LEAD Program Washington
Host Organization: Potlatch Fund
Host Organization: Potlatch Fund
For the 2009-2010 LEAD program year, First Nations selected Potlatch Fund to be the Native nonprofit host organization in the State of Washington for a cohort of twelve emerging Native professionals who will benefit from mentorship and leadership training. In collaboration with First Nations Development Institute, Potlatch Fund will seek to accomplish this goal by providing leadership development opportunities for Native leaders who are either seeking to work in the nonprofit field or are already employed by a Native nonprofit.
2008 Washington LEAD Graduates proudly display their handmade
Ute Mountain Ute pottery canteens following their graduation
ceremony in Seattle in November of 2008.
Ute Mountain Ute pottery canteens following their graduation
ceremony in Seattle in November of 2008.
2009-2010 Washington LEAD Fellows Profiles
Solana Rose Booth
Solana is the founder of Indigenous Voices Association and a member of the Nooksack and TsymSyan tribes. She works with nonprofit organizations and schools as a consultant to provide culturally appropriate curriculum and materials to help children become successful in school. She has developed some “Best Practices in Indian Country” including one on classroom layout and décor as well as a behavioral health program.
Solana is the founder of Indigenous Voices Association and a member of the Nooksack and TsymSyan tribes. She works with nonprofit organizations and schools as a consultant to provide culturally appropriate curriculum and materials to help children become successful in school. She has developed some “Best Practices in Indian Country” including one on classroom layout and décor as well as a behavioral health program.
Nina Butler
Nina is an enrolled member of the Lummi Nation and is also from the Klamath and Siletz tribes. She lived in Lummi for 12 years before relocating to Seattle in 2006. While in Lummi she worked as the Executive Assistant to the Chief Judge and Court Director at the Lummi Tribal Court.
Nina is an enrolled member of the Lummi Nation and is also from the Klamath and Siletz tribes. She lived in Lummi for 12 years before relocating to Seattle in 2006. While in Lummi she worked as the Executive Assistant to the Chief Judge and Court Director at the Lummi Tribal Court.
For the past 3 years Nina has been employed at Chief Seattle Club (CSC), a non profit day center for low-income and homeless Native Americans & Alaska Natives, located in Pioneer Square in Seattle, WA. At CSC she serves as the Assistant to the Executive Director.
As an employee of CSC Nina crosses paths with many Native people from many walks of life and has dedicated herself to helping better the lives of her fellow Natives.
Nina is the proud parent of an energetic 6 year old boy and currently calls Suquamish, WA home.
Elizabeth Egan
I am a person of Tlingit descent who is passionate about work that supports the sovereignty and understanding of indigenous people. I believe it is essential to encourage and support people of all ages and backgrounds to be engaged, life-long learners and active citizens. I am especially concerned with supporting indigenous children as they become knowledgeable adults who have the capacity to make wise decisions while living successfully in the “two worlds” of indigenous culture and the dominant/mainstream society. I have focused on personal and professional development work that includes both mainstream success as well as culturally meaningful success. In the past 3+ years, I have been employed as a Planner by the Skokomish Indian Tribe and I am currently employed by the Squaxin Island Tribe.
Jeremiah Jack George
Jeremiah is the current Cultural Coordinator of the Squaxin Island Tribe. He works for the Squaxin Island museum where he coordinates cultural events, designs museum exhibits and is preparing for Squaxin Island’s hosting of the 2012 canoe journey. He holds degrees from Clatsop Community College and the Art Institute of Seattle as well as member of the Squaxin Island Tribe.
Jeremiah is the current Cultural Coordinator of the Squaxin Island Tribe. He works for the Squaxin Island museum where he coordinates cultural events, designs museum exhibits and is preparing for Squaxin Island’s hosting of the 2012 canoe journey. He holds degrees from Clatsop Community College and the Art Institute of Seattle as well as member of the Squaxin Island Tribe.
Jefferson Grant Greene
From Warm Springs, OR, Jefferson Greene graduating high school in 2002 when he also began attending Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC). He co-founded the Chako Kumtux student group and co-coordinated the Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (MEChA) chapter a year later. Greene transferred to Portland State University (PSU) in 2004 when he also started a small home recording studio becoming the head-recording engineer at the Apollo Sound Production Studio in Beaverton, OR the following year. In 2005, Greene started Gold Mind Music Productions and began working part-time jobs in the hospitality industry. In 2006, Greene began working with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (CTWS) as a Government Affairs intern and in 2007 was elected co-coordinator for the United Indian Students in Higher Education at PSU. In 2008, he was elected Chairman for the Northwest Indian Youth Conference and graduated with a B.S. in Business, Marketing & Advertising. Greene has since coordinated 3 Beautification Projects, started two small businesses, worked in both the CTWS Judicial and Government Affairs Branches, completed the Ford Leadership Institute’s Community Development training and project, began coordinating the Central Oregon Recycling Project, and was appointed to both the Warm Springs Composite Products Board of Directors and the Central Oregon 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness and Poverty.
From Warm Springs, OR, Jefferson Greene graduating high school in 2002 when he also began attending Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC). He co-founded the Chako Kumtux student group and co-coordinated the Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (MEChA) chapter a year later. Greene transferred to Portland State University (PSU) in 2004 when he also started a small home recording studio becoming the head-recording engineer at the Apollo Sound Production Studio in Beaverton, OR the following year. In 2005, Greene started Gold Mind Music Productions and began working part-time jobs in the hospitality industry. In 2006, Greene began working with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (CTWS) as a Government Affairs intern and in 2007 was elected co-coordinator for the United Indian Students in Higher Education at PSU. In 2008, he was elected Chairman for the Northwest Indian Youth Conference and graduated with a B.S. in Business, Marketing & Advertising. Greene has since coordinated 3 Beautification Projects, started two small businesses, worked in both the CTWS Judicial and Government Affairs Branches, completed the Ford Leadership Institute’s Community Development training and project, began coordinating the Central Oregon Recycling Project, and was appointed to both the Warm Springs Composite Products Board of Directors and the Central Oregon 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness and Poverty.
Heather Miller
Heather is an enrolled member of the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma. She holds a Bachelor of Philosophy degree from Miami University of Ohio and a Master’ of Native American Studies from Montana State University. Her interests and thesis topics involved Native American representations in Hollywood film.
Before moving to Seattle, Heather worked for a nonprofit organization in Montana that trained Native nonprofit organizations in the areas of board development, native leadership and fund development. Heather is committed to seeing Native nonprofits become successful and sustainable for many generations.
Misty Lee Oldham
Misty Lee Oldham is a member of the Lummi Nation (Washington) and Assiniboine Gros Ventre of the Fort Belknap Tribe (Montana). Growing up on the Lummi reservation for most of her life, Misty has been involved with canoe pulling, Lummi Cultural Arts Association and the Lummi CEDAR Project. In fact, she held the first youth position as Secretary on the Lummi CEDAR Project Board in 2003.
Today, Misty continues to stay involved with the CEDAR Project, a Native American 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and has taken on a new leadership role as Program Director. Her main focus is the Native Youth Leadership Program (NYLP) which is a five week program that offers 20-30 youth leadership/ basic life skills. She is also helped develop the curriculum for the NYLP to become a yearlong program starting in 2009.
While working full-time she is also attending the Northwest Indian College as a full-time student perusing her General Direct Transfer Degree (AAS). Before the Northwest Indian College she lived in Spokane, WA for a year, during which time she attended Spokane Falls Community College. Overall, Misty views her education as another way to help her community.
Kathy Pierre
Kathy is a member of the Lummi Nation and the Executive Director of the Ventures Partnership for Lummi Nation. Her program requires interfacing between several different groups of people and she has learned how to navigate all types of people. She has also turned this once struggling program around and made it a successful model in poverty reduction and prosperity building for the Lummi Nation. She holds degrees from Northwest Indian College, Western Washington University, University of Phoenix Online and Evergreen State College.
Jason Pretty Boy
Jason Pretty Boy is a Hunkpapa and Oglala Lakota, whose family is originally from the #4 district of Pine Ridge and the Rock Creek District of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Though his family is from South Dakota, Jason was raised on a family farm in Southern Idaho. He graduated from Declo High School in Idaho. He then started his college career at the College of Southern Idaho, but, as some freshman are apt to do, he worried more about social success and less about academic success. After returning home to Rock Creek, Jason attended Sitting Bull College in Fort Yates, North Dakota, but, found out it wasn’t the greatest fit for him. In the meantime, he started a family and worked for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in various capacities, before deciding to return to college at the ripe old age of 27. Jason attended United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, North Dakota, graduating with an AAS in Tribal Management thru the Business Administration program. In 2007 Jason decided to make the move back to Idaho to attend Idaho State University, and, is close to completing a degree in Political Science and currently working for Academic Services at ISU.
Kathy is a member of the Lummi Nation and the Executive Director of the Ventures Partnership for Lummi Nation. Her program requires interfacing between several different groups of people and she has learned how to navigate all types of people. She has also turned this once struggling program around and made it a successful model in poverty reduction and prosperity building for the Lummi Nation. She holds degrees from Northwest Indian College, Western Washington University, University of Phoenix Online and Evergreen State College.
Jason Pretty Boy
Jason Pretty Boy is a Hunkpapa and Oglala Lakota, whose family is originally from the #4 district of Pine Ridge and the Rock Creek District of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Though his family is from South Dakota, Jason was raised on a family farm in Southern Idaho. He graduated from Declo High School in Idaho. He then started his college career at the College of Southern Idaho, but, as some freshman are apt to do, he worried more about social success and less about academic success. After returning home to Rock Creek, Jason attended Sitting Bull College in Fort Yates, North Dakota, but, found out it wasn’t the greatest fit for him. In the meantime, he started a family and worked for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in various capacities, before deciding to return to college at the ripe old age of 27. Jason attended United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, North Dakota, graduating with an AAS in Tribal Management thru the Business Administration program. In 2007 Jason decided to make the move back to Idaho to attend Idaho State University, and, is close to completing a degree in Political Science and currently working for Academic Services at ISU.
Marilyn Sheldon
Marilyn Sheldon received her Masters in Business Administration in management from Seattle Pacific University in 1992. She began her studies at Everett Community College and received her Associates in Science in Business Administration. Her undergraduate degree is in Business Management with a major in Business Economics and a minor in Marketing from Central Washington University.
Marilyn Sheldon received her Masters in Business Administration in management from Seattle Pacific University in 1992. She began her studies at Everett Community College and received her Associates in Science in Business Administration. Her undergraduate degree is in Business Management with a major in Business Economics and a minor in Marketing from Central Washington University.
Tulalip Tribes has been her employer for the last twenty three years. She has managed to work in many different facets of the tribal organization starting with the Accounts Receivable Clerk in the Finance Department, Finance Supervisor, Business Development Planner, Executive Director of Economic and Community Development, Internal Auditor, and finally Charitable Contributions Compliance/Representative.
During this time, her tenure has brought her to work with auditors, construction contractors, educational services, community development representatives, and various other entities wishing to work with Tulalip. She has also managed to be on the 401(k) Trustee Committee for most of this time and held a position on the Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce representing Tulalip. Most recently she was appointed to Marysville Fire District Commissioner position for which she is currently running for office.
She has a son, Francis, in college and enjoys golfing.
2008-2009 Washington LEAD Graduate Profiles
Shasta Cano-Martin
Shasta Little-Star Cano is a tribal member of the Lummi (pronounced Lum-ee) Indian Nation—a population of about 4,500. The Lummi Indian Reservation is located in the Pacific Northwest near the outskirts of Bellingham, Washington. Prior to being placed on the reservation, the Lummi people’s traditional territory reached through the San Juan’s and up into British Columbia.
Shasta Little-Star Cano is a tribal member of the Lummi (pronounced Lum-ee) Indian Nation—a population of about 4,500. The Lummi Indian Reservation is located in the Pacific Northwest near the outskirts of Bellingham, Washington. Prior to being placed on the reservation, the Lummi people’s traditional territory reached through the San Juan’s and up into British Columbia.
While working in community-based projects, Shasta came to realize that many Native people suffer from the effects of historical trauma, racism, and a general loss of cultural identity. She comments, “It’s not like you can walk onto the reservation and witness suffering. I went to school and studied the impacts of colonialization and its subtle yet harmful effects. In fact, if you talk to most people on my reservation, you will witness humor, laughter, and a strong sense of resilience. When discussing issues with my people, many stated that they thought the downfalls of our community, such as alcohol and drug abuse, can be attributed to a lack of cultural identity or sense of pride. I think that art restores pride and cultural identity, but I say that only because it has done so for me. The purpose of my art is to help educate and heal, and I do this mostly through art prints, spoken word and music lyrics. In general, I hope to impact people in a positive way.”
In addition to her art, Shasta stays involved in her community through grassroots efforts. Recently, Shasta was hired as the Program Manager to the Lummi CEDAR Project—a Native non-profit geared towards fostering youth leadership and development. “As a teenager, I was introduced to the Lummi CEDAR Project and took part in its summer youth training. It’s an honor to be able to come back to this organization and contribute in a new way. I feel really blessed for the opportunity”.
Loretta K. DeLora
Loretta DeLora is an enrolled Gros Ventre/Assiniboine of the Ft Belknap Tribal Nation and a life long resident of the greater Puget Sound region. She has worked in the Native community for the past nine years at various nonprofit agencies in a variety of roles And currently works for the White Center Community Development Association as the Capacity Building Coordinator. She is associated with the 3 Generations Dance Group, a grass roots performing arts organization, whose primary focus is to empower youth and families through interpretive dance. She has formerly performed at a cross cultural sharing through Washington State Arts Council/Parks and Rec., Sacajawea Park, Tri-Cities on behalf of 3 Generations Dance Group.
Loretta DeLora is an enrolled Gros Ventre/Assiniboine of the Ft Belknap Tribal Nation and a life long resident of the greater Puget Sound region. She has worked in the Native community for the past nine years at various nonprofit agencies in a variety of roles And currently works for the White Center Community Development Association as the Capacity Building Coordinator. She is associated with the 3 Generations Dance Group, a grass roots performing arts organization, whose primary focus is to empower youth and families through interpretive dance. She has formerly performed at a cross cultural sharing through Washington State Arts Council/Parks and Rec., Sacajawea Park, Tri-Cities on behalf of 3 Generations Dance Group.
Greg Harrison
Greg Harrison is currently serving as the interim Director of Development of the King County Police Activity League, a National organization serving at-risk youths in the Greater Seattle/King County area. He is a member of the Osage Nation from Pawhuska, Oklahoma.
Greg Harrison is currently serving as the interim Director of Development of the King County Police Activity League, a National organization serving at-risk youths in the Greater Seattle/King County area. He is a member of the Osage Nation from Pawhuska, Oklahoma.
Greg is also currently working with the Muckleshoot Tribal School’s youth Director in implementing a sustainable basketball league and mentoring program to help keep Muckleshoot Tribal kids stay in school and graduate.
His past tenure has been with the Boy’s and Girl’s Club as both the Director of IWASIL and on the advisory board as the Treasurer. He was an original founding member of the Foundation of the Seattle Indian Health Board and became the interim Director of Development prior to going to work for the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of America.
He received his Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Oregon. Out of college Greg worked for C. Itoh, a large Japanese trading company. He moved to Seattle with his wife where his career took him to work for Morgan Stanley as a Financial Advisor. As an advisor Greg worked with many high net worth individuals and corporate Executive in providing financial advice. His contacts have helped him in his new career in the Non-Profit field.
He found his passion with non-profit work through his volunteer commitment at Chief Seattle Club and the Catholic Church. His volunteer activities included being a member of the Northwest Native Advisory Committee with the Seattle Police Department and coach’s soccer for U16 Boys in Burien, Washington. He has two boys that are 16 and 14 years of age.
Kris Hohag
Raised in Bishop, California, Kris is Paiute and Shoshone on his mother's side and of Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish heritage from his father. Kris earned his B.S. in Sociology with a minor in Education at the University of California, Irvine. He later earned his M.Ed. from the University of Washington, focusing on Teaching and Curriculum. He currently serves as Native American Recruitment Coordinator at UW in the Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity. Language, culture, learning and imagination are his passions.
Raised in Bishop, California, Kris is Paiute and Shoshone on his mother's side and of Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish heritage from his father. Kris earned his B.S. in Sociology with a minor in Education at the University of California, Irvine. He later earned his M.Ed. from the University of Washington, focusing on Teaching and Curriculum. He currently serves as Native American Recruitment Coordinator at UW in the Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity. Language, culture, learning and imagination are his passions.
Dawn M. Houle
Dawn M. Houle, is a member of the Chippewa-Cree Tribe. Ms. Houle is a talented professional who received her MBA degree from Saint Martin’s University with a Pacific Rim study aboard experience in international business management. Dawn commenced her career in forest management after graduating from the School of Forestry at the University of Montana. Ms. Houle currently serves as a founding member and executive director of the Tulalip non-profit Foundation. Dawn also is the Director of Development for the Tulalip Tribes.
Dawn has a diverse background and experience that ranges from owning a consulting business, advocating for self-governing tribes, to serving as Forest Manager for the Quinault Indian Nation. She currently is a board member for the Potlatch Latch Fund, Native American Television and has served on various other boards such as the Intertribal Timber Council, National Center for Continuing Education (NCCE), and Native Arts Council.
Dawn and Milo reside in Seattle, Washington with their two-year old son, Parker. Dawn’s interests include attending pow-wows, traveling, quilting, reading native history and arts.
Leslie Johnson
Leslie is an enrolled member of the Puyallup Tribe. She was raised off-reservation in Seattle, Washington. She graduated from the Evergreen State College (Liberal Arts degree in creative writing). About 25 years ago, Leslie worked as a planner for a consortium of four Tribes. She was assigned to the Squaxin Island and the Nisqually Tribes (these tribes along with the Puyallup Tribe make up the Medicine Creek Treaty area). She quit tribal work to exercise her treaty fishing rights. In the mid 1980’s, Leslie went to work for the Washington State Legislature. She stayed for 13 years. Leslie has been owner of several smokeshops, fish buying company, smoked salmon business as well as a seafood company.
In March, 2006, Leslie was hired to establish the Squaxin Island Tribe Tourism Office.
Leslie is an enrolled member of the Puyallup Tribe. She was raised off-reservation in Seattle, Washington. She graduated from the Evergreen State College (Liberal Arts degree in creative writing). About 25 years ago, Leslie worked as a planner for a consortium of four Tribes. She was assigned to the Squaxin Island and the Nisqually Tribes (these tribes along with the Puyallup Tribe make up the Medicine Creek Treaty area). She quit tribal work to exercise her treaty fishing rights. In the mid 1980’s, Leslie went to work for the Washington State Legislature. She stayed for 13 years. Leslie has been owner of several smokeshops, fish buying company, smoked salmon business as well as a seafood company.
In March, 2006, Leslie was hired to establish the Squaxin Island Tribe Tourism Office.
• Tribal and Community Involvement
• Treasurer/Board Member: American Indian/Alaska Native National Tourism Association-Pacific Region
• NorthWest Tribal Tourism (NWTT), Board Member
• Shelton/Mason County Chamber of Commerce, Board member
• Joint Chambers of Commerce Tourism Committee Member
• Olympia/Thurston County Chamber of Commerce, member
• Lacey Chamber of Commerce, member
• Tumwater Chamber of Commerce, member
• Thurston County Economic Development Council, member
• Mason County Economic Development Council (board delegate)
• Visitor’s Convention Bureau, member
• Treasurer/Board Member: American Indian/Alaska Native National Tourism Association-Pacific Region
• NorthWest Tribal Tourism (NWTT), Board Member
• Shelton/Mason County Chamber of Commerce, Board member
• Joint Chambers of Commerce Tourism Committee Member
• Olympia/Thurston County Chamber of Commerce, member
• Lacey Chamber of Commerce, member
• Tumwater Chamber of Commerce, member
• Thurston County Economic Development Council, member
• Mason County Economic Development Council (board delegate)
• Visitor’s Convention Bureau, member
Jenna Losik-Gonzalez
My name given by my grandmother is “Adzalous”, which means beautiful blue eyes. I am a Tulalip Tribal Member and have spent my entire life on or near the reservation. I am the mother of seven children, one of whom is disabled. I am empowered by the strength of my children, especially watching the trials and challenges that my daughter is forced to endure on a daily basis. I am an advocate for Native Americans with Disabilities and am a member of the Autism Society and Cure Autism Now. I have participated in numerous fundraising events to help raise awareness for those living with disabilities. I am continuing my education at Evergreen State College but graduated from Northwest Indian College with Highest Honors. I am presently working as the Assistant Site Manager for NWIC at the Tulalip Site.
Pamela Masterman (Tlingit)
My given name is "Skanse," " Ch'aalk" Eagle - Moiety, "Wooshkeetaan" - Shark - Clan, Juneau, Alaska. I am the daughter of Hazel Hope and Thomas Dalton, and the grand daughter of Margaret and Jim McKinley of Hoonah, Alaska. Proud parent of three children, Chris, Alexandria and Stephanie.
My given name is "Skanse," " Ch'aalk" Eagle - Moiety, "Wooshkeetaan" - Shark - Clan, Juneau, Alaska. I am the daughter of Hazel Hope and Thomas Dalton, and the grand daughter of Margaret and Jim McKinley of Hoonah, Alaska. Proud parent of three children, Chris, Alexandria and Stephanie.
Personnel Specialist, City of Seattle, Seattle Public Utilities, Human Resources Division Employment Team. Chair Native American Employee Group, Co-Chair Seattle Public Utilities Native Affinity Group, Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI) Core Team Member, Associate Member of Seattle Public Utilities RSJI Change Team. Enrolled member of Tlingit & Haida Central Council, Shareholder Seaslaska Corporation. Activist, Homeless issues, Domestic Violence, Socio-economic justice, Advocate workforce equity, youth program partnerships.
"The longest journey one will ever make is from the head to the heart."
Jessica Porter
Originally from Willapa Bay in Southwestern, WA, Jessica is a mixed-heritage member of the Chinook Indian Nation. Having lived in Seattle for nearly 10 years, Jessica makes frequent trips back to Willapa Bay, a place she still calls ‘home,’ to visit family and serve her Chinook community. She is a former Tribal Council Representative and the current Development Committee Chair for the Chinook Indian Nation. Jessica follows in a long tradition of many Chinook people who have fought to improve Chinook tribal relations with the U.S. Government.
Originally from Willapa Bay in Southwestern, WA, Jessica is a mixed-heritage member of the Chinook Indian Nation. Having lived in Seattle for nearly 10 years, Jessica makes frequent trips back to Willapa Bay, a place she still calls ‘home,’ to visit family and serve her Chinook community. She is a former Tribal Council Representative and the current Development Committee Chair for the Chinook Indian Nation. Jessica follows in a long tradition of many Chinook people who have fought to improve Chinook tribal relations with the U.S. Government.
For longer than Jessica’s lifetime, the Chinook have struggled to reestablish the federal government’s recognition of their federal tribal status. Like the Duwamish, the Chinook saw their tribal status legally acknowledged by the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 2001, only to have it illegally stripped by a new administration the following year. After several years of regrouping, the Chinook have renewed their efforts to restore justice for their community. The Honorable Brian Baird is currently sponsoring the Chinook Restoration Act, H.R. 6689.
As Development Committee Chair, Jessica is a strong advocate for her community. She not only speaks out about the importance of Chinook Restoration, but also works with the Chinook Tribal Council and other Chinook Tribal members to create sustainable and sensible community development. Jessica is heavily involved in the Chinook Indian Nation’s efforts to conduct an integrated strategic planning process.
In combination with her work for Chinook, Jessica is also currently a graduate student at Antioch University Seattle, where she is completing her second and final year in the Organizational Psychology Program with in the Center for Creative Change. One of Jessica’s main interests is learning how to use story/narrative as a means to get beyond statistics and empower people to discover what their experiences tell them about community life and how it should be different.
Impressed with Jessica’s role in her community, Antioch hired her as Program Development Specialist in 2008. She worked with staff members at Muckleshoot Tribal College and faculty from Antioch to launch the new First Peoples’ Creative Change Master’s Program this fall. When she’s not studying, she can be found hanging out at the tribal college--joking around with staff and students alike.
Bridget Ray
Bridget Ray, Development Associate, has over 18 years diverse work experience in the public, private and tribal sectors. She is a certified trainer for nonprofit planning and fundraising, and is a skilled facilitator specializing in Native and Environmental projects; BA/BS in Cultural Studies and Environmental Science; member NDOA, NAP; 2009 LEAD Cohort recipient. She currently serves on the MAVIN Foundation Board and is active in the Tribal Canoe Journey.
Bridget Ray, Development Associate, has over 18 years diverse work experience in the public, private and tribal sectors. She is a certified trainer for nonprofit planning and fundraising, and is a skilled facilitator specializing in Native and Environmental projects; BA/BS in Cultural Studies and Environmental Science; member NDOA, NAP; 2009 LEAD Cohort recipient. She currently serves on the MAVIN Foundation Board and is active in the Tribal Canoe Journey.
Crystal Viken
Crystal Viken is a member of the Navajo Nation and is from the Tangle clan and born for the Bilagáana. She was born on the Navajo Reservation in Chinle, Arizona and raised in Tacoma, Washington along with her six siblings and parents, Evelyn and Richard Viken. She is the granddaughter of the late Pauline and Edison Ben of Chinle, Arizona.
Crystal Viken is a member of the Navajo Nation and is from the Tangle clan and born for the Bilagáana. She was born on the Navajo Reservation in Chinle, Arizona and raised in Tacoma, Washington along with her six siblings and parents, Evelyn and Richard Viken. She is the granddaughter of the late Pauline and Edison Ben of Chinle, Arizona.
Crystal serves as the assistant director of the Act Six Leadership and Scholarship Initiative at the Northwest Leadership Foundation. Each year, she helps to recruit, select, and train 45 scholars to send them to five partner colleges on full tuition, full need leadership scholarships. It is the hope of Act Six that upon earning their degrees, the scholars will bring their leadership skills back to their home communities. Crystal’s passion is increasing access to higher education and raising the graduation rate for underrepresented students. She is deeply committed to strengthening indigenous leadership to create healthier communities.
She received her bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a minor in Peace Studies from Whitworth University in January 2007. She volunteers as a Hometown Mentor for recipients of the Achiever’s scholarship at her alma mater, Lincoln High School. Crystal is a proud aunt of eight nieces and nephews.
Laura Wong-Whitebear
Ms. Wong-Whitebear is the Interim Executive Director of the Northwest Native American Basketweavers Association, (NNABA). She is an accomplished weaver, having started weaving 12 years ago, mentored and inspired by Arline Cailing, and Gladys Gonzales. Before joining NNABA, Laura worked mainly with non-traditional materials and considers herself a fiber arts artist, but she is now dedicated to learning and researching traditional plateau basketry. She was a recipient of an artist fellowship at the National Museum of the American Indian and is involved in many other Native American causes and public program workshops.
Ms. Wong-Whitebear is the Interim Executive Director of the Northwest Native American Basketweavers Association, (NNABA). She is an accomplished weaver, having started weaving 12 years ago, mentored and inspired by Arline Cailing, and Gladys Gonzales. Before joining NNABA, Laura worked mainly with non-traditional materials and considers herself a fiber arts artist, but she is now dedicated to learning and researching traditional plateau basketry. She was a recipient of an artist fellowship at the National Museum of the American Indian and is involved in many other Native American causes and public program workshops.
She is also founder of the Three Generations Dance Group since 2002, served on the Community Advisory Board, Pacific Voices Exhibit, Burke Museum 1994-1997, Member of the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation Revitalization Project, Bernie Whitebear Ethnobotanical Garden, Artist in Residence, John Stanford International School (Winter 2008)l, Cohort of luminary presenters, an experiential conference on the art of mentoring, 2nd Annual Guiding Lights Weekend, Seattle Center.
2007-2008 Washington LEAD Graduate Profiles
Tracy Rector (Seminole) is the Executive Director of Longhouse Media, noted for their award winning Native Lens youth program. In her capacity she is a producer, mentors youth, manages the day to day operations of her organization and is a fundraiser for their work. Tracy also specializes in Native American Studies, traditional plant medicine and documentary film. As the Co-Producer of the films Teachings of the Tree People and Teachings of the Tree People: The Work of Bruce Miller, Tracy has developed an awareness and sensitivity to the power of media and film as a modern storytelling tool. She is the Co-founder of Longhouse Media/Native Lens and a proud mother of two boys.
Jenine Grey (Tlingit (SE Alaska)) She was born and raised in Seattle, she has been involved in the Chief Seattle Club for five years she commenced there as the Admin Assistant, and was promoted to be the Program Director and has recently been confirmed as the Executive Director. She is also the Board Secretary for the Minority Executive Directors Coalition and is also a member of Interagency Council for the 10 year plan to end homelessness in King County. She has two children (8 and 9). She has a goal to continue to serve Native people, particularly the homeless native community and wishes to educate the wider community on the struggles faced by Native people who are homeless.
Kelly Gemmell Father Bill Gemmell, Grandmother Evelynne Gemmell, Edith Alexis Great Grandmother, Great Great Grandmother was Julia Jacobs, Great Grand Father was Charles Alexis, my Great Great Uncle is Lawrence Webster, Chief Wahalcut was my Great Great Grandfather.
Professional Experience: Was hired as the Executive Assistant for the Suquamish Foundation and Grants Department. The Suquamish Foundation is a newly formed non-profit. It is in the early stages of a 20 million dollar Capital Campaign. The Foundation and Tribe are planning to build a new Community House, Museum and Arts Center, Suquamish Doc, Renovation of Chief Seattle’s Grave, and the Heritage Trail. Ms Gemmel’s role is to support the CEO of the Suquamish Foundation, the Grants Department, and the Suquamish Foundation Board.
Janeen Comenote is an enrolled member of the Quinault Indian Nation and is also Hesquiaht, Kwakuitl and Oglala. She is a Development Officer at the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation and also serves as the Coordinator and Founding member of the National Urban Indian Family Coalition. Janeen has extensive experience in community organizing, grant writing, Indian Child Welfare and currently is working with NCAI Policy Research Center and the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development to produce a series of research papers on the contemporary urban Indian experience.
Dana Arviso is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, she grew up on the Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Indian Reservation in California. She earned a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Sacramento in Child Development and worked as an early childhood educator within the tribal family literacy program on the Bishop reservation. In addition to her work with Potlatch Fund as the Finance & Evaluation Manager, she is pursuing a PhD in Education at the University of Washington. Her research focuses on innovative literacy practices within Native American communities, especially in the areas of youth filmmaking and digital storytelling. By approaching her work in the fields of education and philanthropy with a commitment to social justice, she hopes to improve the lives of Native youth, families, and communities.
Gail Morris (Nuu Chah Nulth First Nations, Ahousaht Indian Board) is the manager of the Title Seven Indian Educaiton Program for the Edmonds School District #15. She is currently studying at the Antioch University – with Majors in Liberal Arts and Teaching (K-8). She has previously completed a Dietetic Tech Degree at Shoreline Community College. She currently is a volunteer on the Local Indian Child Welfare Advisory Committee, and also mentors Native secondary school students in the Edmonds School District. Her goal is to create a Resource Center within the Edmonds School District for Native Students.
