The Council Newsletter

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.

July 03, 2019

TCC Chief/Chairman Victor Joseph participated in a public safety roundtable on May 30th that was hosted by Senator Sullivan in honor of the US Attorney General’s (AG) visit to Alaska. The group consisted of Alaska Native leadership from around the state. While the topics centered on justice and public safety, the common theme was clear: Alaska needs a public safety solution.
Additionally, Tanana Chiefs Conference had the honor of hosting AG Barr on a trip to Galena. Tribal leaders and youth delegates from the Yukon-Koyukuk region traveled to attend a listening session with

• AG Barr, the US Attorney for Alaska
• Bryan Schroder, the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women
• Katie Sullivan, Director of the Office of Tribal Justice
• Tracy Toulou
• and several others from the Department of Justice
• and Senator Sullivan’s and Murkowski’s office.

Village leadership in attendance included;

• Leo Lolnitz , First Chief of Koyukuk
• Katie Kangas, First Chief of Ruby
• Elsie Vent Huslia Council Member
• Mickey Stickman, First Chief of Nulato
• Tristan Madros, First Chief of Kaltag
• Charlie Green, First Chief of Galena
• Chevey Roach, Mayor of Shageluk.

Many commented on the how there is often no response from the troopers, that the Chief is often the only one that is called when there is a crisis or alleged criminal activity.
TCC and many of our communities have received funding from the Department of Justice in the form of grants from Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS), Victims of Crimes (VOCA), and Community Oriented Policing (COPS). These are competitive grants that with the exception of CTAS are available to law enforcement entities across the nation.

May 23, 2019

When designing the layout of the new Tok Clinic, Tanana Chiefs Conference wanted to ensure that the facility was something that was reflective of area by incorporating different cultural elements into the design. To assist in this process, TCC formed a cultural committee comprised of representative experts from surrounding communities to meet with the architects to provide input on the design.

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May 22, 2019

“Don’t forget about us.”

A simple request from the Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) Full Board of Directors that echoes in the back of TCC Chief/Chairman Victor Joseph’s mind every time he is making decisions about healthcare expansion in the region. In 2008, Chief Joseph was the Health Services Director when he stood before the Full Board seeking authorization to move forward with the construction of the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center (CAIHC) in Fairbanks. The Full Board approved the proposal with only three stipulations – 1) Make sure the clinic isn’t designed as a square box, 2) When you expand services make sure you expand in the villages too, and 3) Don’t forget about us.

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