Tanana Chiefs Conference: TCC Weekly Episode 66

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

Welcome to TCC Weekly, I'm Morgan Snowgates, Executive Administrative Assistant, Tanana Chiefs Conference. Let's get into it. Save the date for TCC's Fall Summit happening on November 12th and 13th. Fall Summit will be a gathering bringing tribal leaders and participants together to share knowledge, explore explore resources, and discuss opportunities and challenges impacting our tribes and communities. This year's summit will feature main panel discussions and breakout sessions, giving participants opportunities to engage more deeply in topics that are most relevant to their communities.

Participants interested in attending a breakout session must register in advance and select their preferred sessions during the registration process. Throughout the summit, participants will have opportunities to ask questions, learn to learn from subject matter experts, exchange ideas, and connect with others working on similar priorities across the TCC region. Additional information about registration, breakout session options, travel, university credit, and the full summit agenda will be shared as details are finalized. Keep an eye on the TCC Facebook and Instagram pages. Alaska's general election is coming up on November 3rd, and one of the measures voters will see on the ballot is Ballot Measure 2.

The measure would repeal Alaska's current open primary and ranked-choice general election system and restore partisan primary elections. It would also repeal certain campaign finance disclosure requirements established under the current system. The TCC Executive Board has adopted a resolution stating its support for a no vote on Ballot Measure 2. The resolution cites the importance of voter participation and representation for Alaska Native and rural communities. As well as transparency around outside campaign funding.

TCC encourages beneficiaries and tribal members to learn about the issues and candidates on the November 3rd ballot and make sure they are prepared to participate in the general election. You can learn more about Ballot Measure 2, the candidates running for seats in your area, and where to vote at www.elections.alaska.gov.

In more general election news, Tanana Chiefs Conference is inviting tribal leaders, tribal members, and rural residents throughout interior Alaska to join upcoming virtual candidate forums ahead of the November 3rd general election. The first forum will take place on Tuesday, October 6th, and the second forum will happen on Thursday, October 8th. Both virtual forums will take place from noon until 2:00 PM and feature candidates running for United States Senate and United States Representative, state governor, as well as state House legislative and Senate seats. Be sure to stay tuned for more information on these candidate forums. They provide a unique opportunity for rural communities to hear directly from candidates about issues that impact our tribes and rural communities, including subsistence, public safety, housing, healthcare, and the cost of living in rural Alaska.

You'll be able to find out more by following our TCC Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn page, or by visiting tanacheefs.org/elections.

Is your family ready for winter? The application season for energy assistance is open for elders 65 or older. You can apply at your tribal office, or if you need assistance applying, call us at 907-452-8251, extension 5827. Help the elders in your life prepare for winter this year by reminding them to fill out their energy assistance applications. The deadline for 2027 calendar photo submissions is approaching fast.

If you have a great shot you'd like to share with us, send it in by 5 PM on October 16th. Please avoid downloads, screenshots, or edited photos so that we have the highest quality for print. And as always, per guidance from our elders, please do not submit photos of hunters with their harvested animals. You can find the submission form on our website at tanachiefs.org, or you can email submissions to [email protected].

Finally, we want to congratulate Shannon Erhardt on her new position at TCC as the Employment and Training Coordinator. Shan brings over 8 years of service to her new role, having previously served as the Wellness Cultural Manager and the Tribal Development Deputy Director. In her new role, she will be responsible for implementing workforce trainings for tribes and tribal members. We are excited to welcome Shannon, who will be a great leader in this role due to her longstanding relationships with tribes in our region. 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.