NNAHM 2021

Tribal affiliation: Sahnish (Arikara) - Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation

I have always been drawn to nature and science. Working within NOAA is a career that allows me to further my connection to science, sustainable conservation of the environment, and serving the public in a way that helps them maintain their livelihood and connection with marine resources.

My native heritage is steeped in complex cultural interactions among Sahnish and Caucasian cultures. My mother is an Elder of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation and my brother is a tribal member. I am not a tribal member due to blood quantum rules, but who I am today is a product of my Native American heritage. I was adopted as infant by my Sahnish mother whose history also included being adopted away from the Sahnish at a young age and raised by a non-native family in Washington. She was unable to access her heritage as a child and later, as a mother, her family was denied access simply due to the way adoption processes worked in the “old days”. Myself being adopted, I exist in a grey area: my mom and brother are tribal members, but I am not. I am still processing what all this means, but my worldview is tied to these events and I’ve come to realize my mother passed certain Sahnish values on to me without herself even being aware of her cultural ties. I believe culture is complex, we don’t live in a black or white world, and this is particularly evident in our family. I often think about my proud and heroic ancestors who were warriors, scouts for General George Custer, negotiated treaties with the United States, dined with Lewis and Clark, inter-married with fur traders, experienced terrible diseases and reservation conditions, were removed from their homes and abused in boarding schools, and finally adoption. That history passed through my mom to me in ways I am only beginning to understand. I derive strength and empathy from this expansive view of my familial history and that filters into my daily work at NOAA.

Working for NOAA, I most enjoy the mission of Science, Service, and Stewardship. It aligns with my personal values and I think this critically important mission attracts impassioned colleagues who serve a greater purpose. I enjoy working in that kind of environment.

Diversity in our organization is critically important and many of us likely come from a background of challenges that were often beyond our control. I encourage my colleagues to practice empathy, listen to each other, and be flexible in our thinking.

Tribal affiliation: Native Village of Kiana

It is personally, and culturally, important to me to improve local participation and to meaningfully engage Alaskan communities in research development that are important and relevant to them, as well as the Science Center. I couldn’t be more excited to lead the development and implementation of research projects that benefit both Alaskan community interests and NOAA Fisheries’ science mission. Starting in the middle of a pandemic paints a different picture of what my typical day would look like. At moment in time, I am working from home along with all my colleagues. When the pandemic lifts, I see myself out in the communities having face to face conversations with elders and other local people. For the meantime, all the collaboration with my Communications Team, Alaskan Tribes and Alaska Native Partner groups is exciting work. Together, we are working hard to get projects off of the ground. I’m really looking forward to our future’s collaborative work to address issues and collaborate on decisions that may perhaps constructively influence fisheries management.

I am honored to be a part of the NOAA family, especially in this particular position with Alaska Fisheries Science Center. In Inupiaq Eskimo, we would say, “Asrigaa, taikuu” (translated: so nice, thank you).

Tribal Affiliation: Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) of Massachusetts

From this portion of my family tree, I'm 10 generations removed from my tribal ancestors. My race is African American, and do not have a connection to my native cousins yet.

I'm in a position where I interact directly with our users. Our data provides decision support tools for the nation regarding storms, tsunamis, sea level change, and marine navigation, and enjoy helping our users, and receiving feedback about how much they rely and are pleased with our services. I also enjoy sharing our data with potential users along with the benefits and value of our data.

I was a Tribal Liaison for my Program Office for many years until recently. While in this role, I learned about my heritage. By taking training and educating myself on tribal relations, I grew even more passionate about making sure that my office's engagement with tribes was always meaningful and respectful. Due to the turbulent relationship between the federal government and tribes, there is good reason for the lack of trust, so please operate from a place of empathy.

For my heritage photo I have included an image of my ancestor, Captain Paul Cuffe. I am 9 generations down from him. My side of the family now recognizes the last name as Cuffee, but the spelling varies from family to family.

Paul's father, Kofi, was a member of the Ashanti tribe of West Africa (now known as Ghana). At the age of 10, Kofi was captured by slavers and put onboard a ship to America. After 18 years of bondage, Kofi was freed! One year after gaining his freedom, in 1746, Kofi married Ruth Moses, a Wampanoag Native Amercian woman from nearby Cuttyhunk Island, MA. In 1766, Kofi, started spelling his name Coffe.

When Paul was older, he changed the family name from Slocum to Cuffe by mixing Mustee which means part-Indian descent with the word of the Coffe. In 1783, Capt. Paul Cuffe married Alice Pequit, a member of the Pequot tribe from Marth's Vineyard, MA.

Capt. Paul Cuffe spearheaded “the first, black initiated ‘back to Africa’ effort in U.S. history,” according to the historian Donald R. Wright, was also the first free African American to visit the White House and have an audience with a sitting president. He was Paul Cuffee, a sea captain and an entrepreneur who was perhaps the wealthiest black American of his time. ( https://www.pbs.org/wnet/african-americans-many-rivers-to-cross/history/who-led-the-1st-back-to-africa-effort/ , 2021)

Capt. Paul Cuffe and John, his brother, wrote a petition in 1780 referring to taxation by the state upon the signatories, who being of Native American descent, were arguing they are therefore not subject to such taxation. This petition is the first argument about taxation without representation argument. The petition can be found in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. 

Tribal affiliation: Ojibwe - Red Lake Band (Anishinaabe)

I've always wanted to work in the conservation field. It was ingrained in me at an early age that we are stewards of the earth, water, and wildlife. Working for the NOAA Fisheries allows me to do just that... I work to protect species and the environments on which they depend. My culture keeps me connected and grounded as I have navigated my career with the hope towards making a difference in the world.

As an indigenous NOAA employee I have come across challenges in my journey. Throughout my career I have experienced many microaggressions and I have often found myself educating colleagues about microaggressions and how they impact indigenous people. I have experienced several common microaggressions include issues like equating a meeting to a “pow wow,” statements that include “going off the reservation,” and also being asked what reservation I am from. I have dealt with offensive “Indian" Halloween costumes at work, as well as offensive screensavers and mascots on work computers. I use these opportunities to educate colleagues on my culture and the use of culturally offensive phrases.

Tribal affiliation: Tlingit

Inclusiveness drew me to NOAA, and tsunami destruction to my families' native Alaskan village, from the second largest earthquake ever recorded, influenced my profession as a Tsunami Warning System Scientist.

Natives conquered their neighbors, then were conquered by outlanders, and the descendants of all sides live in prosperity in America. NOAA is a product of that prosperity and NOAA's service to all those descendants, and the world, is the product of all our ancestry.

I know the lifestyle of people who depend on the sea for their livelihood and subsistence, and how they forecast their own weather and have survived historical tsunamis, and what technology that they trust their lives to. They are not primary partners, but instead are primary customers.

Both my family and community have exceptional pride for the service I do for NOAA and see that what I enjoy most is proctecting people's lives.

The fishing boat, boat launch, smoke house, drying racks, hide stretchers, and fishing supply are places to start learning of village culture, and not the conferences, meetings, and ceremonies. Eat the food that they eat and discover that much of it is covered by some NOAA activity that may not consider that they eat it.

Tribal affiliation: Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

I began my Federal career as an 1102 while working my first Government job with the United States, Army Contracting Command (ACC). Being a military family, we were relocated from Michigan to Kansas City. When moving from Michigan to Kansas City, I found the NOAA Kansas City office and was determined to become an employee of this agency. NOAA's environmental missions with focuses on land, air, water and living things is what drew my interest.

I am passionate about all things related to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA). NOAA already has a diverse workforce, I truly appreciate that as an agency, it recognizes diversity and acknowledges everyone's heritage. I grew up in a very unique part of the United States. I fully support NOAA's mission and at the same time, I enjoy promoting how it preserves the Native lands assets.

I would like to share to the leadership and colleagues that culturally, I do not recognize Columbus or thanksgiving days.

Both my family and my community are very proud that I work for such an important and respected agency. There are many things about NOAA that I am appreciative of. First of all, is the flexibility it allows its employees. We are treated as adults. My superiors and the level above them treat me like their equals while also listening to my questions and concerns. One cannot find that with just any agency.

There is no word in the Cherokee language for "goodbye". We simply say “ denadogahyvu” until we meet again.

Tribal affiliation: Osage / Yankton (Niuko'nska Wazhazhe / Ihanktonwan)

I started my service at 18, as an Infantryman with the 3/75th Ranger Regiment. As a Career Federal Employee, I have served with the Department of Defense, The US Forest Service, and contracted with the US Department of State. 

I have experienced racism and discrimination at multiple levels within my career with the Federal Government; from subtle institutionalized and unintentional micro-aggressions to direct and disrespectful career impacting oppression; as well as toxic and violent confrontation. I first heard about NOAA/NMFS/OLE, when my brother was hired as a Special Agent, many years ago. I saw how he was treated with respect, dignity, and professionalism; and I saw the mission he was given, and the job he did; I knew this was what I wanted for myself. It took me 13 years of applying to every LE position NOAA offered, before finally being hired as an Enforcement Officer. 

Native people have a sacred responsibility to steward the Earth and environment. This job is one of the few places in the federal government where I can fulfill that responsibility. It is an honor and privilege to serve and embrace my cultural traditions; and it is with great relief that I work with colleagues whom I can trust and who respect my heritage and beliefs. 

Tribal affiliation: Ekota Cherokee

I was taught by my Native elders at a young age to respect the Earth and all forms of nature around me. It only seemed natural that I would be drawn to Earth sciences so that I could understand how the processes work that create the complex beauty around us.

My worldview and how it relates to NOAA is how Mother Nature can be both beautiful and destructive. If we attempt to understand the complex processes that shape the Earth, we can enjoy the beauty while remaining safe and informed. River forecasting is my contribution to protecting the public from loss of life and property. It brings together my love and respect for Mother Nature, while also helping others enjoy our planet safely.

There had been some challenges in my Native Journey early in my career, I applied for a promotion at another office. When I was being interviewed, the manager made it clear that it was down to myself and one other candidate who is African American. At the end of the interview, the manager expressed that I was well qualified and would make a great addition to the office. However, he also stated that I was not "cultural enough" for the position. I explained that I am Native American. He eluded that the darker my skin color, the more likely he would be to hire me. I did not get the position.

I feel honored to work for NOAA. There is no better agency for respecting my heritage and allowing me to follow my passion for Earth sciences. I admire that we save lives and property, and that in some ways, we are heroic. There aren't many people who can say their career has been so influential on members of the public, especially in life threatening situations.

My family is very proud of the work I do for NOAA. They understand the importance of my job, and they respect that I can both protect others and help the public understand potential flood threats.

Always remember how important your work for NOAA is. Our careers directly and positively impact current and future populations.

Tribal affiliation: Tlingit - Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes / Sitka Tribe of Alaska

I am a Tlingit from the Raven Moiety, Kaach.ádi (frog) clan in SE Alaska, granddaughter to a Chief and a proud Alaska Native. I wanted to work for the Federal Government when I had learned that my grandparents had also worked as civil servants. They didn't speak much of their work but I know it was not easy for them either. Their generation was not one to complain. They were fortunate to have their jobs and especially during a time when the young people were placed in boarding schools, away from their families.

They did not let the rules of the government stop them from keeping their language and culture alive. My grandfather was not only the Chief to his clan, he was a storyteller and a second generation wood carver. My grandmother had raised 6 kids, worked full time and still found the time to learn her craft in beadwork. They were incredible examples to our community and I wanted to work for a place that made a difference as much as they did. That is when my journey to NOAA first started as a contractor in the National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Law Enforcement working with the new roll-out of the IFQ program. After 6 years, I had hoped to become a full-time employee, but sadly, I did not make the certification list for that hiring period.

Little did I know, my time was needed elsewhere. In the interim, I held a position within county government and their office was located less than 2 miles from where my mother had lived. It was during this time she had been diagnosed with cancer and my new job location allowed me the time to be closer to her during her treatment and to see her more frequently. In the spring of 2018 I had learned that there may be a position opening at NOAA and to be on the lookout for the job posting so that I may reapply. I called my mother to share the exciting news and that I may have the opportunity to work with NMFS/OLE once again. The way she'd cheered me on, "Right on! You can do this!" gave me hope and encouragement to try again. That was the last lucid conversation I had with her. The weekend that followed, we learned the cancer had metastasized to her brain and she had 'Walked into the forest' a few weeks later.

The position posted to USA jobs at the end of summer and after the lengthy application process, I was offered the position in mid-November. The timing was delayed due to the government shut down, but then in February 2019, I was officially hired! Even though I didn't make the cut at my first go around, my journey had been exactly the way it should be and allowed me the time to be with my mother at the end. I know that she was so excited for me to reapply and would be shedding tears of joy that I persevered. My family is so proud of the work that I do and for not giving up on the dream to return to NOAA. I am at a place that makes me happy and being part of a team that is stewards to the lands and sea is both a privilege and honor to my ancestors.

Tribal affiliation: Menominee & Ojibwe

My name is LT John Katchenago, I am a member of NOAA’s Commissioned Officer Corps currently serving on the NOAA ship Henry B. Bigelow, based out of Newport, RI. I am proud to say that my heritage is Native American. My father is an enrolled Menominee from the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin. One of my grandfathers was an enrolled member of the Mahican from the Stockbridge-Munsee Tribe of Wisconsin and my other grandfather was part Ojibwe from a Reserve near Hawkesbury, Ontario. 

 The catalyst for enlisting in the NOAA Corps in 2014 was my Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Bachelor’s degree enabled me to consider a number of options for my future. Electing to work in the US government meant working collectively for my country. My first assignment with NOAA Corps was on the NOAA ship Reuben Lasker after two and a half years, in 2016, my second assignment was with Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) where I worked alongside field scientist from FKNMS’ Coral Reef Damage Assessment and Restoration and Maritime Heritage programs. During that time, I registered for the University of Miami’s Master of Professional Science Program where I received an MA in underwater archaeology. My Master’s Thesis focused on NOAA’s predecessor agency Coast Survey and the work that Coast Survey did in the Florida Keys in the early 1800’s to establish the first markers identifying the dangerous shallow coral reefs. This work was essential in the early years of the United States to promote safe navigation along this major shipping route and protect commerce at sea.

 My Native American ancestry is important to me and my family. As a father, I encourage my children to embrace their culture and become role models for others. I believe firmly that exposure to one’s history promotes a healthy identity with self and community. Diversity adds a great value to our society and I am grateful that the Department of Commerce recognizes this value.

Tribal affiliation: Haida

What I enjoy the most about working at NOAA is how it has enabled me to travel and enjoy other cultures around the world.

The Haida people come from a chain of over 1000 islands known today as the Alexander Archipelago. These islands extend from Southeast Alaska down into Canada and there are Haida communities in both countries. My career has moved me away from this area of Alaska but I named my son Alexander so that he will always know where he comes from.

Tribal affiliation: Cherokee Nation

What I like most about working for NOAA is the extensive travel and opportunities to work alongside leading professionals in multiple scientific disciplines, and representing NOAA as a commissioned officer. I pride myself on being an Oklahoma Cherokee Indian and in command of one of NOAA's research vessels.

Tribal affiliation: Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians

What I enjoy the most about working for NOAA is being able to apply my passion for meteorology in meaningful ways. I take great pride knowing that my work helps protect public safety. In addition, since my forecast office covers an area with a large Native American population, I feel like I'm able to give back to the Native American community through the work I do to protect life and property.

I encourage people to learn more about the history of Native Americans in their area. I feel that enhanced cultural understanding can help build positive relations with the Native American community.

Tribal affiliation: Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma

NOAA's mission for ocean stewardship makes me feel like I'm making a difference in our world. In 4th grade I wrote a report on what kind of fish you can find where. From that moment forward I was on a path to make fish my passion. After almost 20 years with NOAA I'm still excited to learn new things about fish and the ocean. I'm honored to work for this organization.

My family gathers most summers near Quapaw, Oklahoma to reconnect with our heritage at the Quapaw Tribe's Powwow. My Grandma's camp there (in the family 50+ years) is the beating heart that calls us back home for reunion and cultural affirmation. It is the people, the place and the time spent together there that is the glue that holds us close as a family. We are a proud Peoria family.

Tribal affiliation: Eastern Band of Cherokee

There are so many great things about NOAA, but if I had to choose, I would say the fact that I was literally welcomed with open arms. NOAA has been the most accepting and diverse Agency I have ever worked for. No one batted an eye when I wrapped myself up in my tribal blanket when I got cold in the office, or when my native accent would become thick and I may have sounded a little funny. I would always apologize for those type of things at past Agencies, but everyone at NOAA is so caring, that I have felt nothing other than loved.

I want everyone to know that I could not have wished for a better group of coworkers then you all. I cherish the time I get to spend with you all, in person and virtually. You have all become apart of my sidanelv (family).

Tribal affiliation: Tlingit - Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes

I'm a Tribal Citizen of The Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes. More specifically, a Tlingit of the Raven Moiety, L'uknax.ádi (Coho salmon).

Though there have been challenges that I have faced in my journey as a NOAA employee, I have persevered and have been a public employee for twenty years. I know that I am not a student of science, technology, engineering or math but I take pride in the work that I do and continue to seek trainings to both learn and improve my skills as well as strive to be the best that I have to offer as a public servant.

I’m passionate about the work that I do. Part of my job is to make sure that the rural coastal community members and Tribal Citizen’s receive their subsistence fisheries certificates as well as the commercial fishing fleet in Alaska. With the largest coastal area in our nation, imagine how many certificates, licenses and permits our office issues. 

The message I want to share is that diversity and inclusion is something that still needs to be improved with DOC. There have been times where I do not feel valued and accepted, but I want my NOAA colleagues to remember that all opinions and ideas are valid. There is always more than one way to accomplish a goal and to be respectful of new ideas.

Tribal affiliation: Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Michigan

Growing up in and around the reservation, as well as seeing the need for weather information and observations was critical for the fishing and hunting for my tribe, which contributed to my path and drew me to my current profession. I started recording weather information in 3rd grade and it continued to develop my interest in weather. We had a NOAA NWS WSO office in the local community and that allowed interaction with meteorologists that helped foster my interest in working towards a career in meteorology.

Our tribe has held to the view of being one with the mother earth and part of the whole earth system. NOAA fosters the care of the oceans, land, and atmosphere that makes up the earth system. I feel my work allows me to honor my tribe by being a steward of taking care of our earth system and contributing to a system that will last for the next generations.

I'm of a very mixed cultural background that is very diverse. It is that diversity that has allowed me to develop, over my life, a better appreciation for all cultures. My early life views were very limited, but as I learned more about myself over time, and met other cultures along my life path, I've had the ability to understand others better. This appreciation of all cultures and learning what they bring to human kind makes the world a better place for all. I didn't think much about it a while back, since I identify as a mixed race Native-Caucasian-Jewish-Catholic, but my family tree is one of true diversity and that is why I do not look at myself as "one" but a collection of many.

I most enjoy the ability to network with people of all cultures and backgrounds where the work environment leads towards a mission to support a better tomorrow for all. The dedication of professionals in NOAA is second to none. Plus, my family respects my service to the earth and my dedication to serving others and working towards a better tomorrow.

It is a great honor to work for NOAA and be able to pass along knowledge to the next generation. This is critical in continuing the traditions of dedicated service, diversity, and inclusion that makes NOAA a great place to spend a career!