Brett Fessell
Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
Restoration Section Leader/River Ecologist
For over 30 years, Brett has dedicated his career to the Grand Traverse Band, a path he believes no academic degree could have fully prepared him for. He has led vital initiatives in natural resources restoration and advocacy, from defending tribal treaty rights in federal court to managing complex watershed projects. Brett is a tireless advocate for ensuring Indigenous perspectives are meaningfully integrated into conservation efforts. By translating complex ecosystem processes into personal values, he helps communities connect with the essential health and services of the natural world, bridging the gap between human and non-human environments.
Sessions with Brett
Restoring What Connects Us
TBD
The world of conservation is one where funding is competitive, resources are limited, and support can waver. Encouragingly, it’s also a field driven by passion, grounded in collaboration, and strengthened by partnerships that create opportunity. Together, we can achieve far more than any of us could alone.
The Crystal River Initiative demonstrates what is possible when tribal nations, nonprofit organizations, local governments, and community partners come together around a shared vision for conservation. Explore how collaboration restored a healthier river system while improving public access, strengthening recreation opportunities, and honoring the cultural and spiritual connections that people have with the landscape.
Using the Crystal River as a case study, presenters will share lessons learned from building partnerships, navigating complex restoration projects, and balancing ecological, recreational, and community priorities. Attendees will leave with practical insights into how collaborative conservation can create lasting benefits for both people and nature, and why protecting what connects us requires working together.
TBD