Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) hosted the 2026 Education Summit, “Unifying Voices: Collaborative Approaches to Education,” on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in Fairbanks. The Summit brought together Tribal leaders, educators, policymakers, and partners to explore innovative, culturally grounded approaches to education that support Alaska Native students and communities.
The day opened with welcoming remarks from Chief Brian Ridley, TCC Chief/President, followed by greetings from U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski and Representative Maxine Dibert. Attendees also heard from TCC leadership representing Tribal Government & Client Services, Family Services & Support, and Education & Indigenous Learning, setting the tone for a day focused on collaboration and shared responsibility in education.
Participants engaged in a full agenda of presentations and breakout sessions addressing key education priorities across Alaska. Topics included teacher recruitment and retention, cultural connections to science education, language revitalization, and strategies for rooting education in culture and community. Presenters shared practical tools, policy updates, and successful models aimed at improving outcomes for students while honoring Indigenous knowledge and identity.
Several sessions focused on Tribal education leadership, including discussions on Tribal compacting of education, Johnson O’Malley funding, and Tribal scholarship and education programs. These conversations supported Tribes and school leaders in navigating governance, funding opportunities, and program development to better serve students.
The Summit also highlighted Indigenous language education, featuring interactive approaches such as games for language learning, along with presentations from partners at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Alaska Humanities Forum.
In addition to the presentations, a resource fair was held throughout the afternoon, connecting attendees with education, workforce, and cultural organizations offering resources and support for students, families, and educators.
The 2026 Education Summit reinforced TCC’s commitment to collaboration, cultural strength, and educational equity. By bringing diverse voices together, the Summit created space for meaningful dialogue and strengthened partnerships dedicated to supporting education rooted in community, language, and culture.
For more information about TCC’s education initiatives, visit www.tananachiefs.org/services/education/.
