Dear 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 this event and encourage continued efforts to raise awareness and demand accountability.
Also in May, I traveled to Gwichyaa Zhee (Fort Yukon) alongside leadership from the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC). Our visit focused on the critical water and sanitation needs in the community. Access to clean water is not a luxury—it is a basic necessity, and a foundational part of protecting the health of our people. I am grateful to the leaders and community members of Gwichyaa Zhee for their openness and to ANTHC for their partnership as we work together toward long-term solutions.
In April, TCC leadership and I visited Anvik and Nikolai to meet directly with Tribal leaders and community members. These village visits are essential in helping us understand local priorities, from infrastructure improvements and water access to concerns over federal funding and self-governance. The honest conversations we had during these visits will help guide our advocacy and planning in the months ahead. Thank you to both communities for your hospitality and for sharing your time and insights with us.
I also want to take a moment to address a matter many of you are already aware of. Last month, TCC issued a public statement in response to a comment made by Fairbanks Mayor David Pruhs, where he suggested that people from the villages come to Fairbanks to be homeless. This statement was hurtful and harmful—it reinforced negative stereotypes and dismissed the real issues that many of our people face. I testified before the Fairbanks City Council to call for accountability. While the Mayor has since apologized and committed to restarting regular meetings with Alaska Native organizations in Fairbanks, the work of rebuilding trust is just beginning. We will continue advocating for respectful partnerships and equity in the way our people are treated.
As we move into the summer months, I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as your Chief and Chairman. I am also looking forward to more village visits as we continue to listen to the needs of our communities.
Mahsi’ Choo,
Chief Brian Ridley
Tanana Chiefs Conference