Tanana Chiefs Conference: TCC Weekly Episode 67

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

Welcome to TCC Weekly. I'm Dr. Allison Kelleher, Medical Director of Indigenous Healing at Tanana Chiefs Conference. Let's get into what's happening across the region. Municipal elections are tomorrow. In Fairbanks, voters will decide seats on the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly and School Board, as well as the Fairbanks and North Pole City Councils.

There are also 3 borough propositions on the ballot addressing tax revenues, the timing of municipal elections, and whether ballots should be hand-counted or electronically tabulated. In rural areas, Regional Education Attendance Area, or REAA, elections are also happening tomorrow. These elections determine school board seats in communities outside organized boroughs. Do you know your municipal election voting spot? Polls will be open from 7 AM to 8 PM, and you can find out where to vote by visiting www.alaska.gov/elections.

Looking ahead to the November 3rd general election, Tanana Chiefs Conference is hosting two virtual candidate forums. The first, Tuesday, October 6th, will feature candidates for the U.S. House, followed by the second forum on Thursday, October 8th, featuring candidates for Governor and the State House District 36. Both forums run from noon to 2 PM Alaska time. Candidates will discuss issues important to tribes and rural communities, including subsistence, public safety, housing, healthcare, and the cost of living. The forums are nonpartisan and TCC does not endorse candidates.

Both forums are virtual so you can join from your community. TCC will share information on how to participate. If you're looking for an opportunity to connect with the community and focus on healing and wellness, we are hosting another Indigenous Healing Gathering on Saturday, October 3rd. The day begins at 11 AM with a community lunch featuring a traditional-inspired, diabetes-friendly meal provided by TCC's Diabetes and Nutrition Department. Then, from noon to 4 PM, the healing gathering will offer an afternoon of connection and wellness with healing sessions led by community healers, TCC's Indigenous Healing Program, and Interior Wellness healers.

There will also be local vendors, information and resources, craft workshops, and opportunities to spend time together in community. It's an invitation to nourish the body, mind, and spirit, and to connect with others along the way. Join us and head into winter with a positive spirit. Garden of Roses is a free trauma-informed healing camp for Alaska Native girls aged 10 to 17 who have experienced Sexual Trauma. Hosted by Tanana Chiefs Conference and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, the camp will take place December 2nd through 4th right here in Fairbanks.

Girls attend with a parent or guardian who will also take part in healing circles throughout the weekend. The camp provides a safe and supportive space focused on healing, connection, and resilience. Space is limited and travel scholarships are available through TCC and ANTHC. The registration deadline is October 23rd or until the camp is full. Families can register on their own or get help completing the registration forms from a local behavioral health aide or community health aide.

For more information or to register, contact ANTHC at 907-729-3795 or Roxanne Frank at TCC at 907-451-6682, extension 3581. And lastly, we are hiring an Executive Director of Tribal Government and Client Services to guide programs that support tribal governments and communities across our region. Visit tananacheefs.org/careers.

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.