Last month, Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) hosted the 2024 Annual Convention and Full Board of Directors Meeting in Fairbanks, Alaska. Under the resonating theme of ‘One People, One Voice’, the convention brought together Tribal leaders, delegates, and Tribal members from across the region to discuss important issues, hear reports from TCC leadership, hold elections and pass resolutions to guide the organization over the next year.
From the opening keynote by former TCC President Will Mayo to the closing remarks, the spirit of ‘One People, One Voice’ was carried throughout the event. Mayo’s words echoed a call for unity and solidarity across the region. Mayo’s heartfelt speech set the tone for the convention, emphasizing the importance of connection, unity and love for one another.
Adding to the spirit of empowerment, the convention featured a youth keynote speech delivered by Mackenzie Englishoe from Gwichyaa Zhee, who was just elected as the Youth Advisor to the Executive Board and Chair for the Emerging Leaders. “Our young people are not just leaders of tomorrow, they are change-makers of today,” said Englishoe during her address, “Our youth are not just beneficiaries of our decisions- they are active participants in shaping the world that they will inherit.” Englishoe called on community members and leaders to support youth and lead by example.
Throughout the event, a series of panels and presentations delved into critical topics ranging from healthcare initiatives like Cancer Care and Prevention to education, justice for community healing, and Tribal infrastructure. Among attendees, distinguished guest speakers included Mark Macarro, President of the National Congress of American Indians, Senator Lisa Murkowski, and Bryan Newland, Assistant Secretary of the Department of the Interior, lent their insights and support to the discussions, highlighting the significance of collaborative efforts in addressing indigenous issues on a national scale.
A significant milestone achieved during the convention was the approval of the Region-Wide Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Urban Community Response Plan. Developed in partnership with TCC, the Fairbanks Native Association, and the U.S. Department of Justice, this comprehensive plan charts a roadmap for coordinated responses for MMIP cases, marking a crucial step forward in addressing a pressing issue within our region.
Elections held on the final day ushered in new leadership to the Executive Board. Secretary/Treasurer Charlie Wright of Rampart, Upper Kuskokwim Representative Claude ‘Joe’ Petruska of Nikolai, Lower Yukon Representative Ivan Demientieff of Holy Cross, and Youth Advisor Mackenzie Englishoe of Gwichyaa Zhee stepped into their roles with dedication and experience. The contributions of outgoing board member Eugene Paul were also acknowledged, honoring his years of service on the Executive Board.
On the final day, Tribal delegates deliberated on a multitude of resolutions aimed at addressing various community concerns. Out of the 29 resolutions presented, 27 were passed that will guide the organization in the coming years. Resolutions were presented on a wide range of topics include funeral assistance, supporting victims of sexual assault, crisis response in our communities, protecting our ways of life, and more. TCC will be posting a full list of the Convention resolutions on our website at www.tananachiefs.org/resolutions.
In closing, the 2024 Annual Convention and Full Board of Directors Meeting exemplified the spirit of collaboration, resilience, and progress within the Indigenous community. We will carry forward the spirit of ‘One People, One Voice’ in all that we do. Together, we are stronger. Together, we will continue to advocate, empower, and uplift our communities.
