Born on August 31, 1973, in Anchorage, Alaska, this Representative has a strong connection to their roots, being an enrolled member of the Orutsararmiut Traditional Native Council. Education has played a pivotal role in their life; they attended several institutions including the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Alaska Fairbanks, among others. Their professional experience spans various roles focused on community development and sustainability, including serving as the executive director of the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission from 2017 to 2022.

This politician began their legislative career in the Alaska State House of Representatives, serving from 1999 to 2009, and also held a position on the Bethel City Council. They were elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat in a special election held on August 16, 2022, to fill the vacancy left by the passing of Representative Donald Young. They successfully won re-election for the subsequent term, which runs until January 3, 2025, although their bid for re-election in 2024 was unsuccessful.

Legislative Focus and Political Leanings

In the House, this Representative has been actively involved in various committees and has sponsored numerous bills relating to a range of issues, particularly those affecting indigenous communities, environmental concerns, and public health.

One significant piece of legislation is the Clean Water SRF Parity Act (HB250), which aims to expand funding mechanisms under the Clean Water Act by allowing privately owned treatment works access to state revolving funds traditionally reserved for public entities. The bill reflects a commitment to improve wastewater infrastructure, aligning with the Representative's advocacy for sustainable development practices. This initiative has sparked discussion on the balance between public health and private sector involvement in essential services.

Another notable bill is the Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act (HB4748), which aims to rectify historical oversights by recognizing certain Alaska Native communities and facilitating land conveyance for local economic development. This legislation highlights the Representative's advocacy for indigenous rights and community empowerment, further demonstrating their dedication to promoting awareness and reparation for historical injustices faced by Native communities.

The Representative also co-sponsored the Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act (HB6489), which focuses on restoring land management rights to Village Corporations. This initiative seeks to empower local governance within Alaska Native communities, reflecting a broader belief in tribal sovereignty and self-determination.

Their legislative agenda also encompasses healthcare and education, where they co-sponsored bills like the Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act (HB2802) and other initiatives aimed at enhancing access to mental health services for vulnerable populations, including children and families.

Political Alignment

While the Representative identifies as a Democrat, their legislative actions illustrate a focus on pragmatic solutions to complex issues, illustrating a willingness to collaborate across party lines on matters of critical importance, such as environmental conservation, indigenous rights, and public health improvements. Their involvement in legislation that seeks to expand access to services demonstrates a commitment to supporting the welfare of their constituents as well as addressing systemic challenges within public policy.

Overall, this Representative's trajectory reflects a dedication to community upliftment, environmental stewardship, and a strong advocacy for the rights and recognition of Alaska Native peoples within the broader legislative framework.