Juneau, AK (May 13, 2022) – The Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) is pleased to announce the hire of Gail Dabaluz as Self-Governance Manager.
In this capacity, Dabaluz will provide administrative oversight of the Tribe's Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Self-Governance programs and support to Compact communities in compliance with applicable regulations and fiscal policies. Dabaluz will also oversee the Community Navigators program which aims to connect tribal citizens with Tlingit & Haida's programs, employment and training opportunities, and local resources.
“I am very pleased we have brought Gail back to Tlingit & Haida,” said President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson. “We are committed to raising the level of services to our Compact tribes and our citizenry as a whole. With her experience and relationships throughout our communities, we know she will succeed at connecting and responding to specific needs. Gail will also be guiding our Community Navigators, our newest program to meet our citizens where they are in each community.”
Dabaluz attained her Master of Arts degree in Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Hawaii at Hilo, and is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Indigenous Studies. She was previously employed as Senior Contract Manager at Goldbelt Wolf, LLC; Grant Manager with the State of Alaska; and Indian Self-Determination Specialist with the BIA. Dabaluz has over 20 years in contract and program administration working with federally recognized tribes, health organizations, and governmental agencies.
"I'm excited to be a part of the Tlingit & Haida leadership team in Tribal Operations," Dabaluz shared. "As a tribal citizen, it is apparent the Tribe has grown exponentially to meet tribal citizens where they are at. It’s an incredible feat as we emerge from a two-year global pandemic."
Born in Seattle, Washington and raised in Southeast Alaska, Dabaluz is the daughter of James Young Jr. of Hydaburg, Alaska and Geraldine Brown of Juneau, Alaska. Her maternal grandparents are the late Judson and Selina (Lena) Brown and her great grandparents are the late James and Mary (Spurgeon) Brown. Her paternal grandparents are the late James Young Sr. and Florence (George) Young. Dabaluz’s Tlingit Name is S'eenaakw' and she is of the Raven moiety and L'uknax.ádi clan. She is married to Leroy Dabaluz and has two children - Ke'alalakina and Pietr.
