In August, Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) leadership and Tribal Leaders had the opportunity to meet with U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. The Attorney General and Senator Lisa Murkowski traveled to Galena to tour the community and sit down with Tribal Leaders and community members to learn about the public safety challenges faced in rural Alaska.
Chief/Chairman Brian Ridley, Vice-President Sharon Hildebrand, FirstChief of Galena Charlie Green, First Chief of Huslia Carl Burgett, First Chief of Minto Lori Baker, and Tanana Council Member Lois Huntington were among those in attendance. These leaders have a shared commitment to addressing the unique public safety challenges experienced by Alaska Native communities.
The focus of the meeting centered on the dire need for enhanced public safety measures in rural Alaska. Indigenous communities in the state have long grappled with high crime rates, limited access to law enforcement resources, and a lack of support services for crime victims.
Following these discussions, Attorney General Garland made a significant announcement regarding federal support for American Indian and Alaska Native victims of crime. The Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime pledged to allocate nearly $70 million in grant funding to bolster services for crime victims in more than 200 Tribal communities. A substantial portion of these funds, nearly $22 million, will be directed toward 67 Tribal communities in Alaska, providing much-needed resources to address the complex public safety challenges they face.
TCC would like to thank Attorney General Garland and Senator Murkowksi for taking the time to have meaningful discussions with Tribal Leaders and for prioritizing public safety in rural Alaska.
Mahsi’ Choo.
