Danielle is of Dena’ina and Koyukon Athabascan descent and was raised in both rural and urban areas of Alaska. Over the last decade she worked across Alaska advocating for local and cultural subsistence rights, diversity, equity and inclusion in public policy forums and meetings. Karen Evanoff is of Dena’ina descent with ancestry around Qizhjeh Vena, Iliamna/Pedro Bay, and Stony River. She has a Master’s degree focusing on interdisciplinary topics in Dena’ina education and traditional knowledge. Together they, along with two other partners, founded Qizhjeh Vena Alaska; a nonprofit working towards creating a world-class gathering center inspired by Dena’ina values and culture.