TCC and AVCP Sue the Federal Government to Protect Subsistence Fishing as the Salmon Crisis Intensifies

Two Alaska Tribal Organizations Sue the Federal Government to ProtectSubsistence Fishing as the Salmon Crisis Intensifies Two Alaska Tribal Organizations Sue the Federal Government to ProtectSubsistence Fishing as the Salmon Crisis Intensifies Anchorage, Alaska – The Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) and Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC), represented by Earthjustice, have filed a lawsuit against the National Marine Fisheries Service …

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Breast Cancer Survivor Story: Stephanie Hinz

ctober is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancer and leading cause of cancer mortality among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) women. #TananaChiefs is committed to spreading awareness of the importance of early detection and treatment. Today, we will share one story for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Stephanie Hinz is Tanana Chiefs’ Education …

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Energy Assistance Is Here for You This Winter

As temperatures across our region continue to drop, keeping your home warm and safe becomes more important than ever. TCC’s Energy Assistance Program is here to help eligible beneficiaries with the cost of home heating during Alaska’s long and extremely cold winters. Energy Assistance can help cover a portion of your heating expenses, easing the financial burden during a time …

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Fairbanks City Council Adopts Native Land Acknowledgement Ordinance

Last month, several Alaska Native leaders attended a Fairbanks City Council meeting to advocate for the adoption of a standing Native land acknowledgement at the start of Council meetings. Leaders from Denakkanaaga, Inc., the Fairbanks Native Association (FNA), and Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) spoke in support of the ordinance, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the original stewards of the land …

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Indigenous Language Films Draw Crowds to Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center

On December 5th, TCC co-sponsored a special screening of the short film, “Shaaghan Neekwąįį,” known in English as “Two Old Women.” If you grew up in Alaska, Two Old Women, by Velma Wallis, was most likely required reading in middle school. It tells the harrowing and inspiring tale of two elderly women abandoned by their Tribe during famine. The short …

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Two Upcoming Opportunities to Make Your Voice Heard on Salmon Advocacy

Protecting our salmon is protecting our way of life. Over the next several weeks, Tribal members and community advocates have two important opportunities to speak up and ensure that the experiences of Yukon River families are reflected in state and federal decision-making: the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) and the Alaska Board of Fisheries (BOF). Both bodies will be …

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Fish Distribution Supports Elders in Fairbanks & North Pole

Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) completed its annual Elder fish distribution last week, delivering 200 boxes of wild-caught salmon to rural Elders in the Fairbanks and North Pole area. This year’s distribution included filleted, vacuum-sealed salmon, along with the heads and eggs, ensuring Elders received the full benefit of this traditional food. TCC’s Elder Nutrition Program also provided boxes of locally …

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Navigating the Chum Salmon Bycatch EIS: Impacts, Options, and Next Steps

By Diloola Erickson, Tribal Resource Stewardship Division Director As you may recall, Tanana Chiefs Conference’s (TCC) Tribal Resource Stewardship (TRS) team has worked closely with the National Marine Fisheries Service over the past few years on the Chum Salmon Bycatch Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This EIS has now been finalized and published in the Federal Register. To help explain this …

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Understanding Glaucoma: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Vision

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, and it often develops so quietly that many people don’t know they have it until permanent vision loss has already occurred. Known as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the vital link that carries images from your eyes to …

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Protecting Our People, Strengthening Our Communities

By David Atteberry, Public Safety Manager Each January, communities across the nation observe Human Trafficking Awareness Month. This is a time to bring attention to an issue that affects people everywhere, including right here in Interior Alaska. While trafficking is often portrayed as something that happens far away or only in major cities, the truth is that Alaska Native people, …

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2025: A Year in Review

January Graf Rheeneerhaanjii Re-Opened to Support Youth in Need. TCC reopened Graf Rheeneerhaanjii, offering culturally grounded residential mental health support for youth ages 13–17.5. The program provides therapy, life skills, education, and cultural activities, with active family involvement and priority for TCC-affiliated youth.Read the Full Article Here.  Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center Introduced Open Access Scheduling. This new system allows …

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TCC Offers Master/Six-Pack License Training in Fairbanks

In December, Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) hosted a Master/Six-Pack License Training in Fairbanks. The 4-day training certified participants in the legal operation of water vessels with six or fewer passengers and is regulated by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). This license is essential for various types of commercial and residential boating activities, including fishing charters, sightseeing tours, and diving …

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