THE COUNCIL • PAGE 1 Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Anchorage, AK Permit No. 537

D E N A ’ N E N A ’ H E N A S H O U R L A N D S P E A K S

VOL. 28, NO. 1 A REPORT TO THE MEMBER TRIBES OF THE TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE JANUARY 2003 2003 TCC Annual Convention & Board of Directors Meeting

TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE Subregional Advisory Board ELECTIONS CONVENTION Elections for the following seats will take place March 11-13, 2003 at the March 8 or 10, 2003 Subregional Advisory Board meetings at the TCC Executive Board of Directors: Chena River ✔ Yukon-Tanana (Fairbanks) Subregional Seat – two-year term Convention Center ✔ Yukon Koyukuk (Galena) Subregional Seat – two-year term Fairbanks, Alaska ✔ Yukon Flats (Fort Yukon) Subregional Seat – two-year term •Must be a current village delegate (director) (TCC bylaws Article More information will be provided in Seven Section 4) subsequent issues of The Council •Must be residents of the State of Alaska and must be Alaska Native newsletter and mail outs to members of a member village of the corporation (TCC bylaws Tribal Chiefs and Tribal Councils. Article Seven Section 1 and 2) • (Except for the President) Employees of the corporation shall not Interior Tribal Leaders Come Together to Organize be eligible to serve as directors or officers of the corporation. (TCC by laws Article Four Section 2) First Inter-Tribal Natural Resource TCC Health Board: ✔ Yukon Tanana (Fairbanks) Subregional Seat – three-year term Management Coalition TCC Education Council: On November 12-14, 2002 Tribal leaders from six Interior sub-regions met in ✔ Yukon Koyukuk (Galena) Seat – three-year term Fairbanks to participate in a work session to organize the Inter-Tribal Natural ✔ Yukon Flats (Fort Yukon) Seat – three-year term Resource Management Coalition. The purpose of the work session was to provide a Tribal forum to discuss issues relating to natural resource management and to collaborate Interior Athabascan Tribal College Board of Trustees: on strategies supporting the ongoing development of the Coalition. ✔ Yukon Koyukuk (Galena) Subregional Seat – three-year term The organizing effort came in response to: 1) a resolution from the 2002 ✔ Lower Yukon (Holy Cross) Subregional Seat – three-year term TCC Convention providing for the establishment of the Inter-Tribal Natural Resource Management Coalition that further called for the TCC Community & Natural Board of Directors Resources (CNR) Department to provide administrative and/or technical assis- ELECTIONS The mission of tance to support Tribes in developing the Inter-Tribal infrastructure and capacity, and 2) the An Election will take place at the TCC Board of Directors Natural Resources vision of an Inter-Tribal Natural Re- meeting on March 13, 2003 for the following: source Management Coalition articulated AFN Village Representative Management Coalition as a regional priority during the Novem- ✔ is to promote ber 2001 Tribal Natural Resource 1 seat – one-year term IRHA Board of Commissioners: 2 vacancies* Tribal management of Management Summit, sponsored by TCC through Ford and Hewlett Foundation ✔ Seat A – three-year term natural resources Natural Resource Management Planning ✔ Seat B – three-year term to enhance traditional and Capacity-building programs. (* IRHA Board of Commissioners cannot be TCC employees) and customary The CNR Department coordinated practices as taught the invitation of forty-two Interior Athabascan Tribes to participate in the Any individual who would like to by our Elders. 2002 Inter-Tribal Natural Resource declare themselves a candidate Management organizing meeting. Tribes for the above seats must submit were requested to formally appoint two a written, signed and dated letter of intent representatives: one Tribal Council Member and one Tribal Member or Natural Resource Management Professional to attend the work session. Thirty-seven member by 5:00 p.m. February 28, 2003 to Coalition, continued on page 9 Robin Renfroe, Chief Administrative Officer Tanana Chiefs Conference 122 First Avenue, Suite 600 Fairbanks, AK 99701 FAX # (907) 459-3884

Each member village will receive a faxed official list of candidates prior to the March 2003 TCC board of directors meeting. For informational purposes, we will list the IRHA and AFN candidates who take time to write a letter of intent as a candidate. If you have any questions, please contact Ethan Schutt, General Counsel, at 1-800-478-6822, extension 3177. DEADLINE 5:00 p.m., February 28, 2003 PAGE 2 • THE COUNCIL • JANUARY 2003 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE Message from Letters to the Editor TCC President For a special friend Vernon Jones and be afraid of life, but to get out there Harold “Buddy” Brown and live it, and take chances and President I knew Vernon for about fifteen years prior to his death, he taught me challenge yourself to anything you have Happy New Year to the TCC member Tribes and their Tribal members! how to drive a race boat, and helped me an interest in. Once you’ve done that and The staff and I at TCC have enjoyed 2002 and are looking forward to a bright future in to learn the rivers. We were very good feel the satisfaction of life then you will 2003. We have many exciting things happening in our region this coming year. Recently, friends and done a lot of fun things realize how precious life is, and you will we began planning for the upcoming TCC Annual Convention in March 2003. We together. never want to stop living it! anticipate that this convention will be a success in communicating with our Tribes and Harold Attla Vernon was a unique person with allowing them to conduct the necessary business to give TCC guidance for our 2003 8/14/2002 unique abilities, an outstanding me- activities. We will keep you informed of our planning activities as we finalize the agenda chanic and the ability to MacGyver and activities for the upcoming convention. anything together. Vernon had a lot of I am writing in regards to an article Since I was elected TCC’s President and Chairman in March 2002 by our Tribes, friend’s guys and girls (or was it girls and in the Aug./Sept. 2002 Council about TCC’s management team and I have strived to improve the services we offer to our Tribes guys). He always had a big smile for you “Robert Charlie.” We are looking for any and Alaska Native people in our region. This is a quest I will continue throughout my when you went to visit him. He had a relatives, anyone who knew, or informa- three-year term in order to allow TCC to do its part in helping our Tribes provide the best passion for boat racing; he was very tion concerning “Susie Charlie (we do quality of life available to its villages and members. In order for our region to continue to professional and would pay attention to not have a middle name for her)” to meet the challenges and be successful in the 21st Century, I stressed to our Tribes the need detail. He sometimes would come up write us. We would appreciate any and for TCC to address the following issues: with cool new ideas of rigging something all information we could get. 1 Visioning and strategic planning up or someway to make the Koyukuk We are wondering if Robert Charlie Raiders # 74 go a little faster, or a bit could be her brother, cousin or relative 2 Development of unity and strength to tackle tough issues cooler. I admired him and would always to Susie Charlie. I do not have a birth 3 As Alaska Natives, we will set the agendas on our issues, rather than ask his advice on anything from racing certificate, but we figure she was born having them set for us props to moose hunting. Vernon was around 1912 or 1913 in Fairbanks or 4 Total community development in our villages smart when it came to traditional Native Susitna, Alaska. She grew up in Susitna; ways of hunting and fishing, he had so, it may have been there — that is what 5 TCC administrative efficiency and quality service delivery to the villages good teachers in his parents, Eliza and we heard. 6 High TCC employee morale and accountability Benedict. In 1929 (she might’ve been around 7 Bringing hope to our children by concentrating TCC’s efforts in our Vernon died by suicide. In my 16 years in age), she married Albert V. tribal communities. opinion this is a disease, and if you have Berg, who was German or Swede — had Since March 2002, we have begun successfully moving down this path and will it there is no cure for it, but only to heard both — and lived in Nenana, continue to do everything necessary to allow TCC to succeed on behalf of its member recognize it, and to be careful not to Alaska. Susie had four children: Pearl, Tribes and the Native people of our region. In May, we had the Regional Wellness trigger it, with drugs or alcohol. Albert Jr., Carol, and Merle, who they Conference to discuss wellness issues in our communities and plan on how to address After Vernon died I was talking to called Melvin. Around 1938 or 1939, them with the new Wellness funds. the late Morris Thompson about Vernon Susie got tuberculosis and died on Additionally, we had the Regional Vision- and the way he died, I distinctly remem- October 16 1941, at the hospital in ing Conference in September to begin “As we continue to ber him saying “Life is precious, yeah Valdez. We are looking to see if Susie has any brothers or sisters, who her setting a direction for the region’s future advance as a people, Life is precious.” Not everyone realizes and to give TCC guidance on what we how precious life is, and how easy it can parents were, their birth dates, and all should be pursuing on behalf of the we must remain be taken away. One may judge things in information we can get. Please send this region’s Tribes. We are also streamlining united to allow hindsight and next time make a better on to Robert Charlie. and improving the services we provide to decision; this is sometimes called Thank you, the region through administrative our children to learning the hard way. In death there is Merle and June Berg planning and developing improved systems realize the dreams no second chance to learn and do it P. O. Box 6146 right. I would not want to convey the Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 to address service issues. We will continue we have for them.” reporting to everyone in future editions on notion that one should stay cooped up January 11, 2003 our activities and accomplishments. We have been able to achieve some of our goals and will continue to do so because the staff and I receive a tremendous amount of support from throughout the region. Please allow us to thank everyone for the support we have received. As we continue to advance as a people, we must remain united to allow our children to realize the dreams we have for them. Ana Basee’. New Per Diem 75 YEARS AGO The Council is a monthly report to the member tribes of the Tanana Chiefs and POV Rates Conference, in accordance with agreements with the Bureau of Indian Affairs The TCC Executive Board has and the Indian Health Service. Letters to the editor, other written contributions approved the new federally recognized and photo submissions are welcome. However, space is limited and program Per Diem rates for the State of Alaska to oriented news has priority. TCC reserves the right to edit or reject material. be used effective January 01, 2003. The Letters and opinions are not necessarily the opinions of Tanana Chiefs Confer- new rates are published on page 9. ence. Material submitted anonymously will not be published. Contributions and questions may be directed to: The per diem rates for the TCC villages have been increased to $125.00 if The Council the Village has lodging and $100.00 for Tanana Chiefs Conference villages without lodging. The following is reprinted from 122 First Avenue, Suite 600 “Looking Back in Fairbanks,” Fair- Fairbanks, AK 99701 Note: In all instances where there TANANA CHIEFS is no lodging, the employee must banks Daily News-Miner, Jan. 7, 2003. Phone: (907) 452-8251, ext. 3227 CONFERENCE reimburse the host for meals and JAN. 7, 1928 — The potlatch of Toll-free within Alaska: lodging. Employees should automati- the Tanana tribes, which began at 800-478-6822, ext. 3227 cally leave the funds without inquiring Nenana on Dec. 20, is still in full Toll-free from outside Alaska: about the amount from their host. swing with all the enthusiasm of the 800-770-8251, ext. 3227 Per Diem, continued on page 9 first days. At least 300 Natives have Fax: (907) 459-3851 gathered from all sections of the E-mail: [email protected] Tanana Valley and additional In this Issue delegations from Tanana and Subregional Offices Kokrines were expected last night or this morning. They will be the last Yukon-Koyukuk Kuskokwim Yukon-Tanana Tanana Chiefs to arrive and the potlatch will P. O. Box 92 P. O. Box 169 1302 21st Avenue Conference News . . . . . 2 probably come to an end within the Galena, AK 99741 McGrath, AK 99627 Fairbanks, AK 99701 next few days. Chief Thomas and (907) 656-1326 (907) 524-3005 (907) 459-3930 Community & Natural his relatives will then have given Resources News . . . . 4 away about $20,000 in gifts of all Upper Tanana Lower Yukon Yukon Flats kinds, including guns, blankets and Health Services News . . 6 P. O. Box 129 P. O. Box 190 P. O. Box 304 fur. Tribal dancing, a banquet and Tok, AK 99780 Holy Cross, AK 99602 Fort Yukon, AK 99740 giving of gifts take place each night Subregional News . . . . . 8 (907) 883-5181 (907) 476-7137 (907) 662-2556 in the hall, built specially for the News for our People . . 10 potlatch. JANUARY 2003 • THE COUNCIL • PAGE 3 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE — Planning and Development — Renewed Strength and a Solid Plan to Assist the Villages TCC’s Planning and Development beneficiaries of TCC’s member tribes, Coordinator for several months. Amber every Monday, he loves to have visitors department looks forward to 2003 with tribally-owned enterprises, and village has a Bachelor’s degree in Natural stop and chat about their visions for optimism and increased strength in its corporations. They offer help on Resources Management from Cornell their villages. ability to assist member tribes with developing business plans, loan pack- University. She is completing her Beverley moved to Fairbanks in business, economic, and community ages, and contract procurement. In Master’s degree in Natural Resources 1999 to join TCC as the Senior Grants development. The department has been addition, they offer assistance with Sociology in May 2003 from the Univer- Writer. With a degree in Journalism and touted as TCC’s “best-kept secret” gaining 8A Certification and Disadvan- sity of Washington. She then plans to a Master’s in Telecommunications, because tribal members are unfamiliar taged Business Enterprise status. Tribal pursue a Master’s in Business Adminis- Beverley has extensive experience with with the services we offer. We would like members who want to pursue business tration. Amber has family ties in Galena the tribes of Montana, Wyoming, and to re-introduce the staff and tell you projects in the region can obtain help and in Michigan farm country. North and South Dakota. She had her about ourselves and our services. from these staff members. This past year marked a significant research cut out for her when she first Lloyd Allen is the Acting Planning As an Eastern Cherokee/Oneida, accomplishment for the Economic arrived in Alaska; she immediately read and Development Director in addition David Desjardins moved to Alaska from Development program. A new Compre- everything she could about the tribes to being Director of Business Develop- his home state of Maine. He completed ment. Lloyd holds a Bachelor’s degree in his coursework for a Master’s degree in Business Administration and is also a Anthropology at UAF but decided to The department has a strong plan for the Certified Public Accountant candidate. return to his first passion: business. well-being of the villages His past work experience includes David has experience in the oil fields of and the staff to help us reach our goals. accounting, property management, and Texas and as an instructor at UAF. David airline administration. As a born and leads the Educational Outreach/Finan- Look to this space every month to raised Fairbanksan, Lloyd has significant cial Literacy project in addition to watch the progress and to learn something new. business contacts in Fairbanks and counseling business owners. Alaska. He’ll be tapping these resources Mike Miller recently moved to to launch several business initiatives Alaska from Iowa to pursue his love of hensive Economic Development Strategy and history of Alaska. This proved to be including the Community Development the outdoors. As an officer of the Alaska for the TCC region was approved by the a boon for TCC and its member tribes. Financial Institution feasibility study. Alpine Club, Mike frequently spends his Executive Board in August. This Strategy The three grant writers are available Lloyd also directs the TCC Radio project. weekends camping, hiking, and occa- includes plans for many region-wide to assist the TCC villages with seeking A business plan for the radio station has sionally spraining his ankle. Mike has a projects, including the Community funding and writing and submitting been completed and will be presented to Bachelor’s in Business Communications Development Financial Institution, and proposals. They occasionally host work- the Executive Board soon. and is currently pursuing his Master’s several specific projects for individual shops like the one held in January 2003 Three Business Analysts work in the degree in Business Administration at villages. The CEDS will be available in for the upcoming ANA proposals. They TCC Business Development Center: UAF. His background includes property booklet form and on CD-Rom. This will have widespread knowledge of the grant David Desjardins, Mike Miller, and Pat management, housing services, and be mailed to all the Tribal councils in the process, so don’t hesitate to call them. next few weeks and will also be available Church. These three Analysts are technical computer support. The Planning and Development to the public by request. available for business counseling to all Pat Church previously served TCC department has some exciting projects in as the Director of Credit and Finance. As Zelma Axford has joined the Grants the works that will foster sustainable Planning and a Business Analyst, he is actively pursu- program as the newly created Grants economic development in the TCC Writer-In-Training. This position was Development Staff ing TCC business loan funds. Pat’s villages. The Community Development Bachelor’s in Business Administration designed to give an Alaska Native the Financial Institution feasibility study is (907) 452-8251 and extensive experience in financial skills necessary to become a successful beginning. The Radio Station feasibility Toll-free within Alaska: services have been a positive force in grant writer for TCC villages and plan has been completed. The Educa- 800-478-6822 increasing the quality of TCC’s business beyond. Zelma previously served as the tional Outreach will be kicked off in technician for the Agriculture program. Toll-free from outside Alaska: loan portfolio. Pat also played basketball February. The business loan fund will for the UAF Nanooks from 1988 to 1992. Her last duty in the Agriculture program acquire another $750,000 this year for 800-770-8251 was to complete the 2003 Calendar, Summer 2002 was also the second business lending. The Grants program Lloyd Allen, which is available now. Zelma has a year for the TCC Business Development has grown and is ready to serve. The Acting Director and Director of degree in Alaska Native Studies from the Intern program. In 2001, Tanya Beatus, a department has a strong plan for the Business Development, ext. 3277 University of Alaska. She also has an senior in Economics at Stanford Univer- well-being of the villages and the staff to David Desjardins, Associate’s degree in Art. help us reach our goals. Look to this Business Analyst, ext. 3438 sity, interned at the Business Develop- ment Center. In 2002, our intern was Dick Farris and Beverley Badhorse space every month to watch the progress Mike Miller, Virginia Williams, a Rural Development continue to serve as Village and Senior and to learn something new. Business Analyst, ext. 3276 student at UAF. Both these students were Grant Writers, respectively. Dick is a life Pat Church, exceptional additions to the Center. They long Fairbanks resident, a graduate of UPCOMING GRANT Business Analyst, ext. 3278 will be assets to the Native community the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and DEADLINES Amber Kocsis, upon graduation. The Business Develop- was a Peace Corps volunteer in South Economic Development ment Center (BDC) hopes to continue America. Dick was a familiar face at Administration for Coordinator, ext. 3181 the Intern program as it has had a Fairbanks Job Service, helping people Native Americans find work and “the job they really love”. Beverley Badhorse, positive impact on the student, on the Environmental Regulatory Senior Grants Writer, ext. 3279 employees of the BDC and on the Dick retired from the State after 20 years of service and then came to TCC in Enhancement: Dick Farris, business clients. Look for our announce- search of fun, as he likes to call his new February 28, 2003 Village Grants Writer, ext. 3246 ment for our 2003 Intern in Spring! job. Dick assists TCC villages with Amber Kocsis has returned as the Social and Economic Zelma Axford, Grants writing grants and community develop- Economic Development Coordinator, Development Strategies: Writer-In-Training, ext. 3249 ment. Dick also makes a good bean soup after serving as TCC’s Self-Governance May 2, 2003 Center Named for Thompson in the Works Partners for the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center are moving construction from concept design through installation. forward with plans to develop a facility targeted for location in downtown Fairbanks. The other partners plan to move from their current facilities to the new Morris The Center will focus on Native culture, the history and experiences of Interior Thompson Center. The Alaska Public Lands Information Center will continue to offer Alaskans, and the natural history of the arctic and sub-arctic environment. Tanana trip-planning services, environmental education and presentations on the natural history Chiefs Conference, the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Alaska of the arctic and sub-arctic environment. The Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau Public Lands Information Center are working toward construction of a facility to house will move its visitor services activities from its current log cabin location on First Avenue. programs within their organizations. Ten million dollars in federal funding has been committed to the project and state “We have just finished a series of planning work sessions, focusing on exhibits and and private funding will be sought to complete the project. “It is important that we get presentation ideas that TCC’s constituents might want to depict [in the center],” said funding from a number of different sources, especially from individuals, stated Project Donna Dwiggins, TCC Anthropologist. “Many of the suggestions brought forward Manager Kathy Mayo. “Individual donations to this project demonstrate to private involve the relationships of Native people to the land including subsistence, land and funders that we really want this project and value it. Small, individual donations can help natural resources stewardship, and the significance of the river systems. Development of bring in much larger donations and gifts. I hope to rally every village in the region to this center provides an opportunity for Interior Natives to explore their region’s cultural participate in some way.” histories, languages, and contemporary experiences, and it is especially exciting because they can “own” the process of selection and presentation of exhibits.” It is anticipated that ground will be broken in the fall of 2003, with estimated completion by 2006. For information, contact Kathy Mayo, (907) 452-8251, ext. 3895 or The next step in developing the exhibits is to form a 15-person steering committee to [email protected]. work with an Exhibit Design consultant. This committee will participate in workshops and planning meetings and will make recommendations to the partners on specific The Center is named for the late Morris Thompson, former Doyon, Limited Presi- exhibit designs. The committee will be responsible for overseeing the process of exhibit dent who is widely respected for his leadership statewide and nationally. PAGE 4 • THE COUNCIL • JANUARY 2003 COMMUNITY & NATURAL RESOURCES Second TCCC Graduation Seventeen Tribal Civilian Com- munity Corps Members were hon- ored on November 25th at a ceremony to mark their graduation from the TCCC program. The graduation festivities took place at the George Hall in Nenana. Present at the graduation were several elders from Nenana and Minto, as well as Senator Georgianna Lincoln, the keynote speaker, and representatives from TCC, Doyon, the Nenana community Gabriel Charley of Tanana says a few and Members’ friends and families. words after receiving his certificate, as Vincent Williams of Birch Creek listens. Keynote speaker Georgianna Lincoln shared some of the reasons the Corps Members had applied to Once again, residents of Nenana join the TCCC program. “Some and the surrounding communities wanted to change their life, some were present in large numbers to wanted to meet new people. Some encourage and congratulate the wanted to learn communication members. Senator Lincoln noted this skills, some wanted to travel. To help presence and its critical importance other communities, to learn about to the individual Members and the Project Leader Donald Charlie congratulates Jason Tritt of Venetie. life in other communities and to program as a whole. Addressing the continue doing volunteer work were audience and staff she said: “You other reasons mentioned.” Senator should have no doubt of your effort Lincoln made special mention of the to touch these people in a positive level of commitment exhibited by the way. Say to yourself Job well done.” graduating Members: “To build Other speakers offered their confidence….you seventeen gradu- congratulations, including Orie ates made a commitment to stay and Williams of Doyon, Ethan Schutt and you all did that.” Donna Scott of TCC, John Bird of ACKO Inc. in Arizona and numerous Youth Opportunity others. The graduating Members each Program Graduates completed 1700 hours of service to Alaskan communities, as well as extensive personal development and career trainings. (Some Members completed a 5 month program of 900 service hours). Kelly Monroe, Assis- tant Director of the TCCC program, listed some of the many projects in which the TCCC Members had participated – earthquake relief in Mentasta Lake, building a log cabin Assistant Director Kelly Monroe presents Senator Lincoln with a for an elder in Huslia, and oral gift of appreciation. Youth Opportunity Program history documentation in Nenana to (YOP) participants LaDonna name but a few. Northway and Sarah Demit, both In addition to receiving their Tanana all received their GED while extend their thanks to all those who of Northway, graduated from serving, and several other Members have provided support to the pro- Clerical Reception Training on graduation certificates, each Member December 20, 2002 at the UAF will be entitled to receive an award of were recognized for their hard work gram, its staff and its Members, and Tanana Valley Campus (TVC) $4725 towards future educational in this area. look forward to a successful third Downtown Center. The UAF – TVC endeavors. The TCCC staff also The TCCC staff would like to year in 2003. Workforce Development program handed out some special awards to sponsored the 12 week intensive those Members who went “above and Graduating TCCC Members of 2002 were: training designed to teach students beyond”: Vincent Williams of Birch Gabriel Charley – Tanana • Amanda Brush – Nulato • Ina Black – Kiana an array of skills that would prepare Creek and Michel Hasway of Kiana John Felix – Fairbanks • Jason Tritt – Venetie them for entry-level positions in the both received a “Spirit of Giving” Clerical/Reception field. The class Team Leader Jason Withrow – Colorado/Nenana • Dominic Sam – Huslia award; The “Personal Development” was Monday – Friday from 9-5, and Team Leader Melissa Kava – Savoonga • Jessica Heffle – Fairbanks award was presented to J.J. Clark of lasted from September 30 to Michelle Hasway – Kiana • Walter Starbuck – Selawik • J.J. Clark – Selawik Selawik. Melissa Kava of Savoonga December 20, 2002. Students had a Vincent Williams – Birch Creek • Lee Contreras – Fairbanks received the “Leadership” award, chance to put their skills to use at Leo Meyers – Fairbanks • Roscoe Cleveland – Selawik while Walter Starbuck of Selawik was the end of training with a 2 week Team Leader Eddie Vent – Huslia. internship with local businesses. given the “Team Motivator” honor. Sarah was able to work as a recep- Dominic Sam of Huslia received a tionist at Team Cutters and standing ovation as he accepted his LaDonna interned at Chief Andrew “Perseverance” award, and the “Best Isaac Health Center. Attitude” award went to Gabriel Both LaDonna and Sarah not Charley of Tanana. All the Members, only enjoyed the course, but excelled however, were recognized for their in it. Instructor Kathy Helfrich had immense hard work, leadership nothing but good things to say about capabilities, and personal growth her students, “They have a lot of throughout their ten months of maturity for their age and are a very enlightened bunch.” service. The students each graduated The TCCC staff worked hard this with a total of six college credits and year to fulfill their goal of aiding a certificate of completion. Both TCCC Members in their GED LaDonna and Sarah are continuing completions. Four Members, as full-time students at UAF. They Amanda Brush of Nulato, Walter received scholarships through Starbuck of Selawik, Jessica Heffle of Doyon Foundation and TCC YOP. Fairbanks, and Gabriel Charley of Many came to support the TCCC members in their achievement. JANUARY 2003 • THE COUNCIL • PAGE 5 COMMUNITY & NATURAL RESOURCES

that they will be able to recognize these Many thanks for all of the assistance Elders are Plotting ... important areas to avoid when planning of Louden Tribal Council staff, and An Elders’ workshop on Traditional subsistence provision; traditional their activities. In addition, with Tribal especially to Darcie Warden, Regine Cultural Properties (TCPs) took place in meeting places; trails and communica- approval, some locations may be Attla, and Carol Holly for their tireless Galena November 19-21, arranged tion locations such as signaling hills; nominated to be included on the efforts toward making the workshop a jointly by TCC’s Cultural Resources/ lookouts or view sheds (places where National Registry of Historic Properties. success. FOODCAP Programs and Louden Tribal game may be scouted); cemeteries or Inclusion on this list gives the listed area For further information, comments, Council. Two knowledgeable elders were traditional burial places; sacred and legally-mandated status for Federal or inquiries about the project, please identified as participants by the Tribal spiritual locations (such as hot springs); protection against destruction or contact Donna Dwiggins at TCC: Councils of each of the communities of medicinal plant gathering or medicine degradation. (907) 452-8251, ext. 3394. Louden/Galena, Hughes, Huslia, Kaltag, practicing areas (such as sweat or Koyukuk, Nulato and Ruby. The purpose curation lodges); dance, ceremonial and of the workshop was to identify TCPs celebration sites; sites connected to that are (or historically were) located on legends, myths, and origin stories; or near military-controlled lands. U.S. traditional fish camps; trap lines; winter Army Alaska (USARAK) and the 611th cabins or camps. In short, any place that Air Support Group Alaska sponsored the contributes to the traditional cultural workshop so that the military will be significance of a particular group of able to comply with their Federal people— their beliefs, customs, and mandate to respect and protect culturally practices that have been passed down important areas. through the ages may be a TCP. The “Culturally important” areas (or significance is determined by the role TCPs) are defined as geographic areas played by the geographic location within that are (or have traditionally been) the context of a community’s history and important to a culture in various ways, ongoing beliefs, customs and practices. such as a people’s traditions, beliefs, The Elders who participated in the practices, lifeways, arts, crafts, and social Galena workshop on Traditional institutions. These may include areas Cultural Properties set about plotting 4 that were used for food gathering and familiar TCPs known from their life experiences on topographic maps. Along with the locations plotted on maps, they also shared stories and memories about the areas with community youth who were invited to participate as observers with their school science and social study classes. Audio and video recordings were also made during the workshop. The TCPs that were plotted have been incorporated into a database that TCC is developing on Traditional Cultural 1 Properties. A draft map will be circulated to the participating Tribal Councils for review in January 2003; corrections and additions will be incorporated to finalize the map. The mapping system will remain in TCC’s GIS data collections, but it will be accessible to the Tribal Councils that have participated. A final version of the maps will also be pro- duced for reporting to the military so 5 1 Paddy Nollner, Jr., Annie Honea and Crispin Esmailka, Sr. discuss appropriate colors to indicate particular TCPs. 2 Deborah Charlie, TCC Cultural Resources Technican, completes the key for the mapping. 3 Annie Honea, Zeta Cleaver, Crispin Esmailka and Henry and Sophie Beatus, plotting on aerial photos. 4 Cindy Pilot, Annie Dayton, Eliza Jones and Lillian Olin recall historical details from aerial photographs. 5 From top center of photo: Ron Englishoe, Fort Yukon Tribal Liaison Officer for the 2 3 project; Henry Beatus and Sophie Beatus; Cindy Pilot; Lillian Olin; Karen Lehmkuhl, observer from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Paddy Nollner, Jr. are busy plotting. Building Communities, Building Pride TCC’s Village AmeriCorps Nine Village AmeriCorps members, now over halfway through their year of Daniel Teasdale, of Northway, assists daily with the Headstart and Gateway After- volunteer service, have contributed nearly 4000 hours providing community activi- school Program (GAP), preparing for activities, tutoring and playing games with the ties for youth. They were busy over the holidays coordinating potlucks, decorating students. village youth centers, schools and village council offices, and preparing holiday gift Lanora Paul helped out with Halloween activities and the GAP program, baskets for elders. preparing for activities and playing games with the students. Currently, she is In addition to this, they offer a variety of programs and activities to all village assisting with the start up of a new after-school program for youth. residents, with special emphasis on youth programs. Theresa Christiansen, of Tetlin, supervises regular movie nights and volunteers Stella Hamilton and Catherine Henzie, of Alatna, have been judging and explain- daily with the GAP program tutoring youth and organizing crafts and games. ing traditional dances to youth and encouraging elders to speak with youth about Charlene Henry, of Venetie, extends youth center hours and hosts arts and crafts staying clean and sober. Stella is also sewing a beautifully beaded community banner. sessions for youth. She also encouraged the village youth council to hold meetings Kelly Carroll, of Fort Yukon, has been keeping the youth center open and leading again and is guiding the youth through this process. the youth council and dance groups to leadership conferences and dance perfor- These are just a few examples of how the outstanding service of Village mances all over Alaska. AmeriCorps members strengthens communities. With only four months remaining Cesa Sam, of Huslia, has designed and published an informative monthly in their year of service, please take a moment to ask members about the program and community newsletter with regular contributions from local youth and adults. thank them for their contributions. Additionally, she extends the Huslia Youth Center hours weekly to allow more youth If you are interested in becoming a Village AmeriCorps member or if your to use it and helps organize local dog races. Village Council would like to sponsor a member in your village, recruitment for the Katrina Frank, of Minto, has held ice cream socials, movie nights and arts and next group of Village AmeriCorps members begins in March, 2003. Please contact crafts activities at the youth center and tutors regularly at school. She assisted with the Stephenie Bennett, AmeriCorps Programs Coordinator, Employment and Training coordination of the Navajo Taco dinner and Honor our Children coverdish as well. Department, Tanana Chiefs Conference (800) 478-6822, ext. 3416. MORE COMMUNITY & NATURAL RESOURCES NEWS ON PAGE 12 PAGE 6 • THE COUNCIL • JANUARY 2003 HEALTH SERVICES

Tanana Chiefs Conference Health Services TCC Health Services Is Reviewed On January 9-10, 2003, TCC’s Chief VISION Andrew Isaac Health Center (CAIHC), One reason this is done is Our people living life Eye and Dental Clinics were reviewed by to improve the services to its fullest with a balanced the Accreditation Association for we provide to our mind, body and spirit. Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). The patients. This type of AAAHC is an independent not-for- review encourages the MISSION profit, non-governmental agency that Health Department TCC Health Services, in part- came and reviewed the Health to continue to grow nership with those we serve, Department’s internal workings at TCC’s and improve the way we promotes and enhances spiri- request. One reason this is done is to do things, based on tual, physical, mental and improve the services we provide to our an “outsider’s” emotional wellness through patients. This type of review encourages unbiased review. the Health Department to continue to education, prevention and the grow and improve the way we do things, Top left photo: Virginia Sweetsir, Patient delivery of quality services. based on an “outsider’s” unbiased review. Advocate; Josephine Huntington, Health CONTACT Some of the things that are reviewed are: Director, and Dr. Donna Galbreath, Patient Rights and Responsibilities, (907) 452-8251, ext. 3140 Medical Director, gather to meet with the Organizational Ethics, Education and AAAHC reviewers. Photo at left: Staff meet Toll-free within Alaska: Communication, Health Promotion and with a reviewer at the CAIHC — left: Jim 800-478-6822 Disease Prevention, Leadership, and Care Kohler, CAIHC Director; right: Beverly and Assessment of Patients. Results of Beardsley, Health Records; Walter Toll-free from outside Alaska: the review should arrive in approxi- Palkovitch, Community Health Nursing 800-770-8251 mately eight weeks. Director, and Dr. Ben Snyder of AAAHC. Health Director, Josephine Huntington, ext. 3141 Patient Advocate, Virginia Sweetsir, ext. 3143 Quality Management Director, Martha Schrock, ext. 3156 CAIHC Director, Jim Kohler, ext. 3607 Dental Director, Mike Kwasinski, ext. 3215 Counseling Center, Siobhan Lynch-Milne, (Acting) ext. 3800 Eye Clinic Director, James Taylor (Acting), ext. 3220 Jim Kohler, CAIHC Director; Mark Andrews, TCC Legal; Jami Dr. Eisenhuth, Dental; Dr. Kwasinski, Dental; Keith Cook, Environmental Health Director, DeBano, Pharmacy; Marla Kent, Pharmacy; Merlan Ellis, Contract ANTHC; Doris Miller, Quality Management; Dan Adams, Quality Pete Wallis, ext. 3433 Health; Beverly Beardsley, Health Records; Siobhan Lynch-Milne, Management; Walter Palkovitch, Community Health Nursing, and Health Finance Director, Counseling Center, and Virginia Sweetsir, Patient Advocate, gather Martha Schrock, Quality Management, also gather for the review Gavin Carmichael, ext. 3165 for the AAAHC review on January 10, 2003. on January 10, 2003. Business Office Director, Bonnie Persson, ext. 3295 Health Records Director, A Brain on Booze Beverly Beardsley, ext. 3632 UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL, the brain experiences the following Admissions/Registration, impairments in the regions shown: Carole Howard, ext. 3661 McGrath Health Center, A – Loss of reason, caution, inhibitions, sociability, Gavin Carmichael (Acting), talkativeness and intelligence ext. 3165 B – Loss of fine motor skills, slower reaction time, shaking Medical Services Director, C – Slurred speech, impaired hearing Donna Galbreath, ext. 3640 The TCC Women, Infants and Children D – Blurred vision, poor distance judgment Clinical Nursing Director, (WIC) Program recently hired Gwendolyn E – Lack of muscle coordination and balance Mary Jo Reynolds, ext. 3669 Jenkins, left, as the Assistant Manager. F – Loss of vital functions Community Nursing Director, Julianne Mestre, right, is the TCC WIC Walter Palkovitch, ext. 3672 Program Manager. Taken from: Scientific American .com. Image: Mount Holyoke College Pharmacy Services Director, Marla Kent, ext. 3621 Old Minto Family Recovery Camp Director, Victor Joseph, ext. 3158 Operation Arctic Care Home Care Services Director, In April 2003, TCC Health Services Arctic Care to villages in the Yukon- residents including non-TCC beneficia- Darlene Lord, ext. 3441 will be participating in a unique health Kuskokwim Delta, Bristol Bay, and the ries. Hunik Zoo’ Editor, care opportunity called Operation Arctic Aleutian Pribilof Islands, but never in Services typically provided include Melanie Leal, ext. 3166 Care 2003. Operation Arctic Care is a the Interior. Operation Arctic Care has medical, dental and eye exams. Veteri- Yukon-Tanana Counseling Services joint exercise involving all branches of always been well received in the areas of nary services may also be included in Director, Dennis Hojna, ext. 3462 the uniformed services, their reserves the state where it has occurred. Each some villages. There are also opportuni- and the National Guard. These medical region always requests that Operation Upper-Tanana Alcohol Program ties for health education and injury Director, Elizabeth Webb, prevention presentations at village (907) 883-5185 schools. Operation Arctic Care lasts for Operation Arctic Care has taken place in CHA/P Director, two weeks and is tentatively scheduled Maggie Clark, ext. 3403 different regions of Alaska every year since from April 21 to May 2, 2003. Only a limited number of communities will be Contract Health Director, 1996. Medical services have been provided as able to participate depending on the Merlan Ellis, ext. 3612 part of Operation Arctic Care to villages in the number of medical teams available. Biomedical Director, Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Bristol Bay, and the Villages with the highest dental patient Al Wendel, ext. 3313 load will be the primary recipients of WIC/Nutrition Director, Aleutian Pribilof Islands, but never in the Interior. care. Obviously this exercise is depen- Renee Legan, ext. 3678 dent upon the availability of government resources and the global political The achievements of an professionals will team up with TCC to Arctic Care return the next year to situation. If the US goes to war, Opera- organization are the result provide health services to rural Alaska provide services again. The TCC region tion Arctic Care will likely be cancelled. communities. is fortunate that we have the opportunity For more information about of the combined effort to participate this year. This exercise will Operation Arctic Care has taken Operation Arctic Care, please contact provide much needed health care of each individual. place in different regions of Alaska every Derek Chambers, Environmental services directly to people in the villages. —Vince Lombardi year since 1996. Medical services have Engineer at 452-8251, ext. 3434. been provided as part of Operation The services are open to all village JANUARY 2003 • THE COUNCIL • PAGE 7 HEALTH SERVICES Biomedical Services Yaska has Long Healed Alaska Natives My name is Al Wendel, I am TCC’s certified Biomedi- By Diana Campbell, Staff Writer, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner (May 20, 2002) cal Equipment Technician. As the Biomedical Technician, I Spotlight: Marie Yaska Age: 64 Hometown: Huslia will go to village clinics, do a complete inventory of all Family: Children: Wilbur, Curtis, George and Nancy; your medical equipment, check them for proper calibra- eight grandchildren tion and operation, perform preventative maintenance inspections, and repair broken medical equipment. If there Hobbies: Sewing, crocheting, knitting, embroidery is equipment which is not working properly, please call or Favorite things: “I like all the biography books of our fax me with a list of the broken equipment. If possible, Native people and any old Alaska stories.” package the item(s) and mail to me. Career of Service: Marie Yaska has been working as a If you want to purchase a new piece of medical equipment, I can assist by community nurse’s aide at the Chief Andrew Isaac Health supplying manufacture and vendor source information, recommendations and Clinic at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital for the last 26 years. any other information that may be of importance. If your clinic or village purchases a new piece of medical equipment please mail it to me. I need to arie Yaska fainted when she had to deliver her first baby as a health aide in perform an initial inspection, function test, and electrical safety test if applicable MHuslia. She remembers seeing the baby coming and then blacking out. prior to using it on a patient. “There was this elderly lady that expected I might do that so she came to check on me,” said Yaska, now a nurse assistant at Chief Andrew Isaac Health Clinic. “When I I will also answer any questions you may have pertaining to the proper came to, the baby was already born.” That incident happened in the early days of Yaska’s operation of the medical equipment. On occasion, if I have time, I will try to nearly 45 years of working in health care. About 19 years were in Huslia and the last 26 help you with fixing other non-medical broken equipment. years she’s worked at the Tanana Chiefs Conference’s Alaska Native clinic, where she is Al Wendel III, Biomedical Phone: (907) 452-8251, ext. 3313 now one of the longest working employees. Tanana Chiefs Conference Fax: (907) 459-3959 Yaska works mostly in the walk-in clinic. She sterilizes medical instruments, sets 122 First Avenue, Suite 600 E-mail: [email protected] up the examination rooms and gathers clean staff uniforms from the laundry before Fairbanks, AK 99701 the doctors, nurses and physician’s assistants arrive in the morning. She also checks January—March 2003 Biomedical Travel patients’ temperatures, weight and blood pressure and schedules their medical appointments outside of the clinic. “She’s an ‘all-around’ person,” said her supervisor, MONTH CLINIC PHONE # of DAYS Mary Jo Reynolds. “I could put her anywhere and everywhere.” JANUARY ...... CHAP ...... ext. 3687 ...... 2 Yaska always knew she wanted to help people as her interest was spurred by a FEBRUARY...... Galena ...... (907) 656-1266 ...... 4 blind uncle. But she was chosen for her career when she was a young bride in Huslia, Ruby ...... (907) 468-4433 ...... 1 a Koyukuk River village about 200 air miles northwest of Fairbanks. About 40 years ago, public health nurses asked Huslia’s school teachers if there were any people in MARCH ...... Kaltag ...... (907) 534-2209 ...... 1 the community who would make suitable health aides, people who could provide Nulato ...... (907) 898-2209 ...... 1 front-line medical care for villagers. Yaska was one of three women chosen, and one Koyukuk ...... (907) 927-2221 ...... 1 was her sister. Huslia ...... (907) 829-2204 ...... 1 The women received one day of training, learning how to take vital signs and Northway ...... (907) 778-2283 ...... 1 give injections, Yaska said. “We practiced on an orange,” she recalled. The women Tetlin ...... (907) 324-2151 ...... 1 began working as on-call medical mediators, equipped with a radio phone to consult Dot Lake ...... (907) 882-2737 ...... 1 with doctors at the former Tanana Hospital. She had to learn how to diagnose Healy Lake...... (907) 876-5018 ...... 1 meningitis the hard way. When her 6 year old son Wilbur fell ill, Yaska didn’t realize Tanacross...... (907) 883-4131 ...... 1 how sick the boy was until a teacher told her to get him to the hospital. The boy lost his hearing and believing it was the best thing to do, she sent him to a Lower 48 school for the deaf. “That was the hardest thing I ever did,” she remembered. “I cried for him all winter.” Wilbur is now an accountant at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Later, Yaska diagnosed six meningitis cases in children. While in Huslia, she had to take care of the entire village during a flu epidemic while she herself was Dental Travel sick, deliver babies, help mend cuts and bruises and give innoculations—all for free. For an appointment, contact your local Health Aide. The health aides weren’t paid until 1968 and then it was a small stipend, she said. Yaska moved to Fairbanks in 1976 and began working in what is now known as FEBRUARY APRIL the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Clinic. Her co-workers encouraged her to become a 3-8 ...... Galena 21-25 ...... Allakaket nurse or physician’s assistant, but she couldn’t afford to quit work as she still had two 10-15 ...... Galena children at home to raise, she said. “I would go home and sew,” she said, staying up 10-14 ...... Tok APRIL/MAY until 2 a.m. finishing mukluks, mittens or jackets. “ I did that until those two kids 10-14 ...... Allakaket 21-May 2 ...... Nulato were old enough to earn their own money.” She’s one of a few workers at the clinic 24-28 ...... Minto 21-May 2 ...... Stevens/Ruby that has been employed for more than 20 years, and she is one of the first Alaska 21-May 2 ...... Hughes/Huslia Yaska, continued on page 9 MARCH 21-May 2 ...... Anaktuvuk Pass 3-7 ...... Tanana 21-May 2 ...... Nulato (No 3-7 ...... Northway ...... Assistant) 10-15 ...... Galena 28-May 2 ...... Allakaket YUKON TANANA 17-22 ...... Galena 21-May 2 ...... Ruby COUNSELING SERVICES 17-21 ...... Kaltag 21-May 2 ...... Minto 31-Apr. 4 ...... Tok 21-May 2 ...... Tanana Assisting villages in striving for 21-May 2 ...... Huslia 21-May 2 ...... Northway mentally healthy and substance abuse free communities by providing culturally sensitive professional services Office of Environmental Health to children, youth, families and elders.

Boiler Maintenance Class February 2003 Travel Alfred November 5-7, 2002 VILLAGE ...... Dennis Hojna .. Paul Beals .... Vernon Joseph .. Stevens Alatna/Allakaket ...... 18-20 ...... 5-7 ...... 11-13 Evansville...... 12-14 ...... 18-20 Hughes...... 5-7 ...... 19-21 ...... 25-27 Manley Hot Springs .. 11-13 Minto ...... 25-27 ...... 12-14 ...... 4-6 Nenana ...... 26-28 Rampart ...... 19-21 Stevens Village...... 26-28

Yukon Tanana Allakaket Counseling Minto Counseling Counseling Services Center Center Fairbanks Subregional Office Julia Simon, CDC I Laverne Alexander, CDC I 1302 21st Avenue P.O. Box 89 P.O. Box 79 Left to right: Randy McKeown, Chalkyitsik; Stephen Grube, Galena; Francis Roberts, Fairbanks, AK 99701 Allakaket, AK 99720 Minto, AK 99758 Tanana; Anthony Pennington, Arctic Village; Austin Esmailka, Jr., Kaltag; Glenn (907) 452-8251 ext. 3460 (907) 968-2210 (907) 798-7323 Honea, Ruby; Ben Saylor, Healy Lake; George Semaken, Nulato; Jacob Luke, Healy 1-800-478-6822, ext. 3460 Fax: (907) 968-2288 Fax: (907) 798-7117 Lake; Kenny Thomas, Jr., Tanacross; Trevor White, TCC OEH; Instructors: Floyd Fax: (907) 459-3934 Murphy, Paul Gabbert, ANTHC; and William Carlo, Tanana.

MORE HEALTH SERVICES NEWS ON PAGE 12 Yaska, continued on page 9 PAGE 8 • THE COUNCIL • JANUARY 2003 SUBREGIONAL NEWS NEWS FROM RUBY MCGRATH JUNIOR NYO TEAM Belated holiday wishes to all member tribes in the TCC region and to all our friends. McGrath will be represented at the Junior Native Youth Olympics (NYO) in The Ruby Tribal Council provided all sorts of finger foods, desserts, salads, fried bread Anchorage for the first time this year. While older NYO team members have traveled to and moose soup which the Elder Nutrition Cook, Janice Captain, along with tribal competitions in the past, this is the first year a junior team will compete. members, prepared. The tribal employees decorated and set up the hall for the party. Not The team was organized by WEIO competitor, Noel Gould, who recently moved to to forget, Santa Claus made an appearance also. The party was an alcohol and drug free McGrath with her two children, and who will also compete. Junior Native Youth Olym- event attended and enjoyed by all particpants. pics is for students in grades one through six. First and second graders compete in the The Tribal Council Community Christmas Gathering was once again a success and seal hop, kneel jump and the stick pull; third and fourth graders compete in the arm pull, we extend our gratitude to those who attended and to those who assisted in the prepara- wrist carry and the two-foot high kick, and fifth and sixth graders compete in the Alaska tions. Thanks go out to: high kick, the one-foot high kick and the scissor broad jump. •The tribal staff members and general assistance workers who decorated, set up and The McGrath team has been practicing since October. Team members are: James cleaned the community hall. Magnuson, Tatiana Gibbons, Kelly Weckessar, John Harris Jr., Ricky and Shane Cristo, •Karen Honea, Hollie Koyukuk and all who made the potato salads. and Alice and Forest Oksoktaruk. Forest took a bronze medal in the kneel jump last year. The games were held January 17 at the Mountain View Boys and Girls Club in Anchorage. •Evelyn Sarten for making the fried bread. •Zeta Cleaver and Lena McCarty for making the moose soup. •Rachael Kangas for making the crab pasta salad. •Janice Captain and Monica Gustafson for preparing the finger foods. • KJNP radio station in North Pole, AK for sending gift items. •The Toys for Tots program out of Anchorage for sending gift items. •The City of Ruby for allowing the Tribal Council to utilize the hall free of charge. •Kendra McCarty for shopping for the food items. •Don Carlo for being Santa Claus. A personal “thank you” to the Ruby Tribal Council from the Tribal Administrator: This annual Christmas Gathering does lift up the spirits of the tribal members and the community members in their preparation for their Christmas holiday and the event “brings” people together, so to speak. It’s nice to see a positive atmosphere during this time and tribal members will continue to enjoy the annual event. The Tribal Member of the Year Award for the year 2002 was presented to Harold and Florence Esmailka for their continued support to the community. McGrath Junior NYO Team, left to right: James Magnuson, Ricky Cristo, John Harris, Jr. — Kendra McCarty, Tribal Administrator and Shane Cristo. Bottom row: Kelly Weckesser, Forest Oksoktaruk and Alice Oksoktaruk.

LOWER YUKON SUBREGION NORTHWAY VILLAGE COUNCIL The Tribal Councils of Anvik, Grayling, Holy Cross and Shageluk held their During the holidays, the Northway Shane Sam, and Kim Thomas; Volunteers: advisory board meeting on January 14-15, 2003 in Anvik. The delegates heard Village Council and staff hosted a variety Katrina, Josh and Caroline Dillard, Council reports from Tanana Chiefs Conference staff, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation of events to provide alternatives to alcohol President: Lorraine Titus, and Council staff, the Interior Regional Housing Authority Director and the Alaska Native Tribal and drug use in our community. Events Members: Gary Thomas, Robert Demit, Health Consortium. Their next meeting will be in Fairbanks, March 8-10, 2003. include poker runs, turkey shoots, a Gerald Albert and Cheryl Silas; Norman decorating party, crafts and fundraising Gallen, Sr., for picking up supplies; people events like selling concessions and 50/50 who help prepare the food: Martha Sam, tickets during bingo. On New Year’s Eve, Alice Nutting, Benjamen Albert, Rueben we provided an alcohol- and drug-free Sam Dimitri, Quana Northway, Raymond night for those that chose to stay sober and Sam, Robert Silas, Judy Thomas, Monica still have fun on New Year’s Eve. Live music Felix, Christine Sam, and Ervin Sam, Jr. We was provided by a band from Minto called would also like to especially thank all of “Who are Those Guys.” Dinner consisted the teenagers who helped decorate the hall: of an assortment of delicious traditional Clarence Nutting, Lucas Nutting, Sheree food, covered dish style provided by the Nutting, Bessie Sam, Clorissa Sam, Rocky community of Northway. Following Pitka, Natuu Albert, Klair Sam, Mathew dinner, the Council and staff provided skits Gallen, Eva Thomas, Tasha Demit, and the and a talent show that included a reunion rest of the kids that showed up to play of the ‘California Raisins’ performed by touch football on New Year’s Eve Day. We Raisins Leader, Quana Northway, and new would like to thank the people of recruits Crystalena Sam and Romania Tanacross, Mentasta, Tetlin, Fairbanks, John, with raisin members Florence Minto, and Copper, Canada, for spending Jimmie and Evelyn Albert. Also, Elim New Year’s Eve with us. You are always dressed up like a lady drag queen and invited. We would also like to thank our Elim’s wife, Lorraine Titus, dressed in Tribal Administrator, Daisy Northway, for carharts and an old man mask. It was all the time she spent on her personal trips hilarious. Baby Gerald played his guitar to town shopping for us. Thank you to and that was cute. The Northway and N.O.R.T.H.W.A.Y. INC. for letting us sell surrounding communities enjoyed concessions and 50/50 during bingo to themselves so much that we are going to raise money for these events. Thank you, provide more entertainment like this in the Glen Demit for the beautiful plaque you Top left photo: Meeting travelers included Eric Bradley, Steve Ginnis, Larry Bredeman, future. Everybody danced the night away. provided to us for the raffle. Also, a very Josephine Huntington, Lisa Jaeger, Harold “Buddy” Brown, Robin Renfroe and Carl Jerue. At the stroke of midnight we had a special thank you to FABIAN JIMMIE—if Top right photo: Eugene Paul, Holy Cross; Henry Deacon, Grayling; Gabriel Nikolai, 15-minute display of beautiful fireworks. it wasn’t for him always checking on our Grayling, and Robert Walker, Anvik participate in the meeting in Anvik. Photo above: The Council and staff of Northway community hall, we would have had a loss Seated at the head table at the meeting in Anvik are Lisa Jaeger, Eugene Paul, Phillip of life over the holidays. Also, thank you, Demientieff, Gabriel Nikolai, Robert Walker, Roselie Wulf and Harold “Buddy” Brown. Village would like to thank the following very important people and businesses, who Fabian, for all of the work you have done donated so much, be it time or gift for us. If there is anyone that we forgot to certificates to our holiday events: Fast mention, we know who you are. God Bless, Eddy’s; Three Bears; Northway Airport and you all have a Happy New Year. Enterprises; Naabia Niign Store; Tok —Crystalena Sam, ICWA; Clinic; our cook, Council Member, Adeline Romania John, Social Services/ Gallen; Turkey Shooters: Harold Northway, GA Administrator

YUKON-KOYUKUK SUBREGION The Yukon-Koyukuk Subregional Advisory Board meeting was held in Ruby January 9 and 10. The Tribal Council delegates and Tribal Administrators were invited from the six member villages. TCC President Harold “Buddy” Brown, Chief Administrative Officer Robin Renfroe and other staff members gave presentations, Top left photo: Seated at the center of the along with representatives of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services from Galena, head table are Pat McCarty, Ruby; Arvin community members of Ruby and local high school students. The guests were Kangas, Ruby, and Fred Huntington, Galena. welcomed by TCC Executive Board member Pat McCarty. In the evening, Ruby Above: Yukon-Koyukok Subregional Advisory conducted a fundraising raffle for their spring carnival. Many thanks go to the Board Meeting evening potluck youth dancers. community of Ruby for being such good hosts. JANUARY 2003 • THE COUNCIL • PAGE 9 “THE REST OF THE STORIES ...”

Coalition, continued from page 1 Tribes of the TCC region responded to the initial invitations, reflecting overwhelm- ing support for the organizing effort.

CNR departmental staff participated in the meeting process by co-facilitating discussions to enhance communications, encourage open exchange of ideas, and build working partnerships between Tribes and their regional organization.

Tribal leadership identified organizational priorities, appointed an Inter-Tribal Natural Resource Management Coalition Steering Committee, and outlined actions steps to align the Coalition with TCC’s organizational working processes.

Tribal leadership collaboratively generated a list of action items to begin addressing issues and concerns relating to current natural resource management. The action items called for the establishment of a: Tribal map of traditional use lands, CNR Program assessment for Natural Resource Management programming, delegation of Steering Committee action tasks, and drafting of a Coalition report on the Tribally-led response to the resolution mandate at the 2003 TCC Annual Convention.

The Coalition appointed and confirmed the following individuals to serve as Inter-Tribal Natural Resource Management Coalition Steering Committee members: Randy Mayo (Stevens Village), Kenneth Charlie (Minto), Almira Beatus (Hughes), Jason Saunders (Kaltag), Jerry Nollner Sr. (Galena), Sarah Oskolkoff (Nikolai), William Derendoff (Huslia), Harding Sam (Alatna), and Herbie Moses (Allakaket).

Collaboration between the Inter-Tribal Natural Resource Management Coalition and the CNR Department is crucial to the development and implementation of programs guided by Tribal input and development priorities. To support this process, Tribal working committees will be formed through the Inter-Tribal Natural Resource Management Coalition in the following management areas: (a) Cultural Resource, (b) Lands & Natural Resource, (c) Environmental Management, and (d) Subsistence Resources. The Inter-Tribal Natural Resource Management Coalition will be responsible for making recommendations on committee appointments and roles/responsibilities to the TCC President for consideration and affirmation.

The Hewlett and Ford Foundations provided grants to Tanana Chiefs Conference, Inc. for Natural Resource Management Planning to sponsor the organizing event.

Per Diem, continued from page 2 Effective January 1, 2003 following per diem rates will exist throughout the Tanana Chiefs Conference, Inc. (summer per diem rates are effective from May 1 to September 15) or as stated in Federal Travel Regulations: Anchorage $162w/246s Ketchikan $180w/210s Sitka $236w/257s Barrow 254 Kotzebue 232w/266s Tok 110w/135s Bethel 195 Homer 148w/185s Valdez 135w/195s Fairbanks* 145w/227s Nome 223 Wrangell 180w/210s Juneau 202 Prudhoe Bay 162 All Other w/Lodging 125.00 All Other w/o Lodging (including transportation) 100.00

Villages within our region will be paid on the basis of whether or not it has lodging available. Those villages with lodging are not to exceed $125.00 per day. Those without lodging will not exceed $100.00. In ALL instances where there is no lodging, the employee must reimburse the host for their meals and lodging. If items are purchased for the host in lieu of paying the host, attach the receipts to the trip report. Villages within the region are: Alatna Evansville/Bettles (W/L) Manley H.S. (W/L) Stevens Village Allakaket Fort Yukon (W/L) Medfra Tanacross (W/L) Anvik (W/L) Galena (W/L) McGrath (W/L) Tanana (W/L) Arctic Village (W/L) Grayling (W/L) Minto (W/L) Telida Birch Creek Healy Lake Nenana (W/L) Takotna (W/L) Beaver (W/L) Holy Cross (W/L) Nikolai (W/L) Tetlin Canyon Village Hughes (W/L) Northway (W/L) Venetie Chalkyitsik Huslia (W/L) Nulato (W/L) Circle City (W/L) Kaltag (W/L) Rampart (W/L) Dot Lake (W/L) Koyukuk Ruby (W/L) Eagle (W/L) Lake Minchumina Shageluk Two (2) weeks advance notice must be given to the villages prior to your travel. OUTSIDE TRAVEL: Travel to the Lower 48 states will be reimbursed at the rate listed at the per diem rate published in the federal register or the federal travel directory (available in travel office) for the cities listed. PERSONAL AUTO: When authorized in advance, personal auto travel will be reimbursed at the rate of $36.5/mile or the cost of one round-trip air fare, Yaska, continued from page 7 whichever is the lesser. Native workers at the clinic, said her boss, Anchorage 740 Miles x 36.5 = $270.10 Livengood 142 Miles X 36.5 = $51.83 Reynolds. Since Yaska speaks and under- Central 244 Miles x 36.5 = 89.06 Manley H.S. 380 Miles X 36.5 = 138.70 Chena H.S. 126 Miles x 36.5 = 45.99 Minto 270 Miles X 36.5 = 98.55 stands Athabascan she has been able to Circle 312 Miles x 36.5 = 113.88 McKinley 240 Miles X 36.5 = 87.60 translate for clinic doctors and the elders Copper Center 532 Miles x 36.5 = 194.18 Nenana 120 Miles X 36.5 = 43.80 who use English as a second language. Delta 200 Miles x 36.5 = 73.00 Northway 532 Miles X 36.5 = 194.18 Yaska has a pleasant demeanor, said Dr. Bill Dot Lake 322 Miles x 36.5 = 117.53 Tanacross 392 Miles X 36.5 = 143.08 Eagle 762 Miles x 36.5 = 278.13 Tetlin 450 Miles x 36.5 = 164.25 James, who’s been associated with the Healy 220 Miles x 36.5 = 80.30 Tok 412 Miles x 36.5 = 150.38 clinic for an even longer time than Yaska. Healy Lake 300 Miles x 36.5 = 109.50 Tok to Anchorage 650 Miles x 36.5 = 237.25 “I’ve always enjoyed working with her,” he MEAL ALLOWANCES: If an employee travels for less than ten (10) hours from the time he/she leaves until the time he/she would return, there will be NO said. “She’s good with patients.” One PER DIEM PAID, NO MEAL ALLOWANCE. patient agrees. “She is absolutely and truly If an employee travels in excess of ten (10) hours per day, two (2) hours before 8 a.m., or two (2) hours after 5 p.m., and less than twenty-four (24) hours, he/ a sweetheart,” said Leda Doebler, a she will be allowed $20/day for meals. Fairbanks resident. TAXI: Taxi fare to go from hotel to meetings and return, from airport to hotels and the same trip in reverse, or any other company business, when necessary, Yaska plans to retire soon and are allowed. They are not allowed for personal business. Taxi receipts must be obtained from the cab driver and submitted with your trip report for volunteer around the community. Her reimbursement. Taxi fares are considered travel, not per diem. contribution to the clinic may not always RENTAL CARS: Rental cars are allowed when approved in advance and cost would be less than a taxi. The collision damage insurance will not be accepted be easily seen, said co-worker Eileen as employees traveling for TCC are covered either by GSA or the company. Roberts, who mans the clinic’s appoint- REMINDER: The TCC travel clerk must receive the travel orders a full two weeks before scheduled travel. If this policy is not adhered to TCC will NOT pay ment desk. “She does all the little things advance per diem for the travel. nobody notices until she’s not here,” EXCEPTIONS: The Department of Labor unfortunately requires in our JTPA contracts that travelers to the Lower 48 keep receipts for lodging. Please Roberts said, noting, for example, that reference the JTPA contract or discuss the restrictions on travel under this contract with the Director of Employment Services.For any grant or contract which specifically states a different per diem rate or source, per diem will be at the rate specified, if lower than TCC’s authorized rates. Yaska turns on all the clinic lights first thing in the morning since she is the first PER DIEM WILL BE PAID 100%. TRIP REPORTS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN A TIMELY MANNER. IF AN EMPLOYEE IS to arrive. “I’m going to miss her when she LATE SUBMITTING TWO (2) TRIP REPORTS - NO FURTHER PER DIEM ADVANCES WILL BE PAID UNTIL ALL TRIP is gone,” Roberts said. REPORTS ARE CURRENT. NO EXCEPTIONS. Marie retired on January 2, 2003. PAGE 10 • THE COUNCIL • JANUARY 2003 NEWS FOR OUR PEOPLE President’s 2004 Budget will Federal Subsistence Board Adopts Propose Funding for Indian Health New Regulations For Customary Service Sanitation Construction Tr ade of Fish The Federal Subsistence Board recently adopted new regulations clarifying Largest Increase in More Than a Decade customary trade practices of subsistence-caught fish, their parts, and their eggs. The Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced that the Board’s final rule sets enforceable regulations that protect the traditional practices of President’s 2004 budget request will include $114 million for Indian Health Service customary trade of subsistence-harvested fish, but reduces the potential for commer- (IHS) sanitation construction projects — a $20 million increase over the fiscal year cializing those fish by prohibiting customary trade with any business or re-sale by 2003 budget and the largest sanitation increase in more than a decade. nonrural individuals. The new regulations allow customary trade transactions between rural subsistence users to continue but limits transactions between rural “In my travels to American Indian and Alaskan Native communities I’ve seen residents and others in that the fish sold must be used for personal or family con- first hand the needs of these communities and as a result fought hard for this sumption. increase in funding. President Bush is dedicated to providing top-quality programs and services to America’s approximately 1.6 million American Indian and Alaska Specifically, the regulation would: Natives,” Secretary Thompson said. “The Indian Health Service Sanitation and • allow unlimited exchange between rural residents. Facilities Construction Program is an integral part of the agency’s disease prevention • allow unlimited exchange between rural and urban residents initiative. Safe sanitation is simply crucial in helping to achieve long-term improve- provided the resource is used for “personal or family consumption.” ments in health for American Indians and Alaska Natives.” • prohibit the sale or barter of subsistence caught fish to a Approximately 92 percent of American Indian and Alaska Native homes have “commercial” fisheries business. been provided sanitation facilities since the inception of the IHS sanitation construc- Federal Subsistence Board Chairman Mitch Demientieff said the Board’s goal is tion program, but roughly 8 percent of homes still lack a safe indoor water supply, “protecting the resource, to preserve traditional customary trade practices, while compared to 1 percent of all U.S. homes. Specifically, the President’s budget request preventing abuse.” Demientieff emphasized the revised language is a starting point supports provision of safe water and waste disposal to an estimated 22,000 homes, an and the Board plans to address the region-specific concerns from the Federal increase of 2,600 more homes served than in 2003. The proposed increase will Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils through the annual regulatory process. support several sanitation initiatives, including: Title VIII of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act [ANILCA], • $110 million to provide sanitation facilities construction for new, like-new and protects subsistence uses for rural Alaskans, including barter, sharing, and customary existing homes with either no sanitation or sub-standard sanitation conditions; trade of fish and wildlife. When the Federal Subsistence Management Program • $500,000 to address water supply and waste disposal emergencies and special expanded to include subsistence fisheries on Federal public lands in Alaska in 1999, projects as needed; and Federal regulations were adopted in an attempt to accommodate ongoing customary • $3.5 million to clean up and replace open dumps on Indian lands. trade practices. The revised language replaces the term “significant commercial Additional information is available at www.hhs.gov/news enterprise” in existing regulations, which the Board felt was unclear and hampered effective law enforcement. The Board established a task force and undertook an extensive public process to assist in clarifing the regulatory language for customary trade. The Board received numerous comments and recommendations from the customary trade task force, 10 Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils, From the Children of public, Tribal organizations, and Federal and State agencies. For more information, contact Pete Probasco, Office of Subsistence Manage- Auntie Alice Pitka-Moreno ment, phone: (800) 478-1456 or (907) 786-3375; mailing address: Office of Subsis- Our mother Aunty Alice passed away on November 15, 2002, with family and tence Management, 3601 C Street, Suite 1030, Anchorage, Alaska 99503; e-mail: [email protected]. TTY users may call through the Federal Relay Service (800) friends by her side. Heartfelt thanks to our family and friends: Scott Fisher, Artie 877-8339. Web site: http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/home.html. Adams, cousin Jennie Smoke, nieces Dede, Arlene, Antone and Wilma for being with her. Nurses Peggy, Shannon, Dr. Jon Starr, and Charlotte Davis. Thank you to B. Jarvi from the Public Advocacy Office, Diane from Fairbanks Native Association, Steven J. Gray and the staff of Chapel of Chimes, Teresa Carter from the Flower Shop Down- town and the staff of Tanana Chiefs Conference. Notice Seeking Nominations for Federal Sincere appreciation to all of our family relatives and friends who stopped by to see her while she was in the hospital and those who called when she was in intensive Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils care.Thank you Antone for coordinating all of the travel arrangements. Special The Federal Subsistence Board is currently accepting nominations and applications thanks to Linda and Steve Mohn and second cousin Liz for all of their help with the for membership on Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils. The Regional many arrangements. Thank you to Rodney Evans of Evans Air and to pilot Woody Councils provide advice and recommendations to the Board about subsistence hunting, trapping, and fishing issues on Federal public lands. Salmon who were so helpful with the transportation to and from Beaver and Fairbanks. Regional Advisory Council members are appointed to three-year terms and are expected to meet twice a year. Regional Advisory Council members are not provided compensation for Thank you to Jeanette, Linda, Arlene, Wilma, cousin Lily, Ruth Grant, and Mary their volunteer service, however they are reimbursed for travel-related expenses Lois for the lining of the coffin. Thank you to the coffin makers: Victor Williams, Interested applicants must: (a) be considered a resident of the region he/she wishes Cliff Edwin, Al Yatlin, Jr., and George Yaska. Thank you to uncle Charlie for the use of to represent; (b) possess knowledge of fish & wildlife resources in the region; have his home for the ladies to line the coffin. Thank you to cousin Sam Pitka for trans- knowledge of subsistence uses, (c) customs and traditions in the region; (d) possess porting the coffin to the Chapel. knowledge of recreational, commercial, and other uses in the region; (e) have leadership and experience with local regional organizations; (f) be able to communicate effectively; Special love and hugs to aunt Elsie for making the slippers, cousin Ann Fisher (g) be willing to travel and attend Regional Advisory Councils at least two times a year, for making the beautiful gloves, cousin Dorothea Adams for making the cross, cousin and (h) occasionally attend Federal Subsistence Board meetings as representative of the Ann Goessel for the knitted socks and cousin Doreen and Sandy for making the Council. program. The Western Interior Regional Council has four vacant seats available. The next Western Interior Regional Council scheduled meeting is scheduled for October 3-4, 2003 Everyone in our family expresses sincere appreciation to the Reverend Scott in Holy Cross, Alaska. The Eastern Interior Regional Advisory Council has five vacant Fisher and Reverend Steve Matthews of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church for the seats available. The next Eastern Interior Regional Advisory Council meeting is scheduled memorial service. Thank you to cousins Valorie and Cindy Adams for coordinating for October 8-9, 2003 in Beaver, Alaska. the potlatch at St. Matthew’s, for all of our friends and relatives in Fairbanks. The For more information regarding application and nominations forms, please contact many cooks in Fairbanks were so wonderful and helpful. Cousins Dede, Sam, Arlene, Vince Mathews for the Western Interior Regional Advisory Council at (907) 456-0277 or Wilma, Antone and Jeanette were instrumental in all of the arrangements so that Donald Mike of The Eastern Interior Regional Advisory Council at (907) 786-3629 or everything was perfect for our Aunty Alice. Mike Smith at TCC. Applications must be received by February 28, 2003. Completed applications should be Final services in Beaver were officiated by Reverend Trimble Gilbert with submitted to: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal Subsistence Board, 3601 C Street, assistance from Paul Williams, Jr. Cousins Ann Fisher, Jennie Pitka and Selina Suite 1030, Anchorage, AK 99503. Petruska coordinated the potlatch. Thank you to the men who got the moose in Beaver: Cliff Adams Jr., Roy Henry and Ulak. The gravediggers, the women who cooked and everyone who made sure the church was ready will always hold a special Older Persons Action Group, Inc. place in Aunty Alice’s children’s hearts. Publication: Senior Voice — Ana Basee’ from Aunty Alice’s children The Senior Voice is the only newspaper in Alaska serving seniors, age 50+, with Susan Pitka Taggart (Bob) statewide coverage of Senior Voice issues and stories. Individuals who donate $15.00 Lisa Faveraux (John) per year receive membership in the Older Persons Action Group and a one-year sub- Teresa Fox (Ed, Melissa and Dangi) scription to this monthly newspaper. Low-income persons and those 75 years or Michael Meek and family older receive free membership and subscription. To subscribe, or for further Dennis Harris (LuAnn and Allison) information, call (907) 276-1059 in Anchorage or toll-free: 1-800-478-1059 from elsewhere in Alaska. JANUARY 2003 •THE COUNCIL • PAGE 11 NEWS FOR OUR PEOPLE Tr aditional Counselor Native Basketball Supports My name is Audrey Sunnyboy. I am an Athabascan Indian and Yupik Eskimo from Nenana, Native Students Alaska. My mother and my father were born and raised on the Yukon River at Tanana and Pitka’s Point. The Doyon Foundation will host the I am named Na Zah Zal Deth Naa: the one who gets 2003 North American Basketball Tournament things started and gets the people moving. at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks Patty Center, March 11-15th, 2003. After working many years in the service trades with the hotels and restaurants, on the Trans-Alaska The tournament promotes healthy lifestyles and Pipeline, and for the culinary union as their Business supports higher education for Alaska Natives. Agent and Vice President, I learned the art of Tradi- Proceeds from this tournament benefit Doyon tional Healing. In 1993 I became a Pipe Carrier in the Foundation’s scholarship programs which assists Lakota Sioux tradition. I worked for Tanana Chiefs Native students in obtaining a higher education. Conference as their Director for the Alternative/ Each year the Doyon Foundation provides scholar- Traditional Healing Program. I also had the good ships to some 300 students, many of whom are the fortune to spend a year training with Dr. Joan first college attendees in their families. Audrey Sunnyboy Mathews Larson at her Health Recovery Center in For the past 20 years, the North American Minneapolis as a Bio-Chemical Counselor. Dr. Larson effectively uses nutrients, diet, Basketball Tournament has attracted teams and fans exercise and counseling for recovery from alcohol and drug addictions and depres- from throughout the state. A total of 36 teams will compete throughout the week this sions, resulting in excellent suicide-prevention methods. winter, including men’s women’s and masters’ (40-and-over). Today I work as a healer and am lifetime-certified with the State of Alaska as a Daily admission is $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for children, students, and elders. Traditional Counselor. Daily tickets are good for the day and evening games. The tournament will start at 9 a.m. each day and go on until midnight. For more information or if you have questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail at [email protected], or write to me at P. O. Box 72946, Fairbanks, In addition to the games, the tournament will feature educational and sponsor Alaska 99707. informational booths and Native arts and crafts. Held every March in Fairbanks, the North American Basketball Tournament draws numerous spectators. On average, several hundred people watch the day games Isaac Preston Peter and more than 1500 gather to watch the Friday and Saturday night games. For more information or to register a team, contact Arlene Joseph, of the Fort Yukon Mighty Ducks (907) 459-2049, at the Doyon Foundation. From: Fort Yukon, Alaska Age: 11 Attending the Fort Yukon School Son of Isaac and Antoinette Peter Big Brothers Big Sisters Seeks The National Hockey League has selected Tanana Chiefs Conference Preston to participate in the 2003 Willie O’Ree All Star Game. This event is in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, February 22-24, 2003. Preston was one Volunteers out of 24 participants chosen from hundreds of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS)is in We have a critical young hockey players for his outstanding citizenship, need of volunteers to serve as mentors, academic achievement and dedication to hockey. role models, and friends to children in need for mentors, Preston is the first ever chosen from Alaska. Fairbanks and the Interior. We have a especially We would like to thank Earl & Cheryl Cadzow of the MIGHTY DUCKS!!!!!! critical need for mentors, especially Alaska Native Males, Without Earl & Cheryl having hockey in Fort Yukon, this would have never been Alaska Native Males, as 25% of the possible. Thanks for being there for our children. populations we serve are Alaska Natives. as 25% of the Thanks to the Gwichyaa Gwich’in Tribal Government for their sponsorship for BBBS matches school-aged children with populations we serve sending our kids to the hockey camp in Fairbanks that was held this summer. volunteer mentors who meet with them one-to-one each week. There are two are Alaska Natives. — The Peter Family: Isaac, Antoinette and Preston types of programs available: P.O. Box 268, Fort Yukon, AK 99740 The School-based Program matches children in grades 2-8 with caring adult volunteers who meet one-on-one at school CH’EGHUTSEN’ each week of the school year. These “matches” meet for about an hour each week, “Children are Precious” often at lunchtime or after school. Activities can involve helping with schoolwork, 815 2nd Avenue, Suite 202 • Fairbanks, AK 99701 • (907) 479-0673 working on arts and crafts, shooting hoops, or just hanging out and talking. In the Community-based Program, children ages 6-18 meet with their mentors To the Alaska Native Community and Most Appreciated Volunteers: one-on-one outside the school, during evenings or weekends, for at least one year. The Ch’eghutsen’ staff would like to thank everyone for coming to the very first These “matches” do fun outings together like going to the movies, taking a hike, Alaska Native Halloween Carnival in Fairbanks. It was a major success and gave us the going fishing, watching a ballgame, or window shopping. opportunity to come together as a strong community for our children. We hope you all enjoyed yourselves and had a lot of fun celebrating Halloween with us. A big thank you If you would like more information please contact Helena Bifelt at 452-8110 or goes to all the cherished volunteers who went out of their way to help us put this event on. outside Fairbanks at 1-888-442-8957. Anaa Baasee’. For those of you who are not familiar with us, Ch’eghutsen’ is a cultrually based system of care designed by and for Alaska Natives. It was developed to change the mental health services delivered to Alaska Native children and is guided by Alaska Native principles. Ch’eghutsen’ will be using an Alaska Native model of the wrap-around Nome Basketball Tournament process, which begins with and focuses its efforts at the level around the child but The 29TH LONNIE O’CONNOR IDITAROD BASKETBALL CLASSIC will be includes the extended family, and the village/community. Behavioral indicators that the held in Nome, Alaska on March 9-15, 2003. project will target include: The entry fee is $200.00 per team. It is due Wednesday, February 19, 2003. No • Suicide attempts refunds will be issued after that date. Please let me know if you will be submitting an • Substance Abuse entry fee by email or phone, so that I can be expecting it in the mail. In past years, • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome entry fees that have been mailed close to the deadline arrived a week after the • Fetal Alcohol Effects schedule was made. Mail your entry fee and team roster to: LOIBC, PO Box 420, • Violence (including sexual abuse) Nome, AK 99762. Include information on which division your team will play in and • Individual & Collective (Group) Trauma if you are a Ladies or Men’s team. Be sure to INCLUDE A CONTACT PERSON’S The Ch’edghutsen’ staff are currently in extensive training and will not be working NAME, EVENING PHONE NUMBER, AND E-MAIL ADDRESS so we can let you directly with children/youth until late spring. However, if you have any questions or want know when your first game will be. to know more about the project, you can visit our website: www.childrenareprecious.org or give us a call at (907) 479-0673. The divisions of teams are Ladies B, Open and Over 40 and Men’s A, B, Open and Over 40. A reminder that “open division” is defined as a player who can be from We look forward to seeing you at future Ch’eghutsen’ events! anywhere to play in this division. The Over 40 divisions are “open divisions.” — The Ch’eghutsen Staff Teisha Simmons, Project Director Kristy Nicholas, Project Assistant Please remember that you MUST provide your own housing. Make arrange- Jane Franks, Clinical Director Suzanne Michaud, Training Director ments BEFORE you arrive in Nome. Players must sign a liability waiver for playing in Mona Jones, Family Advocate Mary Johnson, Lead Wellness Counselor the tournament, so be prepared to sign before you play in your first game. Cecelia Nation, Wellness Counselor Joel Titus, Wellness Counselor If you have any questions or need additional information, contact Kimberly Hanna Carter, Wellness Counselor Paula McQuestion, Wellness Counselor O’Connor, LOIBC Committee Member, (907) 443-2867 between 6 and 9 p.m. (leave Bill Bailey, Wellness Counselor a message if not there), or e-mail: [email protected]. MORE NEWS FOR OUR PEOPLE ON PAGE 12 PAGE 12 • THE COUNCIL • JANUARY 2003 MORE COMMUNITY & NATURAL RESOURCES NEWS —Athabascan Language Program— ATTENTION! Conversational Koyukon, Inupiaq and Employment Opportunity Gwich’in Classes – Fairbanks at Tanana Chiefs Conference Interior Athabascan Tribal College (IATC), in cooperation with The Morgan Project/UAF School of Education and the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District Infant Learning Program (FNSBSD) After School Program, will offer language courses for Gwich’in, Koyukon and Inupiaq this spring from January 21 – March 13. The instructors are: Recruiting for an Early Intervention Specialist Gwich’in: Kathy Sikorski Koyukon: Judy Woods Inupiaq: Lorena Williams Do you enjoy interacting with very young children and always dreamed of This program continues to serve both parents and children. The Koyukon and traveling throughout Alaska? If your answer is yes, then this may be the best Inupiaq classes accept students from ages 10 and up (ages 10-13 with parent/guardian), opportunity that has come your way. and the Gwich’in class accepts students ages 14 and up. The FNSBSD After School Join our team in providing family centered, home based services throughout Program is providing classrooms, and because the IATC and Morgan Project are paying the interior to children birth to 3 years old with disabilities. Screen newborns and instructor salaries, the registration fee is reduced to $5. Students are also able to register identify infants and toddlers who are at risk for developmental delays. Imple- for one credit of ANL 121 through UAF for an additional $25. If instructors are available, ment the family’s goals and priorities that have been identified on the Individual- we are hoping to offer another 7 week session beginning in March after spring break. ized Family Service Plan. Act as lead participant in transitioning enrolled children to the local school district at age 2.5 to 3 years old. Family Language Immersion/Mentor-Apprentice Program Minimum Qualifications: 1-year experience working with children (birth to Job descriptions for regional coordinators and language specialists were approved. 3 years old) and a Bachelors degree in early childhood education, speech therapy, Once coordinators and specialists are hired, we will focus on initiating and supporting occupation therapy, physical therapy, social work, psychology or a related field. family oriented language activities within communities through mentoring, instructional Must possess strong written/oral communication and organizational skills. workshops, and materials development. We can also provide support for tribal or school- For more information, please pick up a job description and application at sponsored cultural camps. We have been approached by the Gwich’in Youth Traditional Tanana Chiefs Conference, 122 First Ave, Suite 600, Fairbanks, AK 99701. The Spring Camp, and the Old Minto Cultural Heritage and Education Institute to help employment office is on the 2nd floor or call (907) 452-8251, ext. 3190. coordinate language intensive cultural activities, and develop cost sharing agreements. Yukon-Koyukuk School District (YKSD) Beginning this spring, YKSD is implementing a 30-minute-per-day Athabascan MORE NEWS FOR OUR PEOPLE language program at nine school sites for grades K-12. IATC and the Alaska Native Language Center Career Ladder Programs are helping provide support for this program with funding for travel, and assignment of personnel to help facilitate workshops. Susan Rural Alaska Honors Institute Paskvan of Fairbanks, Esther McCarty of Ruby, and the staff at YKSD worked hard to develop materials and arrange activities for a 2-day workshop that took place in Introduces Students to College Fairbanks on January 16-17. Certified teachers, classified staff, and community mem- bers/elders attended this workshop to share materials and develop lesson plans for RAHI Mission Statement classroom implementation. The University of Alaska Fairbanks Rural Alaska Honors Institute, known as RAHI, Alaska Native Language Center (ANLC) Career Ladder Programs was established to prepare rural Alaska Native high school students Career Language coordinators employed through ANLC are working within their for academic excellence and college success, and was founded respective regions, providing learner support through audioconferences, workshops, and at the request of the Alaska Federation of Natives in 1982. language gatherings. Coordinators within the TCC region are: David Engles, Lower Tanana Language Coordinator The Rural Alaska Honors Institute (RAHI), a six-week summer residency program Malinda Chase, Deg Xinag Language Coordinator at the University of Alaksa Fairbanks, is open to high school juniors and seniors from Esther McCarty, Koyukon Language Coordinator Alaska Native villages who have at least a 3.0 grade point average. The deadline for Irene Arnold, Upper Tanana/Tanacross Language Coordinator applications is March 15, 2003. Additional information is available from RAHI at 800- Kathy Sikorski, Gwich’in Language Instructor 478-6886, via e-mail at [email protected], or at their website: www.uaf.edu/rahi/. Materials/Resources Available Through IATC We currently have copies of How to Keep Your Language Alive: A Commonsense Diana Campbell Awarded Approach to One-on-One Language Learning by Leanne Hinton. This is an excellent resource for youth and adults who are interested in learning their heritage language using Journalism Fellowship the language apprenticeship model. This model does not require outside expertise, but rather a highly motivated learner(s) paired with an adult who wants to pass on his/her Reprinted from the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sun., Jan 19, 2003. knowledge of the language. Learners are then encouraged to teach what they know, even Fairbanks Daily News-Miner business writer Diana Campbell if they are not yet fluent: “Darrell Kipp, a Blackfoot language educator, admonishes has been awarded a $35,000 fellowship from the Alicia Patterson language learners not to wait until they know the language well before trying to teach it; Foundation. The one-year grant allows journalists to independently if you learned two words today, he says knock on your neighbor’s door and say, “Turn off study a significant issue and report their findings in the APF Report- the TV! Get the kids! I have two new words!” If you are interested in a copy of this book, er, a quarterly foundation newsletter. News outlets may then reprint please contact me at the number below. those stories. Campbell’s project will be to look at the high rates of We are compiling a bibliography of the other language teaching and learning cancer in Alaska Natives. materials available at IATC that can be published in the Council next month, and/or The Alicia Patterson Foundation was established in memory of the editor and distributed via mail or fax. publisher of Newsday, a New York daily newspaper. This year marked the 38th competi- For more information on the IATC Language Program or the ANLC Career Ladder tion. Five other journalists also earned the award. Programs, please contact Beth Leonard at 452-8251, ext. 3287 (1-800-478-6822) or Campbell is a contributing author to “Our Alaska: Personal Stories About Living in the [email protected]. North” and “Alaska Native Ways: What the Elders Have Taught Us.” A reprint of her story, Chenh ditr’al yixyi\ xitasa\ (I’ll talk with you next time). “Yaska has Long Healed Alaska Natives” appears on page 7 of this issue of The Council. MORE HEALTH SERVICES NEWS The Importance of Primary Teeth FNA Services By Monica P. Rueben, RDH, BS Fairbanks Native Association (FNA), Behavioral Health Services (BHS) provides Although the primary teeth are considered to be “temporary”, the first ones comprehensive substance abuse treatment services to individuals in the Fairbanks community and throughout the state. aren’t lost until 6 to7 years of age. In fact, the back teeth must function in the mouth Life Givers is a gender specific adolescent residential substance abuse program which until 12 to 13 years of age! The primary teeth serve many important functions. serves 13-18-years-olds, pregnant and parenting or nonpregnant and parenting. • Helping your baby learn to talk Contact 452-1274. • Chewing of food to provide proper nutrition Graf Rheeneerhaanjii is a co-ed adolescent residential substance abuse program, cohort • Giving your baby a nice appearance and smile model, which serves 13-18-year-olds. Contact (907) 455-4725. • Saving space for the permanent teeth to grow in straight Women & Children’s Center for Inner Healing provides residential substance abuse Allowing the primary teeth to become decayed and left untreated can result in a treatment for women and their children. Contact (907) 451-8164 or 1-888-451-8164. number of unpleasant and undesirable consequences. Ralph Perdue Center (RPC) offers a continuum of substance abuse treatment services that include: Inroads outpatient services for youth and adults, contact (907) 451- • Speech problems 1830; Community Service Patrol and Medical Detox unit, contact (907) 456-1053; • Pain and extreme discomfort New Hope Chronic Inebriate program, contact (907) 451-1170 and adult residential • Damage to the underlying permanent teeth substance abuse treatment, contact (907) 452-6251. • Infection that can severely affect the child’s general health Employment Opportunities: FNA has numerous job opportunities. Please contact the • Loss of space for the permanent teeth, resulting in the need for costly braces HR Department at (907) 452-1648, ext. 246, 244 or 231. Need to Talk? Free, confidential help is available: 1-877-266-4357; Fairbanks: 452-4357 (h-e-l-p). The Hotline is staffed by Alaskans from 6-11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and overnights on Friday and Saturday. Calls received during other times are forwarded to the Hopeline National Network at 1-800-suicide. Careline Crisis Intervention is funded by the United Way of the Tanana Valley. Toll-free funding is provided by Tanana Chiefs Conference.