Last month, Tanana Chiefs Conference hosted our first-ever Elders Holiday Lunch in Fairbanks—a gathering created to honor and uplift our Elders during a time of year that can often feel lonely, especially for those missing family and life back in their home village. The event welcomed Elders with a warm meal of moose soup and frybread and offered a space for connection, laughter, and shared community.
TCC staff, volunteers, and partners came together to make the gathering possible. Doyon Foundation volunteers helped serve meals, Effie Kokrine students assisted with preparation and serving, and Korwin Joseph, Elijah Wigley, and Isaac Boyles cooked the moose soup—braving temperatures of –30° to ensure the meal was ready. Additional thanks go to Margaret Sagers and Alivia Gonzalez for chopping vegetables and assisting in the kitchen.
Chief Brian Ridley reflected on the importance of the event, sharing: “We wanted to honor our Elders and remind them that they are not alone this holiday season—especially those who may be missing home. A warm bowl of moose soup is good for the soul, but the true comfort comes from being together as a community. It was heartwarming to see so many people come together to take care of our Elders, and I am deeply grateful for everyone who helped make this gathering possible.”
TCC looks forward to continuing this new tradition and creating more opportunities for our Elders to come together, share stories, and feel supported throughout the year.
