My name is Emily Johnson (Wakinyan Win) and I am proudly Wahpeton Dakota. I grew up urban indigenous outside of Los Angeles, California, far from my ancestral homelands but always deeply connected to my heritage and the natural world. It is this enduring bond with nature that has been the guiding force in deciding my career path. Today, I am currently the Assistant Lead Fire Effects Monitor for Grand Teton National Park and Bridger-Teton National Forest.
In 2020, as a fresh college graduate still navigating the uncertain terrain of career options, I attended the National Parks Service Academy. At the time, I was unsure about the direction my future may take, having applied to a range of environmentally focused internships hoping to find my true calling. Little did I know that my acceptance into NPS/A would become a pivotal moment in both my personal journey and my professional life. The experience of the spring Academy was not only an inspiring introduction to the realm of natural resource management but also a transformative period. Surrounded by individuals who, like me, defied the stereotypical image of natural resource professionals, I found empowerment in our shared conversations about diversity, career challenges, and the barriers we had each faced. This sense of belonging emboldened me to step into my internship on the Teton Interagency Fire Effects Crew with confidence and purpose.
After completing my first seasons as an intern on the Fire Effects Crew, I returned as a GS employee, continuing to build on the experience I had gained over a few more seasons until I eventually rose to the role of Assistant Lead. My crew is made up of a few seasonals, including a new NPS/A intern every season, and Olivia Burke, our crew lead who is also a NPS/A Alumni. Together, we monitor the intricate and powerful effects of wildland fires, prescribed burns, and mechanical thinning projects. My crew and I also actively participate in both local and national prescribed burns and wildfire response, serving as stewards of the land in times of crisis.
Throughout my career, my deepest passion remains the connection between fire and culture. I am dedicated to revitalizing and championing the practice of Good Fire – an ancient and life-sustaining tool used by my ancestors since time immemorial. Fire, for many of our communities, is not a force of destruction but a healer and a bringer of balance. In this role, I see myself as part of a broader movement to decolonize the field of fire management on Turtle Island (North America), reminding the world that Indigenous land stewardship is rooted in knowledge passed down through generations.
While prescribed fire is a relatively recent endeavor for federal agencies, it is a practice that has been interwoven with Indigenous ways of life for countless generations. I am committed to viewing contemporary fire science and management through the lens of my cultural heritage. I firmly believe that this perspective enriches and enhances our collective understanding of fire’s true role in our ecosystem. With out the opportunity provided by the National Park Service Academy, I may not have found the path that has now become my life’s work and passion.
