The theme of this year’s Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) Annual Convention was brought to life through a powerful keynote reflecting on the past, present and future of Tribal health. The address featured longtime leaders, Second Traditional Chief Andy Jimmie and Dr. Jessica Black, who shared stories of perseverance, vision and deep commitment to the people of the region.
Chief Andy Jimmie, who was first elected to the TCC Executive Board in 1976 and later joined the Health Board in 1983, reflected on decades of progress in building the Tribal health system. He spoke candidly about the challenges faced along the way and the persistence required to move initiatives forward.
“Everybody had to put their heads together,” Jimmie said. “We went to Plan B many times. But we managed to get the job done.”
He emphasized that no single person could be credited for these accomplishments, noting that many ideas began at the village level and grew through collective effort. “To thank individuals, it’s pretty hard to do, because so many people are involved in one project,” he said.
Jimmie shared a deeply personal story that shaped his lifelong commitment to improving health care. In 1969, as his mother was being flown to Fairbanks for care, she asked him to make a promise: to work for the people and create better conditions for health aides and communities.
“I want you to work for the people,” she told him. “Don’t quit until it’s done.”
That promise became a driving force behind his work. Decades later, in 2005, the first standalone clinic was built in Minto — a milestone that represented years of planning, advocacy and determination.
“I was standing in front of there, and I said, ‘There it is, Mom,’” Jimmie recalled.
He described the development of village clinics as a long journey, one that began with small spaces and grew into fully equipped facilities serving communities across the region. Despite the progress, he acknowledged there is still more work ahead.
“If we stay united, and all work together as one, we will at one time be where we want to be,” he said. “Right now, we’ve got a ways to go.”
Jimmie also highlighted the strength of the Alaska Tribal Health System, noting that it has drawn attention from across the country and beyond. He encouraged younger generations to step forward and continue building on that foundation.
“To the young people, we need you to step up to keep that health system going,” he said.
He closed with a message of unity and perseverance: “We got this far because we didn’t give up.”
Following Jimmie’s remarks, Dr. Jessica Black, who took over as Chair of the TCC Health Advisory Board after Chief Jimmie retired from the role, reflected on the legacy of leadership that has shaped today’s Tribal health system and the responsibility to carry that work forward.
“We truly stand on the shoulders of giants,” Black said. “I’m only here because of those who built what we have today — a self-determined Tribal health system that has evolved into a world-class system.”
She shared her vision for the future — one that brings together high-quality health care and the strength of Indigenous knowledge and practices.
“I have a vision of our people reclaiming their ancestral practices, coupled with world-class health care, to become the best and healthiest versions of themselves,” she said.
In closing, Black delivered a powerful and emotional poem titled “I See You, Brother. I See You, Mother.” Her words centered on compassion, connection and seeing the whole person behind each patient.
“I see you,” she repeated throughout the piece, reminding providers, leaders and community members alike of the importance of empathy and understanding.
Her poem spoke to the weight many people carry, while also uplifting the strength rooted in family, community and ancestral knowledge. She emphasized that healing happens not only through treatment, but also through connection to culture, to people and to identity.
“There is a team of people — your people, your communities, your ancestors — that stand behind you,” she said. “You do not walk alone.”
Together, the keynote speakers reflected a shared message: that the strength of the Tribal health system is built on unity, persistence, and deep care for one another. Their words served as both a reflection on how far the region has come and a call to continue the work for future generations.
Watch the Keynote Address Here
- Second Traditional Chief Andy Jimmie: https://youtu.be/2M7BrnHcibg
- Dr. Jessica Black: https://youtu.be/UqIBu9efh6M