FrontPage Articles

BLM’s Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement Reinforces Tanana Chiefs Conference’s Longstanding Claims in Ambler Road Opposition

October 13, 2023October 13, 2023

The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) final draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) released earlier today reinforces the Tanana Chiefs Conference’s (TCC) opposition to the proposed Ambler industrial mining road. The 37 Tribes of Interior Alaska have lived on and with the lands being threatened by the proposed industrial mining road for millennia. Our ancestors recognized in forming TCC that …

TCC Awarded $35 Million Grant to Bring Broadband to Rural Alaskan Villages

September 26, 2023September 19, 2023

This week, Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) was awarded a $35 million grant to install affordable, reliable high-speed broadband in three underserved TCC communities. The 100% fiber-based network will be installed in the villages of Venetie, Chalkyitsik and Circle. The project is part of the Alaska FiberOptic Project, which is a larger collaboration between Calista Corporation; Doyon, Limited; Gana-A ‘Yoo Limited; …

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

September 11, 2023September 11, 2023

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 …

Submit Your Photos for TCC’s 2024 Calendar!

September 11, 2023September 8, 2023

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 …

CHA Spotlight – Heather Kangas, Ruby Health Aide

September 28, 2023September 5, 2023

If only high school teachers who feel discouraged about how much they really impact students could meet people like Heather Kangas, the health aide in Ruby. Her path to becoming a first responder to her community began with her high school teacher encouraging her to take a college level anatomy and physiology class. Learning about the miracles of how the …

Foster Youth Gathering

September 5, 2023

By Niisha Walsh On July 26th-27th, young people from all regions of Alaska who are in Tribal or State custody came together for the first Youth Gathering hosted by Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) Tribal Social Services. Youth ages 10 and older had the opportunity to learn new skills and make new connections during the day-and-a-half event. Guest speaker, Johon Echo …

Wearing Orange is a Call to Action: A Day for Truth & Reconciliation

September 5, 2023

Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) has long stood in solidarity with United States and Canadian boarding school survivors in acknowledging September 30th as a Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In 2023, we remain firmly supportive of honoring the lost children who suffered and disappeared in boarding schools in both countries. Each year we invite you to wear orange on September 30th …

Balancing Today for Safe Communities Tomorrow: 39th Annual Tribal Court Conference

September 1, 2023

Tanana Chiefs Conference and the University of Alaska Fairbanks successfully co-hosted the 39th Annual Tribal Court Conference from August 1st to 4th, 2023. The conference planning committee also included tribal partners from Alaska Native Justice Center and Alaska Native Women Resource Center. The conference, centered on the theme ‘Balance Today for Safe Communities Tomorrow: How can our tribal justice systems …

Boat Trip Connects Tribal Leaders and Key Representatives

September 1, 2023September 1, 2023

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 …

Attorney General Garland Travels to Galena to Meet with Tribal Leaders

August 23, 2023

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, …