Janessa Esquible | Student Researcher
Hi! My name is Janessa Esquible. I am originally from Detroit, Michigan and moved to Alaska in 2014. I am Mexican-American and Ojibwe and enrolled with the Walpole Island Band. I’ve been working for Orutsararmiut Native Council since spring of 2016 as a Biologist, transitioned into the Natural Resource Director position in 2020, and more recently transitioned into the role of a Student Researcher as a part of the Indigenizing Salmon Science and Management Program.
I am interested in how Indigenous ways of knowing and understanding are used to guide fisheries management decisions along the Kuskokwim River. I am also interested in how Yup’ik and Athabascan values are reflected in fisheries management and bridging knowledge systems. I feel it is so important for scientists, managers and biologists to reconsider what constitutes “knowledge” and to promote Indigenous land-based knowledge systems as co-equal to western science. I am hoping to document and better understand the inequities inherent in fisheries management and natural resource management more broadly in efforts to contribute to positive change and a more equitable and inclusive space for Indigenous people, Indigenous epistemologies and ontologies within the fisheries realm.
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time on the land and river, fishing, berry picking, spending time with friends, doing yoga, biking, cross country skiing & going on walks. Quyana for the opportunity to share a little bit about myself.
Email: jesquible@nativecouncil.org
Vacant | NALEMP Project Manager/Tribal Liaison (Native American Lands Environmental Mitigation Program)
Direct Line: 907-543-0200
Delen Hooper | Partners for Fisheries Monitoring Program Coordinator
Hi! My name is Arnakayak Delen Hooper. I am Yup’ik with many other different ethnicities and I was born here in Bethel, AK. I first started working with Orutsararmiut Native Council in May 2020 as a Fisheries Technician and am now the Partners Program Coordinator! I am very excited to be more involved with the projects Natural Resources and the Fisheries Department hold!
During my free time, I enjoy reading poetry, painting, berry picking, listening to a variety of music, going on walks and adventures, and collecting randoms such as rocks, jewelry, poetry books, and hats! Quyana!
Direct Line: 907-543-0523 | Cell: 907-545-6001 | Email: dhooper@nativecouncil.org
Nia Long | Natural Resources Technician
Hello Everyone! My name is Nia Long and I grew up in East Stroudsburg, PA on the traditional lands of the Lenni-Lenape and Susquehannock, then spent four years in Scranton, PA on the lands stewarded by the same indigenous communities. I graduated from the University of Scranton in 2022 where I majored in Neuroscience and Philosophy. I joined ONC as the Natural Resource Technician in August 2022 and am excited to work closely with the Bethel community on subsistence programs and environmental projects this year!
In my free time, I enjoy hiking, woodworking, photography, and cooking and baking. While in Bethel, I am excited to learn more about berry picking, subsistence hunting and fishing, and overall enjoying the beauty of the tundra.
Cell: 907-545-2005 | Email: nlong@nativecouncil.org
Mary C. Matthias | Environmental Program Coordinator
My name is Mary Herrera-Matthias. I am originally from Bethel, AK. I lived in Nightmute for about 20 years before moving back to Bethel in the late year of 2015. I started working in the IGAP back in 2008 and have grown with the program over the past 10 years serving as the IGAP Environmental Program Coordinator. I have served ONC as the IGAP Environmental Program Coordinator since 2015 – 2018, then served as the NR Director for over a year and a half from 2018 to beginning of 2020. I took a much needed vacation away from the working environment and finally returned back to serving ONC in late December as the IGAP Environmental Program Coordinator.
I was the first to begin the Recycling Program for ONC in 2016, which has proven to be successful in implementing and gathering community support.
My position consists of managing and coordinating oversight of a comprehensive environmental program to enhance quality of life for ONC’s by the following: Research and pursue additional funding opportunities to further the development of the ONC Environmental Program. Demonstrate environmental education and awareness practices. Build partnerships at the professional level with tribal organizations, local organizations, governmental entities and outside resources based on environmental issues. Create environmental plans, conduct environmental assessments, seek training supported by the environmental program to supplement administration and program capacity. Collaboratively continue building and enhancing the ONC Environmental Program in accordance with the identified needs and priorities as established by environmental assessments and constituency concerns prioritizing the protection of human & environmental health for our tribal community.
Direct Line: 907-543-0522 | Email: mmatthias@nativecouncil.org
