J Dallas Gudgell has nearly four decades of experience in environmental science, lobbying, human rights advocacy, social and environmental justice, K12 general and special education teaching, higher education adjunct teaching, life coaching, individual and organization consulting and professional development consulting, cultural competency (DEI) training and public relations. He has been a backcountry backpacker since the age of 13.

In his hometown on the Fort Peck Reservation in Poplar Montana, besides working as an environmental scientist for his tribal government; he was chief of the local volunteer fire department. In Idaho (the past 30+ years), he worked for Idaho DEQ, environmental/conservation/fair housing NGOs, also worked closely with elected officials on issues involving education, indigenous concerns, climate justice, human rights, and environmental protection and conservation. His vast community service includes many NGO associations and leadership positions as well as being a spiritual leader at the Idaho Veterans Administration, where he conducted clinics grounded in native cultural framework of the lodge (songs, oral history, and traditional behavioral health practices).

He considers himself a “decorated” father with grown children, young twins, foster children, and grandchildren. He keeps active through backyard construction projects, skiing, hiking, and running.