He:yung (Hello), I come from the Hupa and Yurok tribes, both located in Northern California. I was raised on the lands and waters my people have always called home. I have been deeply involved in the cultural and political aspects of my community from a very early age. Born during a time of great resistance to undam the Klamath River, led by my tribal communities, I grew up learning from strong Indigenous activists and culture bearers. Inheriting the knowledge of how to fight for my community from those who came before me, I have never known a life without communal responsibility and opportunity.

My professional journey began by attending community meetings and tribally led protests with Whita’ (my father). This led me to work with mentors to create the Hoopa Valley High School Water Protector’s Club—a space for young people at a predominantly Native high school to learn about water policy and community organizing. After high school, I continued to share the knowledge I had gained with young Native leaders. I spent five years as an intern and Youth Coordinator at Save California Salmon before transitioning into my role as Director of Development and Community Relations at Paddle Tribal Waters, where I worked for four years. Both positions focused on educating Native youth from Northern California and Southern Oregon through a blend of policy, community organizing, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge, helping to cultivate the next generation of Native river stewards.

In the summer of 2025, I was a lead organizer of the First Kayaking Descent of the Klamath River, using my community organizing and cultural knowledge to help celebrate the removal of the Klamath dams and give thanks to our peoples for all the work they have done—and continue to do—to free our rivers.

I also helped lead the Native Youth Grantmakers program at Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) from 2022–2024, supporting Indigenous youth ages 18–24 in building a stronger understanding of the philanthropic sector. While at NAP, I developed a deep appreciation for participatory grantmaking and the importance of having people from our communities within philanthropy working to make resource distribution more equitable. I am excited to step into my role as Program Officer for the Native Cultures Fund and hope to serve as a conduit of resources for my people and other Native communities across our service region.