Dear Tribes and Tribal Members,
I hope everyone had a successful hunting season and was able to put away enough food for the winter. This time of year is always challenging as we prepare for the colder months ahead, and I’m thinking of each of you and your families during this time.
At the end of this month, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Mid-Year Convention will be taking place in Las Vegas. I would like to remind you that TCC has agreed to cover the membership dues for Interior Tribal delegates who wish to attend the meeting. Please coordinate with our Self-Governance staff to make necessary arrangements. I also want to share that there have been discussions at the NCAI Executive Council level about allowing virtual attendance and voting. This would be a change in the NCAI bylaws and could significantly help our Tribes by reducing costs associated with attending these meetings.
I am also pleased to share that the 7th Annual Tribal Unity Gathering is set to take place in Anchorage on October 16th at the Captain Cook Hotel. This annual event brings together Tribal leaders and members from across the state to unify our voice and stay informed on matters important to our Tribal communities. I encourage all who can to participate by contacting Sonja.kokrine@tananachiefs.org
Looking ahead, I am excited to announce that our 2024 TCC Special Convention will be held from November 13-15 at the Westmark Hotel in Fairbanks. This year’s convention will provide updates on several critical topics, including the Tribal Resource Stewardship Department, the ongoing salmon crisis, climate change, the Reclaiming Our People Initiative, and more. Additionally, the Full Board will discuss whether or not to direct TCC to initiate a pilot project to arm Village Public Safety Officers in three Interior villages. Keep an eye on our social media and website for more details as we get closer to the event.
Finally, I want to emphasize the importance of participating in the upcoming General Election on November 5th. The decisions made by our elected officials have a significant impact on our communities, so I encourage everyone to research the candidates and vote for those who align with your values. You can find more information on this important topic here.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our communities. I look forward to seeing many of you at the NCAI Mid-Year Convention and the TCC Special Convention next month.
Mahsi’ Choo,
Chief Brian Ridley