Native American Fish & Wildlife Society 40th Annual National Conference in Anchorage, Alaska - P2

The Native American Fish & Wildlife Society 40th Annual National Conference was held in Anchorage, Alaska, April 24-27, 2023 at the Hilton Hotel.

See Agenda: https://www.nafws.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2023-National-Conference-FINAL-AGENDA-4.13.23.pdf

NAFWS:

We are thrilled to have had the honor and privilege of recognizing so many outstanding individuals in our communities who are truly dedicated to the conservation and preservation of fish and wildlife species at our banquet last night at the #NAFWS40thAnnualCelebration

Through their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment, these individuals have demonstrated a deep understanding of the critical importance of protecting our heritage for generations to come. They have worked tirelessly to protect and enhance habitats, restore ecosystems, and promote sustainable practices that help to safeguard the long-term health and vitality of our environment.

From conservationists and scientists to community leaders and volunteers, these award recipients embody the very best of what it means to be stewards of our planet. Their passion and dedication serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that we each have a vital role to play in protecting and preserving our fish and wildlife resources.

As we celebrate their achievements and honor their contributions, we also recommit ourselves to the important work of conservation and preservation. We must continue to work together to ensure that our fish and wildlife resources remain healthy, abundant, and sacred for generations to come.

Once again, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of the award recipients, and we thank them for their invaluable contributions to the cause of conservation and preservation.

Great Lakes Lifetime Achievement Award: Herman David Lussier

Ancestral Wisdom Keepers Award: Pete Kompkoff (Cuqullit)

Harvester of the Year Award: Priscilla Evans (Pisurtut)

First Catch award: Kiley Burton (Cuqlleg Pitaq)

Emerging Professional of the Year: Mariah Blackbird- Perry

Biologist of the Year: Timothy Gatewood (White Mountain Apache)

Conservation Law Enforcement Officer of the Year: Beaufort Joe (Three Affiliated Tribes)

Chief Sealth: Arthur "Butch" Blazer (Mescalero Apache)

Check out these stunning photos from our Thursday Natural Resource Tours from the #NAFWS40thAnnualCelebration! Our conference participants had the opportunity to explore some of Alaska's most breathtaking destinations, including :

The Chugach Regional Resources Commission in Seward, AK, where participants went for an in-depth tour of the Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Alaska SeaLife Center with up-close animal encounters!

The Native Village of Eklutna and Palmer, AK, where participants visited the glacial-fed Eklutna Lake to look at the ongoing restoration project on Eklutna River and their traditional Fish Net site.

The Palmer Hay Flats of the Knik Tribe, where participants learned historical information on the original stewards and inhabitants of this land, the Dena'ina people.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where they heard about reintroducing the Wood Bison on the Innoko River in interior AK from AWCC staff, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and Ken Chase from Anvik

At last night's awards banquet, we awarded our Conservation Law Enforcement Officers for their competition shoot! Coming in third place, we have the dynamic duo of Southeast and Southwest (Brandon Tsosie, Ben Shelby, Travis Owl, Nathan Garcia, and Rusty Lacy), followed closely by the impressive Great Plains team (Beaufort Joe, Morgan Tibbits, Andrea Jo Martinez, Brad Sage, and Jordan Yellow Bird), in second place. A big round of applause for our first-place winners, the Great Lakes CLEOs (Brad Cameron, Donnie Carrick, Tim Mallory, Ashley Zurn, and Henry Bearheart)! Congratulations CLEOs, on your well-deserved bragging rights.

We also want to give a special shoutout to Beaufort Joe, who earned the coveted title of Top Gun with a remarkable 98% accuracy in shooting

We have to give the biggest shout-out to our Host for our #40thAnnualCelebration Chugach Regional Resources Commission (CRRC)! Thank you for the traditional feast, the amazing programming by your staff, and showing us around your facilities at the Alutiiq Pride Center

Wow! What an amazing week in Alaska! My heart, mind, and tummy are full! I'm so blessed to get to see so many different tribal lands and learn about the work they all do. But mainly I'm blessed by all the people this job allows me to meet and become friends with!

NAFWS 40th Annual National Conference in the books!

See you all in the Great Lakes in 2024!

Julie Thorstenson, Executive Director

Let's take a moment to celebrate the outstanding students that are here at the #NAFWS40thAnnualCelebration! We are incredibly proud of them for their extraordinary presentations and posters. Seeing their hard work and dedication on display is truly inspiring. These students are the future, and we couldn't be more excited to see where their talents and passions take them. Keep up the fantastic work, students! You make us proud.

It's hard to truly capture just how packed these rooms are and how amazing these morning sessions went! Topics from fisheries management, TEK, and wildlife management were presented with more to follow this afternoon! Thank you to all of our phenomenal morning presenters

We kick off the morning with engaging concurrent sessions, though we're still delighted by the sumptuous traditional feast graciously hosted by the Chugach Natural Resource Commission at the Alaska Native Heritage Center! Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the captivating Friendship Dancers for their entertainment and the warm hospitality of the Alaska Native Center!