Lios enchim aniavu. Ketchem allea.
Does the creator help you? Are you happy? (traditional Hiaki greeting)
I am named Kristen Dawn Gutierrez Livoti. I wanted to introduce myself and give you a little background as I begin as your Tribal Administrator.
I have spent the last six years working in municipal government and am completing my master’s degree in Public Administration in Senior Leadership from Clark University. I have completed the Rebuilding Native Nations certificate at the University of Arizona and have studied effective ways to strengthen tribal sovereignty. I am currently applying to become a doctoral candidate in Native American Studies at the University of New Mexico (all to be completed remotely). My experiences range from that of a state election official to a financial officer of non-profits with experience in public budgeting, labor relations, grant writing, community programming, and strategic planning. I served as a museum director and completed my undergraduate degree in public history and historic preservation and also spent 10 years as a small business owner who understands the importance of economic development in a community.
My decision to leave municipal government was a selfish one. I wanted to be surrounded by those who shared my values and I wanted my work to be impactful. It became my goal to become a tribal administrator and use my experiences and skills to help others move forward along their path, to strengthen tribal resources, and lend support to the initiatives of the tribe.
I believe in making decisions based on fairness and equity and have completed two certifications in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to support this mission. My grandmother was full Hiaki, originally from Mexico but ultimately settling in Wyoming. I study the Hiaki language with the Pascua Yaqui tribe to honor my elders and look forward to learning and supporting the language and the culture of the Mashpee Wampanoag.
I am looking forward to what we can accomplish together.
