Justin Parker, Makah, is the new executive director of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. The NWIFC is a natural resources management support services organization for the 20 treaty Indian tribes in western Washington.
Parker, 45, joined the organization in 2000 and for the past five years has served as Intergovernmental Affairs Policy Adviser. Prior to that he was Director of Administration. He will begin his new duties in July. Before joining the NWIFC, Parker worked as Director of Administrative Services at the Makah Tribe and as a fisherman. He is a graduate of Peninsula College.
He will replace Michael Grayum, who retires June 30. Grayum has served as executive director for the past 11 years. He previously served as director of NWIFC Fisheries Services for 28 years.
“Justin has the experience and knowledge necessary to be a top-notch executive director,” said Lorraine Loomis, NWIFC chair. “As a tribal fisherman, he understands our goals to restore the salmon resource and protect tribal treaty-reserved rights.”
“The NWIFC is a center of excellence in providing natural resources management assistance to our treaty tribes, and we will continue that tradition,” Parker said. “I am honored to help support the work of our tribes and leaders such as the late Billy Frank Jr.”
Parker also serves as vice president of the Salmon Homecoming Alliance Board of Directors and as treasurer of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians/Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors.
The NWIFC is headquartered in Olympia with satellite offices in Forks, Burlington and Poulsbo. The organization employs about 70 people, providing fisheries management, fish health, statistical analysis and other services.
The NWIFC was created in 1974 following Judge George Boldt’s ruling in U.S. v. Washington. The Boldt decision upheld tribal treaty-reserved fishing rights and established the tribes as co-managers of the resource with the state of Washington.
For more information: Tony Meyer, NWIFC, 360.438.1180; [email protected]
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