Family, Tribal leaders, community members, and staff gathered at the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center on May 28 to celebrate the unveiling of the Andy & Barbara Jimmie Cancer Care & Infusion Center — a space dedicated to healing, compassion, and care for the people of Interior Alaska.
The event honored the lifelong service and leadership of Second Traditional Chief Andy Jimmie and the late Barbara Jimmie, whose advocacy, humility, faith, and commitment to their people have touched generations across the region.
The evening included prayers, reflections from Tribal leaders and family members, a special performance by the Minto Dance Group, and the unveiling of the center alongside Andy Jimmie and his family.
Chief Sharon Hildebrand opened the evening by recognizing the significance of the moment and thanking the Native Village of Tanana for bringing forward the resolution to name the center in honor of Andy and Barbara, as well as the TCC Executive Board for supporting the effort.
“Cancer has touched many of our families across our region,” Hildebrand said. “Naming this center in their honor is deeply meaningful because it reflects the compassion, strength, and care they have shown throughout their lives. Their legacy will continue on through every person who receives care, comfort, and support within these walls.”
For decades, Chief Andy Jimmie has been a leader and advocate for Alaska Native people at the regional, statewide, and national levels. As Chairman of the TCC Regional Health Board for more than 30 years, he played a key role in strengthening the Alaska Tribal Health System and expanding access to healthcare for rural communities.
Throughout the evening, speaker after speaker reflected not only on Andy’s leadership, but also on the strength and support of Barbara Jimmie, who passed away in 2024.
Barbara, who was raised in Old Minto, was remembered as a woman of deep faith, compassion, resilience, and generosity. Family and friends shared stories of her constant encouragement, her prayers for others, and the daily phone calls she made to check in on loved ones and community members.
Chief Julie Roberts-Hyslop of the Native Village of Tanana spoke about the importance of honoring both Andy and Barbara through the naming of the center.
“This big compound was built for us. It’s not for anybody else. It’s for us,” Roberts-Hyslop said. “And it was an honor to stand before the convention and have this resolution passed, and to have the honor of having Andy and Barbara’s name on this center.”
Victor Joseph, Executive Director of Tanana, reflected on Andy’s decades of advocacy and the sacrifices made by both Andy and Barbara along the way.
“He worked with congressmen, senators, secretaries, and the president of the United States to help get what we have today,” Joseph said. “We are lucky to be standing here today because of what he has done so we can have this benefit.”
Joseph also spoke about Barbara’s support throughout Andy’s years of leadership and advocacy.
“That promise he made to his mom — he never wavered from it,” Joseph said. “But behind all of that was Barbara and the family supporting him every step of the way.”
Family members shared emotional reflections about Barbara’s kindness, strength, and the love she showed to everyone around her. Her daughter, Andrea, spoke about Barbara’s habit of calling family and friends each morning simply to check on them.
“That was her gift,” Andrea said. “Her gift was to reach out and see how you were doing.”
When Andy Jimmie addressed the crowd, he spoke humbly about his life, his family, and the many people who helped guide him throughout the years. Fighting back emotion at times, he reflected on Barbara’s role in his life and leadership.
“It’s an honor to have my name put in there,” Chief Jimmie said. “But it means more to me to have her name in the same place with me, because she’s the one that pushed me.”
He also spoke about the values taught to him by his parents and grandparents — lessons about listening, learning, honoring tradition, and always working for the good of the people.
“You have to do what’s best for the people, not for you,” he said.
The unveiling of the Andy & Barbara Jimmie Cancer Care & Infusion Center marked more than the naming of a building. For many in attendance, it was a reflection of the care, advocacy, and love that Andy and Barbara devoted to their communities throughout their lives.
As guests toured the center following the ceremony, the evening carried a strong sense of gratitude, remembrance, and hope for future generations who will receive care within its walls.
“This center represents more than healthcare,” Hildebrand said. “It represents hope. It represents healing. And it represents our commitment to ensuring our people receive care that is compassionate, culturally grounded, and centered in community.”
