Tanana Chiefs Conference: TCC Weekly Episode 69

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

Welcome to TCC Weekly. I'm Kimberly Nicholas, Tribal Resource Stewardship Outreach Coordinator at Tanana Chief Conference. Let's jump into what's happening across the region. TCC's Fall Summit is coming up November 12th and 13th. We're bringing tribal leaders and participants together to connect, share knowledge, and discuss the opportunities and challenges affecting our tribes and communities.

Throughout the summit, participants will hear from subject matter experts, ask questions, exchange ideas, and connect with others working on similar priorities in their communities. This year's summit will include main panel discussions along with breakout sessions designed to give participants a closer look at topics that matter across the TCC region. More details are coming soon. Stay tuned to TCC's Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest Fall Summit updates as November approaches. Did you know that TCC's Tribal Resource Stewardship Division offers free virtual hunting and fishing advocacy trainings?

Each one of these classes teaches you how to make your voice heard in the critical matters of our lands, fish, and animals across the region. These classes are broken out into river regions, and the next training will cover the Yukon-Koyukuk management structure overview. This area includes Alakaket, Galena, Houslia, Kaltag, Koyukuk, Nulato, and Ruby. You don't need to live in the region to join the session and learn how you can help. The session will take place this Friday, November 6th.

One hour of your time can make a difference in the lifetime of your region. So make a plan to be there. This year's general election is coming up on Tuesday, November 3rd. Do you know where your candidates stand on the issues most important to you? TCC recently held a series of virtual forums during which federal and state-level candidates answered questions about things like salmon, subsistence, the Ambler Road, and more.

You can listen to the recordings of these forums on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/tananachiefs.

Make a plan to get to the polls on November 3rd and go in knowing where your candidates stand on the issues. This year's general election ballot also includes Ballot Measure 2, which would repeal Alaska's open primary and ranked choice general election system. TCC's executive board approved a resolution in 2024 and again in 2026, supporting Alaska's open primary and ranked choice voting system. TCC believes open primaries give voters more opportunities to support candidates who represent their priorities regardless of political party, while ranked choice voting encourages candidates to appeal to a broader range of Alaskans. For Interior Alaska Native communities, representation matters.

Decisions made by elected officials can have significant impacts on issues including subsistence, public safety, infrastructure, healthcare, and the well-being of rural communities. We support a no vote on Ballot Measure 2. Now let's take a look at some opportunities to join the TCC team. Do you enjoy writing, creating content, and helping people stay connected? Apply to be our communications coordinator.

In this role, you'll help share TCC's work and stories through social media, newsletters, website updates, photography, and other communications. We are also seeking a Corporate Compliance Officer. This may be you if you are passionate about accountability, ethical practices, and helping organizations do the right thing. In this role, you'll help make sure TCC meets compliance requirements, review reported concerns, support employee training, and advise leadership on potential risks. Visit tananacheifs.org/career to learn more and apply for these positions today.

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 9:00 AM on KRFF 89.1 FM. Or listen anytime on Spotify or YouTube.