USFWS NETWORK
Welcome to a dedicated space celebrating the incredible work of Regional Native American Liaisons (NALs) for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) across the country. These individuals play a pivotal role for the Service in fostering connections between Indigenous communities and conservation efforts, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.
This section is designed as a resource for rising Indigenous leaders, offering insights into the impactful work already being done in their Service regions. By showcasing these efforts, we hope to inspire the next generation of leaders to continue building on these foundations as they develop their skills and pursue opportunities in conservation.
As part of the Indigenous Connections site, which also serves as the home for the Native Youth Community Adaptation Leadership Congress (NYCALC), this page reaches a wide audience of passionate advocates for Indigenous-led environmental stewardship. To learn more about how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partners with Indigenous Communities and supports conservation efforts, visit the National Native American Programs. We invite you to explore the stories, initiatives, and successes of our Regional NALs and find inspiration in the incredible strides they are making to protect our lands, waters, and communities.
Joanne Bryant (Ditsuh Taii)
Member of the Gwich’in Athabascan Indian Tribe
Biography:
Joanne Bryant (Gwich’in name Ditsuh Taii/”Following Grandma’s Path”) is the Tribal Communication and Outreach Specialist for External Affairs in Alaska. Her affiliated tribe is Gwich’in Athabascan Indian. Joanne is originally from Arctic Village, which is located about three hundred miles north of Fairbanks and nested in the Brooks Range. She graduated from the University of Alaska in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Joanne worked at the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for 16 years and said, “it is the greatest place to work!” In her job with the Refuge, Joanne filled many roles, such as Native liaison, interpreter, and outreach specialist. She is fluent in her language and oftentimes assists with elders’ translations. Her current duties include working closely with Alaska Native Tribes on many different issues and projects. Joanne currently resides in Fairbanks with her husband Robert and their four wonderful birds, Lucky, Missy (Bin), Little Lou and Honey. They both love to walk, read, watch movies and travel. Mahsi’ choo!
Regional Work Highlight:
In her role, Joanne is dedicated to fostering communication between the Alaska Native Tribes and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, working on projects that bridge cultural knowledge and conservation efforts. She is also involved in initiatives like the Arctic Youth Ambassadors and the Native Youth Climate Adaptation and Leadership Congress, promoting environmental education and leadership for young people in her community.
Additional Roles and Areas of Expertise:
- Additional Roles: Arctic Youth Ambassadors, Native Youth Climate Adaptation and Leadership Congress
- Areas of Expertise: Tribal communications, Migratory Bird Calendar
Cassie Powell (Paaksikoyii’aispiiaakii, Dancing Bear Woman)
Enrolled member of the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe, descendant of the Blackfeet Tribe
Biography:
“Oki Nistonitanikoo (Hello my name is) Paaksikoyii’aispiiaakii (Dancing Bear Woman), or Cassie Powell. My mother is known as Blue Loon Woman (Tami Peterson) and my father is Bob Powell. Nisto Maoto’kiiksii, (I am a member of the Buffalo Women’s Society).”
Since 2021, Cassie has worked as a Native American Liaison for the Mountain-Prairie Regional office on the Blackfeet Reservation where she was born and raised. Her federal career began in 2011 where she has worked with NRCS as the Blackfeet Conservationist, the Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife department as a Bear Conflict Biologist, BLM as an Environmental Specialist in Montana, and Bureau of Reclamation as a Natural Resource Specialist in Nebraska and Wyoming to name a few.
Cassie has a Bachelor of Environmental Science with an emphasis on Fish and Wildlife Biology from Salish Kootenai College; and a Natural Resource associates degree from the Blackfeet Community College with honors.
Cassie is most passionate about advocating for her community and the 84 Tribes (both ancestral and present) that she serves as part of her role as Native American Liaison and helping to improve the conservation outcomes across the 8 states in the Region. This includes education about cultural awareness, improving communications and relationships and elevating Tribal voices.
In her free time, she enjoys hunting, fishing, gardening, baking, sewing, learning from her elders, and teaching her children their cultural heritage. She also helps her community when needed for fundraising activities, benefits, and other planning efforts.
Regional Work Highlight:
Cassie is committed to improving conservation outcomes through collaboration and relationship-building with Tribal partners. Her work emphasizes creating opportunities for engagement, developing connections between Tribal communities and field professionals, and enhancing cultural understanding. Cassie’s efforts have led to increased awareness of Tribal conservation work and strengthened partnerships that support successful conservation initiatives.
Additional Roles and Areas of Expertise:
- Additional Roles: Tribal Wildlife Grants Regional Grant Coordinator
- Areas of Expertise: Tribal Communications and Outreach
Alison Smart
Enrolled citizen of the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians
Biography:
I grew up in a small town on the banks of the Manistee River in Northern Lower Michigan. From 2012 to 2022, I worked in various roles for the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Natural Resources Department. I hold a bachelor’s degree in biology and anthropology from Albion College and a master’s degree in conservation biology from Central Michigan University. My master’s thesis focused on the abiotic habitat variables of manoomin (Zizania palustris & Zizania aquatica) in Michigan. This work brought me closer to my culture and allowed me to re-engage with my traditional practices. My current role centers on relationship building, collaboration, co-stewardship, and communication between the Service and the Tribes within our region.
Regional Work Highlight:
- Co-management of treaty resources within the 1836, 1842, 1837, and 1854 treaty ceded territories.
- Co-stewardship with the White Earth Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe and Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge.
- Tribal-led fish rearing, habitat restoration, and species conservation projects.
Additional Roles and Areas of Expertise:
- Additional Roles: Relationship builder and co-stewardship collaborator.
- Areas of Expertise: Cultural connections to conservation, Tribal communication, treaty resource management, and habitat restoration.
Advice:
“Take chances, trust your gut, present as many times as you can, and don’t be afraid to use your voice. Academia may be challenging and may not always align with Indigenous Knowledge, but it is a stepping stone. Earning the degree can open doors to fulfilling your goals. Working for a Tribe that shares management authority with my own for off-reservation reserved rights was one of the best decisions I ever made, helping me grow culturally, scientifically, and as a leader in my field.”