In September, TCC Chief/Chairman Sharon Hildebrand traveled to Anchorage to meet with several State of Alaska commissioners, continuing TCC’s work to strengthen State-Tribal partnerships and advocate for the needs of Tribes and communities across Interior Alaska.
Chief Hildebrand met with Commissioner James Cockrell of the Department of Public Safety; Commissioner Tracy Dompeling of the Department of Family & Community Services; Major General Torrence Saxe of the Department of Military & Veterans Affairs; Commissioner Heidi Hedberg of the Department of Health; and Commissioner Julie Sande of the Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development.
The meetings provided an opportunity to recognize the progress being made across state departments and thank commissioners and their teams for their continued partnership. In recent years, TCC has seen state leaders respond to feedback and make important changes to policies and operations that impact Tribes and rural communities.
Chief Hildebrand also discussed several priorities important to the TCC region, including public safety and the Village Public Safety Officer program, child welfare, emergency response, health and behavioral health services, public assistance, and opportunities for economic and community development.
Looking ahead to a new state administration, conversations also focused on maintaining the progress that has been made and identifying opportunities to continue working together.
Strong relationships with state leadership are an important part of TCC’s advocacy on behalf of our Tribes. TCC looks forward to continuing these partnerships and ensuring the needs, experiences and voices of Interior Alaska communities remain part of the conversation.
