Executive Director

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Of Dena’ina and Koyukon Athabascan descent and raised in Nondalton, Fairbanks, and Anchorage. After receiving her Environmental Science degree from the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Danielle returned to Alaska to work for various nonprofits around the state. From documenting traditional knowledge on polar bears to salmon management processes in the Yukon and Bristol Bay, she has worked to protect the ełnena and animals throughout Alaska. Danielle’s passion for the ełnena stems from her cultural upbringing, mindfulness practices, and scientific background. With over 500 hours of yoga teacher training, mindful practices, leadership development cohorts, facilitation trainings, and mentorships, Danielle has found her niche. Facilitating groups brings her joy; as she shares mind/body health, she sees people move out of their heads and into their heart space which is where change happens. She is grateful for the mentors, teachers, and supporters she’s had over the years who have helped shaped who she is today. She looks forward to continuing this work for  Qizhjeh Vena Alaska in this new role. 

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, beading, learning the Dena'ina language and practicing yoga.

President

Of Dena'ina Athabascan descent with ancestry around Qizhjeh Vena, Iliamna/Pedro Bay, and Stony River. Karen has a Master's degree focused on interdisciplinary interests in Dena'ina education and traditional knowledge along with a Bachelor's degree in anthropology. Her life experience degree comes from growing up close to the natural world. Karen has had many visions for projects and programs over the years, often influenced by Native elders, and she has pooled resources to bring these ideas into the world. Funding has been key in the success of her projects and the largest sum of funding she brought in was over one million dollars for a non-profit organization. She knows from experience, that with vision comes purpose, and with purpose comes connection and inspiration. The vision for QVA is strong and bold and is so needed in a world. Karen is deeply passionate about creating an inclusive, coming-home space for all people to experience their natural state through the outdoors. Learning about Indigenous knowledge and guidance through ancient values further strengthens those roots.

Vice President

Of Dena’ina Athabascan descent and a tribal member of the Curyung Tribe of

Dillingham. She received her bachelor’s degree in history, from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks and her J.D. from Harvard Law School. After law school, Heather returned to Alaska and clerked at the Alaska Supreme Court, and was eventually hired by NARF. In 1998, Heather argued on behalf of the Native Village of Venetie before the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2001, Heather was instrumental in winning the Katie John subsistence hunting and fishing rights case. She has broad litigation experience. Her legal experience includes cases involving subsistence, tribal sovereignty, human rights, and taxation.

Heather has served several national and statewide boards and as a founding member of the board of Native People’s Action. Heather has received numerous prestigious local, state, and national awards.

After more than 25 years at NARF working on behalf of Alaska Native Tribes, Heather is currently retired but continues to be involved in NARF’s work. She is married to Lloyd Miller and they have two daughters and one granddaughter.

Treasurer

Born and raised in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Kiana grew up traveling to remote villages with her mother and Godmother who are healthcare providers. She had a dream to build a cross-cultural bridge through the gift of nature. An Indigenous perspective of the world gave Kiana the confidence she needed at Alaska Pacific University to excel in the outdoor studies program (class 2021). Kiana earned her Bachelor's degree in Outdoor Studies and decided to focus her studies on The Business of Outdoor Recreation and Alaska Native Studies. She is a Wilderness First Responder. She loves to teach a variety of outdoor skills such as; skiing, snowboarding, backpacking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, wakeboarding, and more. Kiana’s passion is to share the outdoors with others. In 2024, Kiana learned how to fly a single-engine aircraft to earn her Private Pilot license. She also plans to earn her OUPV boat captain's license. In her spare time, Kiana creates one-of-a-kind wood-turned objects on her Umma Marji's lathe.

Secretary

Raised in Pedro Bay with a love for being out on the land. Family, community, and practicing our ways of life are important to Bianca. She earned bachelor’s degrees in biology and nursing, which have allowed her to spend time working in jobs that prioritize our land, health, and wellness. Bianca currently spends her time with her husband raising their kids while also learning and teaching our Dena’ina language to others. Language is important to her, because it is closely tied to culture and therefore identity. Bianca values and appreciates community relationships that are strengthened through language and our ways of living. She enjoys hiking, berry picking, kayaking, moose hunting, putting up fish, and a good story. Sheł nuqilnek!

Board Chair

Is Dena'ina Athabascan from Lime Village. She is a parent to one teenage daughter. She has her Bachelor's Degree in Race and Culture Studies and a Master's in Public Administration, both from Eastern Washington University. Jennifer is currently employed by the Kenaitze Indian Tribe as the Manager at the Dena'ina Language Institute and is an adjunct professor at Kenai Peninsula College. She has participated in the development of a culturally responsive curriculum, language instruction, and writing of the charter school application.

Maintenance, Outdoor Education, & Emergency Response

From San Antonio, Texas and came to Alaska in 2018. Graduated with a B.A. in Outdoor Studies from Alaska Pacific University. Chase has always felt a connection to wildlife, and nature, and has grown a strong passion for outdoor education. Chase was a Maintenance Technician at the South Central Foundational Clinic in Port Alsworth and is currently pursuing education as an airplane mechanic. 

Advanced Art Educator

George is originally from Colorado but has lived and traveled all around the US and the world. He has an undergraduate degree in Fine Arts and a master's in Art Education. The arts have helped George to cultivate and express his ideas. He hopes to provide the same opportunities to students to explore and express what is important to them through the arts. He is interested in establishing a ceramics studio and a greenhouse garden to build a community of learners that supports and embodies the vision of Qizhjeh Vena.

Cultural Heritage & Program Support

Monty moved to Alaska 19 years ago as a single guy with Bachelor of Science degree and five years of Midwest archaeological experience. Since moving to Alaska, he has become a husband and father of three with a Master’s Degree in Anthropology from the University of Alaska Anchorage. Monty continues conducting anthropological work throughout the state. He focuses his efforts on partnering with Tribes to document their cultural heritage and youth outreach.

Pauline is a Dena'ina elder and a language teacher. Through self-study and working with elders, she learned the Dena'ina language and continues to teach language classes. She has supported numerous cultural-related projects over the years and has shared her traditional knowledge and skills including skin sewing, medicinal plants, and use of natural materials. She is passionate about keeping the Dena'ina language alive and has been supportive of many cultural-related activities and camps over many years. Pauline also has a Master's degree in education and is a retired school teacher.

Max is a Dena'ina elder and was born and raised on the land of Tyonek in the Cook Inlet area. The natural world was his classroom. He brings knowledge relating to advanced Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), skills in hunting and gathering, spirituality, health and well-being related to sobriety, cultural values, ritual and ceremony. For many years Max has passed this knowledge on to the younger generation and supported numerous projects and programs related to cultural revitalization, and health and well-being. He is passionate about keeping the Dena'ina knowledge and skills alive along with being out on the land and knowing the places that were important to our ancestors. Max has had a vision for many years for creating a place for health and well-being for the Dena’ina people, based on this he has offered guidance and additionally  supported Qizhjeh Vena Alaska by sharing a documented written plan of his vision. 

Margaret is a retired nurse midwife. She spent her career helping women and their babies in rural communities of Alaska. She is passionate about helping the next generation make the world a better place. Margaret grew up in Tanana, lived in Fairbanks, and moved to Anchorage as a young child. She was in Anchorage during the 1964 earthquake! Over the course of her life she has spent time with many Indigenous people from around the world. She has a natural gift for healing and spirituality. She has worked with traditional healers and continues to learn about natural medicines.