Dear Tribal Leaders and Tribal Members,
I want to begin by extending my heartfelt prayers to everyone across our region who is experiencing loss. My prayers are with you, your families, and your communities during these difficult times. One of the most beautiful things about our culture is the way we come together to grieve, support one another, and lift us up. It is during these times that we are reminded of the strength of our people and the importance of caring for one another.
September was a busy month, and I was blessed to have the opportunity to spend some time out on the land with my family. This time is so important to me. It allows us to reconnect with our traditional ways of life, with the land, and with each other. Being out on the land reminds me of what matters most and the importance of protecting our way of life for future generations.
Over the past several months, my team and I have also been actively engaged in advocacy efforts on behalf of our Tribes. We have met with state commissioners, policymakers, members of our congressional delegation, and their staff to ensure that the priorities and concerns of our Tribes remain at the forefront of important discussions and decisions. These meetings provide valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships, share the needs of our communities, and advocate for the resources and support our people deserve. We will continue this important work to ensure that the voices of our Tribes are heard at every level of government.
Looking ahead, the General Election is coming up on November 3, and I encourage everyone to make a plan to participate. In August, our Executive Board passed a resolution supporting ranked choice voting. This November, Alaskans will vote on Ballot Measure 2, which would repeal Alaska’s current open primary and ranked choice voting systems. We are encouraging people to vote no on this measure to keep ranked choice voting. I encourage you to learn about the measure and make your voice heard at the polls. Whether you choose to vote early or on Election Day, please take the time to make a plan and encourage your family and friends to do the same. Your voice matters, and your participation is important to the future of our communities.
We are also in full swing planning our first-ever TCC Fall Summit, which will take place November 12–13 in Fairbanks! We are excited to bring Tribal leaders and members together for this special event, which will feature a wide range of topics identified as important to our Tribes. These include Tribal governance, community development, funding and resources, economic opportunities, health and wellness, housing, and food security. Our goal is to create an opportunity for meaningful discussions, shared learning, and collaboration as we work together to address the priorities of our region. Please keep an eye out for more information in the coming weeks. We look forward to seeing you there!
As we move into the colder months, I encourage everyone to continue looking out for one another, checking in on our Elders, and supporting our families and neighbors.
Ana Maasee’,
Sharon Hildebrand
Chief/Chairman
Tanana Chiefs Conference
