Susan Masten

Susan Masten (born 1952) of Northern California is a leader with the Yurok tribe and the past Yurok Tribal Chairperson. She is a political activist involved with many tribal and women's issues. Masten is the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Indian Law Resource center.

Masten served as President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) 1999–2001 and served as the Yurok Tribal Chairperson from 1997–2003. She is only the second women elected president. Masten describes the relationship she wishes to have with governors, "As responsible governments, we want to sit at the table and develop cooperative relationships where states and tribes can work together for the growth and development of Indian communities and all of our neighboring communities". Masten testified before Congress, has given many speeches and has led workshops at college and professional events. She discusses topics on Tribal Sovereignty, Trust Fund Management, Consultation, Resource Management, Co-Management and Environmental Justice. She has also cofounded and become co-president of Women Empowering Women for Indian Nations (WEWIN) in 2004.

Masten was a finalist for the 2003 Ecotrust Indigenous Leadership Award. She was selected "Outstanding Young Woman of American" Humboldt County's "Outstanding Citizen", and Del Norte County's "Young Woman of the Year".