Fitch upgrades Tanana Chiefs Conference bond rating to AA-

Tanana Chiefs Conference can now borrow money at better rates after Fitch Ratings upgraded the organization's bond rating to AA- from A+. The upgrade means lower borrowing costs for healthcare programs and infrastructure across the 42 villages the regional health consortium serves.

Shauna Hildebrand, Tribal Development Director at Tanana Chiefs Conference, said the higher rating reflects years of financial discipline.

"This means that TCC is in a strong financial position to continue investing in healthcare programs, infrastructure, and services across the region for years to come," Hildebrand said.

Fitch cited TCC's strong financial profile and growing federal support when it announced the upgrade in April.

New CFO named

Karen Sitton has been selected as the organization's new Chief Financial Officer. Sitton is a Koyukon Athabascan and tribal member from Loudoun. She has worked with Tanana Chiefs Conference, Fairbanks Native Association, Doyon Limited, and Chalista Corporation over a 30-year career in finance and organizational management.

Land transfer concerns

TCC raised concerns after the U.S. Department of Interior transferred significant acreage within the Dalton Utility Corridor to the state of Alaska. The lands were protected under federal public land orders for decades.

Chief and Chairman Sharon Hildebrand said the lands are ancestral homelands where tribal members have hunted, fished, gathered, and traveled for generations.

TCC is calling on state and federal agencies to ensure tribes are meaningfully involved in future decisions affecting the corridor. The organization warned that expanded oil, gas, mining, and infrastructure development could threaten subsistence areas and wildlife habitat.

Youth hiring and flood prep

The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center is hiring youth ages 14 to 21 who are enrolled in a TCC region tribe for paid summer positions. Applications are available at tananachiefs.org/careers.

With spring breakup underway and flooding already occurring in some communities, TCC reminded residents to prepare for possible evacuation. If homes or belongings are damaged by flooding, TCC's Emergency Assistance Program may be able to help. Residents can contact the Emergency Assistance Team at 907-452-8251, extension 6812.