Tanana Chiefs Conference: TCC Weekly Episode 55

Welcome to TCC Weekly, where each week we bring you the latest news from Tanana Chiefs Conference. Welcome to TCC Weekly. I'm Chelsea Thurman, Behavioral Health Administrative Assistant, Old Minta Family Recovery Camp at Tanana Chiefs Conference. Here's a look at what's happening across the region. Tanana Chiefs Conference leadership and staff recently visited Ninana and Birch Creek to meet with community leadership and hear about their priorities, challenges, and successes.

These visits are an important opportunity to listen, strengthen relationships, and better understand the needs of our communities. Conversations included transitional housing, public safety, the ongoing decline of salmon, substance use services, energy assistance, and other issues important to each community. Thank you to the communities of Ninana and Birch Creek for welcoming us and sharing your experiences, ideas, and vision for the future. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn more about how TCC can continue supporting the goals, priorities, and initiatives of the tribes through strong partnership and ongoing collaboration. Now, turning to election season, it's time to get ready to vote.

TCC is partnering with Interior Native Vote to help tribal members prepare for this important election by hosting two candidate mixers ahead of the primary election on August 18th. These events are an opportunity to meet the individuals running for office, ask the questions that matter most to you, and hear directly from the candidates. Free food, drinks, and swag will be provided, and attendees will also have the chance to win great prizes. The first candidate mixer will be held at the Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall in Fairbanks on Monday, July 20th, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This event will feature candidates running for the Alaska State House, and State Senate.

The second mixer will take place at the Tribal Hall on Wednesday, August 5th, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., featuring candidates running for governor. This is the major election year in Alaska, and the decisions made at the ballot box will have lasting impacts on our lands, subsistence, and future generations. Be sure to mark your calendar for these important dates: August 18th for the primary election and November 3rd for the general election. You can register to vote or check your voter registration status at voterregistration.alaska.gov. You can also follow Interior Native Vote on Facebook and Instagram for updates, reminders, and election resources throughout the season.

Continuing with advocacy opportunities, Tribal Resource Stewardship Program is hosting a hunting and fishing advocacy virtual workshop for the Yukon-Tanana Region on July 24th. From 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM. Alaska's wildlife and our subsistence way of life are at a turning point. The health of our salmon, our lands, and our communities depend on what we do now. Your voice matters and it carries weight.

Join the workshop to better understand the issues, strengthen your advocacy skills, and help protect what sustains us. Follow TCC on social media for more information about this and other upcoming workshops and other community events. The Old Minto Family Recovery Camp annual sobriety potlatch will take place on Friday, July 24th, and everyone is welcome to attend. Free boat rides will be available from the 10th Street boat landing in Nenana beginning at 9:00 AM and continuing till 4:00 PM. Please dress for the weather by bringing warm clothing, rain gear, and a life jacket.

If you plan to stay overnight, don't forget a tent and sleeping bag. If you have any questions about the event, Please contact me, Chelsea Thurmond, at 907-452-8251, extension 3097. We hope you'll join us as we celebrate sobriety and community together. Do you know someone who deserves recognition? The Alaska Federation of Natives President's Award nominations window is now open.

AFN is accepting nominations through August 14th at 4:30 PM. The awards recognize outstanding Alaska Native leaders in health, education, public safety, military services, business, subsistence, youth leadership, and other areas of service. Winners will be honored during the AFN President's Award Ceremony on October 24th. Learn more about the award categories and submit a nomination at nativefederation.org. And finally, we would like to extend a warm welcome to all the athletes, coaches, families, and supporters joining us in Fairbanks for the World Eskimo Indian Olympics, or WIO.

We're honored to have you in the interior and wish everyone a safe, successful, and memorable week as we celebrate our cultures, traditions, and incredible athleticism. Thank you for listening. I'm Chelsea Thurmond, signing off for TCC Weekly. Tune in every Monday morning at 9:30 on KRFF 89.1 FM, or listen anytime on Spotify or YouTube.