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Shasta Gaughen

Pala Environmental Department Director

Pala Tribal Historic Preservation Office Pala Band of Mission Indians Profile Portrait John Pepper

Dr. Shasta Gaughen is the Pala Environmental Department Director and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer.

Dr. Shasta Gaughen has worked for Pala since 2005. She was Acting Director of the Cupa Cultural Center until 2010, when she moved to the Environmental Director position at the Pala Environmental Department. She has also served as Tribal Historic Preservation Officer since 2008.

Shasta oversees the operation of both PED and the Pala THPO. Her job is to make sure that Pala’s environment, both natural and cultural, is protected. Along with oversight of PED’s water, air, solid waste, education and outreach, land stewardship, and cultural resource management, Shasta serves on several state and national Tribal advisory groups and boards, such as EPA’s Tribal Science Council, of which she is the Tribal Co-Chair.

Gaughen keeps the Executive Committee informed and works with legal and environmental partners on issues important to Pala, including climate change adaptation, natural disaster preparedness, and the repatriation of Pala’s ancestors and cultural items. Shasta also ensures a continuous funding source for the department through grants and partnerships.