Gayla Hoseth is the 1st Chief of the Curyung Tribal Council and the Director of Natural Resources for Bristol Bay Native Association in Dillingham, Alaska. Gayla’s career has focused on protecting Alaska’s natural resources and subsistence way of life. Before her role in Natural Resources, Gayla worked in the medical field helping patients, community health aides, and medical providers for twenty years in Bristol Bay. Gayla has served as a tribal chief for the past thirteen years, and she is currently the 1st Chief of her tribe. Gayla also serves on several boards and councils. Her most recent appointment was to the Secretary Department of Interior Secretarial Tribal Advisory Committee (DOI STAC), as the primary representative for Alaska. Gayla was elected to serve on the Alaska Federation of Natives Board (AFN) as the village representative for Bristol Bay, where she also serves as the AFN Subsistence Chair. She also serves as a board member on the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), EPA National Tribal Operations Committee, EPA Region 10 Tribal Operations Committee, Indigenous People’s Council for Marine Mammals (IPCoMM) Primary, Previous Co-Chair and current member on the Alaska Migratory Bird Co-Management Council, Nushagak Peninsula Caribou Planning Committee, and Alaska Department of Fish and Game Nushagak Advisory Council At-Large Representative.
Gayla is a leader advocating for numerous tribal issues, both state and nationwide, on behalf of her tribe and tribal members across the United States. Her passion is subsistence and protecting a subsistence lifestyle, reminding decision makers of Alaska’s Subsistence Priority, as well as holding the Federal government agencies accountable for the Federal Trust Responsibility. Gayla is dedicated to making a difference. When she is faced with challenges, she doesn’t forget where she comes from and remembers those before her, as she continues to move forward for this generation and the generations to come.
Gayla’s most important job is being a mother and grandmother and passing on life lessons as she continues on her life’s journey. She also enjoys traveling, preparing and preserving traditional foods, learning about different cultures, crafting, and visiting with family and friends, as well as growing new relationships.