Dear Tribes and Tribal Members,
I am humbly honored and grateful to have been elected as the Chief/Chairman of Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC). This is a great honor, and I will carry it with respect for those who came before us and with a strong commitment to those who will come after.
I would like to take a moment to congratulate Chief Rhonda Pitka on graciously accepting the Full Board of Directors’ nomination to complete the remainder of my Vice-Presidential term. I look forward to working alongside Chief Pitka as we continue guiding the work of our organization and supporting our Tribes across the TCC region.
Our Elders, who have guided us and brought us to this place, knew our younger generation will be watching. It is important that we continue to move forward in a good way for those looking to us to protect the path forward. This work is not about one person. It is about you, our tribal members, delegates, Chiefs, Second Chiefs, and Presidents—and the strength we carry together as one region.
On the first day of my term, I made it a priority to connect with our staff. It was time spent meeting and visiting each of our buildings here in Fairbanks and connecting with the people who carry out this important work for you every day. I want you to know that TCC has a strong and dedicated team, and I am grateful for their commitment to our Tribes and communities. As we move forward, we will be looking at ways to continue improving our services, so they reflect our guiding principle of Ch’eghwtsen’—providing accessible and trusted, world-class services with unconditional love, compassion, dignity, and respect.
Our communities are facing real and urgent challenges. We see it in the need for safe and stable housing, access to quality healthcare, strong public safety, reliable energy, and meaningful employment. These challenges touch every village and every family. They remind us that we must stand together in unity, just as our ancestors taught us.
We must continue to uplift our people by strengthening Native hire, protecting our lands and waters, and staying grounded in the purpose of TCC—to serve and support our villages. Our lands, our languages, and our ways of life are not separate from this work—they are at the heart of it.
As I step into this role, my commitment is simple. I will listen. I will lead with humility. I will be transparent in my actions and decisions. And I will always respect the voices and leadership of our Tribes.
Together, we can move forward in a good way. Together, we can create positive change for our people and ensure that TCC remains a healthy, strong, and unified voice for all of our Tribes—today and for future generations.
Ana Masee’
Sharon Hildebrand, Chief/Chairman
Tanana Chiefs Conference