Rachel ReillyTanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) hosted the 2024 Special Convention & Full Board of Directors Meeting in Fairbanks November 13th to 15th. During this event, Tribal leaders, community members, and stakeholders gathered to address critical issues impacting the region and its people. The meeting, held at the Westmark Hotel, served as a platform for meaningful dialogue, decision-making, and planning for the …
In September, Governor Dunleavy signed into law a House Bill that places Pharmacy Benefits Managers (PBMs) under tighter regulation. House Bill 226 limits PBMs’ ability in Alaska to force patients to get their prescriptions filled at the PBMs’ pharmacies of choice. That is, PBMs currently often steer profitable prescriptions away from independent and tribal pharmacies in favor of mail order …
By NANCY J. BALKUS, P.E., SESDeputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Infrastructure, Energy, and Environment) Dear Tribes and Tribal Members, My name is Nancy Balkus, and I serve as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Energy, and the Environment. I am deeply honored to be included in this newsletter and want to share some information …
The Traditional Healing Gathering, held from October 8th-10th, 2024, at Wedgewood Resort, was a vibrant three-day event celebrating culture, traditional healing, and community unity. Each morning began with a communal prayer, uniting participants with a spirit of respect and connection. Special guests, including Elders and cultural advocates, shared inspiring insights into resilience and cultural pride. Workshops provided hands-on experiences in …
During National Diabetes Awareness Month, it’s important to highlight how diabetes can affect your vision—and to share the good news that you can take steps to protect your eyesight. People with diabetes are at risk for various eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss for adults with diabetes and …
By May 7, 2025, everyone must have a REAL ID for air travel, including small aircraft and medical evacuation (medivac) flights. After this deadline, a standard driver’s license won’t be accepted for flights. This deadline is final, and there will be no extensions. To get your REAL ID, visit your local DMV with the following: Proof of Identity (passport, birth …
By Jacoline Bergstrom, Executive Director of Health Services The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the U.S. Postal Service has reopened COVIDtests.gov, so that households across the country can order four additional over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for free. These tests are intended for use throughout the …
By Mitchell Shewfelt, Housing Department Manager As we transition into the colder months, the Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) is excited to share updates on various housing initiatives taking place across our communities. Our commitment to improving living conditions and expanding housing opportunities for our Tribal members remains strong. Here’s a look at our ongoing and upcoming projects. Project Highlights Ruby: …
Hypodermic needles are a part of modern life, whether for managing conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or Crohn’s disease, or due to the ongoing issue of illicit drug use. Unfortunately, this often leads to improper disposal of needles in makeshift containers tossed with regular trash. But there’s a better option: needle disposal kiosks! Tok and Nenana now have their own …
In October, Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) Chief Brian Ridley addressed the Eastern Interior Regional Advisory Council (EIRAC), highlighting the severe consequences of the ongoing salmon crisis on Alaska Native communities. Salmon, which has historically accounted for more than 50% of the subsistence harvest for TCC member Tribes, has become scarce, leading to alarming health impacts. Chief Ridley emphasized that the …