My Park Story: Teresa Hahn

Boozhoo! Teresa indizhinikaaz. Makwa nindoodem. Gichi-onigamiing indoonjibaa. Gichi-onigamiing indaa. Miigwech. Mii iw.
Hello! My name is Teresa. My clan is bear. I come from Grand Portage. I live in Grand Portage. Thank you.

Uniform patches worn by the National Park Service and the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

NPS Photo

A New Role

I started working at Grand Portage National Monument in May of 2022. I was originally hired as the Archeology Technician for Cultural and Natural Resources Department, during this time I learned about archeology, history, artifacts, ArcGIS, Land Surveys and the park in general. I soon transitioned in the first year to Gichi Onigaming Conservation Crew Manager to oversee trail work, foster teen engagement, coordinate trainings, as well as rebranding. I became chainsaw and CPR & first aid certified during this time. In 2023 my second year, I was promoted to a third position as the Annual Funding Agreement (AFA) Assistant, I worked for the Tribe at the National Monument facilitating AFA related budgetary duties such as purchase orders and invoices. I was in this role for roughly six months. All these positions have taught me vital and key information about the Grand Portage National Monument history and the Grand Portage Anishinaabeg history. I am grateful to all my co-workers and supervisors in making these promotions possible, the amount of information that has been shared is key to this operation continuing to be successful while in my care and oversight. As of February 2024, I’ve been promoted to the Maintenance Supervisor at the Grand Portage National Monument.

Teresa remembering a forest spot where a road will be built.

NPS Photo

Making a Difference

I am the first Anishinaabe ikwe (woman) Maintenance Supervisor to be hired by the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa to work at the Grand Portage National Monument, not to mention I am following in my grandfather’s footsteps. He, Herman Hendrickson, held the Maintenance Supervisor position from 1972 - 1984, when he retired. I am grateful for this opportunity – to learn and understand the history, land and structures not only from the amazing and versatile staff who currently work here but from past employees. The previous Superintendent and Maintenance Supervisor have been open to sharing and informing me in all the previous work. My duties as the Maintenance Supervisor are to work closely with the Superintendent of the NPS and the Tribal Council who represents the Tribe as a whole to work on projects and ideas that better the parks overall operations to run and function properly at its highest capacity. Because of the co-management agreement maintenance projects are not only completed here on park grounds, but we also support the Grand Portage community by being available to assist when needed with their maintenance projects, we are a helping hand.

The Maintenance Supervisor position is hired through the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and made possible by the 1999 Annual Funding Agreement (AFA). This innovative agreement has its foundation in the Tribal Self-Governance Act of 1994 and provides a framework in which the National Park Service funds and the Grand Portage Band performs all monument-related maintenance programs, services, and functions. This agreement provides for the government-to-government relationship between the National Park Service and the Grand Portage Band for co-management of the park.

Working at the national monument has given me the complexity I was searching for! What excites me about coming to work is learning the extensive information and knowledge about this place I call home. The Grand Portage story is so important to honor my Anishinaabeg ancestors and our current tribal members.