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Age: 64
Running for 1-year term
Council President seat
Why have you chosen to run for Tribal Council at this time?
PIA has good momentum on several current and prospective projects that are in the works. I would like to continue serving as a member of the council and working with PIA staff to maintain that momentum and see these projects through to their completion.
What experience do you have that prepares you for this role?
I have been a member of the tribal council for the last 5-1/2 years and served as its president for 4-1/2 of those years.
What is your vision for the future of the Petersburg Indian Association?
At this point in time, PIA has an unprecedented opportunity to invest in its long-term financial health which will, in turn, increase its capacity to establish and administer relevant programs and decrease its dependence on grant funding. Sound fiscal decisions will allow PIA to fund and develop its own projects and programs that will result in enduring benefits to its tribal citizens and community.
Please provide a brief statement of any tribal topic of interest to you.
My primary interests are (1) securing PIA's financial stability and independence, (2) fostering mutually beneficial relationships with other governments and their entities, and (3) ensuring that the operations of PIA's tribal government are consistently efficient and effective through the development and maintenance of sound policies, procedures, guidelines, and directives.
Age: 66
Running for 1-year term
Council President seat
My Tlingit name is Dzijúksuk. My English name is Debra O'Gara. I am Raven from the Teey Hit Taan clan of Wrangell, and I have resided in Petersburg since August 2019. My mom and Auntie were born and raised in Mountain Village, Alaska. Their mother, my grandmother, Frances Tamaree Sheppard, also known as Skip, was born in Wrangell and died way too young. I never met her. My Great Grandmother was Tillie Paul Tamaree, a civil rights activist and mother to William and Louis Paul. Tillie's second husband and my Great Grandfather, William Tamaree, was a community leader, carver, and peacemaker in Wrangell. My family has been and continues to be a mixture of fighters, survivors and victims' - with successful careers in law, government and church; alcoholism; violence; poverty; challenges; and trauma. It is with multigenerational experience that has grounded me and helps me to navigate through my life’s journey. I am 66 years old, and I am the caretaker for the Teey Hit Taan clan At.oow.
I have worked in the legal field for 32 years. I worked for several Northwest Tribes in Washington and the Tlingit & Haida Tribes where I have obtained experience applying the law to a variety of situations as well as developed several new programs and initiatives. It has been an honor and a privilege to work for my Tribe, Tlingit and Haida, since 2007, building the tribal court first as the Magistrate, then the elected Chief Justice and then finally as the Presiding Justice. In 2019, I went to work as a Magistrate Judge for the State of Alaska Court System which brought me to Petersburg. Currently, I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in the Tribal Governance Department, teaching remotely and onsite in tribal villages. While in Juneau I was an active member of the Juneau T&H Community Council.
I have extensive experience in developing and implementing laws and policies relating to domestic violence, child support, and child welfare and dealing with jurisdictional matters, particularly in the child welfare, child support, criminal law areas and other tribal governmental issues. I have also continued my education earning a master’s in public administration at the UAS in 2013 and am currently enrolled at the UAF where I am a PhD candidate in Indigenous Studies. I am doing research on Tlingit dispute resolution practices and justice systems prior to Western contact.
I am a student and teacher of weaving, the art of my ancestors – spruce root and cedar bark basketry, Ravenstail and Chilkat. Through this gift, I have found sobriety and an ever-growing circle of strong women and other two-spirit weavers. We share stories, lessons, mistakes and victories. We connect with each other and reconnect with our ancestors. I am also engaged in a variety of other Tlingit art forms – beading, carving, formline drawing, and regalia making.
Why have you chosen to run for Tribal Council at this time?
I am interested in promoting more involvement of the PIA citizens into the tribal government and program, including creating space available for cultural activities, gatherings, classes. I also firmly believe the power and authority of the tribal government comes from the tribal citizens, requiring open and transparent communication and accountability. The more informed and knowledgeable the citizens are, the stronger the tribal government is.
What experience do you have that prepares you for this role?
I have many skills to contribute from knowledge and experience in developing and managing grants, budgets, meetings, and programs, to the cultural knowledge about the importance for Indigenous people to know who we are and where our place on this land is. When we know this, we are stronger as individuals, family and community, which makes it possible for us to work collaboratively for all.
What is your vision for the future of Petersburg Indian Association?
I would like to see more involvement of tribal citizens in the PIA elections, programs, and classes, especially in job training and employment. I would like to see and facilitate more opportunities for volunteering at gathering and events that help tribal citizens and the Petersburg community where we all are able to learn and be aware of the history and contributions of the original Indigenous peoples as well as those early Tlingit fighters that established Séet Ká Kwáan.
Age: 46
Running for 2-year term
Council Member seat
Why have you chosen to run for Tribal Council at this time?
I am Heather Conn, a 46 year old Aleut Norwegian. My family origins are from the Coffee Creek area of South Naknek on the Aleutian Chain and the Eastern region of Norway. I am honored by my dual cultural background and impress upon my children our heritage, as they grow into adulthood. My unique cultural background has provided me the opportunity to serve the community of Petersburg with a broad perspective of needs and depth of cultural understanding and impacts. I have made the decision to continue to serve by running for the Petersburg Indian Association Tribal Council. My initial seat on the council had been vacant for years. I have found, through this initial experience in 2017, the opportunity to serve people to be fulfilling and I constantly strive to support and assist where it is needed in our community.
What experience do you have that prepares you for this role?
For this present position, I bring my years of service. I am a proven advocate for our children, young adults, adults, and elders. I believe it is my duty and focus to provide to all tribal members cultural values, education and wellness, while also cultivating leadership and through strengthening our families. In addition to my advocacy, I have experience and the necessary skills to write grants for projects that support our Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which is PIA’s Indian General Assistance Program (IGAP).
What is your vision for the future of the Petersburg Indian Association?
It has been and will continue to be my duty, as a voted member, to help PIA create a sustainable tribal organization and find ways to make our vision a reality. My focus has been on the 2019 Tribal Priorities: 1. Comprehensive Plan, 2. Housing, 3. Job training, 4. Drug/Alcohol Treatment and 5. Affordable Quality Child care. These are the significant impacts to our members and the future of our community.
Age: 45
Running for 2-year term
Council Member seat
My Name is Nathan Lopez.
I was born and raised in Petersburg, Alaska.
My Tlingit Name is Sha Gaaw.
I am Yanyeidí of the Hit Tlein (Eagle, Wolf of the Big House).
I am a Child of the TaakDeinTaan (Raven, Sea Pigeon).
My Father Was Michael Lopez, Kawshduwash eesh.
My Grandma was Ethelyn Lopez, Waakusteen.
Why have you chosen to run for Tribal Council at this time?
I desire to be a voice for our Tribal Citizen’s and represent our people the best I can. I believe that we have a wonderful opportunity as a Tribal Government to be balanced in all of our goals and priorities. Our Tribes mission statement places priority on Culture, Education, Economic Development, Leadership Training and Respecting our Environment and Lands. I would love to begin to help this mission statement be reflected by where we spend our Time and Money.
What experience do you have that prepares you for this role?
I grew up surrounded by our Tlingit Culture and learned so much from my family and the Native Community of Petersburg. I was involved in Tribal Programs in High School, and I also helped establish A Native Elder/Youth Program in High school with training in Technology through a Grant we received. I have helped in leadership in many organizations and boards. I am a small business owner. I have also been involved as a Delegate with Tlingit and Haida Central Council and helped establish the current program for Petersburg that has brought Cultural and Education programs to Petersburg on a Monthly Basis at least for the next few years.
What is your vision for the future of the Petersburg Indian Association?
We have a tremendous opportunity as a tribe to continue on our Path of economic sovereignty as well as being able to see a cultural revitalization for ourselves and the next generation. I desire to see our Tribe also develop an opportunity for Tribal Citizens to be trained and equipped to be employed in Our Tribe. I also desire to be able to help create a space for our Tribal Citizens to be able to be heard on issues, concerns, and ideas that they have. I would love to help establish Tribal Potluck Dinners Multiple Times a Year. Bringing Our Native Community together is a vital start for our Native Community which will in turn spur on our Cultural Revitalization, and so much more.
Please Provide a brief statement of any tribal topic of interest to you.
Let’s Gather our people together again. Growing up in Petersburg we had many gatherings and events throughout the Year. The ANB Hall was our grand Central for so many of those events. I would love to see us either fully revitalize the John Hanson Memorial Hall with Cultural Design on the Inside and out and or Create A Tribal Gathering House in another location where we could gather, dance, learn our art, eat together, Learn our Language and so much more. This excites me for our Future.
Age: 65
Running for 2-year term
Council Member seat
My name is Jeanette Ness. My Tlingit name is Kosh Kaani. I am of the Takdeintaan clan, Raven-Sea Pigeon. I turned 65 last February, which officially makes me an Elder! I was born and raised here in Petersburg, so I naturally want the best for our tribal citizens and our community.
Why have you chosen to run for Tribal Council at this time?
I have chosen to run for PIA Council because I feel our tribal citizens need a stronger voice in making essential decisions for the tribe. I would like to encourage better communication between the council and tribal citizens, bringing unity within the tribe.
What experience do you have that prepares you for this role?
With my capacity of either being a Council member or an employee of PIA, I have decades of experience with tribal government. During my employment with PIA, I served as the ICWA Case Worker and oversaw the General Assistance Program. I am well aware of the needs for our families both financially and emotionally. I have previously served 20 years on the SEARHC Board of Directors. While on SEARHC, I served 19 years on the Executive Board as Secretary. I also served on many SEARHC Committees, including the Governing Body which oversees Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital. I have a strong foundation as past ANS President and a Tlingit & Haida delegate for many years. I am very active with various community organizations and was a recipient of the 2023 Community Service Volunteer award this past May. Being actively involved with both tribal and non-tribal organizations, I will bring a diverse outlook to the Council.
What is your vision for the future of Petersburg Indian Association?
My vision for the future of PIA is building a deeper connection of Tlingit values to the tribe. I hope that our culture will be enriched through learning and involvement of our younger generation so that they can teach the culture of their children. We are links to our ancestors, and we need to honor all the sacrifices they made so we may carry on our traditions. When the children learn their culture, they become more aware of their heritage. This strengthens and enriches their identity of who they are. This makes for stronger individuals and decreases the likelihood of drug and/or alcohol abuse and other issues they may encounter.
Please provide a brief statement of any tribal topic of interest to you.
For twelve years I was leader of the Seetka Kwaan Dancers. After retiring from the group, I feel a sense of loss that even after many efforts of keeping the group together, it has come to a standstill. We were strong with many families and their children actively participating in the group. We shared skills and learned our culture together becoming unified within the tribe and the community. We need to continue making our presence known in Petersburg. As PIA moves forward to be more financially sustainable, we cannot leave behind our culture.
Age: 64
Running for 2-year term
Council Member seat
Why have you chosen to run for Tribal Council at this time?
I have chosen to run for Tribal Council, to continue in the works and momentum the council and I (as a council member) have established in moving PIA forward.
What experience do you have that prepares you for this role?
I have sat on the PIA council, on and off since 2010, with roughly over 7 years of time commitment. I had a successful business (The Framers Loft/Wild Celery~framing studio & Gallery) that I owned, grew and operated in town for 20 years. I continue to manage our home operated business (commerical fishing) of 35 plus years. I feel, I have a good relationship with tribal members, employees and the community at large. I have participated in numerous training opportunities to further the tribe. I try to check in with PIA - employees to stay up to date and informed on happenings for the betterment of PIA and the Tribe. I volunteer and try to stay involved in happenings for the betterment of the Tribe.
What is your vision for the future of the Petersburg Indian Association?
My vision is and always has been that PIA be a successful entity (as stated in my oath of office as a council member), self sustaining, and cast in a positive light through out our community and Southeast Alaska.
With that vision we as PIA will have greater, more flexible opportunities to contribute to our tribal citizens, and carry on the success for many years to come. Providing future opportunities for
those who will follow and take up leader ship behind us.
Please provide a brief statement of any tribal topic of interest to you.
Besides seeing the success of PIA not just for the here and now. But, for many years to come.
My greatest passion is to provide more of tribal presence in our community. Providing stories, signage, totem poles telling of our presence here in Seet Ka Kwaan. To create a much needed balance in our community of our people's existence/presence.
Age: 80
Running for 2-year term
Council Member seat
Why have you chosen to run for Tribal Council at this time?
I have decided to run for Council because I believe in our programs and goals and want to see them through.
What experience do you have that prepares you for this role?
I was born and raised in Petersburg. I have served on the Council many times and am passionate about our culture and bringing people together.
What is your vision for the future of the Petersburg Indian Association?
My vision is to work to bring our tribal members together as a whole. I want to bring interest and encourage participation from our community. This participation will help us achieve our goals, not retroactively look back at what we could have done.
Please provide a brief statement of any tribal topic of interest to you.
Culture is a passion of mine. Knowing and teaching my grandchildren who we are and our history through making regalia and art helps me keep our culture alive.
Age: 42
Running for 1-year term
Council Member seat
Why have you chosen to run for Tribal Council at this time?
I have chosen to run for Tribal Council at this time because I am committed to fostering unity and inclusivity among our tribal citizens. I believe that a united tribe is essential for a vibrant future filled with culture and connection. Without these elements, we risk losing our identity and sense of community. I am dedicated to working towards a future where every member feels welcomed and valued within our tribe.
What experience do you have that prepares you for this role to serve on the tribal council?
I bring a wealth of experience to the role of serving on the Tribal Council. With a decade of experience as an executive director for a nonprofit, over four years as the Petersburg SEARHC Board Representative, and active involvement on the finance committee for SEARHC, I have a strong foundation in leadership and community engagement. Being born and raised in Petersburg, I am deeply connected to our community and view it as an honor to follow in the footsteps of my Elders.
What is your vision for the future of the Petersburg Indian Association?
My vision for the future of the Petersburg Indian Association is a connected tribe. I fondly remember the sense of community at gatherings like community dinners and dance practice in my youth, and I aspire to rekindle that spirit. To achieve this, I believe transparency is key in rebuilding trust, and I am dedicated to fostering a deeper connection to our culture as a means of finding our way forward.
Please provide a brief statement of any tribal topic of interest to you.
I strongly believe in the transformative power of a deep connection to our tribal culture. This connection not only enriches our lives but also serves as a powerful tool in addressing and reducing issues such as substance use, suicide, domestic violence, and more within our tribal community. By prioritizing and strengthening our cultural roots, we can create a healthier and more resilient community for generations to come.
Age: 63
Running for 1-year term
Council Member seat
Born in Petersburg, Parents, Jim and Donna Martinsen. Siblings, Jody, Justine and Jimmy Martinsen. 1/4 native the rest pretty much Norwegian.
What experience do you have that prepares you for this role?
I worked at PIA for two years building boardwalks and trails. Have been on the Petersburg City Council for five years so I think I have a unique insight to the working side and the political realities of an organization like PIA. I have commercial fished pretty much every thing possible in Southeast Alaska. Subsistence gathered fish and game. Helped build Petersburgs harbor, docks and ferry terminals.
What is your vision for the future of the Petersburg Indian Association?
I would like to see PIA continue to help families who are struggling with rising costs and inflation. Make sure the Mountain View Manor meal program stays solvent.
Please provide a brief statement of any tribal topic of interest to you.
PIA needs to help younger people to pursue careers in hands on real careers like welding, truck driving, carpentry, cement work. Jobs that are plentiful and pay well yet have a hard time finding good workers.
Petersburg Indian Association
P.O. Box 1410, Petersburg, AK 99833, US
Phone (907) 772-3636 Fax (907) 772-3637
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