Kim oversees Curbside Collection, Elder's Assistance Home Repair, Elder’s ADA Accessibility, and Indian Health Service Well and Septic Programs. She assists the Conservation Committee and issues Hunting licenses. She performs all administrative functions for the Planning and Environmental Team.

Phil Jackson is SCITs Environmental Response Program Specialist and was previously an Environmental Resource Technician for the Tribe’s Environmental team. Phil works with local and regional emergency response personnel to ensure that the views of SCIT are considered when decisions are made regarding our natural resources. The program works to identify and respond to environmental concerns to help guide property cleanup, reuse, and redevelopment activities with community input while also concentrating on Brownfields identification and remediation. He is also working on the Fish Consumption project in which one of the main goals is to create an educational tool to be used by our community so they can make safe choices when choosing which fish to eat. Another project that Phil and the Environmental Resource Technician are working on is a pesticide program that will provide support and educational outreach to the Tribal community to encourage responsible pesticide use in a manner that protects human and environmental health. Phil’s interest in the outdoors and natural resources has encouraged him to complete his bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences in 2022 from Southern New Hampshire University. Phil is continuing his education to achieve a master’s degree in Environmental Assessment from the University of Kansas. Prior to this job Phil was employed as a Table Games Dealer for the Saginaw Chippewa and Gun Lake tribes.

Sally Kniffen has worked for SCIT for 20+ years and currently fills our Environmental Specialist position where she helps oversee the EPA: General Assistance Program. Sally is also a trustee council representative for the Tribe on two Natural Resources Damage and Assessment case involving Dow Chemical Company contaminates in the Tittabawassee River and the General Motors contaminates in the Saginaw River and Bay. Sally has an interest in sustainable projects thus she has worked with students at SCTC + CMU and Andahwad facilities on food waste recovery projects. Sally is currently working with the Saginaw Chippewa Academy to incorporate these community values into practical solutions.

Dustin Hager is a Natural Resource Specialist with the tribe where he directly works to put environmental and land management practices into action. His job includes many facets such as trail maintenance, invasive species removal, tree planting, and other general aspects of maintaining tribal land. Dustin is an alumni from Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental studies with a concentration on political sciences.

Katie Hager is the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe’s Environmental Outreach Coordinator. Katie’s goal is to work with the environmental team to collect and evaluate information to determine community program needs and aspirations for educational and informational purposes. Katie will be collaborating with the environmental team to aid in facilitating their action plans and events to ensure sustainable and environmentally friendly practices both in an administrative and field setting. Katie’s interests and work history include sustainability, grant management, outreach, career training, and education. She has earned associate degrees in Science and Plastic Engineering/Manufacturing Technologies from Mid Michigan College and a bachelor’s of science in Sustainability Management from Bellevue University. Katie has assisted with tree and plant giveaways; river cleanups; water blessings and ceremonies with tribal members and elders; tree plantings; invasive species identification and treatment; youth camps – Anishinaabe Environment and Culture Camp and STEAM Camp; Clean Boats Cleans Waters Boat Wash events; outdoor youth scavenger hunts, hikes, and identification walks; while also working community, environmental meetings, and supporting Saginaw Chippewa Academy environmental and outdoor instruction along with coordinating environmental instructional and community support with the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College.

Nathaniel Lambertson is the Natural Resource Specialist II, primarily concerned with Wild Rice and aquatic invasive species. Nathaniel is a graduate of Michigan State University (B.S.) and Central Michigan University (M.S.) and is a member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of MI. He has served the Tribe in various capacities throughout his career, including Dean of Students at the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College, Elder Services Manager, and Strategic Grants Specialist, among others. One of Nathaniel’s goals is to support and amplify Manoomin (Wild Rice) into Tribal consciousness and practice through restoration activities, monitoring, outreach, and invasive species removal.

Shayla Fisher is a Natural Resources Technician with a degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainability. Shayla helps the Natural Resources Specialist II with water and soil sampling, aquatic invasive species management, and other duties related to Manoomin restoration. Outside of work, Shayla enjoys biking, kayaking, and snorkeling with her daughter. Shayla is eager to apply her skills and knowledge to contribute to a team where we are supporting conservation and strengthening environmental management.

Alexis Bruce is an Environmental Resource Technician who guides the pesticide program for the SCIT. Our goal is to limit pesticide use on tribal land in favor of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a pest control strategy that uses a combination of nontoxic methods and pesticides only if necessary. She can help navigate pesticide and disinfectant concerns or resources, but pollinator protection is the focus of the program. Public health is the priority, but we want to check that your pesticide method applies to the right pest. Alexis is an alumni from Central Michigan University, receiving an Environmental Studies degree and a Communication minor in 2023.

Alex Robins is a Water Resource Technician who guides the water programs for SCIT. Alex’s work focuses on collecting and analyzing a wide range of environmental data to better understand the quality of local waterways. Through this data, he helps identify trends, assess potential impacts, and support the development of best management practices to protect and improve water resources. Alex is an alumnus of Saginaw Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science.

Autumn Brown is an Environmental Resource Technician for the Tribes Environmental Team. In her role, she conducts surveys of tribal properties, UST inspections, chemical inventories, and other activities supporting environmental compliance and resource protection. Autumn is a 2026 alumni from Lake Superior State University, having earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science with a minor in biology.