 Dear Nesika Wilamut Partners,
We hope this letter finds you well. On behalf of the Indigenous Advisory Council, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Tana Atchley Culbertson for her extraordinary service as the inaugural staff member at Nesika Wilamut. Her commitment, hard work, and dedication have significantly contributed to our growth and success. We are pleased to announce that Tana will continue to be involved with Nesika Wilamut, joining the Indigenous Advisory Council. We would also like to take this opportunity to introduce Jeidah DeZurney, who will be stepping into the role of Interim Operations Manager, part-time, beginning April 29th. Jeidah is a proud member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, her bands being Chetco, Euchre Creek, Galice Creek, Klamath River, Molalla, Sixes, Tututni, and Yamhill. She is not a new face to Nesika Wilamut, having served diligently as a member of the Indigenous Advisory Council for the past two years. Jeidah is a Program Manager at Multnomah Education Service District (MESD) for Native Youth and Family Support, where she tirelessly advocates for the holistic well-being and cultural connectedness of Native youth. She has served as a tribal youth delegate for the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, a co-founder of the Siletz Regalia Sharing Co-op, and a 2024 Center for Native American Youth Champion of Change. As a first-generation college student, Jeidah graduated from Willamette University with a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology and a minor in American Ethnic Studies. She was also a student-athlete, participating in track and field where she threw the hammer and discus. Recently, she has enjoyed coaching a local high school team in Portland, Oregon. With deep roots in the Willamette Valley, Jeidah embodies the values and mission of Nesika Wilamut. We have full faith in her ability to lead us through this transition period and continue our network's essential work. As the main point of contact for Nesika Wilamut, we believe she will bring her own unique strengths and perspectives to the role. Please join us in welcoming Jeidah to her new position and in expressing our sincere appreciation for Tana's invaluable contributions to Nesika Wilamut and her continuing involvement with our network. Best Regards, The Indigenous Advisory Council
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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 |
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©2024 Nesika Wilamut. All rights reserved.