Nez Perce Tribal Member Raequel Picard Recognized at WAFWA Student Engagement Program

The Nez Perce Tribe is proud to recognize Raequel Picard for her participation in the 2026 Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) Summer Meeting and Student Engagement Program held in Boise, Idaho.

Raequel, an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe from Lapwai, Idaho, attended the conference alongside Rosie Sanchez, Carnivore Biologist with the Tribe’s Wildlife Division, through sponsorship support from the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society (NAFWS). Raequel was selected to participate in the WAFWA Students for Success Program and served as the only Native representation within the student cohort.

Currently, Raequel is a first-year master’s student at the University of Idaho in the College of Natural Resources and Society. Her academic and research interests focus on bison restoration and Traditional Ecological Knowledge, areas that reflect both cultural importance and the future of Indigenous-led conservation efforts.

Before beginning graduate school, Raequel earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from Haskell Indian Nations University. In addition to her studies, she also works with the Nez Perce Tribe Wildlife Division, further strengthening her commitment to wildlife management and natural resource stewardship.

As part of the Student Engagement Program, Raequel participated in a professional development workshop before joining WAFWA committee and working group meetings throughout the conference. The program provided students with opportunities to engage directly with Directors, Deputy Directors, Chiefs of Wildlife, Chiefs of Fisheries, biologists, R3 coordinators, and other professionals representing fish and wildlife agencies across the United States and Canada.

The WAFWA Access and Engagement Committee created the Student Engagement Program to help prepare emerging professionals for careers in conservation and wildlife management by connecting them with mentors and leadership in the field.

Reflecting on the experience, Raequel shared:

“I had an amazing experience in the Student Engagement Program (SEP) at Western Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) in Boise. Being surrounded by so many professionals who are passionate about fish and wildlife was inspiring, and I loved learning about the work happening across different agencies. One of my favorite parts was hearing tribal representatives speak about their successes and the positive impacts they are making in their communities. It reminded me how important Indigenous voices are in these spaces.

I’m so thankful to Native American Fish & Wildlife Society (NAFWS) and the Nez Perce Tribe Wildlife Division for allowing me to represent them. This experience strengthened my passion for this field, and I’m excited to continue building relationships between tribes and states throughout my career.”

WAFWA welcomed its third Student Engagement Program cohort during the first week of June, and Raequel’s participation reflects the growing presence and leadership of Indigenous students in natural resources and wildlife conservation.

We are incredibly proud of Raequel for representing the Nez Perce Tribe, her community, and Indigenous students in this important space. Her dedication, hard work, and commitment to protecting natural resources and Traditional Ecological Knowledge continue to inspire future generations.

Congratulations, Raequel — we look forward to seeing all you accomplish in the future.

Picture credit: https://wafwa.org/student-engagement-program-2026-fellows-prepare-for-summer-meeting/