Wanuskewin Heritage Park has appointed longtime staff member Jenaya Chutskoff as its new Chief Executive Officer as the organization enters the final stages of its bid for UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.
Chutskoff brings more than a decade of experience at Wanuskewin, where she has overseen finance, human resources, government relations, capital projects and the park’s UNESCO designation process.
“Her strategic leadership, her deep understanding of this remarkable place, and her unwavering commitment to building respectful relationships grounded in collaboration make her exceptionally well-positioned to build on the remarkable momentum of the organization,” said Board Chair Sascha Sasbrink-Harkema in an announcement about Chutskoff’s new role.
As CEO, Chutskoff will work with the Board, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, staff, donors, community partners and governments to continue advancing Wanuskewin’s mission of preserving and sharing the cultures of the Northern Plains Indigenous Peoples.
Chutskoff said she is honoured to lead the organization during a significant period in its history.
“Wanuskewin is a place unlike any other—a place where the land, the stories, and the living cultures of the Northern Plains Indigenous peoples create opportunities for people from every background to learn, connect, and move forward together,” the new Wanuskewin CEO said.
She added that she looks forward to working with Indigenous communities and partners to continue honouring the site’s history while building its future.
Maanwhile, Wanuskewin continues to seek UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.
(Photo provided)