Dear Tribal Leaders and Tribal Members,
October will be a busy month for Tanana Chiefs Conference. On October 14th, we will hold our Executive Board Meeting in Anchorage, followed by the Tribal Unity Gathering on the 15th. With our recent return to the Alaska Federation of Natives as directed by Full Board Resolution 2025-31, we will also be attending the annual convention beginning October 16th. These gatherings are important opportunities to bring Native leadership together from across the state to work toward common goals, and I look forward to seeing many of you during this time.
As many of you know, in September the U.S. House of Representatives voted to rescind the Central Yukon Resource Management Plan (CYRMP) through House Joint Resolution 106. The decision has now moved to the Senate, which has not yet taken action as of writing this letter. I was very disappointed by the House’s decision, as it undermines the voices of Alaska Native communities and places our lands, animals, and waterways at risk. TCC will continue to oppose decisions like this and will keep advocating on behalf of our Tribal communities.
In late August, I also met with EPA Deputy Assistant Administrator Wes Brooks during his visit to Alaska. Our discussions focused on how federal water definitions apply to permafrost wetlands, which is critical for permitting, development, and subsistence protections. We also raised concerns about aging water and sewer infrastructure and the importance of maintaining Tribal consultation requirements. This visit reflected increased federal attention on Alaska’s unique conditions and provided an opportunity to elevate Tribal concerns and recommendations.
Additionally, I met with Senator Sullivan’s office regarding the recent termination of several energy grants, including the Huslia grant and Solar for All. TCC is filing a motion for reconsideration on the denial of our Huslia appeal to the EPA, as well as an appeal of the Solar for All termination decision. These grants are vital for advancing energy security and resilience in our communities, and we will continue to fight for them.
Finally, with election season approaching, I want to remind everyone of the importance of voting. It is essential to educate yourself on the candidates and to choose leaders who align with your values and priorities. You can follow Interior Native Vote on social media to stay updated on upcoming elections and resources.
Mahsi’ Choo,
Chief Brian Ridley
Tanana Chiefs Conference