When One Became Three
After decades of being a one-person staff overwhelmed with work and tired of having to miss out on restoration and collaboration opportunities, the NWC is excited to announce the hiring of not one, but two new full-time staff members!
“I'm just so excited about this job and this place, finding a way to connect science with people” - Djennyfer de Melo Ferreira, Stewardship & Restoration Manager
In June of 2024 we welcomed Djennyfer de Melo Ferreira and Hugh Amaguq Ahnatook as our Stewardship & Restoration Manager and Tribal Lands and Waters Steward, respectively. Each come from a unique background rife with scientific, cultural and geographical diversity that brings with it an ability to creatively problem solve for our watershed.
Djennyfer, or as she goes by, “DJ”, comes from Brazil where she grew up in Recife, a northeastern city surrounded by mangroves and estuaries. Fueled by her passion for coastal environments, she has earned a BSc in Agronomy and an MSc in Soil Science from Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco followed by an MSc in Soil and Crop Sciences from Colorado State University where she focused on the biogeochemistry of various wetland types along the Brazilian and Gulf of Mexico coasts.
DJ loves to connect her rich research experience with boots on the ground work, restoring and protecting critical habitat while ensuring that local communities that rely on those habitats understand the value of restoration work.
In her free time she enjoys practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and playing soccer on the beach, when the weather permits it on the Oregon coast, or just reading a good mystery novel with a strong cup of coffee.
Reaching north instead of south, Hugh’s background is Alaskan Native and his years of experience working with tribal communities across the Pacific coast have given him strong relationships and a seamless ability to interact with tribal community here in the Necanicum Basin.
"I'm excited to see what this little team can do, lots of good work to be done out there"
- Hugh A. Ahnatook, Tribal Lands and Waters Steward
Hugh is Inupiat from the village of Utqiagvik, Alaska (Barrow, AK) - the most northern point of the United States approximately 320 miles north of the Arctic circle.
He lived in Utqiagvik with his family as a young boy and learned the traditional ways of life, practices, hunting, fishing, harvesting, culture and artwork of his Inupiaq relatives. He is a keeper of knowledge and stories and songs of many indigenous ways. In addition, Hugh is an artist and carver of traditional tools.
He has studied and mentored under many Indigenous leaders in North America and has always remained knowledgeable and connected to his Inupiaq culture and artwork. He is well connected throughout Indian Country and is a keeper of ceremonies and traditions for the communities he supports.
Hugh is a deep lover of Mother Earth and remains committed to being a great student and teacher of the lessons that nature provides.
With experience as a Fire Chief focused on wildfire suppression, a community emergency preparedness leader and owner and operator of his own proud indigenous fish canning business, Hugh brings a breadth of experience and knowledge to the Necanicum Watershed Council and Chinook Indian Nation partnership.
Hugh is excited to work within the Necanicum Basin and beyond with our partners to strengthen the capacity of partners to work with the Chinook Indian Nation on restoration and engagement in the Clatsop Territory and throughout the Chinook Nation.