Tanana Chiefs Conference: TCC Weekly Episode 70

Welcome to TCC Weekly, where each week we bring you the latest news from Tanana Chiefs Conference.

Welcome to TCC Weekly. I'm Whitney Paulino, the new Wellness and Prevention Director at Tanana Chiefs Conference. Before we jump into the updates, I want to talk about my new role at TCC. I hope to strengthen proactive approaches to health and well-being throughout the TCC region. My vision includes promoting health education, healthy Indigenous lifestyles, early prevention, and culturally grounded wellness practices.

I'm a lifelong Alaskan and Tanana Tribal member. I started at TCC over 12 years ago and have served in multiple roles across the organization. I am excited to bring my experience working in different areas of our healthcare system to my new role. Now let's get into the updates from across the region. It was a busy week for Tanana Chiefs Conference with TCC representatives attending both the National Congress of American Indians Convention in Palm Springs, California, and the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention in Anchorage.

These gatherings provide important opportunities for tribal leaders and organizations to connect, share perspectives, and engage in discussions on issues affecting Alaska Native and American Indian communities. We look forward to sharing more highlights and updates from both events in the coming days. Speaking of gatherings, TCC's Fall Summit is just a few weeks away. Taking place November 12th and 13th, the summit will bring tribal leaders and participants from across the region together for 2 days of discussion, collaboration, and information sharing. Additional details, including registration information and breakout session options, will be shared soon.

Be sure to follow TCC on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates as we get closer to the summit. Alaska general election is coming up on Tuesday, November 3rd. On this year's ballot is Measure 2, which would repeal Alaska's open primary and ranked choice voting systems. TCC's Executive Board has reaffirmed its support for these systems this election cycle, emphasizing the importance of voter choice, representation, particularly for rural Alaska Native communities. The TCC Executive Board encourages Alaskans to vote no on Ballot Measure 2.

Make a plan to vote on November 3rd and make your voice heard. The cold weather is setting in and the snow is starting to stick. Have you applied for energy assistance yet? If you're applying for energy assistance through TCC, make sure you submit all required documents to avoid delays in processing your application. You'll need a copy of your picture ID, proof of income from the past 30 days, a utility bill or wood delivery receipt, and your vendor account number.

Applicants in the Fairbanks area will also need to provide a copy of their tribal ID. Submitting a complete application helps our staff process your request more quickly. If you have questions or need assistance, call 907-452-8251 extension 5827 or email [email protected].

Are you looking for a lucrative career path that draws from your experience with a subsistence lifestyle? Six-Pack Captain's License Training allows a captain to legally operate a commercial vessel carrying up to 6 paying passengers. TCC and Alaska Waters are partnering to offer a Six-Pack training from November 12th through the 21st. Registration is open now through our Employment and Training program. Our tribal communities are looking for caring, supportive families to provide safe, loving homes for our children in foster care.

Anyone who is a tribal member can become a foster parent regardless of race, gender, marital status, or religion. If you're ready to learn more and apply to become a foster parent, TCC's Tribal Family Youth Services is here to help you every step of the way. Call Julie Dietrich at 907-452-8251, extension 3096, to find out more. Finally, want access to more information about what's happening across Interior Alaska? Sign up for TCC's news and updates.

You'll receive our monthly council newsletter, press releases, important announcements, and more straight to your inbox. Sign up today at tananachiefs.org/newsletter. Thecouncil/signup. That's all for this week's TCC Weekly. Thank you for joining us, and we'll see you next time.

Tune in Monday mornings at 9 AM on KRFF 89.1 FM, or listen anytime on Spotify or YouTube.