Tristen Tucker Spearheads Environmental Progress For the Delaware Tribe

By Celeste Amadon

The Delaware Tribe is delighted to announce the hiring of Tristen Tucker as the Tribe’s new Environmental Program Director. Tucker’s dynamic blend of professional expertise, cultural commitment, and community-focused approach makes him an ideal leader to steer our community towards a greener and more sustainable future. Tristen brings a fresh perspective and a committed approach to our Tribe’s environmental initiatives, which he sees translating directly to the health of the Delaware people. His leadership signals a promising future for the Delaware Tribe in environmental stewardship and food sovereignty. His first goal is to make our tribal headquarters a model of environmental friendliness. He has planned initiatives such as establishing pollinator gardens and planting trees around the campus. These are not just aesthetic enhancements but are in fact crucial steps towards our community’s ecological balance and health. These efforts symbolize a deep commitment to creating a sustainable and healthy environment for our community. Native people have always had a connection to the land and to the stewardship of resources and the Tribe’s environmental program aims to reinforce this cultural priority.

A graduate of Rogers State University with a degree in Environmental Conservation, Tristen has been deeply immersed in the cultural activities of the Tribe. He plays an active role on the Cultural Preservation Committee, and is involved with the Lenape language revitalization effort, including teaching traditional songs and dances. His service on the Pow Wow Committee and his involvement in significant tribal events, such as last year’s poignant repatriation and reburial of Ancestors’ remains, underscores his dedication to our heritage.

Tristen extends an invitation to all Tribal members to engage with him on this crucial mission. He emphasizes that sustainability is a team sport and encourages everyone to reach out with ideas, inquiries, or any input that can contribute to the Tribe’s environmental goals. So please consider stopping by our new Environmental Program Director’s office so he can get to know you, or email him at ttucker@delawaretribe.org.

From the January 2024 issue of the Delaware Indian News. For more from this issue, as well as a full archive of past issues, click here.

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