Dear Tribal Leaders and Tribal Members,
We are busy preparing for our annual TCC Partners Boat Trip, scheduled for July 8–10. We will be visiting the communities of Evansville, Alatna, Allakaket, Hughes, and Huslia. Accompanying us will be representatives from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, and members of local and state government. This trip is a powerful way for decision-makers to gain a firsthand understanding of life in rural Alaska—how their policies and services truly affect our people—and to hear directly from the communities they serve.
Last month, I had the honor of attending the Denakkanaaga Elders and Youth Conference in Galena. It’s always one of my favorite gatherings each year—an opportunity to listen to the wisdom of our Elders and the energy and ideas of our youth. I want to thank Louden for once again being such gracious hosts. I’m already looking forward to next year’s conference in Gwichyaa Zhee (Fort Yukon).
Last month, I also traveled to Anchorage, where the Alaska Federation of Natives hosted meetings with U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin. I was able to raise important concerns with Administrator Zeldin, including the continued lack of maintenance funding for water and sanitation systems in rural Alaska. I also voiced our deep concern about the recent decision to cut funding for the $20 million project in Huslia, which would have brought new solar energy infrastructure, clean water access, and housing improvements to the community. These are vital needs, and we will continue to advocate for their restoration.
Later in the month, I attended the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Mid-Year Convention in Connecticut. While at the convention, I also had the opportunity to meet with Acting Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs Scott Davis. I invited him to join us on our upcoming Partners Boat Trip, and he shared the welcome news that the Alaska BIA office will not be closing. As many of you know, I currently serve as the NCAI Alaska Area Vice President, a role I’ve been honored to hold. While I had not initially planned to run for another term, I’ve received strong encouragement from Tribal leaders across Alaska—and even from Senator Lisa Murkowski—to continue in this capacity. After thoughtful consideration, I have decided to run for one final term this November at the NCAI Annual Convention. I look forward to the opportunity to continue representing our region and our state on the national stage. I look forward to seeing you all at the NCAI Annual Convention in Seattle.
Mahsi’ Choo,
Chief Brian Ridley
Tanana Chiefs Conference