Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) is honored to welcome Second Traditional Chief Andy Jimmie and Dr. Jessica Black as keynote speakers for the 2026 Annual Convention and Full Board of Directors Meeting. Together, they bring decades of leadership and deep cultural grounding to a shared keynote address.
Second Traditional Chief Andy Jimmie: A Lifetime of Leadership
Raised in the village of Minto, Andy Jimmie has long been recognized as one of the TCC region’s most respected leaders. A Tribal citizen, former Chief of Minto, and the Second Traditional Chief of the Tanana Chiefs Conference, Andy has dedicated his life to advancing services, infrastructure, and opportunities for Alaska Native people across our region and the state.
Andy’s leadership spans decades and includes critical roles that have shaped the Alaska Tribal Health System. He has served on the Alaska Native Health Board (ANHB) Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, and the TCC Executive Health Board. He has also represented TCC on the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) Board of Directors. Beyond healthcare, Andy has served his people through positions on the Doyon, Limited Board and the Minto Village Council.
Beginning in 1991, Andy served as Chairman of the TCC Regional Health Board, where he played a key role in advancing Tribal Self-Determination in healthcare. His work helped create the Alaska Tribal Health Compact and supported the transition of health programs from federal to Tribal management—an effort that strengthened community control and improved the delivery of services throughout Alaska.
During the 2000s, Andy’s leadership contributed to the construction of essential infrastructure: water and sewer systems, improved road access, new health clinics, and critical public health programs. He was also instrumental in advancing the Dental Health Aide Therapist (DHAT) Program, now nationally recognized as a model for expanding oral healthcare in rural communities.
Today, Andy continues to work tirelessly to expand services for substance use treatment, mental health care, elder supports, and water and sewer solutions for Alaska’s most remote communities. His humility, resourcefulness, and ability to bring people together reflect values that continue to guide and inspire leaders across the region.
Dr. Jessica Black: Strengthening Well-Being Through Scholarship and Stewardship
Dr. Jessica Black is Gwich’in from the villages of Gwichyaa Zhee (Fort Yukon) and Toghotthele (Nenana). A respected scholar, educator, and advocate, she serves as Associate Vice Chancellor, Associate Professor, and Interim Director for the Center for One Health Research in the College of Indigenous Studies at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Dr. Black earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at UAF before completing her master’s and PhD in Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. Her research explores the relationship between governance and well-being in Alaska Native communities, focusing on Tribal stewardship, cultural connectivity, and community-driven wellness. Her work elevates Indigenous knowledge systems and centers the lived experiences and priorities of Indigenous people.
In her leadership role at the College of Indigenous Studies, Dr. Black supports institution-wide initiatives including the Alaska Success Initiative, fundraising for the Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center, and advancing university-wide strategic priorities. She brings a deep commitment to uplifting students, communities, and Alaska Native scholarship.
Dr. Black lives in Fairbanks with her family but remains closely connected to Gwichyaa Zhee, where she returns regularly to hunt, fish, gather, and participate in cultural practices that ground her work and identity. She also serves on TCC’s Regional Health Advisory Board, carrying forward her commitment to the well-being of Tribal members across the region.
A Shared Vision for Our Future
The combined experience and leadership of Chief Andy Jimmie and Dr. Jessica Black represent the strength of our region—rooted in culture, grounded in history, and guided by a shared commitment to community well-being. Their keynote address at the 2026 Annual Convention will offer an important and inspiring look at how advocacy, self-determination, and cultural connection continue to shape the future of healthcare for Alaska Native people.
TCC is honored to welcome these distinguished leaders as they share their insights, vision, and hope for the generations to come.