Rachel ReillyDear Tribal Leaders and Tribal Members, On May 5th, we honored Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP) Awareness Day. In Fairbanks, a Gathering of Remembrance was held to acknowledge the many unsolved murder cases in our region. These cases represent our loved ones—our family members, friends, and neighbors—and they must never be forgotten. I thank those who organized and attended …
On April 18th, the Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall was filled with applause, pride, and joyful tears as two cohorts of graduates were honored during the Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) graduation ceremony. Family members, community leaders, and supporters gathered to celebrate the incredible achievements of the newest Session IV graduates—dedicated individuals on their academic and professional journey to becoming …
By Heidi Rader, Professor of Extension at University of Alaska Fairbanks Steve and Sara Masterman grow fruit near Fairbanks, Alaska. I had the pleasure of interviewing them about their decades-old orchard and was blown away by the depth of their knowledge of growing fruit in a cold climate. Steve described it as an addiction. Steve grew up on a 12-acre …
2025 Graduation Photo Submission Form At Tanana Chiefs Conference, we believe every educational milestone is an achievement worth celebrating. Whether you’re a proud kindergartener, a determined high school graduate, or a dedicated college degree holder, your hard work and perseverance deserve recognition. We are excited to feature your graduation moments in our upcoming TCC newsletter! Share Your Achievement We invite …
Please welcome Sean Patrick Rice, who started as the new Employment and Training Coordinator on March 24, 2025. Sean was born in Kotzebue, Alaska. His mother is Isabel M. Field, who later became Isabel M. Rice after marrying Sean’s stepdad, Jerry Rice. Sean’s Inupiaq name is Ipiiliq, and his aanaa (grandmother) is Iren Schene, while his taata (grandfather) is James …
By Violet Burnham, TCC System of Care Consultant Love for children, care and provision for the family, and family relations are part of who we are as Athabascans. From an early age we hear that “children are our future,” that we should always protect our Elders and youth, and that we pass our knowledge down to our children. So our …
By Karen Kallen-Brown, LPC, TCC Children’s Sevices Clinician Believe it or not, children’s mental health begins in utero, long before they’re born. The brain and nervous system are developing throughout the pregnancy. So anything that can be done to support the parents in being healthy in body, mind, and spirit will help set that child up for the best chance …
Spring is in the air, and breakup is just around the corner. Spring flood planning and work can begin now to save you time and worry later. Tanana Chiefs Conference Office of Environmental Health (OEH) offers the following tips to help you get ready for possible flooding: A Month Before Breakup: Find the high points around your property and other …
Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) is proud to announce that Victoria Wells, Rural Lead Dental Assistant, has received the 2024 National Oral Health Council’s (NOHC) Clinical Excellence Award in the Senior Dental Assistant category. Victoria’s dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact on dental care in our rural communities. With more than 11 years of service at TCC, she plays …
By David Atteberry, TCC Public Safety Manager The crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) has deeply impacted Alaska Native communities, where disproportionately high rates of violence, disappearances, and unsolved cases continue to devastate families. In Alaska, where many villages are remote and accessible only by air or water, the challenges of law enforcement response, investigation, and prosecution are …