Tanana Chiefs Conference: TCC Weekly Episode 54

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

Welcome to TCC Weekly. I'm Rachel Riley, Communications Coordinator at Tanana Chiefs Conference. Here's a look at what's happening across the region. Last week, TCC hosted its annual partners boat trip, bringing tribal, state, and federal leaders together to strengthen relationships and deepen their understanding of life in rural interior Alaska. This year's trip visited the villages of Nikolai, Talida, McGrath, and Takotna.

Throughout the journey, community members shared the issues most affecting their villages, including housing, healthcare access, public safety, infrastructure, economic development, and the long-term sustainability of traditional ways of life. By visiting communities in person, participants gained firsthand insight into both the unique challenges of rural Alaska and the resilience, innovation, and strength that define each village. The itinerary included community tours, project site visits, cultural exchanges, and shared meals, creating meaningful opportunities for conversation and collaboration. These experiences help build lasting partnerships and provide decision makers with valuable context that simply can't be captured through reports or virtual meetings. TCC extends its sincere appreciation to the communities of Nikolai, Talkeetna, McGrath, and Tokutna for their generous hospitality and for welcoming participants into their villages.

We also thank everyone who joined this year's trip for their commitment to listening, learning, and strengthening partnerships with the tribes of Interior Alaska. Also last week, TCC hosted a Day of Healing gathering, bringing together tribal client services with families and individuals in need of a little rest and relaxation. Participants enjoyed a calming space to decompress while taking part in Native arts and children's crafts, creating an atmosphere of healing, connection, and peace. Thank you to everyone who joined us. Looking back to last month, youth from across the TCC region gathered at Nancat Liberation and Wellness Center outside of Fairbanks for the Emerging Leaders Youth Summit.

The 4-day summit combined leadership development, cultural learning, wellness activities, and advocacy training. Participants camped on-site and took part in hands-on workshops and discussions designed to strengthen their connection to culture, community, and one another. Youth also explored advocacy and civic engagement through sessions focused on hunting and fishing advocacy, tribal leadership, and Native voting initiatives. TCC extends its gratitude to Native Movement for sharing their beautiful facility and to the presenters, elders, volunteers, and staff who helped make the summit possible. Most importantly, thank you to the youth participants whose leadership, enthusiasm, and commitment to their communities continue to inspire hope for the future.

To read more about this year's Youth Summit, visit tananachiefs.org. With election season approaching, the primary election is coming up August 18th. To help voters get informed, Interior Native Vote is hosting a Meet the Candidates event on Monday, July 20th. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet state Senate and state House candidates from across the region, ask questions, and learn where they stand on issues that matter most to our communities. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall.

Candidates from across the Interior have been invited to attend, and everyone is welcome to participate. We're also hiring. If you're passionate about supporting tribal families, consider applying for our Indian Child Welfare Act Advocate position. In this role, you'll coordinate a wide range of services to assist children and families involved with the state child protection system while also working alongside our social services and justice teams to ensure families stay informed and supported. To learn more and apply, visit tananachiefs.org/advocate.

Www.tcc.edu/careers. Finally, a reminder that summer can be difficult for those who are grieving. It can feel isolating when those around you are celebrating while you are carrying the weight of loss. Let your friends and family know how you're feeling, and lean on the people who support you. If you or someone you love needs additional help, you can call 988, Alaska's Careline, or connect with TCC Behavioral Health for compassionate care.

Thank you for listening. I'm Rachel Riley, signing off for TCC Weekly. Tune in every Monday morning at 9:30 on KRFF 89.1 FM, or listen anytime on Spotify and YouTube.