TCC Weekly Episode 45

Welcome to TCC Weekly, where each week we bring you the latest news from Tanana Chiefs Conference. Welcome to TCC Weekly. I'm Roxanne Sarapis, coordinator for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program at Tanana Chiefs Conference. Thank you for joining us. Let's take a look at what's happening across the region.

Emergencies can happen quickly. A house fire, severe wind or flooding, Fires during breakup season can change daily life in an instant. The TCC Emergency Assistance Program is designed to support enrolled tribal members who have experienced damage to their homes or possessions due to fire or natural causes, including flooding and high winds. This program helps stabilize households so families can begin to recover and rebuild. Eligibility is straightforward.

Assistance is based on the impact of the disaster. Is not an income requirement. For some communities, assistance is administered directly through the tribe. If you are from Fort Yukon, Northway, New Lato, or Tanana, you are encouraged to visit your local tribal office to apply and receive support. Support may include assistance for replacement of household appliances, food loss or spoilage, which is especially important for families who rely on stored or subsistence foods.

Other things emergency assistance can help with is replacement of winter gear, home repair or replacement. Assistance is provided as a one-time payment per disaster, per household. If you need to apply, there are a few steps to follow. First, check with your tribe to see if funding is available through them. Next, complete the application through the TCC website at tananachiefs.org.

If you need help during the process, you can reach out to the Emergency Assistance Team by emailing at [email protected].

Tananaachiefs.org or by phone at 907-452-8251 extension 6812. With breakup season in full swing, preparation is just as important as response. Taking steps now can help reduce risk and protect your household. Start by finishing your emergency kit. Make sure it includes food, water, medications, and important documents.

Check in with others in your community and encourage them to prepare as well. It is also important to identify emergency response equipment within your village, such as boats, flotation devices, and rescue tools. Knowing what is available ahead of time helps ensure a faster and safe response. Communities are encouraged to prepare essential facilities for potential flooding. This includes clinics, water treatment plants, utilities, and records stored and managed by the city or tribe.

Another step is identifying residents who may be at high risk. Elders and others who may need additional assistance should be identified early, and plans should be made to ensure they have access to medications and support. In addition to emergency preparedness, there are several upcoming opportunities to stay connected and engaged. The 2026 TCC Youth Summit will take place June 19th through the 21st in Fairbanks off Chena Hot Springs Road at the Nancat Center. Interior youth ages 12 to 24 are invited to participate in this 3-day camping event focused on leadership development, goal setting, and practicing traditions.

Travel costs are covered and the application deadline is May 26th. On May 5th, From 12:00 to 1:30, a gathering of remembrance will be held at the Golden Heart Plaza. This event honors victims of unsolved homicides, and those who have lost community members are invited to come together in prayer, remembrance, and advocacy. Looking ahead, the Dena'kinaaga Elders and Youth Conference will take place June 2nd through 4th in Fort Yukon. This year's theme is Upholding Our Traditional Ways to move forward, with opportunities for leadership engagement and regional representation.

TCC also continues to expand career opportunities across the region, including healthcare and behavioral health positions. To check out all of our job openings, visit tananaachiefs.org/careers. Finally, education achievements across our communities are being celebrated. Submissions for the upcoming newsletter are open through June 12th. You can submit your grad photos at tananachiefs.org.

That concludes this week's news and updates. Thank you so much for joining us on TCC Weekly. Don't forget, you can tune in each Monday at 9 AM on KRFF 89.1, or catch us anytime on Spotify and YouTube. For TCC Weekly, I'm Roxanne Serapis.