Dear Tribal Leaders and Tribal Members,
I hope this message finds you well and that you were able to enjoy time over the holidays with your family and friends. I had the opportunity to spend quality time with my family, which I always appreciate and value, especially during this time of year.
Last month, Tanana Chiefs Conference hosted the Tribal Government Training in Fairbanks, bringing together Tribal Leaders and Tribal Administrators from across our region. This training created a space for collaboration, shared learning, and skill-building to help strengthen governance and administration within our communities. I was grateful to attend, to see so many familiar faces, and to participate in the Chiefs Forum. The conversations and connections made during this training reaffirmed the importance of coming together to support one another and learn from shared experiences.
TCC also hosted the 2026 Education Summit, which focused on the vital role education plays in strengthening our communities and shaping the future of our people. The summit brought together Tribal leaders, educators, and partners to discuss key issues such as teacher recruitment and retention, Indigenous language revitalization, cultural connections to learning, scholarship opportunities, and workforce preparation. These discussions reinforced the importance of education systems that reflect our values, support our students, and ensure future generations are grounded in culture while prepared for opportunity.
Finally, I would like to thank the Tribal leaders who placed their trust in me in 2021 by appointing me to help guide Tanana Chiefs Conference through an unprecedented period of transition, and later electing me to serve my first official three-year term as Chief/Chairman. I remain deeply humbled by that trust and the opportunity to serve our Tribes during such an important time for our organization. As we approach next month’s Annual Convention and Full Board of Directors Meeting, with my position again up for election, I want to share that no matter the outcome, my heart will always remain here with our Tribes of the Interior. I will always be grateful for TCC—the organization that shaped me—and for the Tribal leaders who have mentored, guided, and supported me throughout my journey. TCC is where I began my career, and the foundation it provided continues to guide my work and my commitment to serving our Tribes and communities.
Mahsi’ Choo,
Chief Brian Ridley
Tanana Chiefs Conference