On June 21st-24th, Tanana Chiefs Conference hosted a partner’s boat trip, visiting the villages of Ruby, Galena, Koyukuk, Nulato and Kaltag. TCC invited representatives from several different entities to experience rural Alaska, meet tribes and develop an understanding for priorities our region faces. “TCC has been hosting these boat trips for the last several years – which originally started with …
On June 8th, Andy Jimmie of Minto was elected as the new Second Traditional Chief of the Tanana Chiefs Conference region at the Denakkanaaga Elders & Youth Conference in Fairbanks. The role of a Traditional Chief is a life-long role that serves as an ambassador of traditional knowledge and the Athabascan culture. TCC’s previous Second Traditional Chief, Trimble Gilbert assumed …
Alaska Native elders in rural Alaska are often times required to travel long distances to receive essential healthcare services. Many are required to travel from their village to Fairbanks and to Anchorage to receive basic and specialty health services. However, in July, much of this will change when Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) opens its doors to the newly expanded portion …
Fairbanks, AK – Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) is pleased to hear of the passage of Senate Bill 81 (HB303), which was approved by the House of Representatives earlier today. The Bill has already been passed by the Senate, but due to minor changes it will require a conference committee. The Bill codifies the recommendations of the joint bipartisan legislative Village …
Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) leadership had the opportunity to host a meeting with Secretary Deb Halaand. Chief/Chairman Brian Ridley met with Secretary Halaand along with Vice-President Sharon Hildebrand, Secretary/Treasurer Charlie Wright, Chief Rhonda Pitka of Beaver, Chief Karma Ulvi of Eagle, Chief Nancy James of Gwichyaa Zhee (Fort Yukon) and Julie Roberts-Hyslop of Tanana. The Chiefs focused on the Yukon …
A groundbreaking analysis released today is the first to compare predicted versus actual spills of hazardous materials at the five largest mining operations in Alaska, and expose the enormous discrepancy between the two. The analysis found more than 8,150 total spills associated with these five mines between 1995-2020, or approximately 300 spills each year. These mining operation spills released more …
On March 17th, 2022, the Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) Full Board of Directors appointed Brian Ridley to serve as Chief/Chairman of the organization until 2023 to fulfill the remaining term of the previous Chief/Chairman. Brian Ridley is Han Gwich’in and a tribal member of the Native Village of Eagle. Ridley grew up in Eagle on banks of the Yukon River. …
Recently, President Joe Biden signed the reauthorization of the Violence against Women Act (VAWA). The reauthorization includes Alaska-specific provisions that will empower tribal governments to prosecute non-Native perpetrators of violence in their villages. “The renewal of VAWA is a huge win for Alaska Native Tribes. This historic piece of legislation includes important tribal provisions that will empower tribes to actively …
On March 14th, 2022, Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) officially recognized Trimble Gilbert of Arctic Village as the new First Traditional Chief of the TCC region. Chief Gilbert previously served as Second Traditional Chief of TCC and inherited his new position after the passing of First Traditional Chief Don Honea Sr. in September of 2021. A Second Traditional Chief will be …
Today the U.S. Department of Interior and Corps of Engineers acknowledged significant legal defects in the decisions to approve the Ambler Road through Interior Alaska, announcing they will suspend the federal rights-of-way for the Ambler road project. Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) and area Tribes thank the Biden administration for recognizing the legal defects and they urge the State of Alaska …