July 8, 2025 Dgheyey Kaq’, Dena’inaq ełnen’aq’ qilan (Anchorage, Alaska, lands of the Dena’ina) - First Alaskans Institute (FAI) is happy to announce that Tikaan Silas Galbreath has accepted the position of Chief Operating Officer. Tikaan will join an innovative team of leaders at FAI to lead the organization’s day-to-day operations while serving its vision: progress for the next 10,000+ years...

An Ahtna Inc. shareholder, Tikaan is a tribal member of the Mentasta Traditional Council. For the past five years he has worked for Intertribal Agriculture Council, most recently as the Technical Assistance Network Director. Through this work he has supported the provision of strategic guidance and support for technical assistance delivery across the nation to help Tribes and Tribal producers accomplish their goals related to agriculture using Tribal resources and contracts with federal agencies.

Tikaan will guide operations while supporting the work of the FAI team in the areas of public policy, advocacy, leadership development, and outreach for FAI as we work to ensure each of our regions, our shareholders, and our tribal citizens are informed and engaged in leading the decisions that shape the future. President and CEO Roy Apagruk Agloinga: “Tikaan is joining the FAI team at a time when his expertise and experience is greatly needed across Alaska. He will help us to continue building strong partnerships and strategies to further advance self-determination for our people.”

Tikaan currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Alaska Food Policy Council as the Vice Chair and also serves on the Native Movement’s Board of Directors. In the past five years, he was nominated and has served on the Governor’s Alaska Food Security and Independence Task Force as well as the Legislative Food Security and Independence Task Force. Additionally, he has supported work across the state, serving on numerous committees and work groups to further work related to Tribal priorities.

First Alaskans Institute is a statewide Alaska Native nonprofit advancing Alaska Native voices in decision-making roles at all levels, cultivating leadership from birth to Ancestor. FAI is driven by its mission: True to identity, heritage, and values, Alaska Natives are informed and engaged in leading the decisions that shape the future. FAI is guided by core values of Integrity, Respect, Native Knowledge, and Responsibility.