Dane Nan Ye Dah

Tanya is a proud member of both the Kaska and Tahltan First Nations. Her love for the land and for learning from her elders about culture, language and traditional knowledge has directed her studies and guided a career path which focusses on helping to advance the Indigenous Guardians movement and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas.
Tanya’s post-secondary education includes Certification in Earth and Environmental studies, Applied Environmental Techniques, Environmental Site Assessment Assistant Training, Advanced GIS, and the Boreal Guardian Program at Dechinta University.

Tanya currently works with the Dena Kayeh Institute as a Natural Resource Technician and guardian coordinator for the Dane Nan Yḗ Dāh Network (Kaska land guardian program). More recently she has also started to work with the Northern Indigenous Stewardship Circle, and the 3 Nations (Tahltan, Kaska, Taku River Tlingit) Society as the 3 Nations land guardian coordinator. Tanya brings front-line experience, deeply ingrained Kaska values, and a clearly articulated Indigenous perspective to her responsibilities representing the Kaska Nation at various public government management boards, advocacy forums and tables addressing policy matters and influencing decisions being made about the land and resources within the Kaska traditional territory.

Lisa was born in Watson Lake. She is a Kaska Dena citizen, whose heritage lies in Northern BC. She is part of the wolf clan. Lisa started working with the Dane Nan Yḗ Dāh Network, Kaska’s Land Guardians program, in 2017. Since Lisa has started working with the Guardian network, she has gained a lot of knowledge about the land. She enjoys being a land guardian because she gets to see the changes happening on the land throughout the seasons, gets to communicate with other land users and share knowledge with them. She also loves learning from the elders about the history of the land.

Robbie Porter is a Kaska citizen, born in Lower Post, BC. He is the youngest out of 9 children born to Minnie and Jimmy Porter. He grew up on the trapline in northern BC. He was married in 1998 and has 2 children, Jonah and Katelyne, and 1 granddaughter Natalie.

Robbie started guiding for big game outfitters in 1977 and retired in 2019. He then joined the Dane nan yḗ dāh Network, working out of Lower Post, BC. He enjoys the outdoors and brings a wealth of knowledge to our guardian program.

(Mother who takes care of the Land)

Vanessa Law is a proud Kaska Dena citizen with deep ancestral roots and a strong commitment to her community. She is married to Darren and is a devoted mother to her two sons, Marshal and Ryder, and daughter Jayde. Her parents are Shirley Laverdure (McMillan) and the late Les Laverdure.

Vanessa’s journey in land stewardship began after she completed her University Degree in Natural Resource Science. She returned to her homeland and started working in land management in Daylu (Lower Post), BC. Over the past two decades, she has dedicated herself to the Lands Position, managing numerous land-related projects for the Daylu Dena Council. Her roles have included Local Fire smart Representative and Emergency Operations Center Director.

Vanessa has been instrumental in initiating the Daylu Dena Land Guardian Program, now known as the Dane nan yḗ dāh, a vital initiative for the protection and management of Kaska traditional territories. Her commitment to her community extends beyond her professional life; she has been an active board member of the Watson Lake Daycare for approximately sixteen years, ensuring its continuity. Currently, she contributes to the Watson Lake Youth Hockey Club, supporting the local youth and fostering a sense of community.

Vanessa’s work reflects her dedication to preserving and enhancing the natural and cultural heritage of the Kaska Dena people. Her efforts continue to support the sustainable management of their lands, ensuring that future generations can thrive in harmony with their environment.