Tanana Chiefs Conference: TCC Weekly Episode 59

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

Welcome to TCC Weekly. I'm Allison Munoz, breastfeeding peer counselor program coordinator at Tanana Chiefs Conference. Let's jump into what's happening across the region. Last week, Tanana Chiefs leadership and staff traveled to Koyukuk for the Yukon-Koyukuk subregional meeting where we heard from tribal members and leadership from across the subregion. Being out in our rural communities, listening to our tribal members, hearing your concerns, and celebrating your wins helps us in our continued dedication to serving our tribal communities.

We would like to thank Koyukuk for welcoming us into their community. We are grateful for the opportunity that our departments had to present, hear feedback, and collaborate with the villages in the Yukon-Koyukuk subregion. Back-to-school season is almost here, and now is the perfect time to schedule your child's annual wellness visit. Throughout August, Tanana Chiefs Conference will host back-to-school clinics at Chief Ander Isaac Health Center in Fairbanks, Upper Tanana Health Center in Tok, Edgar Nolner Health Center in Galena, and the CalTag Health Clinic. These clinics will offer well-child checkups, sports physicals, and immunizations with weekend, after-hours, and walk-in appointments.

Enjoy activities and giveaways during the clinics as well. Visit the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center Facebook page for clinic dates, times, and additional details for each participating community. As we support children heading back to school, we also recognize the importance of giving babies the healthiest possible start in life. Indigenous Milk Medicine Week is an annual celebration that takes place during National Breastfeeding Month. And celebrates the culture, tradition, and medicinal nature of breastfeeding.

If you are currently breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, you can take our short survey and be entered to win an Instant Pot. Check our Facebook page for more details. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or breast pumping for your child, you're invited to attend the traditional First Food Circle this Wednesday, August 12th, in the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center lobby. This is an opportunity to get portraits of yourself breastfeeding, creating a beautiful keepsake that celebrates the bond between you and your baby while honoring the tradition of nourishing your child with their first food. You'll also have the chance to win door prizes, enjoy snacks and discussion with other parents, and find out what breastfeeding resources are available.

This gathering is open to beneficiaries and staff. Check the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center Facebook page for more information. In other health news, we are proud to celebrate 4 outstanding participants who completed the Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program this July: Nya Derindorf, Sienna Domoski, Asasha Martin, and Chelsea Kerwin. Their persistence and commitment have led them to become certified clinical medical assistants ready to support the health and well-being of our people and communities. Please join us in congratulating them on this incredible accomplishment.

Do you want to reconnect with traditional child-rearing practices? Positive Indian Parenting classes blend timeless cultural teachings with modern parenting challenges to nurture strong families, preserve traditions, and empower future generations. TCC is offering 8-week classes at Morris Thompson Cultural Center starting in September. For more information, contact Vanessa Joseph in Family Services at [email protected]. Election Day is getting closer.

An Interior Native Vote encourages community members to get informed before heading to the polls. Over 200 people attended last week's candidate mixer where they were able to meet the candidates, learn more about what will be on the August ballot, check their voter registration, and register to vote. Early and absentee in-person voting started on August 3rd, which means you can vote now in the primary election. To find out where to cast your vote, visit elections.alaska.gov. Click on Elections at the top of the page and select Polling Place Locations from the dropdown menu that appears.

That's it for news and updates this week. Thank you for listening. I'm Allison Muñoz, and you're listening to TCC Weekly. Tune in every Monday morning at 9:30 on KRFF 89.1 FM, or listen anytime on Spotify and YouTube.