“I’m excited for Helene, Tlingit & Haida, and our compact tribes,” said COO Truitt. “Through our community visits this past year, the need to re-establish Helene’s position became evident. She has been doing exceptional work with the compact and this promotion will allow her and Tlingit & Haida to devote more time to providing direct support to our compact tribes.”
In her new role, Helene will provide administrative support to and oversight of the Tribe’s Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Self Governance programs, provide support to compact communities in compliance with applicable regulations and fiscal policies, and oversee the day to day administrative functions of the Tribal Operations department. Helene will also manage all facets of Tribal Assembly in collaboration with the Office of the President.
Helene joined Tlingit & Haida’s workforce full-time in 2010 with the Head Start department, she later transitioned to the Native Lands & Resources (NLR) department before accepting a position in Tribal Operations in 2014. Prior to this, Helene worked for the City & Borough of Juneau’s Parks & Recreation department and the Juneau Police Department (JPD).
“I am honored and excited for this opportunity,” said Helene. “I’ve had great mentors and those who continue to believe in me, and I hope to carry that forward and provide the best support to the Tribe, Southeast communities and our tribal citizens.
Helene is Kaagwaantaan of the Eagle’s Nest House in Sitka, Alaska. Her parents are Bert Bennett Sr. and Vicky James. Helene’s Tlingit name is Khaá T’eix’ and she was born and raised in Juneau, Alaska where she is proudly raising her two daughters Dominique Stitt and Remi Starks. In her free time, Helene enjoys volleyball, softball and hiking; she’s raised her daughters in the same capacity and enjoys following them on their sports adventures and cheering on their life achievements.
