Heather Shá xat k’ei Gurko

Director of Operations & Finance

Heather Shá xat k’ei Gurko is a dedicated leader with a deep commitment to advancing the well-being of Indigenous Peoples and fostering broader understanding of Indigenous history, cultures, and the ecology of the shared landscape. As a Tlingit citizen of the Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, Heather’s passion for Indigenous rights and community-building drives her professional and volunteer work.

Currently serving as the Director of Operations & Finance at Confluence, Heather leverages her leadership experience to amplify Indigenous voices in education and community outreach. With nearly 15 years of involvement in the Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANB), she has served as the first woman Grand President and currently contributes as an Executive Committee member. Through her leadership, Heather has supported various community initiatives, including serving on the Beaverton School District and Hillsboro School District Native American Parent Advisory Councils, where she advocated for Title VI students.

Heather’s professional experience also includes positions at CareOregon and the Native American Rehabilitation Association (NARA), where she contributed to advancing health and social justice initiatives for Indigenous communities. She is the Board Chair of the Portland All Nations Canoe Family, where she leads the organization’s efforts in cross-generational community building, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship.

In addition to her leadership roles, Heather serves as a member of the Center for Tribal Nations Advisory Committee and is a board member of the Oregon Indian Education Association (OIEA), further strengthening her commitment to education and advocacy for Indigenous communities.

Heather holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Organizational Leadership from George Fox University, following her studies at Sheldon Jackson College in Sitka, Alaska

For questions related to Operations, please contact Heather at heather@confluenceproject.org