Revered Elder and First President of Tanana Chiefs Conference Al Ketzler Sr. Passes Away at Age 90

It is with deep sadness that Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) announces the passing of respected Elder, Alaska Native advocate and TCC’s first President, Alfred “Al” Ketzler Sr. of Nenana. Al Ketzler Sr. served as President of TCC several times throughout his lifetime; 1962 to 1964, 1968 to 1972 and again from 1976 to 1978. He was an unwavering advocate and …

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Submit Your Photos for TCC’s 2024 Calendar!

Each year Tanana Chiefs Conference publishes an annual calendar featuring photos from throughout our region submitted by Tribal Members! Do you have an amazing photo that you would like to contribute to next year’s calendar? Send it to us! Photos can be submitted using our form: https://www.tananachiefs.org/2024-tcc-calendar-submissions/ The deadline to submit your photos is October 13th at 5pm. We can’t …

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Boat Trip Connects Tribal Leaders and Key Representatives

In order to understand rural Alaska – you have to experience it. In July, Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) provided the opportunity for key representatives and leaders from various organizations to experience village life first-hand through a boat tour of the Lower Yukon Subregion. TCC’s Annual Partner’s Boat Trip aims to bridge the gap between those involved in Alaska’s decision-making process …

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Attorney General Garland Travels to Galena to Meet with Tribal Leaders

On August 22, 2023, Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) leadership and Tribal Leaders had the opportunity to meet with U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. The Attorney General and Senator Lisa Murkowski travelled to Galena to tour the community and sit down with Tribal Leaders and community members to learn about the public safety challenges faced in rural Alaska. Chief/Chairman Brian Ridley, …

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Join Our Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program

Tanana Chiefs Conference is looking for motivated individuals to join our health care team, while attending virtual classes weekly for 1 year to become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant. Join our Grow Our Own” MA Apprenticeship Program and get excited about joining the health care field with paid full-time employment and hands on learning! This is a competitive program and …

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MMIP Tribal Working Group Continues Efforts to Establish Response Plan

Recently, Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC), Fairbanks Native Association (FNA) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) kicked off meetings and listening sessions to work toward the development of a Tribal Community Response Plan, which will serve as a roadmap on the best way to respond to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) cases in the future. A tribal working group …

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Improving TCC’s Patient Travel and Housing Experience

Over the past year, Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) has heard many concerns from our patients regarding the patient travel and housing process. We wanted to share some information on what we have been doing to improve these experiences. Closing the Willow House Recently, TCC made the decision to close the Willow House, our patient hotel. This decision was not taken …

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Art Invoking Action – Homeless Memorial Shelf Housed at TCC Facility

Fairbanks’ first annual Homeless Persons Memorial, hosted in collaboration between local non-profits, Bread Line, Inc., the Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC), and Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC), honored the lives of Alaska’s overlooked population – unhoused individuals. Taking place at the Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall on winter solstice, the event also unveiled a thought-provoking piece of functional art created …

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TCC Advocacy Leads to Big Win for Village Grid Resiliency

The Department of Energy (DOE) recently provided an update on the Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants authorized under Section 40101(d) of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that would allow more Tribes access to these funds. Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) has been advocating for DOE to administer the 40101d program in a way that recognizes the sovereign rights of tribes …

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TCC Applauds Supreme Court’s Decision in Haaland v. Brackeen Case

This morning, the US Supreme Court made a decision in the Haaland v. Brackeen case, affirming that the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is constitutional. The 7-2 vote by the Justices protects tribal sovereignty and resolves the growing challenges to child custody issues and traditional values of Native Tribes. “The protection of indigenous children is a top priority for Tanana …

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