliance
Program Director of the Montana Indigenous Tourism Trail Project (MITTP)
Amskapi Piikani (Blackfeet) Nation citizen, A'aninin (Gros Ventre), Nakoda, and Dakota
Lailani is a journalist, filmmaker, educator, entrepreneur, and tourism leader dedicated to elevating Indigenous voices, cultural preservation, sustainable tourism, and fostering communities.
Lailani earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Entrepreneurship from Salish Kootenai College and studied Photojournalism and Environmental Science and Natural Resources Journalism at the University of Montana. Her professional work spans Indigenous tourism development, media production, Indigenous-led conservation, community engagement, and strategic partnerships.
As the founder of Iron Shield Creative, she offers land-based learning and experiences that connect visitors to Indigenous perspectives of place, history, stewardship, and community. Her work combines media, tourism, conservation, and education to foster deeper understanding between people and the landscapes they visit.
She serves on the Board of Directors for Western Montana Glacier Country and the Montana Wildlife Federation and is a member of the Montana Tourism Advisory Council and Yellowstone People's Advisory Council and the Blackfoot Tourism Alliance (cross-border U.S. and Canada). Through her leadership, MITA works alongside Montana's tribal communities to strengthen Indigenous tourism economies, promote authentic visitor experiences, and support cultural preservation through community-driven storytelling.
A U.S. Army veteran and lifelong advocate for Indigenous communities, Lailani believes tourism can be a powerful tool for sharing authentic stories, bridging understanding, and creating opportunities for future generations.
Outside of her professional work, you'll often find her hiking mountain trails, camping, traveling, documenting stories on the landscape. Most meaningful to her is spending time with her children, grandchildren and friends and sharing the love for the outdoors.ailani Upham is an Amskapi Pikuni (Blackfeet) tribal member and descendant of the A’aninin, Nakoda, and Dakota nations. She is the Project Manager for MITA’s Montana Indigenous Tourism Trail Project, leading statewide efforts to strengthen Indigenous-led tourism and cultural stewardship. An adventurer, filmmaker, photographer, freelance journalist, and educator, Lailani founded Iron Shield Creative, a media and consulting platform that elevates Indigenous stories and offers cultural workshop hikes rooted in place-based understanding.
Brian King Chief Financial Officer,
Montana Indigenous Tourism Alliance (MITA)
Finance Operations Manager of the Montana Indigenous Tourism and Trails Project (MITTP)
Member of the Amskapi Pikuni Nation (Blackfeet)
Brian King has dedicated his career to strengthening Tribal communities through service, leadership, education, and nonprofit management. As Chief Financial Officer of the Montana Indigenous Tourism Alliance (MITA) and Finance Operations Manager of the Montana Indigenous Tourism and Trails Project (MITTP), he provides financial oversight, operational leadership, and strategic guidance to support Indigenous-led tourism and community development initiatives throughout Montana.
Brian began his professional career directing the first AmeriCorps program on the Blackfeet Nation. After a yearlong fellowship in Washington, D.C., he spent more than a decade supporting a nationwide portfolio of Tribal AmeriCorps programs, helping communities succeed through sound financial management, program development, and community engagement.
He later spent six years at Montana State University, helping Native students navigate higher education and achieve their academic goals. After returning home to the Blackfeet Nation, Brian joined the Board of FAST Blackfeet, where he served as co-chair of the nonprofit organization dedicated to food sovereignty, sustainability, and community wellness.
Brian attended the University of Arizona before transferring to Montana State University, where he earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology. Along the way, he also completed an unofficial minor in "noon ball" at the North and South gyms. Go Bobcats!
Brian is married to Grace Goss-King, the owner of the Sparkles Beauty Salon. They are the proud parents of two talented daughters who work as artists in the film and television industry. Above all, Brian's favorite title is "Dad." Throughout his life, Brian has been fortunate to learn from mentors, community leaders, family members, and good-hearted people who have shaped his path. He strives to carry that tradition forward by encouraging and empowering others on their journeys.
In his spare time, Brian enjoys weightlifting, supporting his daughters' creative work, and practicing traditional lifeways, including hide tanning, drum making, and rattle making, as well as spending time with family and community.
Luella Brien
Luella Brien, Program Coordinator, Montana Indigenous Tourism Trail Project (MITTP)
Citizen of the Apsáalooke Nation
Luella Brien is the descendant of powerful healers, educators, leaders and most importantly storytellers. Storytelling and Apsáalooke history are the foundation of our tourism industry. Crow Country is the only place in the world to learn about the Apsáalooke people. Luella believes that keeping the door open to guests will be the only way to bring understanding between cultures.