The Council Newsletter

December 13, 2019

With approval from the Executive Board, the Willow House patient hotel is undergoing a massive renovation to improve the quality of stay for those receiving care in Fairbanks. For the past year, TCC has been working with architects, engineers, interior designers, and contractors to design a massive renovation of the patient hotel. Demolition has been completed, and installation of new electrical, IT networks drops, and lighting is under way. A mock up room has been completed to provide a view of what the rest of the rooms will look like after completion of the project. On October 15, the TCC Executive Board and Executive Managers were able to tour the mock hotel room, take a firsthand look at all the renovations, and talk with the contractors. Read more

August 02, 2019

The Chief’s necklace has long been used in Athabascan culture to symbolize leadership. You often see the large, dentallium shell necklaces draped across the necks of prominent native leaders and chiefs during large meetings such as the Alaska Federation of Natives Annual Convention and Tanana Chiefs Conference’s Annual Convention.

However, in recent years, the necklaces seem to be showing up everywhere. You see them being presented to politicians, public service officers, and others who are not part of the native community. You see them being worn by those not in leadership positions. You see them being worn in grocery stores.

All of these situations bring up the question- are people forgetting the significance of these necklaces? But also, what are the rules of Chief’s necklaces? Who is allowed to wear them? Who is allowed to gift them? When should they be worn? Where should they be worn? What is their significance?

Read more

August 02, 2019

Close your eyes and think about a moment in your life where you felt loved unconditionally. A time where you felt supported, understood, and appreciated.

There is a word for that feeling – Ch’eghwtsen’.

Ch’eghwtsen’, when translated from the Lower Tanana dialect, means ‘True Love’. The word is one that has been spoken at length by one of our most revered native leaders- the Late Traditional Chief Peter John, who described it as ‘pure’ and ‘powerful’.

For years, Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) looked for a word that could accurately describe what they wanted to achieve. When Ch’eghwtsen’ was presented, it was exactly what they had been looking for – a culturally relevant word that embodied the fundamental concepts of compassion and empathy.

However, the road to Ch’eghwtsen’ was not straightforward. It took a lot of planning, preparation, people, and just a little bit of serendipity.

Read more

July 03, 2019

Cancer is the leading cause of death among Alaska Native people, which is why the village of Tanana passed a resolution in 2018 encouraging Tanana Chiefs Conference to “organize a walk devoted to remembering those we’ve lost to cancer, raising cancer awareness, cancer prevention, and information on harmful lifestyles.”

On June 2nd, 2019, TCC hosted the Khotr’elneyn 5K Walk/Run in Fairbanks. Khotr’elneyn is from the Lower Tanana Athabascan dialect, which translates to ‘We Remember’.

“We have all been affected by cancer either directly or indirectly and we have all lost friends and family to the disease,” says TCC Chief/Chairman Victor Joseph, “It’s important that we gather together to honor those we have lost, those who are suffering, and those who are in recovery.”

The event featured a special performance by indigenous group Pamyua, a cancer focused health fair featuring health educators from across the state, Alaska Native art for sale, and more.

While the event was free to the public, runners could purchase a race bib for a suggested $5 donation. All donations for the event went towards the Interior Alaska Cancer Association (IACA), an all-volunteer organization that provides support groups, financial assistance, and resource guidance for Interior Alaskans diagnosed with cancer.

TCC kicked off the fundraising with a $1,500 towards IACA. In total, $2,287 were raised at the event. Additionally, Galena raised a total of $650 during the walk in their community.