Tanana Chiefs Conference tells Interior tribal members to plan for winter now

Tanana Chiefs Conference is urging families across its region to prepare for winter sooner rather than later as fuel and household costs rise.

Many villages in the region depend on seasonal barge deliveries of fuel, which arrive during the summer and fall months.

The advice came in Chief/Chairman Sharon Hildebrand's August letter to tribal leaders and tribal members, released Thursday.

"As we enter the colder months, our communities have shared the concern of higher fuel costs," Hildebrand wrote. "We encourage everyone to prepare for winter sooner rather than later. Last winter was one of the coldest on record, and the impacts were felt across our region."

Rising fuel and household expenses mean early preparation "can help reduce financial stress and ensure families have what they need during this time," she wrote. Tribes that want help planning ahead were directed to contact TCC's self-governance office.

The letter sets no fuel-purchasing deadline. It does not include current regional price data or a projected increase.

The consortium serves 39 villages and 42 member entities across 235,000 square miles of Interior Alaska, roughly 37 percent of the state.

Warning follows July village visits

The advisory follows village visits in July. TCC leadership traveled to Birch Creek, Beaver, Chalkyitsik, Koyukuk and Tanana for subregional meetings. Hildebrand wrote that communities there spoke openly about their challenges.

Fuel costs already climbing

Fuel costs have been a running concern in the region this year. Alaska News previously covered a joint warning from Doyon, Limited and Tanana Chiefs Conference that international shipping disruptions were driving up Interior fuel prices, with communities dependent on seasonal barge deliveries urged to order early. Earlier coverage documented remote villages paying $6.63 per gallon.