JULYSSA COATS

Julyssa Coats is an enrolled Puyallup Tribal Member and a descendant of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians from North Dakota. While attending Chief Leschi High School she studied Lushootseed and developed a deep passion for revitalizing the Lushootseed language. After graduating in 2020, she eventually returned to Lushootseed work as a language assistant, earning her Level 1 Lushootseed Teaching Certification in October 2024. She is currently a part-time student at Northwest Indian College, furthering her education while continuing her commitment to language revitalization. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup Language Teacher, she works to promote Lushootseed learning and usage in both cultural and educational spaces. In her free time she enjoys beading, spending time with friends and family and playing with her dog.