Patricia Pierce Erikson is an independent scholar who has taught cultural anthropology at Smith College, the University of Washington, and the University of Southern Maine. Helma Ward (1918-2002) was a Makah elder who served twenty-two years as a Makah language specialist for the MCRC. Kirk Wachendorf is an interpretive specialist at the MCRC who draws upon his experiences as a Makah tribal member and his previous archaeological work to provide public programming. Janine Bowechop is the MCRC's executive director.