Stevie Parsons Elected Chair of National Wildlife Federation’s Tribal Advisory Council

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Conservation leader and Native Hawaiian advocate Stevie Kapanui Parsons has been elected chair of the National Wildlife Federation's Tribal and Indigenous Partnerships Advisory Council. In this role, Parsons will help guide the Council's work to strengthen partnerships with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities, elevate Tribal perspectives across NWF, and advance conservation rooted in Tribal sovereignty, traditional ecological knowledge, and stewardship.

"Every generation inherits a responsibility to care for the places that sustain us," Parsons said. "Caring for the land, water, wildlife, and one another are inseparable responsibilities that require a shared commitment. As I embark as chair of the Tribal Advisory Council, I am reminded of a famous Hawaiian proverb from 'Olelo Noe'au #327: E lauhoe mai nā wa'a; i ke kā, i ka hoe; i ka hoe, i ke kā; pae aku i ka 'āina. Everybody paddle the canoes together, bail and paddle, paddle and bail, and the shore is reached. I look forward to working alongside Indigenous leaders and the National Wildlife Federation to advance conservation rooted in respect and reciprocity, until the shore is reached."

Throughout Parsons' career, she has supported conservation efforts focused on salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon restoration as well as forestry and water issues in the Pacific Northwest.
Composed of Indigenous leaders representing Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities from across the United States, the Tribal Advisory Council provides expertise and consultation on Indigenous knowledge, wildlife and natural resources, Free, Prior and Informed Consent, coalition building, and the interconnected relationships between ecological and cultural stewardship.

"The Tribal Advisory Council provides invaluable guidance that helps shape the organization's conservation priorities and partnerships with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities," said Garrit Voggesser, senior director of Tribal partnerships and policy at NWF. "Stevie brings a collaborative approach to conservation, along with a deep commitment to protecting wildlife and strengthening relationships across communities. We are excited to support her as she leads the council into its next chapter."

For more information, visit the Tribal Advisory Council page.