Dana Tizya-Tramm is a Gwich’in leader from Old Crow, Yukon, and a former Chief of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, where he served four years as Chief and over six years in leadership. During his time in office, he led major initiatives in land protection, governance reform, and climate action, including defending the Peel Watershed land use plan through the Supreme Court of Canada and advocating internationally to protect the Porcupine Caribou herd. He also served as Co-Chair of the Gwich’in Council International and represented the Gwich’in Nation on the Arctic Council’s Sustainable Development Working Group.
Under his leadership, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation passed one of the first Indigenous-led climate declarations in Canada, gaining international recognition and helping shape broader climate policy discussions. Dana was recognized as a TIME 100 Next rising leader, a Clean50 Emerging Leader, and Up Here Northerner of the Year.
Today, Dana is the Manager of community Partnerships with Northern Energy Innovation at Yukon University and serves as Chair of the First Nation School Board and continues his work in education, governance, and community development. His focus is on strengthening systems that support the next generation, bridging Indigenous and Western approaches, and advancing practical solutions that reflect the realities and strengths of northern and Indigenous communities.
Dana is widely recognized for his ability to connect complex issues across governance, culture, and economic development, and for bringing people together to build grounded, forward-looking approaches to shared challenges.