bdbluehorse@alaska.edu

Byron Bluehorse is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. He holds a bachelors degree in University Studies and a masters degree in Community and Regional Planning from the University of New Mexico. From 1993-1997, Byron served in the U.S. Marine Corps, an experience which led him to Japan, Panama, and the Philippines. After receiving an honorable discharge, Byron returned home to New Mexico to pursue a higher education. While in graduate school, Byron served as an AmeriCorps volunteer where he helped to establish the University of New Mexico Tribal Service Corps. Byron’s past employment experience includes the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, U.S. Forest Service, Resource Center for Raza Planning  and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). After moving to Alaska in 2005, Byron began working as a Contracts and Grants Specialist for the BIA. In this capacity, he provided technical assistance in the area of P.L. 93-638 Indian Self-Determination contracting to tribal entities in the Interior and Arctic Slope regions. Byron currently lives in Fairbanks and is a member of the American Planning Association, Alaska Planning Chapter, and Indigenous Planning Division.

Stephanie Ashcraft (Koyukon Athabascan) was born and raised in Interior Alaska. She is an enrolled member of the Koyukuk Tribal Council and a Doyon shareholder.  Stephanie  and her husband, Spencer, are currently attending the University of Alaska Fairbanks where she is working towards a bachelors degree in Political Science.  Stephanie  previously worked with the Rural Alaska Community Action Program which she helped to update community plans for Napakiak, Pilot Station, Russian Mission and New Stuyahok.