Hydaburg Mayor Tony Christianson  was awarded the first Rise to the Future Award for Tribal Accomplishment on May 14th in Washington, D.C. The national award, from the U.S. Forest Service, recognizes Christianson’s achievements as natural resources director of the Hydaburg Cooperative Association.

The Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Butch Blazer gave Christianson the award for engaging local tribal members in resource management efforts.

Among his accomplishments, Christianson has led assessments of sockeye salmon at Hetta Lake for more than ten years, provided information for managing fish and game resources to government agencies, and directed studies on community use patterns and subsistence harvest.

The award recognizes his success in improving relationships, cooperation, and coordination with the Haida people.