CRITFC Chair Takala named to 40 Under 40 list, joined by CTUIR’s Schimmel
“Our youth will be the ones carrying out this work in the future… Investing in their leadership today ensures the strength of our communities for generations to come.”
—Jeremy Takala, CRITFC Chair
Jeremy Takala, CRITFC Chair and Yakama Nation Council Member, at the Tribal government offices in Toppenish Wash. Contributed photo
From Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission:
The Dalles Ore. Feb. 19, 2025 — The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development has announced the 2025 Native American 40 Under 40 honorees, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated leadership, initiative, and dedication to their communities.
Among the awardees is Jeremy Takala. Takala, who carries the Indian name Pax’una’shut, hails from the Kahmiltpah Band (Rock Creek) of the Columbia River territory and is a member of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. He is currently serving his second term on the Yakama Nation Tribal Council, where he chairs the Fish and Wildlife, Law and Order, and Legislative Committees. Takala is also the current Chair of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC) and the second time he has filled this role.
Reflecting on the recognition, Takala stated, “This is an honor to have received a national award that I want to dedicate to our community, past and current elders, our past leaders and chiefs for their teachings, discipline, and love. The tireless efforts and hard work wouldn’t be possible without our team at Yakama Nation and CRITFC.”
Takala during his swearing in as CRITFC Chair in July of 2024 at the Warm Springs on-site commission meeting. CRITFC Photo/Fivecrows
He continued, “It is an honor to be named among so many dedicated individuals working for the betterment of our Native communities. This acknowledgment underscores the collective efforts of our people to uphold our treaty rights and protect our natural resources.”
Takala went on to express his hopes that youth take notice of the work being done and draw some inspiration from these types of awards and leadership events.
He said, “Our youth will be the ones carrying out this work in the future, so it’s critical we continue exposing them to positive events and opportunities that encourage their interests. Investing in their leadership today ensures the strength of our communities for generations to come.”
Aja DeCoteau (Yakama), CRITFC Executive Director said, “CRITFC and our member tribes have benefitted from the leadership and energy that Jeremy Takala brings with him. During his first term as our Chair, he lead the organization during the Covid-19 pandemic with a drive to help the fishers along the Columbia River keep safe and receive the resources they needed to get through that time. His dedication to protecting and exercising Columbia River Treaty fishing rights, sharing salmon culture with audiences ranging from schoolchildren to the White House has been admirable and inspiring.”
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