Connor Tupponce

Connor is a citizen of the Upper Mattaponi Tribe, with familial ties to the Chickahominy Indian Tribe and the Mattaponi Indian Tribe. Growing up around his tribal communities, he was raised in his traditional culture. A lifelong outdoorsman, Connor enjoys hunting and fishing in Eastern Virginia and along the Chesapeake Bay. His passion for safeguarding public lands, wildlife conservation, and cultural stewardship empowers him to advocate for sustainable policy solutions.

His career began with the National Park Service through an internship at Werowocomoco, a tribal sacred site managed by the Chesapeake National Historic Trail. He trained in park management, guided tribal programs, and presented proposals for the site’s future to consulting tribes. Connor joined NPCA in 2024 as a Mid-Atlantic Indigenous Engagement Fellow, advocating for meaningful tribal consultation and fostering collaboration with Tribal Nations in the region. During this time, he also worked as an intern in the office of a Virginia State Senator, gaining legislative experience that continues to inform his policy work. In his current role, he represents his tribe in consultations, guides cultural resource management practices, and explores opportunities for intertribal collaboration.

Connor holds a degree in Political Science from Virginia Commonwealth University with a concentration in public policy and administration. In Fall 2025, he will begin his Juris Doctorate at Mitchell Hamline School of Law, pursuing a Native American Law & Sovereignty Certificate.

On the Next Generation Advisory Council, Connor hopes to further advocacy efforts for upholding tribal sovereignty through meaningful consultation, cooperative agreements, and incorporating traditional knowledge.