ALASKA — Jennifer Hanlon is a Tribal relations specialist with the Tongass National Forest in Alaska. She is Tlingit and her roots and lineage run deep in the Tongass. She is Teik.weidi (Eagle/Brown bear clan) from Yakutat, Alaska, and the daughter of the Luknax.adi (Raven/Coho clan).

Hanlon grew up in a commercial and subsistence fishing family where her cultural and economic livelihoods depend on a balanced relationship with her natural surroundings. Her love for culture inspired her to pursue an education and career in natural resource management.

She has been in her Forest Service position for more than a year. Her primary role is to help develop relationships between the agency and federally recognized tribal governments, as well as Alaska Native corporations.

“It was a difficult decision to work for the federal government. I had been driven to serve my tribal community and did not want to step away from the programs I put my soul into building,” shared Hanlon.

“But I focused on the opportunities this role would provide, helping the tribes on a broader scale. I am fortunate to carry forward existing relationships, but the dynamics have changed now that I am in a federal role. I am grateful I can apply insights and experiences as a former tribal government employee to ease tensions or misunderstandings.”

Hanlon started her job by working with district rangers who have decision-making authority and oversee how government-to-government consultation occurs, and how basic obligations are upheld.

"I also create cultural awareness within the Forest Service. There are many well-meaning individuals unfamiliar with anything Indigenous,” Hanlon continued. “That’s really not their fault as it’s a consequence of the education system where there is not a comprehensive history or contemporary understanding of Indigenous peoples from the North American continent.”

Hanlon added that it is encouraging to see how things evolve. She also acknowledged that the federal government is recognizing the need and value of promoting tribal sovereignty, traditional ecological knowledge and co-stewardship. She commented how this has been a pivotal shift not just for the Forest Service, but across all federal agencies.

“What drives me is that my ancestral roots go very deep in the Tongass,” Hanlon explained. “What excites me is the opportunity to create a broader change in agency culture and approach when engaging with the First Peoples of this land. I can encourage reconciliation and build trust and opportunities to work together by tapping into local knowledge and love of this area.”

This piece is an excerpt from a longer article. Read Hanlon’s entire interview here.