Heather Gatti is of both Tlingit and Haida descent, and will now be assisting the president of the tribal organization that represents both tribes.
The Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (CCTHITA) announced this week that it hired Gatti as Special Assistant to the President. She’ll coordinate intergovernmental activities, serve as liaison to the Delegates and Executive Council and supervise support staff at the office of the president.
Born and raised in Ketchikan, Gatti earned a degree in psychology and a masters of social work degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage and worked for the First Alaskans Institute from 2014-2017 as an Indigenous Research Assistant. She is of both Haida and Tlingit descent, and is from the Yahkw ’Láanaas clan (Raven/Shark House).
She has had internships with the First Alaskans Institute, Alaska Psychiatric Institute and Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. CCTHITA President Richard Peterson said these past experiences will serve Gatti well in her new position.
“With her educational background and work experience, Heather is extremely suited for this position,” Peterson said in a release, “and will be a great asset in moving the Tribe forward in the areas of governance, management and capacity to serve our tribal citizens.”
