Sauyaq Solutions

About Sauyaq Solutions:

I am passionate about increasing resources and opportunities for/to/with Indigenous Nations and communities. Our histories of colonization have taken so much from us. I do research and evaluation projects that help develop policy to increase funding for Indigenous Peoples to support our cultures and languages that colonial governments have spent millions on to suppress and erase. I advocate for Indigenous led project work grounded in culture and Indigenous Knowledge. 

Having been in academia, the federal government, and at a nonprofit; supported Tribes; co-lead the developing of research priorities; co-organized a global conference; and served as a committee member of a National Academies of Sciences, I have a vast array of experiences to draw on and an ability to work across power structures and knowledge systems.

Sauyaq Solutions has the mission of Kamagigikput Sivulliavut: "We honor our ancestors." I work to both honor my ancestors and build bridges for future generations. Sauyaq is the Iñupiat community drum which brings our people together. I think of Sauyaq Solutions as centering the drum and community, through community-led solutions.

My work looks at Indigenous culture as a protective factor from colonization and historical trauma, missing and murdered Indigenous relatives, how to work with Indigenous Peoples in research, environmental justice, sustainability science, futures research, climate change, food security, and subsistence rights in Alaska. I also work on advancing Indigenous leadership in land and water management.

I work with Tribes and communities, Indigenous, federal, nonprofit, other types of organizations, as well as researchers working with Indigenous communities. 

What I do: (see previous work)

• I conduct research, evaluations, and technical assistance (from grant writing, developing methodology, working with communities, and dissemination)

• I support organizations through mentorship, talks, advising, trainings, workshops, etc. to engage in equitable work with and to support Indigenous Peoples. Please note that my talks, trainings, and presentations are each a comprehensive story based around each request. I design what you need especially for you, tailored to your needs, and meeting you where you are at.

  • Cultural humility in partnering with Indigenous Peoples 

  • Relationship building with Indigenous Peoples

  • Engaging in work with Indigenous Peoples (such as disaster response)

  • Building understanding for improved communication

  • Multiple ways of knowing, science communication, knowledge translation, science diplomacy

  • Colonization, Indigenous sovereignty, and Indigenous data ownership

  • Indigenous-led research, co-developing knowledge, and more!

• I hold workshops on planning through futures visioning for Indigenous Nations, companies, and more

• I give talks, presentations, keynotes, and emcee

• I mentor Indigenous youth and scholars

• Outside of consulting, I work to advance Indigenous leadership in land and water management for a sustainable and healthy planet.