Dear Relatives and Partners,

As members of the Indigenous Advisory Council for Nesika Wilamut, we write to you with both reflection and hope. Our journey together has been one of rebuilding connections - between peoples, with the river, and with the traditional ways of stewarding these lands that our ancestors maintained for millennia.

While the formal structure of Nesika Wilamut is changing, the wisdom and relationships that have been cultivated will continue to flow like the river itself. Through the Wilamut Legacy Fund, we are ensuring that the seeds we've planted together will continue to grow and flourish.

We are deeply grateful for every person, organization, and community that has contributed to this vision of Indigenous-led watershed stewardship. Your commitment to centering Indigenous voices and knowledge has helped create new pathways for our traditional ecological practices to guide the future of this region.

The river has always been a teacher, showing us that change is constant and that our strength lies in how we flow with these changes while staying true to our core values. As we move through this transition, we know that the connections we've built will continue to strengthen and evolve in new ways.

We look forward to seeing how each of you carries forward the spirit of this work in your own communities and organizations.
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In gratitude and partnership,
The Indigenous Advisory Council

Dear Nesika Wilamut Network,

I hope this message finds you all well.

I am writing to inform you of a significant transition in my professional life. As of April 30th, I will be stepping down from my role as Executive Director at Nesika Wilamut.

This decision brings a mix of emotions. On the one hand, it is bittersweet to leave a role that has allowed me to work closely with each of you, learn about your important work, and help foster new professional friendships and bonds across the Willamette Valley.

On the other hand, I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. While my role at Nesika Wilamut is changing, my commitment to the values we uphold and the relationships we have forged remains unwavering. I am forever grateful for the experiences and insights I've gained during my tenure.

My Modoc culture has a concept known as "Ho Wina," which signifies change. When we meet people, we enter into that relationship knowing we will inevitably change one another. We have a song we sing, and the words are: "Ho Wina, a Wina Wini a" or "I change you, you change me.” My experience with Nesika Wilamut has been one of being changed, shaped, and molded by the relationships formed in this network.

I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to each of you. Your dedication, passion, and unwavering support for Nesika Wilamut have been instrumental in our efforts to ensure Indigenous voices are represented in the restoration of the Willamette River. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such a committed and inspiring group of individuals and organizations.

Please keep an eye out in the coming weeks for more information from our Indigenous Advisory Council about what comes next for Nesika Wilamut.

As I transition into my new role, I look forward to staying connected with all of you and continuing to advocate for the values we all hold dear. I am excited to see where the future will take Nesika Wilamut and will certainly be cheering on your continued successes from the sidelines.

Thank you once again for your understanding during this transition period and for your continued dedication to Nesika Wilamut's work. I look forward to our paths crossing again, and I hope to see all of you along the Willamette River sometime!

​In solidarity,
Tana Atchley Culbertson

(Posted July 18, 2023)
Nesika Wilamut Partners & Community,

With mixed emotions, I announce the resignation of Steven Broncheau, our esteemed Co-Director at Nesika Wilamut. Steven has decided to step down from his position, effective mid-August, to pursue other professional opportunities. While we are saddened to see him go, we are grateful for his dedication and hard work on behalf of our network.

During his tenure at Nesika Wilamut, Steven has played a vital role in enhancing our network's financial well-being. His contributions and leadership have been instrumental in our growth and success. We are proud of the work we have accomplished together and are grateful for Steven's impact on our network.

We understand that this announcement may surprise you, and we want to ensure you know we are taking the necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition. Steven has agreed to continue in his role until mid-August, and we are confident that he will help us to prepare for a seamless handover of responsibilities.

While we will miss Steven's presence at Nesika Wilamut, we are happy he intends to remain connected to our work. We are grateful for his willingness to continue to support our network and look forward to continuing our relationship with him.
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Please join me in thanking Steven for his dedication and hard work at Nesika Wilamut. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors and know that he will excel in whatever he chooses to do next.

Sincerely,
Tana Atchley Culbertson

The Nesika Wilamut Board, along with Co-Director Tana Atchley Culbertson, is excited to welcome Steven Broncheau as the Network's new Co-Director/Director of Development.  We are excited and thankful to have Steven on board to further the mission and vision of Nesika Wilamut, and to expand the funding streams for the organization.

Steven comes to Nesika Wilamut with over 13 years of experience in non-profit work.  His work includes non-profit management, grant writing, event management, foundation relations, donor stewardship as well as business development and sponsorships.  On behalf of Nesika Wilamut, Steven will work with network partners, individual donors, foundations, businesses, and local and state governments to procure and secure funding for the Willamette Basin and its tributaries.

Born in Berlin, Germany, and a member of the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla, Steven has tri-citizenship - US Citizen, German and Tribal.  Steven attended Western Oregon University, where he received his degree in International Business with a focus on finance and a minor in German.  He brings great skills and passion for relationship building and networking, which benefits his new position with Nesika Wilamut.

“I am excited for this new role at Nesika Wilamut.  To be a part of a team that will help ensure that the Willamette River Basin will thrive and be here for future generations to enjoy.  I am ready for the challenge to make sure the basin will meet the needs of our growing area and to help make sure that marginalized people AND all voices will be heard and have access to the river.” As stated by Steven Broncheau.

As Co-Director and Director of Development for Nesika Wilamut, Steven will meet and connect with key stakeholders to ensure the vitality and economic sustainability of the Willamette River Network. Steven, in partnership with his Co-Director Tana, will make sure that current relationships are maintained and strengthened while developing new relationships and ensuring that all voices are represented.

When Steven is not working, you can find him researching new places to travel to and explore.   Steven loves to visit local wineries and breweries, which are so dependent on a healthy and vibrant Willamette River Basin.  He also loves to hang with his son, Anthony, who is attending Oregon State University.  In addition, going on walks with his dog Coco.

The board is excited to bring Steven’s leadership to the Network’s vision for a healthier river basin for all. Welcome, Steven!

Steven can be reached at [email protected]

​Video recording of our first ever Open House event, which was held virtually on May 7th, 2021. Co-Directors Tana Atchley Culbertson and Jesse Cruz Richards shared our logo and name, Nesika Wilamut, and invited participants to join with the network to create connections, build community, share and leverage resources, and build the capacity of people and organizations to protect and restore the river and its communities.

​More fire awaits us in a warming climate. Jesse Cruz Richards maps out some cost-effective ways to invest in community-centered approaches to preparing for fire.

​As part of Black History Month, the Willamette River Network hosted a virtual discussion among leaders working for welcoming, safe and accessible natural spaces for all. View a recording of the online event below.

​With shrinking city, state, and philanthropic budgets, new financing mechanisms and unique partnerships are essential to build resilience, address climate change, and support the Oregon economy. On February 17, 2021, the Willamette River Network welcomed Todd Gartner and Lizzie Marsters of the World Resources Institute (WRI) to give an overview of the conservation finance field and showcase a few case studies of successful projects from around the globe. View a recording of the webinar below.