Tanana Chiefs Conference: TCC Weekly Episode 62

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

Welcome to TCC Weekly, I'm Brooke Edwin Orson, Human Resources Technician II with Tanana Chiefs Conference. TCC has a lot going on across the region, so let's get into it. First, we have an important update for families impacted by the Mukluk Fire near Tok. Governor Mike Dunleavy has issued a disaster declaration, making state individual assistance available to eligible residents. If your primary residence or essential personal property was damaged by the fire, assistance may be available for housing, personal property, transportation, temporary housing, and other disaster-related needs.

Those impacted are encouraged to apply as soon as possible by visiting ready.alaska.gov. The deadline to apply is October 19th. Our thoughts and prayers remain with everyone impacted by the Muukluk Fire, especially the families who have lost their homes or experienced damage. We know the road to recovery will take a long time, and TCC will continue working with our partners to support the community and those affected. Last week, Tanana Chiefs Conference was honored with the 2026 Family Friendly Workplace Award in the Large Nonprofit category with the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce.

Chief Human Resources Officer Heather Rogers and Government Affairs Director Joy Huntington accepted the award on behalf of TCC. This recognition reflects TCC's commitment to creating a workplace that supports employees and their families. From comprehensive benefits and workplace policies to programs that promote employee well-being and work-life balance, TCC continues to to look for ways to help employees thrive both at work and at home. When our employees and their families are supported, our organization is stronger and better positioned to serve our tribes and communities. We'd also like to recognize a member of the TCC leadership team.

Last week, Chief Administrative Officer Victor Joseph received the 2026 Sovereignty in Action Award for advocacy from the National Indian Health Board. Victor accepted the award during NIHB's Heroes in Health Awards Banquet at the National Tribal Health Conference. The Sovereignty in Action Awards are among NIHB's highest national honors, recognizing leadership and advocacy that advance tribal sovereignty and strengthen the health and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Please join us in congratulating Victor on this well-deserved honor and thanking him for his continued services to our tribes and communities. Looking ahead, TCC Employment and Training is partnering with Business Impact Northwest to offer small business and entrepreneurship training in Fairbanks.

The training covers the basics of operating a small business, along with resources to support you as you build your business. Classes will be held throughout September. To register, call Tiffany Atlan, Employment and Training Case Manager, at 907-452-8251, extension 4997. September is also Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and TCC Wellness and Prevention is hosting a Suicide Prevention Awareness Month walk for TCC staff. The walk will take place Wednesday, September 10th, from noon to 1:00 PM.

Participants will meet at the Chief Peter John Tribal Building Pavilion before walking to Golden Heart Plaza and back. The event will include an opening prayer and a brief presentation on suicide awareness and 988 resources. We walk to remember and honor friends and family members lost to suicide while bringing awareness to suicide prevention services and resources. We encourage rural communities across the region to join us in sharing a message of hope, connection, and support. And finally, a reminder about the upcoming Labor Day holiday.

TCC administrative offices will be closed Monday, September 7th. All clinical services, with the exception of Urgent Care, will also be closed. Urgent Care will remain open from 8 AM to 6 PM and the patient shuttle will continue to run from 5:30 AM until 6:00 PM. Normal business hours will resume at 8:00 AM Tuesday, September 8th. 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 9:00 AM on KRFF 89.1 FM, or listen anytime on Spotify or YouTube.