Evan-Marie Petit
Cherokee ,NC
Summary
Prescribed fire practitioner, firefighter, and Tribal workforce development consultant specializing in strategic fire management, ecological restoration, and community engagement to benefit Tribal eco-cultural initiatives and programming.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Fire Prevention Specialist
Eastern Cherokee BIA Agency
Cherokee, NC
07.2025 - Current
- Created fire prevention education programs aligned with community needs and cultural values for implementation in Cherokee schools
- Designed and developed cultural fire curriculum in partnership with EBCI Natural Resources
- Assessed EBCI wildland urban interface and community wildfire occurrence data to develop targeted prevention strategies using WPSAPS (Wildfire Prevention Spatial Assessment and Planning Strategies)
- Facilitated agency participation and served as liaison among Tribal partners, non-profits, and The Nature Conservancy to co-host inaugural EBCI Eco-Cultural Wildland Fire Training
- Developed prescribed fire operations PSAs and coordinated with multiple Tribal departments to engage public safety and awareness around agency operations
- Conducted EBCI community engagement for wildfire prevention awareness and agency workforce development opportunities with EBCI Central Schools
- Executed initial attack as an FFT2 firefighter on the BIA engine during wildfire operations
- Operated as an FFT1 (T) firefighter on prescribed burn operations
- Collaborated with local agencies to enhance emergency response strategies.
Film Producer & Creative Director, CEO
Overstory Studio
Cherokee, North Carolina
01.2019 - Current
- Produced and co-directed a $1M budgeted documentary feature film, managing multi-state and international locations, collaborators, and production logistics while facilitating all documentary and video production.
- Directed and produced a short, impact doc film selected for multiple U.S. film festivals and used as educational material by The Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians and at the California State Capitol, showcasing strong advocacy for diversity and inclusion.
- Created compelling long- and short-form films supporting Indigenous rights, land back, and environmental initiatives, collaborating with cinematographers, production designers, and editors to establish a unique visual style and advocate for social change.
- Directed and produced a short, impact doc film selected for multiple U.S. film festivals and adopted as educational material by The Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians and at California State Capitol, promoting diversity and inclusion.
Tribal Fire Workforce Development & Environmental Sustainability Consultant
Private Clients, Tribal & NGO
Cherokee, North Carolina
02.2017 - Current
- Contracted through The Nature Conservancy to work as a consultant and liaison to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Natural Resources Department to strategize for the buildout of a Tribal Cultural Fire & Forestry Crew
- Designed and implemented a Tribal Eco-Cultural TREX program to engage and train the EBCI community in NWCG FFT2 fireline qualifications while highlighting community knowledge of Cultural burning.
- Promoted effective cooperative burning, enabling diverse partners to leverage skills and resources for enhanced outreach, treatment, and training opportunities.
- Facilitated EBCI community engagement and workforce development by planning and facilitating key community and partner meetings between programs such as the EBCI Natural Resources Department, Qualla Artisans Co-op, Earth Keepers (Elohi Dinigatiyi), BIA Fire, The Nature Conservancy, and the Center for Native Health, Main Springs Land Trust.
- Conducted site visit consultation with EBCI Natural Resources Department, BIA Fire, and cultural practitioners to survey cultural resources and implement burn plan development.
- Developed and implemented a public awareness strategy with Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians to support Tribal co-stewardship efforts with Cal-Fire on Jackson Demonstration State Forest in Mendocino, California.
- Guided environmental compliance for agricultural and large rural properties, navigating state, county, and federal regulations, including CAL-FIRE, California Dept of Fish and Wildlife, and State Water Resource Board permits.
- Conducted environmental and watershed assessments, implemented best management practices, and supported planning and building permit processes for residents and businesses.
- Crafted culturally sensitive grant proposals and reports, reflecting understanding of Tribal community values, traditions, and history.
Independent Documentary Photojournalist
Evan-Marie Petit Photography
Cherokee, nc
01.2007 - Current
- Published high-visibility photojournalism essays in national print and digital media, showcasing impactful storytelling through exhibitions and educational materials with organizations like NDN Collective and Save the Redwoods League, enhancing public engagement and awareness.
- Developed a collaborative storytelling approach highlighting Indigenous rights, cultural preservation, conservation, and environmental issues, effectively raising awareness and campaign impact through visual narratives.
- Cultivated and maintained relationships with Indigenous communities, Tribal, and environmental NGOs to support and amplify their visual and cultural preservation efforts across the United States and the Hawaiian Islands.
- Mentored an Eastern Band of Cherokee Tribal member on visual storytelling and camera work, in collaboration with The Center of Native Health.
Cultural-Prescribed Fire Practitioner
Tribal Eco-Restoration Alliance
Upper Lake, CA
01.2023 - 03.2025
- Implemented cultural and prescribed fire practices to restore and enhance the growth of plants of cultural significance, such as those used in basketry, food, medicine, and traditional crafts, while promoting biodiversity and ecosystem health.
- Conducted fire operations, including preparation, scouting, ignition, holding, and fire effects monitoring, to ensure safety and effectiveness of cultural and prescribed burns while preserving important sites and natural heritage.
- Operated with a Tribal-led team and applied Indigenous eco-cultural restoration, conservation, and land management knowledge to protect cultural resources during burns.
- Captured and documented cultural burns, events, and training through photography to support educational initiatives and preserve historical records.
- Represented the organization and community as a film producer and story consultant on a high-level, social impact project.
Firefighter & First Responder
Anderson Valley Fire Department
Boonville, CA
12.2023 - 09.2024
- Completed tactical search and rescue training, enhancing response capabilities in high-risk scenarios.
- Trained in advanced firefighting techniques for structure and wildland fire, emergency treatment protocols, fire prevention strategies, and hazardous materials response.
- Laid hose lines and operated nozzles, pumps, hydrants, and fire extinguishers.
Co-Founder & Vice President of Operations
Plant Intelligence Collective
Navarro, CA
12.2009 - 12.2018
- Collaborated with the CEO and President to design and implement seed-to-sale operations and inventory management systems, resulting in streamlined workflows and improved operational efficiency.
- Developed and managed a yearly operating budget of $800K, including revenue and expense projections for three to five agricultural cultivation cycles annually, driving efficient resource allocation.
- Onboarded and trained over 30 employees, creating reference guides for outdoor gardens, greenhouse operations, and business procedures, while overseeing daily operations to ensure business continuity.
- Acted as liaison between business operations and county and regional bodies, ensuring compliance with regulations related to agriculture, environment, health, and tax requirements.
- Oversaw vendor, buyer, and contractor relationships, ensuring adherence to established protocols and operational standards.
- Facilitated discussions on the importance of ecological conservation and plant health.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Environmental Science
Warren Wilson
Swannanoa, NCTribal Eco-Restoration Alliance
Upper Lake, CA University of Idaho
Moscow, IDFire Forward
Bolinas, CaKaruk Tribe
Orleans, CaCultural Fire Managment Council - Yurok Tribe
Weitchpec, CaAnderson Valley Fire Department
Boonville, CAYurok Tribe, Tule River, Tübatulabal, Karuk Tribes
USFS Region 8
Online & NC BasedSkills
- Fire Ecology
- Forest Ecology
- Environmental Compliance
- Government Regulations
- Sustainability
- Project Management
- Consultation
- Strategic Planning
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Community engagement
- Workforce development
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Visual communication
- Visual storytelling
Affiliations
- Women Photograph, Member & Photographer
- Diversify Photo, Member & Photographer
Professional References
- Keith Neves, Eastern Cherokee BIA & Eastern Region BIA, Supervisor & Interim Director, (629)-395-8050, keith.neves@bia.gov
- Sasha Berleman, The Nature Conservancy, Appalachian Region Fire Director (202)-909-3390, sasha.berleman@tnc.org
- Lindsay Dailey, Tribal Eco-Restoration Alliance, Director, (707)-889-3744, lindsay@tribalecorestoration.org
- Allison Sagala, Tribal Eco-Restoration Alliance, Program Manager, (408)-896-0025, asagala@tribalecorestoration.org
Timeline
Fire Prevention Specialist
Eastern Cherokee BIA Agency
07.2025 - Current
Firefighter & First Responder
Anderson Valley Fire Department
12.2023 - 09.2024
Cultural-Prescribed Fire Practitioner
Tribal Eco-Restoration Alliance
01.2023 - 03.2025
Film Producer & Creative Director, CEO
Overstory Studio
01.2019 - Current
Tribal Fire Workforce Development & Environmental Sustainability Consultant
Private Clients, Tribal & NGO
02.2017 - Current
Co-Founder & Vice President of Operations
Plant Intelligence Collective
12.2009 - 12.2018
Independent Documentary Photojournalist
Evan-Marie Petit Photography
01.2007 - Current
Some College (No Degree) - Environmental Science
Warren Wilson
Tribal Eco-Restoration Alliance
University of Idaho
Fire Forward
Karuk Tribe
Cultural Fire Managment Council - Yurok Tribe
Anderson Valley Fire Department
Yurok Tribe, Tule River, Tübatulabal, Karuk Tribes
USFS Region 8