Dear Tribal Leaders and Tribal Members,
With the importance of our upcoming election, you will notice this newsletter is a bit early. We felt it was important to get you this election information sooner than later. November 3 is the General Election. Every election is important, but we have heard you and there are issues in this election that are impacting you daily. This is your chance to ensure your voice is heard at the highest levels. You have the opportunity to elect leaders that listen to your priorities that directly affect our Tribes, our salmon, our access to healthcare, and our ways of life. Alaska Native voters have the power to shape election outcomes and ensure our priorities are heard- this will not happen if we do not show up to the polls. Please make a plan to vote and tell your cousins, sisters, brothers, aunties, uncles, and friends to do the same.
In August, our Executive Board passed a resolution encouraging Alaskans to vote NO on Ballot Measure 2, which seeks to repeal Alaska’s ranked choice voting system for the third consecutive year. Since ranked choice voting was adopted in 2020, more women and people from minority communities have been elected to office. This system gives Alaskans greater freedom to choose leaders who understand our priorities and reflect our values, regardless of political party. That is why TCC continues to support Alaska’s open primary and ranked choice voting system. Together, these systems give voters the flexibility to support candidates across party lines and rank them according to who they believe will best represent our people. Voting NO on Ballot Measure 2 also preserves campaign finance disclosure requirements that promote transparency by requiring candidates to disclose their funding sources. By voting NO, we can help protect voter choice, strengthen representation, and support a more transparent electoral process for all Alaskans.
Last month, we hosted an Elders Roundtable in partnership with Denakkanaaga and our sister organizations to discuss the importance of Elder housing and care. This gave us an opportunity to listen directly to our Elders about their needs, the challenges they face, and what safe, comfortable housing means to them. Their experiences must guide our work as we explore innovative solutions that support our Elders in securing safe housing that keeps them connected to their culture, community, and family.
This November, we are also excited to host a Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) Fall Summit. This is being done in response to our Tribal needs. The Tribes are guiding the discussions and topics. This will be done through panels and breakout sessions focused on issues important to our Tribes. There will be opportunities to learn, share ideas, and identify ways to move our priorities forward. We have an outstanding lineup of speakers and panelists joining us, and my team and I look forward to the conversations and connections this gathering will bring.
As the holidays approach, I am grateful for each of our Tribal members across our region who work hard for their families and communities every day. Your love and leadership always inspire me and follow our past leaders in a good way. I would like to thank each of you for the many ways you uplift our people in coming together.
Ana Masee’,
Sharon Hildebrand
Chief/Chairman
Tanana Chiefs Conference
