WES MARTEL
SENIOR WIND RIVER CONSERVATION ASSOCIATE
Wes works on an important segment of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem which is the Wind River Indian Reservation. The mission of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, to protect the lands, water, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, fits in with Indigenous values and beliefs. Tribes are important allies in conservation. With an office at Fort Washakie on the Wind River Indian Reservation, we are able to work with Tribal Elders and Tribal leadership to obtain first-hand knowledge of how Tribal sovereignty can play a role in the management and protection of the ecosystem and how we can utilize the technical and administrative strength of the GYC to support mutual efforts.
Wes utilizes some of the knowledge and experience he attained as a member of the Eastern Shoshone Business Council. While on the Council, Wes served on the Shoshone and Arapaho Fish and Game Committee. This committee worked with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to develop fisheries and wildlife management plans for the reservation. It is an important exercise of not only Tribal sovereignty, but also an important component of the nation-to-nation relationship that exists between Tribes and the United States as established by treaty.
I enjoy the beautiful country and blessings we are fortunate to receive in this part of the world. I have a large family and we enjoy the togetherness our social and traditional gatherings bring from both the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho.
