Non-Profi t Organization U.S. Postage PAID Anchorage, AK Permit No. 537

Dena’ Nena’ Henash ––Our Land Speaks Vol. 33, No. 4 A Report to the Member Tribes of the Tanana Chiefs Conference April 2008 President Jerry Isaac’s plans for Tanana Chiefs Conference ongoing problems. the quality services TCC provides. We privately funded. This could be done by 2. We shall concentrate on maintaining know that there is a great deal of need to initial endorsements foundation support our policies of openness, disclosure, and improve our service delivery. Because of investments portfolio, basic annual fund transparency so that you will have as much the stability we had achieved as TCC over raising, and volunteer support. Many of our knowledge about TCC as possible. the last couple of years, we are free to target ethnic American neighbors do this such as 3. We shall continue to foster a spirit of specifi c service improvement goals. the Greek Americans, Italian Americans, cooperation with all groups and strive Though we have taken great steps to and Asian Americans and so on. to work together on issues affecting our improve, there is additional need to readjust We need to become effective strategists villages and our people. This includes some of the methods and means we have and tacticians and use these qualities and continued solidifi cation of partnerships been using. This is due to new factors such capabilities to help us be even more creative with our sister organizations. as, (a) the reduction of available grants, and capable of achieving the dreams of Due to various limiting factors such as the (b) an increase in our population that self-reliance. nationwide reduction of grant and contract generates an increased need for additional In closing, I would like to encourage availability, it is absolutely imperative and services (c) Infl ation versus the unadjusted each of you to begin thinking about how all the more necessary to work together in dollar value-we’re receiving monies based best to help one another, how you may fi t addressing many of our concerns. on formulas that are 10 years old, which into the scheme of efforts underway, how 4. We shall work on our concerns about isn’t adjusted for today’s market and an you may participate in our long term goals justice, so that the civil rights of our people increasing number of benefi ciaries. of addressing such issues like the out- does not become an “alienable” right 10. We shall work harder at fi nding ways migration of people from the villages to the violated at will by the legal system. to work more closely with our schools and cities because of the lack of employment Greetings to our Member Tribes, 5. We shall continue to work on developing school districts in efforts to improve the and how best to forgive so that it will help First of all, I would like to express my alternative energy to help alleviate high quality of education. set you free and allow you to cooperate most heartfelt gratitude for being re-elected cost of energy. One of my dreams is to establish a Native with all around you. by the Tribal Leaders for another three-year 6. We shall continue with pressing our need Institute which will use the immersion Let us continue to freely and of our own term as your president. I shall promise to for recognition at the table-any table at method of teaching Native history, culture, free will try to develop our spirituality do all I can, fi rst—to listen to all of our which the future of Alaska is discussed as folklore, religion and subsistence. This so that it gives us the strength, courage, people, and second, to work hard to try to TCC will always be affected. Native Institute cannot and should not rely and the will to live through any hardship, bring resolution to problems that keep us 7. We shall continue to seek contracting on, or be forced to rely on public dollars any turmoil, any trial and any endeavor. from progressing forward. opportunities as TCC has embarked on for start-up and continuation. As Native Nothing comes without sacrifi ces. If we I now have a solid three years in which a mission of diversifi cation to meet the people, we need to adopt ideas from other band together, work together, support one to do all I can to bring results and comfort unique and complex challenges posed by ethnic groups when dealing with very another and dream together, our unifi ed to you, our people. While I am aware that today’s national and global socio-economic diffi cult endeavors. strength shall carry us through. many of our issues may never be addressed conditions. We all know how challenging it is to adequately due to the unique circumstances, 8. We shall continue to foster and support try to set up a “Natives Only” school and Tsine’ for your time, there are those that we can work on. our efforts of local hire, training, education, how the state and federal governments Jerry Isaac, 1. We shall concentrate heavily on self- and internships for our youth where and prohibit discriminatory procedure as it President and Chairman suffi cient efforts in long range economic when available. relates to public endeavors, because of this development which can bring relief to our 9. We shall work even harder at improving our “Native Only” Institute has got to be ConocoPhillips partnership on AIDEA Board approves proposed gas pipeline project loan participation By Bob Sattler, Director, Realty

During the 2008 Tanana Chiefs proposed by COP for the preliminary fi eld Financing provided for Tanana Chiefs Conference Conference (TCC) Convention, President studies is similar to the work conducted by Jerry Isaac announced a new working the TCC Natural and Cultural Resources By Karsten Rodvik, Project Manager, External Affairs agreement with ConocoPhillips Alaska, Programs–Realty, Forestry and Cadastral Incorporated (COP), on their proposed Survey–and TCC Administration. In late March the natural gas pipeline project. TCC will Planned fi eld studies include a review of Alaska Industrial assist in fi eld studies that are conducted Native allotments along the study corridor. in advance of a formal application to the TCC will work with Native allotment owners Development and Export federal government to build the natural gas this year to negotiate access permits, and Authority (AIDEA) pipeline. assist with and monitor COP fi eld studies. Board of Directors COP is one of several companies and As proposed, the study corridor crosses unanimously approved organizations interested in constructing 23 Native allotments in the Upper Tanana a natural gas pipeline from the Alaska area, mostly around Tanacross, Tetlin and an $8,280,000 (90%) loan North Slope to Alaskan communities and Northway. TCC also will assist with public participation to Tanana users in Canada and the Lower 48. 2008 outreach and community awareness of the Chiefs Conference (TCC), fi eld studies, which currently consist of COP fi eld studies and their ongoing project located in Fairbanks. a study corridor from Delta Junction to schedules of activities. the Canadian border, are necessary for COP will have teams of fi eld scientists The $9,200,000 loan understanding the ground conditions and walking the survey corridor. These teams was brought to AIDEA by Alaska Pacifi c Bank, which originated the loan and is the general environment where the pipeline will assess known contaminated sites participating with $920,000 (10%). is planned to be built, and to ensure that (such as WWII military sites), historic and environmental and cultural resources archaeological sites (camps and heritage The purpose of the TCC loan is to refi nance existing debt and provide funds for are protected. These studies will support sites), ground conditions to determine the renovation of TCC’s commercial buildings. planning and environmental review, in this wetlands (wet boggy soil conditions) Borrowers come to AIDEA through a qualifi ed originator. AIDEA can purchase case an Environmental Impact Statement, and soil-temperature measuring at up to 90% of a participating credit to a maximum of $20 million for the purpose of the project. stream crossings (see side-bar for more For the past several years, TCC has information). of acquiring, developing, enhancing or refi nancing commercial real property or engaged in discussions about the project For more information, contact Bob equipment. The project must be in Alaska. AIDEA Board of Directors approval is with COP and state and federal agencies. required for any loan participation that equals or exceeds $3,000,000. COP is the fi rst organization to work directly with TCC. The type of work CONTINUED on page 5... Page 2 • The Council • April 2008 Tanana Chiefs Conference

The Council is a monthly report to the Member Tribes of the Tanana Chiefs Conference, in accordance with agreements with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service. Letters to the Editor, other written contributions and photos submissions are welcome. However, space is limited and program-oriented news has priority. We reserve the right to edit or reject material. Letters and opinions are not necessarily the opinions of Tanana Chiefs Conference. Material submitted anonymously will not be printed. Contributions and questions may be directed to:

Ginger Placeres, Editor Johnson O’Malley Tourney Tanana Chiefs Conference The Fairbanks Native Association’s Johnson O’Malley Program (JOM) would like 122 First Avenue, Suite 600 to thank the many volunteers who helped with our “8th Annual Alaska Native Youth Basketball Tournament” held at Tanana Middle School, March 10-12, 2008. Fairbanks, Alaska 99701 Elementary Coaches Phone: (907) 452-8251 ext. 3570 Tod Kozevnikoff, Tracy Snow, David Edwards Jr., Johnny David Sr., Lawrence Moses, Toll-free (Alaska): 800 -478- 6682 Byron Charlie, Laura John, Gary Edwin, Cameron Winfrey, Barbie Williams, Tony Peter, and Zach Carroll. (Out-of-State) 800-770-8251 Middle School Coaches Fax: (907) 459-3884 Jessica Black, Lance Albert, Joy Simon, Cameron Winfrey, and Irene Todd. Email: High School Coaches Tony Peter, Curtis & Shannon Erhart, Ruby Bullchild, Johnny David Sr., and Leon [email protected] Huntington. Volunteers Bob Maguire, Beverly Kokrine, Denise Newman, Linda Evans, Amelia Ruerup, Larry Guthrie, Miranda Wiehl, Marilyn Adams, Jen Semaken, La Verne Demientieff, Shirley Moses, Cheryl Cadzow, Joyce Sommer, Mona Nollner, Margaret Moses, Cheryl Kriska, Julia Sweetsir, Louise Chigigak, Leona Kriska, Carl Sweetsir, Latrell Sweetsir, Tamra Jerue, Kylee Beatus, Kiana Edwards, Kade Tanner, Flynt Tanner, Francis Nollner, Kenya IN THIS ISSUE Edwards, Justin Kokrine, DJ Vent, Celia Vent, Christa Silas, Dan Kokrine, William Nollner, Emily Worel. Tanana Chiefs Conference...... 1-7 Sponsors Alaska Peace Offi cers, Local 1547 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Youth Letters to the Editor...... 2 Sports Bingo, IRHA, Wrights Air Service, Doyon, Ltd., Golden North Optics, Essentials Hair Salon, Wallace, Wallace & Wakefi eld, Tozitna, Ltd., Ron’s Service & Towing, Denakkanaaga, Inc., Sam’s Club, and Pikes Landing. 2008 Convention Highlights...... 8-9 Staff Linda Woods, Niki Guthrie, Martha White, Theresa O’Brien, Dana Salmon, Ashley Health Services...... 10 Kokrine, Bertha Nollner, and Toni Peter. With your help this event was a huge success! Hope to see you next year! News for Our People...... 11-12 Dear Editor, Thank you Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) for the use of the beautiful Tribal Dear Editor, hall for our Key XX1 coalition Fairbanks Unity Dinner which was held on February I just wanted to say that I appreciated a letter written by Raymond Nickoli in your March 21, 2008. Thank you Jerry Isaac, Ted Charles, Gloria Finney, Amanda Race, Cliff 2008 Newsletter. He stated “A wave of alcohol is tearing the heart of our communities Joseph and security, for all the help. Thank you for the donation of the beautiful throughout the state” and I couldn’t agree with him more. (beaded/tufted) fan for our silent auction. Alcohol is still very new to Alaska compared to many other places in the world. I visited The Key Coalition advocates for equal opportunity, accessibility and inclusive friends in Europe last year and my social outings there were a lot different then going out communities for all Alaskans who experience developmental disabilities. Thank here in Alaska. My European friends didn’t drink to get “wasted” but rather drank socially you again, TCC, on behalf of our families, children, adolescents and adults who and we still had fun. experience disabilities. They handled themselves well and were very over-protective of me and my safety. In Sincerely, some of these countries alcohol is not new and has been around for centuries. I must say Tracy Charles-Smith I was impressed to see people drink socially without having to think getting “wasted” is Fairbanks Key Coalition Chair the only way to have fun. Alaska, unfortunately, is still new to alcohol as it was only during the 1950’s, that it was introduced. By the early 1970’s, alcohol was identifi ed as being a leading cause of death Healer releases among Alaska Natives. Serious indicators include: assault, murder, sexual crimes including those against children, avoidable accidents, suicides and psychological depression. In addition, the rate of fetal alcohol syndrome among Alaska Natives is the highest for any updated book population studied to date. Audrey Sunnyboy is Athabascan and Substance abuse is also an issue among Alaska Native people. As a teenager, I admit Yupik from Nenana, Alaska. She is married that I tried marijuana and cocaine a few times with friends because they offered me and to Harry Littlefi eld of Sitka. Her mother I foolishly didn’t say no. Thankfully I had a dad who set me straight and he and my mom was born in Tanana and her father in Pitka’s are very much against drugs and despise the people that sell them. Point. She is named Na Zah Zal Deth Naa, To this day, I don’t do drugs, and won’t allow myself to be around those that do drugs, the one who gets things started, gets the people moving. thanks to my parents. Years ago, I made the choice to leave my son’s father because he After working many years in the service chose a lifestyle of smoking marijuana, of which I won’t have a part of or raise my son trades with hotels and restaurants, on the around that. Pipeline, and for the culinary union as their Alcohol and drug abuse has, does, and will continue to ruin the lives of many more Alaska Business Agent and Vice-president, Audrey Natives unless people can be encouraged and inspired to choose positive alternatives. I learned the art of traditional healing. In 1993 commend those people that choose to live a sobriety lifestyle, of which I can only admire she became a Pipe Carrier, and in 1998 she their willpower to give up alcohol for good. I’m proud of my older sister Cherie, who agreed to be an Instrument Keeper for the recently celebrated fi ve years of sobriety along with her husband. Gentle Wind Project, both of these honors For the adults that do drink, then they should choose to drink only socially and she continues today. responsibly. There’s a reason that the bars have to close at a certain time! People should In 1969 she began her lifelong interest in herbs, plants, vitamins, minerals and nutrients; later it became her hobby and then her life work. learn to just go home then, not look for the nearest house party! Teenagers are very easily She worked for Tanana Chiefs Conference as their Alternative/Traditional Healing infl uenced and if they see people partying all night or getting “wasted” to have fun then Program Director from May 1997 to February 2000 when the program was closed. It they think that this is “normal” and will repeat these things as adults, of which then was during this time that she wrote the fi rst medicinal plant book titled “Denyaavee younger Native people around them will also witness. Medicine Plant” That book is no longer available so she decided to write another, I believe as Native adults, WE need to lead by example! We need to teach the younger expanded version of the plant book. The second book is fi nished now and available Native people that partying all night and getting wasted is not healthy. Let’s teach them for sale at her offi ce. that this is not “normal” so that they do not make the same mistake as they become adults. Audrey had the good fortune to spend a year working and training with Dr. Joan Let’s put a stop to this vicious cycle! Larson at her Health Recovery Center in Minneapolis as a Bio-Chemical Counselor. Dr. Larson uses nutrients, diet, exercise, and counseling for recovery from alcohol/ Thank you, drug addiction and for depression also. Holly Evans Today Audrey works as a healer and is a lifetime-certifi ed Traditional Counselor Galena/Anchorage, Alaska with the State of Alaska. Her new book is available for $16.95 at 59 College Road, in the Regency Court Mall, Room 213. You can contact her at (907) 455-4611. April 2008 • The Council • Page 3 Tanana Chiefs Conference

Native Business Directory Businesses on-fi le with Tanana Chiefs Conference Location of Business Albert Snowshoes Ruby By Lisa Metzger, Director, Purchasing Frontier Upholstery & Sewing Fairbanks The Tanana Chiefs Conference Purchasing department encourages all Native Tundra Fencing Bethel business owners to submit their business for use in our published resource booklet, Raven’s Ruff Stuff Arctic Gear Fairbanks to be complete by June 1, 2008. We continue an ongoing request in each issue in hopes of gathering as many Native business owners as possible Don’t miss out on this Topline Ltd. DBA Jorgensen’s Fairbanks valuable resource, and an opportunity to increase your business exposure. For more Edwards Welding Anchorage information, contact the Purchasing Department toll-free at 800-478-6682 or locally The Fuel Company Fairbanks at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3258. Kateel Enterprises Koyukuk Gladiator Productions, Inc. Fairbanks Luke-N-Sons North Pole Sunshine Boulevard Qwik Stop Tanana Weight Loss Marketing Fairbanks Generous Loan Consulting Fairbanks Hartman Contracting North Pole Richardson’s Anvik Sweetsir Construction Galena The Sweetsir Guesthouse Galena Sweetsir’s Galena Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Anchorage Raven Lake Development Fairbanks Two Rivers Lumber Fairbanks Nomadic Starts Fairbanks R & M Mercantile Huslia Three Star Enterprises, LLC Perryville/Wasilla Quality Zone Wasilla Wild Iris Bed & Breakfast Ruby Becker Trucking, Incorporated Fairbanks Yukon River Creations Tanana Interior Records Tanana Baasee Construction Anchorage If you are a Native business owner and would like to be featured in this publication, contact the Editor at the numbers listed on page 2.

Housing Program begins small-scale construction at TCC

By Kimberly Carlo, Housing Technician

With the economy being so volatile and The program is unlike any other because the government trying to cut funding where we serve those who cannot receive services they can, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) from any other housing program. Contractor Pearl Henry outside a HIP house completed in February Housing Improvement Program (HIP) has The Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) for an elderly couple in Huslia, Alaska. been eliminated from the Federal budget;. Housing Program will still provide section of the 1st fl oor into the cashier’s Technician. For more information, contact This means that after 2008, HIP will no weatherization services through the offi ce (behind glass walls). Kimberly Carlo toll-free at 800-478-6822 longer be available. Alaska Housing Finance Corporation The Housing program construction crew or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3419 or Not a new crisis for HIP, as evidenced in Weatherization Program. The way it is has done a fi ne job on getting the work email [email protected]. 2007 when the money was reinstated ‘at the managed is that Housing works with one completed and plans to meet their deadlines last minute’ because supporters contacted community at a time. We are currently for the completion of each project. State legislators for the cause. However, as starting our second year of weatherization We’re starting construction internally at of 2009, HIP will be eliminated. services in the community of Fort Yukon. TCC, but anticipate venturing out for more With dwindling federal dollars, Housing jobs. The construction industry is so busy has been faced with funding issues as well. during the summers that we’re expecting to That said, the program has had to fi nd get in on the opportunity. alternative sources of funding to sustain One of the key crew members that started current staff. A solution is to is self- working in Fairbanks is Pearl Henry from performing internal and external projects. Huslia. She was the lead carpenter for the One of TCC President Jerry Isaac’s goals BIA HIP house that was constructed in is to make use of all un-occupied offi ce Huslia recently. space within the Chief Peter John Tribal Pearl is a graduate of the Construction building (TCC’s main offi ces), which Trades and Technology Program from the means very minimal construction. University of Alaska Fairbanks. She’s been Currently the East side of the 3rd fl oor is doing a great job working with the crew, getting a new look in preparation for the the sub-contractors, and the building Human Resources Department (moving inspectors. from the 6th fl oor), and the West side of the The Housing Program is staffed by Wes 3rd fl oor is also getting upgraded to include Alexander, Housing Field Coordinator; storage space and an expansion for the Eric Fitzgerald, Transportation & Housing Information Systems server room. Director; Travis Cole, a temporary Security is also relocating from one Carpenter; and Kimberly Carlo, Housing Various stages of construction at TCC. Page 4 • The Council • April 2008 Tanana Chiefs Conference

Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center Update By Tanya Beatus, Cultural Program Planner, been awarded a USDA grant for purchasing videoconferencing equipment. TCC will outfi t Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center its space in the Center with the equipment in order to bridge communications between rural and urban areas. Our hope is to host cultural programs in both the Center as well as Progress is steadily being made on the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. in the villages through videoconferencing. Construction of the building is to be completed in August 2008. Thus far, construction Additionally, we’ve just completed an Administration for Native Americans grant that has been ahead of schedule and on budget. For those that are curious and would like to see would fund the core costs of the programs. We’ve also completed a few other grants to the building, individuals can request a tour with Cindy Schumaker and Tanya Beatus. furnish the Artisans workshop with woodworking equipment and the media room in Additionally, Native hire reached 35% for the month of February. To date, GHEMM Denakkanaaga’s suite with media equipment. Company has met or exceeded the Native hire goal of 25% every month, with the highest TCC in partnership with MTCVC non-profi t is working on building a $2 Million percentage reaching 48% last year. Despite the lack of Native people in some specialty endowment for TCC’s cultural programs. We are also looking at other grants to fund the trades and the thought that GHEMM would not be able to meet the monthly goal, they initial programs such as the Master Artists programming as well as other programs such succeeded in doing so. GHEMM Company has been doing an incredible job with the as an Alaska Native cooking class or a Youth Documenting Culture workshop. Finally, we building; we really appreciate their good work. are continually looking to our community for guidance, if you have a cultural program idea, please share with us. Contact Tanya Beatus toll-free at 800478-6822 or locally at Exhibits (907) 452-8251 ext. 3239. Email [email protected]. We are one step away from completing the exhibit content and fi nalizing the items to be on display. Dixie Alexander is still working with the Center to collect items for the exhibit. We have purchased some items, however we are now focusing on donations and have already received some great ones, for example: Bill Stevens from Fort Yukon donated Exhibit Wishlist a moose hide Chiefs Coat, his excellent fi ddle with dancing boots, a brand new pair of canvas boots and a Hudson Bay hatchet; the Sommer family donated a smokehouse Super Cub or Piper Cub Airplane (shell only) • Canoe • 16 ft. river boat belonging to the late Henry and Maudrey Sommer of Tanana (Maudrey’s brother was (doesn’t have to fl oat) • 30-40 horse boat motor (shell only or doesn’t have Morris Thompson); the Joseph M. and Dolores M. Jackovich Estate donated a fully engraved walrus tusk; Month Native Hire to work) • 55 gallon drums • Beaver fur • Board with nails to stretch skin Elizabeth (Glandon) Baker and Gwen (Glandon) Selle May 2007 26% • Caribou Fur • Dogmushing gear • Fish net with fl oats • Freezer (doesn’t donated a muskrat parka belonging to their mother Luana Glandon and was made by Mable Panigeo; and June 48% have to work) • Other furs • Woodstove • Fish camp table • Kuspuk/ Orie Williams donated child size snowshoes made by July 25% bets’eghehoolaane • Flowery scarf • Swimsuit, trunks • Basketball • Soccerball • Walter Northway when he was 104 and a beaded jewelry Hockey stick, puck (UAF and Ice Dogs) • Ice Skates • Ice fi shing gear • Curling box. These are only a few of the many donations that August 29% stone, broom • Cross-country ski equipment • Downhill ski equipment • we have received. If you are interested in participating, September 32% please see the Exhibit Wishlist. Opening day for the Snowmachine helmet, avalanche beacon, tow rope • Snowboard • Snowshoes October 34% exhibits is in May 2009! • Theater costume • Quilt • Mini-tripod, Nenana Ice Classic ticket • Coleman TCC Cultural Programs November 32% stove • 6 x 8 wall tent • Tanana Valley State Fair Posters • Tanana Basketball TCC has been working diligently to fi ll their new December 40% space in the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Jersey • Glass Beads • Howard Luke Map • Lifejackets • Used Carhartts • January 2008 35% Center with exciting new cultural programs. TCC, in Hipwaders • Hacksaw partnership with Yukon-Koyukuk School District, has February 37% Tanana Chiefs Conference Native Hire Preference Policy Native person applying for a job who met qualifi ed persons who have a history of By Lisa Jaeger, Tribal Government Specialist, Tribal Development the requirements, would be hired over improper conduct or work history. a non-Native person who exceeded the In addition to these pieces of legislation Since 1824, Congress has included opportunity, unless funding is specifi cally requirements. and cases, Congress includes Native employment preference for American designated for a particular tribe, such as In 1964, The Civil Rights Act was the preference hire in programs of many Indians and Alaska Natives into legislation when a tribe operates a 638 contract to run fi rst major piece of federal legislation in the federal departments that specifi cally governing Indian programs and services. their own programs. In that case, the tribe United States prohibiting discrimination in serve American Indian and Alaska Native The right to give Native preference has been can give a tribal preference in hiring. In private employment on the basis of “race, people. validated by the United States Supreme Alaska, through the Alaska Native Claims color, religion, sex, or national origin.” This Tribal Preference Legislation (TERO) Court, fi nding it to be a sound political Settlement Act, the Native corporations Act explicitly exempted Native preference Tribes may adopt their own Native and issue rather than a racial one. may give a shareholder preference hire. on or near Indian reservations, explicitly tribal preference laws which are usually At fi rst Native preference hire was a weak History of major Federal policy on allowing Native preference where federal called ‘TERO ordinances’. ‘TERO’ stands federal policy, but over time it was not only Native preference hire dollars are spent for the benefi t of Native for Tribal Employment Rights Offi ce, strengthened, but Native preference is now In 1834, Congress incorporated people. In Alaska that would be within or Ordinance. The TEROs have broader required to the greatest extent feasible for employment preferences for Indian people tribes or tribal organizations, and federal powers in the reservations of the Lower the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Indian into legislation governing cases of persons programs that are for the direct benefi t of 48 where basically all employers on the Health Service (IHS), and federal contracts “employed for the benefi t of the Indians” Alaska Native people. reservations (Indian country) are required and grants to Native organizations or for It read: “a preference shall be given to In 1972, Congress passed the Equal to follow them, but TEROs are still critically the benefi t of American Indian and Alaska persons of Indian descent, if such can be Opportunity Act which amended the Civil important to Alaska tribes. Native people. found, who are properly qualifi ed for the Rights Act to extended equal opportunity Even without the Indian country, There are many intentions and purposes execution of the duties.” hiring to employment in the federal Native preference still applies to all federal behind policies of Native hire preferences The language left a lot of room for government. In the same year, Congress agencies, tribal organizations, programs, including, to: excluding Indians from such jobs through required that Indians be given preference and grants where the dollars are designated • facilitate Native self-determination/ “if such can be found,” and, “who are in Government programs for training for the direct benefi t of the Alaska Native self-government; properly qualifi ed for the execution teachers of Indian children. people. • support Native social, economic and of the duties.” The issues surrounding The constitutionality of giving Alaska The TEROs can be made to apply to the political development; qualifi cations for jobs compromised the Native and American Indian people hiring tribe itself for establishing preference rules • further the federal government’s trust effectiveness of enforcing Native preference preferences was challenged in the federal in their own hiring preference policies. This courts. is good for the community to see in writing, obligations toward Indian tribes; and, hire for a long time to come. However, it was a start in a line of future congressional In 1974 the United States Supreme to lessen the appearance of favoritism or • end non-Native paternalism and legislation that led to current strong Native Court upheld the constitutionality of impropriety. reduce the negative effect of having preference hire provisions. Indian preferences in a case called Morton Typically the Alaska tribal TEROs do non-Indians administer matters that Congress again addressed the issue of V. Mancari. The court held that Native several things including: affect Native tribal life. Native preference in 1910 through the Buy preference hire is a political, rather than a • Establish a tribal employment offi ce and Native preference hire applies to BIA Indian Act which is still in effect today. The racial, distinction. duties of a TERO director; and IHS positions, Public Law (PL) 638 Act applies to BIA and IHS, and specifi ed The goal of BIA to hire American Indian • Outline rules for Native and tribal contractors and compactors, federal that “so far as may be practicable, Indian and Alaska Native people is reasonable, preferences for the tribe, and policies programs and grants that are specifi cally labor shall be employed and purchases of and directly related to a legitimate goal of for anyone contracting with the tribe or for the benefi t of Native people, and where the products of Indian industry may be having Native people working in positions conducting business in the village; and, Native preference hire has been included in made in open market at the discretion of that directly or indirectly affect the lives of • Establish enforcement, grievance, and special legislation and agreements. the Secretary of the Interior.” The wide tribal Indians. complaint procedures. At the same time, these organizations ranging interpretation of the language “so In 1975 Congress passed the Indian Self- It is important for Alaska tribes to are also equal opportunity organizations far as may be practicable,” provided a weak Determination and Education Assistance adopt TERO ordinances because they are in hiring decisions when there is more point for enforcement. Act which requires Indian preference good tools to organize the way tribes do than one qualifi ed Native applicant for In 1934, one hundred years after fi rst be given for federal programs that are business, and promote the hiring of Alaska the same job, and also when there are no addressing the issue, Congress passed designed to benefi t Native people to the Native people. TCC has recently developed qualifi ed Native applicants for a particular stronger Native preference hire language maximum extent feasible. This was a a new sample TERO ordinance for use by job and non-Native applicants are being through the Indian Reorganization Act major milestone in allowing tribes and any tribe. For more information, contact considered. (IRA). The IRA clearly established statutory tribal organizations to manage and deliver Lisa Jaeger at [email protected]. In giving Native preference hire, authority to give Native preference within their own services, using Native preference tribes and tribal organizations cannot BIA. An important step in this strong and tribal preference hire. The language discriminate between tribes, in other legislated policy is the interpretation of ‘maximum extent feasible’ gives tribes and words, they must give all American Indian ‘qualifi ed applicant.’ Native hire greatly tribal organizations a bit of fl exibility in and Alaska Native persons the same improved when the policy was that a that they are not forced to hire otherwise April 2008 • The Council • Page 5 Tanana Chiefs Conference

Tanana Chiefs Conference Head Start Head Start representatives Angie Helping children and families Richardson and Doreen David in Juneau build healthier futures By Angie Richardson, Head Start Family Services Coordinator

Head Start is a national program promoting school readiness by providing education, health, developmental and nutrition screenings, opportunities for social development, and other services to children ages 3-5 and their families. Head Start offers parents opportunities to be involved in the program through serving on the Policy Council and parent committee, making decisions about their child’s learning experiences, and volunteering in the classroom. The program provides parents with knowledge of resources and support for growth, helping them to identify their strengths, needs and interests through Family Partnerships; and encouraging community partnerships and advocacy skills through involvement in their child’s Head Start program. Head Start’s commitment to wellness and a comprehensive vision of health for children, families and staff members is ensured by working together with health professionals. Child health and developmental concerns are identifi ed and children and families are linked to The Alaska Head Start Association (AHSA) held a leadership conference in Juneau resources to meet their basic health needs. in February. Doreen David, a Head Start parent and policy council representative from To enroll your child in a Head Start Huslia and Angie Richardson, TCC Head Start Family Services coordinator, attended program you will need: the conference. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet with people from other Head - Child’s Birth Certifi cate Start programs throughout the state of Alaska. The conference, entitled “Head Start, - Child’s Recent Physical Cornerstone of Alaska’s Early Education System,” was a very busy four days of learning, - Child’s Immunization Record networking and advocacy. - Proof of family income The fi rst day of the conference, Governor Sarah Palin invited all of the conference - Health insurance information attendees to a reception at the Governor’s Mansion. Several Head Start parents shared The Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) their personal stories about the impact Head start has had in the lives of their child and administers a federal grant that provides their family. She listened, spoke briefl y about the importance of programs such as Head funding to Head Start programs throughout Start, and then it was time for pictures and refreshments. The annual AHSA conference the region. Communities within the TCC is held each year as a training and advocacy opportunity for Head Start staff and parents. region that are interested in applying to have a Head Start program may contact Racquel Martinez, Child Development Program Director, toll-free at 800-478-6822 Steps to end violence against or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3172. Emily Deacon, Blake Taylor, Jeremiah Head start is more than a pre-school. Hooper and Ivory Lyman. It is a partner to children, families, and Alaska Native women gathering communities helping build a healthier By Janelle Chapin, Program Assistant, STOP Violence future. The STOP Violence Program held its annual gathering February 20-22. It was CONOCOPHILIPS...continued from front page great success. There were a large number of villages represented as well as Fairbanks based agencies. Sattler, Director, toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3343. Several different agencies to help Archeological Surveys present on different topics: The Alaska Crews of 4 to 8 archeologists walk the pipeline study corridor searching for historic Native Women’s Coalition, Fairbanks and prehistoric sites and historic structures. Shovel probes are also conducted if the Regional Public Health, Interior Center ground surface is obscured by vegetation and there is a high-likelihood of buried for Non-Violent Living, Alaska State artifacts. The holes, which are typically 18 inches wide and up to 3 feet deep, are fi lled Trooper, Fairbanks Police Department, after study work is complete. Department of Juvenile Justice, Alaska Wetland Delineation Legal Services, Caresline, as well as Tribal Delineation (mapping) of wetlands found along the study corridor is conducted to Self Governance, and the VPSO program. identify wetland resources and determine if special construction methods are necessary The topics covered included: Historical to protect them. Typically crews of 2 to 4 scientists walk the study corridor to perform Perspective on violence against Alaska Native Women, Sexual Assault Response Teams visual inspections of vegetation and soils. (SART), Role of an Advocate, Teen Dating Violence, Gangs in the Interior, and how State Hydrology Studies Troopers respond to domestic violence in the villages. Crews generally consisting of two people install unobtrusive sub-surface equipment Each day was ended with self care activities, to remind us the take the time to care near stream and river crossings to monitor soil temperatures. The sensors collect data for ourselves. Our goal for this training was to teach people all the resources that are for one year and are then retrieved. Stream data such as discharge measurement and available to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. This was great opportunity for collaboration networking and education about serious issues that affect us all. water quality data will be recorded. We would like to thank all of the staff from the Alaska Native Women’s Coalition for Contaminated Site Surveys all of their assistance through at the planning process as well as at the Gathering. They Field crews visually inspect known contaminated sites to document existing provided great self care actives of bead and aromatherapy each day. conditions and determine what measures would be appropriate for further study. COP For further information or help with someone who is experiencing violence please is not planning on collecting samples during this summer’s program. contact Janelle Chapin toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3132. You may also contact the Alaska Native Women’s Coalition “Our Grandmother House” safe home at (907) 456-2320 or the Interior Center for Non-Living toll-free at 800-478- Tanana Chiefs Conference contracted 7273 or locally at (907) 452-2293. for gas pipeline effort

Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) announced an agreement to assist ConocoPhillips Alaska in gas pipeline fi eld studies, starting immediately. For the past several years, TCC has been willing to work with any and all groups involved in the environmental research for the gas pipeline project and ConocoPhillips is the fi rst group to work with TCC. ConocoPhillips is the sponsor of a gas pipeline project that will bring natural gas from Alaska’s North Slope to the Lower 48 through Canada. Three-quarters of the pipeline proposed by ConocoPhillips in Alaska is within the TCC region. Consequently, TCC and its members are keenly interested in the pipeline project. “Tanana Chiefs Conference is pleased to work collaboratively with ConocoPhillips to advance the natural gas pipeline in Alaska.” said TCC President Jerry Isaac. “We are very pleased to see that ConocoPhillips recognizes the need for early involvement by Alaska Natives to address Native interests and ensure project success.” TCC has committed to work with ConocoPhillips through the 2008-2009 fi eld seasons to gather information necessary for the federal permitting process. For more information, contact Ginger Placeres, Editor, toll-free at 800-478-6682 or Attendees of the STOP Gathering spent some locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3570 or email [email protected]. creative time with beads as they listened to speakers at the Chena River Convention Center. Page 6 • The Council • April 2008 Tanana Chiefs Conference

pipeline. debate about it, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement of Alaska Native Claims On December 18, 1971 most all Alaska Settlement Act did not extinguish the tribal Native aboriginal claims were extinguished status itself, and today there are some by an Act of Congress and signed by 231 federally recognized tribes in Alaska, Alaska Native corporations, President Nixon through the Alaska Native roughly corresponding to the existing Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), the largest Alaska Native villages. land claims settlement in U.S. history. This Even though the tribal governments Tribes, and organizations complex Act created 12 regional profi t- lack a clearly defi ned territory for their By Lisa Jaeger, Tribal Government Specialist, Tribal Governance making corporations and over 200 village authority, Alaska tribes generally have corporations. Some 44 million acres of jurisdiction over their internal affairs and After Columbus landed on the shores services specifi cally to Alaska Native people, land, about 10% of the state, was placed membership based authority. Tribes may of the ‘New World,’ the European nations and Congress included Alaska in the Indian under their ownership and management develop constitutions and codes, deliver of these corporations along with nearly a services to their members and village created a Rule of Discovery among themselves Reorganization Act in the 1930s. However, th concerning the aboriginal inhabitants of there were some contradictory court cases billion dollars. A 13 regional corporation residents, and operate tribal courts under the lands the European nations would on the subject and political opposition to was later established for Alaska Natives this authority. eventually claim. Each nation would have land claims. living outside of Alaska. Currently, a typical Native village in the right to defi ne its relationship with Pressure to settle the issue was increased Land surrounding the villages went to Alaska has a tribal government, a Native the aboriginal people, and to decide if and when the State of Alaska began selection the village corporations with the regional village corporation that owns and manages how aboriginal use and occupancy of land of over a million acres of land for its own corporations owning the sub-surface rights the surface of the land surrounding the would be settled. purposes, and projects were proposed such to those lands. The regional corporations village, and a Native regional profi t-making In the United States, that rule was as the Rampart hydroelectric dam on the received land around the perimeter of the corporation that owns and manages the eventually interpreted to be that only the Yukon River which would have fl ooded village corporation lands plus other large subsurface of that land. There may also be federal government could settle aboriginal over 10,000 square miles, an area the size of tracts of land. Nearly 80,000 people of at a state incorporated city government in the claims, and it did so primarily through Massachusetts. least ¼ Alaska Native blood, living at the village, and the village may or may not be treaties, establishment of reservations, Alaska Natives began fi ling suits, time of the passage of the Act, became located within an organized borough. recognition of tribal government, and and Secretary of Interior Morris Udall shareholders in the corporations. Regional Alaska Native non-profi t provision of human services such as Congress recognized that aboriginal organizations generally deliver services such education and health care. placed an rights to fi shing and hunting were not as health care and services that the Bureau Congress ended the practice of making administrative adequately covered in ANCSA because the of Indian affairs historically delivered. The treaties with Indian tribes just a few years freeze on land territorial area Alaska Native people use to relationships between all of these entities after Alaska was purchased, and there were in 1966. Nearly 80,000 hunt and fi sh exceeded the land deeded to are complex, and there are overlapping The “ them under ANCSA. jurisdictions and responsibilities. concerns about the negative aspects of the people of at least ¼ reservation system in the Lower 48 states, so discovery of In an attempt to address this concern, In spite of the pros and cons of how aboriginal claims were eventually settled in North America’s Alaska Native blood, Congress included hunting and fi shing aboriginal claims were settled in Alaska, a novel and somewhat experimental way. largest oil fi eld living at the time of subsistence priority provisions in the Alaska the settlement works best when all of these National Interest Lands Conservation entities work well together and focus on the Over the course of time in Alaska, there at Prudhoe the passage of the Act, was some debate about whether or not Bay in 1967 Act (1980) for rural residents of the state. best interest of the Alaska Native people. the Alaska Native people had aboriginal became the became shareholders However, lawsuits were fi led and the For more information, contact Lisa claims to lands. The purchase document actual ramrod in the corporations. provision was found to be unconstitutional Jaeger, Specialist, toll-free at 800-478-6822 from Russia (Treaty of Cession 1867) and for settling the under Alaska’s Constitution, resulting in or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3269 or the acts setting up the territorial and state land claims in complex fi sh and game management under email [email protected]. governments all addressed the issue to some order to build both the federal and state governments. degree. The federal government provided the trans-Alaska ” Although there was some litigation and Don’t let the snow fool you. . .it’s time to start seeds indoors!

Digital photos By Diane Claasen, Agriculture seedling roots. Vermiculite, perlite, sand or sets of leaves, with a fertilizer that is 15-30- other sterile material can be used because 15 or any fertilizer that has a 1-2-1 ratio. and the 2008 they can be kept uniformly wet. Wet the Fertilize with a very weak solution, mixing soil until it is like a wrung out sponge. Do the fertilizer with water at about a quarter this before putting the soil mix into the fertilizer to three quarters water. This calendar pots. If you plant the seeds fi rst, then water should be used whenever you water the By Ginger Placeres, Editor the dry soil, the soil fl uffs up and the seeds plants. can come out of the pot or there won’t be Thinning seedlings is very important for In summarizing the 2008 regional enough soil on top of them. To water the their growth. As soon as they are 1-2 inches calendar project, I felt it important to plants after they are germinated, you can tall, use a small pair of scissors and cut off address the common misconceptions One of the ways we can extend the use a spray bottle or water from the bottom the weaker looking ones. Ideally you will be with digital photos so that everyone is growing season here in Interior Alaska is in the tray. left with one or two in each pot with space between them. Each seedling will like about able to successfully submit photos for by starting some seeds indoors. This can be Following Procedure To plant the seeds use a pencil or 2 inches between them and their neighbor. the next calendar. done by spending very little money, or by using state of the art growing equipment. chopstick to make 1-2 holes in each pot. When roots start coming out of the The most important piece of advice You will have good results as long as the Following the seed packet information for bottom of pots or netting on peat pellets, to share about digital photos is that seedlings get the basics: light, water, correct planting depth, plant the seeds and cover it is time to transplant them into larger if you keep your standard camera temperatures, and fertilizer, even with less with the amount of soil required. Make containers, if it is not time for them to settings, which saves your photos at 72 expensive equipment. sure you use a marker with the plant name go outdoors. If you used peat pellets, cut dpi (resolutions), please do not crop or Some seeds to start indoors are fl owers; on it as you will not be able to remember through the netting and remove it. Don’t be too concerned if a small part of the root alter the actual size of the photo. This broccoli, cabbage, caulifl ower, tomatoes, after the plants are up and are moved around. For this you can use a Popsicle gets cut off. Plant them in a 3-4 inch pot. allows any desktop publisher or graphic and herbs, etc. Interior Alaska’s Growing Season stick or a plastic marker. Old mini blinds You can use seed starting mix or potting designer to work with your photo later. The fi rst thing you need to do is to fi gure can be cut up for markers and work well. If soil when you transplant them. Keep You see, “print quality” photos must out when the last frost date is. In the Interior, there is a lid with your tray, put the lid on moving up in pot size if you have to. This be at least 300 dpi. the outdoor planting date for transplants and place the tray someplace warm, like the is when saving all those plastic containers In truth, only the internet supports started indoors is June 1. Then you just top of a refrigerator, unless the seeds need pays off. a low quality photo. They want you to count back the weeks from that date using light to germinate. If this is the case put the Preparing for the Outdoors Hardening off the plants has to be done navigate their sites without memory the information on the seed packet or from tray under grow lights or in a very sunny window. If there is no lid, saran wrap can before they can stay outdoors all day and delays that occur with dial-up or slower a free seed starting list available from the UAF Cooperative Extension Service, which be used to cover the pots, which will keep night. This toughens the plants up, making connection. is also online at www.uaf.edu/ces. This will moisture in long enough for the seeds to them less susceptible to the elements On the other hand, graphic designers tell you when you need to start the seeds germinate. Seeds germinate well when the outdoors. Start by taking them outdoors will not work with low quality photos; indoors. It is better to plant them a week temperature is 68-77 degrees F. Remove for one hour a day. This should be in the there is nothing more frustrating than a too late than a week too early, so don’t any covering as soon as the seeds start to shade. The next day they can be out for 2 fuzzy photo, especially when working in worry if you forget to plant on a certain come up. hours. Every day, extend the time you leave them outside. By the end of a week or so a black and white atmosphere. date. If seeds are planted too early they Accomodations Light is very important for the new leave them out overnight. Protect them What commonly occurs is that may get leggy or root bound before time to plant outdoors. seedlings. About 12-16 hours of light are with a visqueen tent or a row cover over top someone takes their camera to fi sh Materials needed. Inexpensive 4 foot shop lights work of them. Check the weather forecast every camp and will take amazing photos Containers are the next thing to think well, when outfi tted with cool white bulbs. day to make sure it is not going to freeze. of grandchildren doing all sorts of about. Peat pellets are convenient and Lights should be kept 2” above the plants, When you plant seeds outdoors—the fabulous activities. They get the photos inexpensive. They can be placed in any so the lights will need to be raised as the biggest thing to remember is not to plant downloaded to the computer and realize tray type container and after adding plants grow. Seedlings can also be put into a too close! For some things, more is better, but not for seeds! If you plant the seeds too the photo is more than 12-31 inches water to them they expand to the right sunny window, as long as it does not get too warm. Once the seedlings are germinated, close, they will compete with each other wide. They believe that by reducing size for planting seeds. You can also use egg cartons, small foam meat trays, small they like a cool growing temperature of and will not grow as big. the size, they still have a great pose or yogurt containers, etc. Six packs with seed 50-60 degrees F. This also helps when it is That’s it! You now have a great start shot to print or submit. Sadly, when the starting soil in them and in trays or peat time for the seedlings to be hardened off on the growing season and you did it photo is kept at the 72 dpi and the photo pots will also work well. Save larger plastic before planting outside. Fans can be used yourself! is reduced in size to a 4x3 inch photo, it containers to repot plants when they during the day time to keep plants cool and Contact Heidi Rader toll-free at 800-478- makes it unusable for print. outgrow their smaller containers. also gives the plants some exercise so they 6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3477 Soil is not needed to start the seedlings have stronger stems. If your plants are in a or [email protected] for more information. ....continued on next page if peat pots are used. Potting soil should window for light, make sure you turn them not be used because it forms a crust that every day so they will grow straight. water runs off of and so does not get to the Fertilize the plants when they have two April 2008 • The Council • Page 7 Tanana Chiefs Conference

Human Resources welcomes Community Offi ce new staff, promotion Revitalization Project (CORP) By Julie Salvitti, Internal Auditor, Accounting The Human Resources (HR) Department would like to welcome Ivan Kious to the department and to announce the promotion of Terri Belle Smoke. Community Offi ce Revitalization Terri Belle Smoke is our new HR Project (CORP) is an acronym that has Generalist. Prior to her new duties as been buzzing through the Interior lately. It “TCC is taking steps to HR Generalist, Terri was the Program has been getting some people pretty excited obtain funding for tribes Assistant for fi ve months. while leaving others feeling a bit confused, Terri is originally from Tanacross and asking what is it and how does it relate the and villages that do not lives in Fairbanks with her husband of 10 funds Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) has years, Charles Smoke. Terri and Charles acquired for the renovations of the Chief have to be paid back.” both attend college at the University of Peter John (CPJ) building? Alaska while working full-time. Terri was First, let’s address the renovations of raised in Tanacross by her grandmother, CPJ. This is a loan that TCC received in the late Agnes Abraham of Mansfi eld/ conjunction with the refi nancing of the has hired the consultant and pays his fees. Ketchumstock. Terri values her family, tradition, culture, education, and she building. This money has to be repaid by This cost is not passed on to the village. loves helping her people. Terri and TCC out of our operating funds. The big Currently, our consultant is working Charles are expecting their fi rst baby in question seems to be, “Why did TCC not with roughly 20 villages helping them September. borrow money for villages to renovate their prepare the necessary business plans and Terri started her career at Tanana offi ces?” The answer is simple; TCC is taking other paperwork to obtain funding. He Chiefs Conference (TCC) as a Summer steps to obtain funding for tribes and is also working with legislature to secure Youth employee working in several villages that do not have to be paid back. matching funds from the state. departments. After completing high school, she participated in on-the-job training Jerry Isaac, President and CEO, This process may take some time, but for the Employment and Training Department and later came back to work for them. recognized the need to revitalize village with a little patience and teamwork could Terri remained with there from 2002 until her transfer to HR. Terri has always had offi ces within the TCC region. Rather than greatly benefi t the villages of the Interior. an interest in human resources. She is majoring in Business Management with an emphasis in HR management and marketing. She plans on continuing her education use the strength of TCC to borrow money, Should grants funds fall short to cover the after graduation. Terri said she is glad to be on board with the Human Resources obligating villages to repay loans they may costs, then villages can look into borrowing Department. You can contact Terri toll-free at 800-478-6682 or locally at (907) 452- not be able to afford, we are attempting to funds to supplement. That is a question 8251 ext. 3335 or email [email protected]. obtain Indian Community Development for down the road. In the meantime, we Block Grants (ICDBG). will keep progressing, aiming to pay for Ivan D. Kious is our new HR Specialist. The ultimate goal is for villages to end all revitalization efforts through grant This position is an upgraded position of up with modern facilities, whether it is funding. the Program Assistant vacated by Terri. through renovation of an old building or The Senate passed a Capital budget Throughout his youth, Ivan was raised construction of a new one, without owing which includes over a $500,000 in funds for in Barrow and Fairbanks. Ivan, 28, is ¼ Inupiaq Eskimo. His grandmother is Carol any extra money on them. Taking out a 5 villages under the CORP program. Most Kious, also from Barrow. Ivan has worked loan is the last resort, not the fi rst one. of these funds will be used to match ICDBG for TCC since April 2004. He began as a So, what’s the plan? A couple of months and Rasmuson monies. It’s not too late to laborer with Old Minto Family Recovery ago TCC mailed out “Needs Assessment come on board this project. Camp (OMFRC) and later moved into Surveys” to all of the villages to determine TCC’s plan is proving to be successful! It a position as a counselor. After working which villages wanted to participate and is not too late. Villages can still complete there for a couple of years, Ivan earned a assess exactly what their needs were. the survey and jump on board this effort. degree in Rural Human Services (RHS) As TCC receives these surveys we hand If you have any questions please feel free to from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. them off to an independent consultant. The contact Julie Salvitti at (907) 687-4760 or He later transferred to Family Services as consultant then contacts the village and email [email protected] an Intensive Case Manager with the ASAP begins working directly with them. TCC program. After a year, Ivan moved to HR, where he is looking forward to better serving the community and our villages. Ivan can be reached toll-free at 800-478-6682 DIGITAL PHOTOS....continued from last page or locally at(907) 452-8251 ext. 3155 or email [email protected]. Why? It’s like the difference between low thread count bed sheets and high thread Please join HR in welcoming Ivan into the department and congratulating Terri count; the spaces between threads is the same as the pixels your camera records. There on her promotion. are more threads in high count sheets and thus they are softer; there are more pixels in digital photos when your camera settings are high, ensuring the best representation of the subject you photographed. Tanana Chiefs Conference Graphic designers can use Photoshop™ to increase the dpi to 300, but it shrinks the overall photo. Therefore, if you submit a 4x3 photo that is 72 dpi and I try to increase Job Listings the quality, I am shrinking your photo to about one inch in diameter. There is nothing sadder than seeing terrifi c photos go unused in a regional calendar, especially when most Current job vacancies for Fairbanks are listed below, all are “open until fi lled” and thorough descriptions are available at www.tananachiefs.org or by calling Ivan Kious at communities do not submit photos and I am left trying to locate photos of that area. the numbers listed above. The best security is to keep your original photos untouched somewhere on your computer, or on a disk. Alter a ‘copied’ set of photos if you need to do so. Finally, the last (Physician’s Assistant) Coordinator Intensive Case Manager option is to adjust your camera settings to take only high quality photos. Instructor Mid-level practitioner Itinerant Behavioral Health Aide IV There were three people involved in the calendar: Erika Swanson of Doyon helped in Camp Counselor- Old Minto Family Medical Provider planning, coordination of funds, etc.; AT Publishing designed and chose which photos Recovery Camp Mid-level Practitioner (Physician’s would work, they also printed the fi nal product; and I, managed the project and provided Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center Assistant or Advanced Nurse some of the photos where communities were not represented (all submissions are Director Practitioner) voluntary). Clinical Registered Nurse Mid-level Practitioner (Physician’s There were setbacks that were unavoidable and oftentimes frustrating, but overall the Clinical Support Staff/Medical Assistant Assistant or Advanced Nurse calendar was the best I’ve seen. We chose not to add captions because there were hundreds Community Health Practitioner/ Practitioner), on call of photos, little space, and we did not want to omit some for lack of knowledge. Therefore, Instructor Patient Hostel Residential Support Staff, we preferred that you would have the calendar in January, rather than months later if we Continuing Care Counselor/Case Manager temporary, on call put all the captions in place. Dental Assistant Paul Williams House Residential Care Please consider taking seasonal photos of your community, its people, and activities Dental Assistant, on call Coordinator, full time, on call Dental Assistant Supervisor Pharmacist that would positively demonstrate our Development Disabilities Care Remote Maintenance Worker (I, II, III) Please consider taking cultural pride and lands. When doing so, remember that your digital camera settings Coordinator Registered Nurse Case Manager seasonal photos of your Eye Clinic Optometrist/ Deputy Director Traditional Counselor are the only obstacle in submissions. For Eye Clinic community, its people, more on this topic or any other, contact me Family Clinician and activities that would anytime toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally Information Systems Support Specialist at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3570. Hint: Store two II (2 positions) positively demonstrate our or more sets of your photos on disks, possibly cultural pride and lands. at another location to avoid catastrophe. Page 8 • The Council • April 2008 2008 convention highlights

Top left: Edna Riley, Cindy Schumaker, Janet Woods, and daughter. Top right: Darrell Frank, special recognition for Harding Lake Recovery. Lower left: Connie Adams and granddaughter Shainelle. Middle: Rachel Titus and son Jacob. Right: Elizabeth Webb with Asasha Martin.

Left: First Traditional Chief Don Honea and others. Right: Jody Moses and a friend laugh at jokes made at the podium by Keynote Speaker Senator Al Kookesh.

Brianna Rhonda Holy Cross students attend Demientieff Peters Convention By Debbie Turner, Tribal Member, Holy Cross After three months of fundraising, both included: Martha Sommer and Joey Turner locally and regionally, fi ve students from and family, the Holy Cross School traveled to Fairbanks MaryAnn Peters, Lila John and John for the Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) Anthony Sr., Margaret St. John, Brenda Convention and Doyon, Limited Annual Sims, Mary Sims, Angela Demientieff, Meeting. Rhonda, Bambi and Margie Peters, Jeff Bader, Bergie Demientieff, Gail and Andrew and Brianna Demientieff each Turner, Connie and Davida Walker, Glenn participated in the fundraising to attend Edwards, Jeff and Patricia Demientieff and the annual meetings. The students were family, Glenn Edwards, Laurie Vintika, and accompanied by Jeff Bader, principal, and Chasity Demientieff and Edwin Turner. Debbie Turner, chaperone. If we accidently left anyone out we offer Margie The students would like to thank the our sincere apologies – your support was Bambi following businesses and individuals who valuable and we don’t mean to leave anyone Peters Peters made valuable fi nancial contributions to the out. In addition to the students, volunteers school trip: Mary Sims, Angela Demientieff, included Phillip Demientieff Sr., Christene Frank and Mary Jo Turner, Connie and Elswick, and Mary Sims. We also appreciate David Walker, Martha Sommer and Joe the support of the City Administrator, Turner Sr. of DJ’s Stop and Shop, Sharon Connie Walker, and the Iditarod Area Whitley of Sharon’s, Patricia and Jeffrey School District. Thank you to each of the Demientieff Sr. of Patricia’s. In addition, individuals listed and all of the people who Frontier Flying Service, The City of Holy took chances on our raffl es. Cross, TCC, Doyon, Limited and Interior The students enjoyed the trip and were Regional Housing Authority provided exposed to long days of tribal government valuable support. Other important business and elections at both the TCC contributions were received by Hageland, Convention and the Doyon, Limited AVEC, Yukon River Drainage Fisheries annual meeting. For the majority of the Association, Holy Cross Oil Company students this was their fi rst attendance at and Bush Tell, Incorporated. The students these very important events. The students support his efforts in securing the support Peters also spoke up during open mic at valued the fi nancial contributions but most were exposed to a large volume of concerns of the convention delegates to lobby and the Annual Meeting and thanked Doyon, of all appreciated the support and kindness that directly impacts their community and seek additional funding for all of the schools Limited for their support. extended to them for this trip. Thank you other villages in the region. The students in the villages. As a result a resolution was In conclusion this was an experience to each of the persons, businesses, and were also introduced to business meeting passed by the delegates to provide this vital that will be treasured by these students and agencies who extended their support. procedures. request for the village schools. we really appreciate the support that was In addition to the local individuals and The students joined Mr. Rudy Hamilton, The students also enjoyed serving the provided to them. Thank you. businesses numerous people contributed Iditarod Area School District, Chairman, at Elder’s Lunch at the Doyon, Limited Annual to the bake sales and raffl es. Individuals the podium during the TCC Convention to Meeting. Brianna Demientieff and Bambi April 2008 • The Council • Page 9 2008 convention highlights

Congratulations and all the best to our re-elected and returning President, Jerry Isaac of Tanacross. His family joined him (live and via cell) after 7 pm on the last day of convention as a full house awaited results of the election between Isaac, Shirley Lee, and Shirley Holmberg.

Fort Yukon elder Hannah Solomon, over 99 years old, addressed the audience while daughter Daisy Stevens assisted her.

Youth delegates, staff, and chaperones Jesse Darling and Betty Inglis pause before a resolutions meeting during the second day of the 2008 Convention.

Virginia Sweetsir, one of two 2008 Employees TCC Employees of the Year of the Year at Tanana Chiefs Conference, is our Patient Advocate at Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center. She oversees patient concerns Thank you, CHAP staff! when customer dissatisfaction occurs. Virginia makes a great effort to get the patients involved In acceptance for my Employee of the Year Award, I would like to graciously thank in taking responsibility for their own health the Tanana Chiefs Conference Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) staff and as a health consumer and seeing their role in the Koyukuk Tribal Council for their continued support. They both gave me a lot of the delivery system. She assists clients on a encouragement and advice when I decided to continue my education. In addition, daily basis that are often angry, frustrated and the CHAP staff has supported me through diffi cult times. Community Health Aides disappointed and does so in a professional often encounter diffi cult situations and criticism and because of confi dentiality they manner. Virginia is able to maintain her sometimes have no colleagues in the village who they can discuss the situation with. objectivity and seek remedies and solutions CHAP is always there with encouragement and support! Without them I don’t know acceptable to all. who I could turn to. Thank you! Her former supervisor, Martha Schrock, I would also like to thank TCC for providing me with years of valuable training said of her, “Virginia is truly an advocate for since I began my employment in 1993. I originally was the Head Start Home Educator patients and yet will be very straight forward and every fall all the educators and some Head Start parents from the TCC region met and candid with patients if she feels they are aware of the policies and procedures, yet are not taking responsibility. She is exceptionally informed in her fi eld of expertise and is a in Fairbanks for a fun week of training and sharing. I still miss those days. The skills valued member of the QM and Health Service Team.” provided at these trainings have proven invaluable in my position as a health aide. The Virginia began her career with Tanana Chiefs Conference in 1980 when she worked for session trainings provided by the Community Health Aide Program are excellent and Administration. She remained there until 1992, and has been handling patient concerns I encourage anyone to apply for the health aide positions open in your village. The since. fulfi llment of knowing you were able to help someone and the skills you acquire far Her family comes from Beaver, Alaska which is on the Yukon River in the Yukon Flats outweigh the negative. It’s the best on the job medical training you can ever get! region. Virginia is one of many strong Athabascan women who have raised children in the Interior, she and her sisters have civic-minded, productive children who are raising their With thanks, Cecelia Grant, Koyukuk Community Health Aide own with the self-respect their mothers and grandmothers have instilled in them. Virginia graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and has three grown children and four grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and loves to travel.

This award recognizes the efforts She loved working with children, teaching of village leaders in sobriety and the Babes Curriculum and “Here’s Looking healing, that was the cornerstone at You 2000.” Patti held Adult Children of Patti’s life. Patti encouraged of Alcoholics parenting classes, Healing people to make positive decisions the Healer, co-dependency and grief by honoring those commitments to workshops for the community, Native be clean and sober. American spirituality, men’s wellness About Patti L. Hyslop workshops, and Adult Survivors of Her decision in 1988 to seek Childhood Sexual Abuse workshops. inpatient treatment for alcohol Patti continued to speak out about addiction was a strong statement alcohol and her experiences. She was for sobriety and healing in the a presenter at the Rural Provider’s community. Conference and the Indian Health Service/ Patti’s approach to alcohol and Bureau of Indian Affairs Indian Child drug abuse prevention was to focus Welfare Act conference. Patti won the on the healing of the whole person. statewide “Barbara Bailey Award” in 1994 She worked toward empowerment in recognition of her leadership. of the tribe. Patti worked with Patti’s friendship and encouragement Andy and Phyllis Chelsea of Alkali Lake continues on with all of us who choose to Patty L. Hyslop Award through personal growth training in stay clean and sober. Tanana. Patti’s courage and determination 2008 Award recipient Gerald Albert, She also planned New Year’s Eve continues with this award every year. recently featured in the Fairbanks Daily sobriety activities and a potlatch. Patti sent The 2008 award goes to Gerald M. News-Miner. Above: Faith Peters and cards recognizing “sobriety birthdays” and Albert of Northway Alaska. if you were sober one day, you would get ~Faith Peters, Tanana the family of the late Patti L. Hyslop. encouragement from Patti. Page 10 • The Council • April 2008 Health Services

Life-saving information Offi ce of Environmental Health about tobacco Handwashing is a hit! By Karlene Borja, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Tobacco Cessation

Do I have to change my entire life to learn to cope without tobacco? Absolutely not! Coping is not about isolating yourself from the world, changing your entire life, or joining a convent! Rather, successful coping is simply about two things: 1) breaking the routines you associate tobacco with, and, 2) changing the way you think about tobacco. For example, if you use tobacco after a meal, get up from the table and take a short walk or brush your teeth instead of sitting there, thinking about tobacco. If you think it’s a way of coping with stress, try deep breathing exercises, take a hot bath, or call a friend. Does taking medication make you want to quit tobacco completely? Tobacco cessation medications are meant to help you quit, not make you quit. The key to any cessation program is that you have the desire to quit for yourself! The medications are there to help make the quitting process easier. They will reduce the physical cravings so you can concentrate on the physiological aspects to the addiction, such as changing your routine and overcoming the habit. Quitting tobacco is one of the hardest challenges to overcome, but it is not impossible—don’t give up! Does tobacco contain harmful chemicals? Yes! Tobacco contains chemicals that are harmful to both smokers and nonsmokers. Tobacco is know to have over 4,000 chemicals—50 are know to cause cancer in humans, at least fi ve are known to be radioactive. Some chemicals include: • Arsenic (a heavy metal toxin) • Benzene ( found in gasoline) • Beryllium (a toxic metal) Offi ce of Environmental Health staff member Erin Harman shows two siblings the • Cadmium (a metal used in batteries) benefi ts of effective hand-washing through demonstration with Glo-Germ® lotion. • Chromium (a metallic element) • Ethylene oxide (a chemical used to sterilize medical devices) Tanana Chiefs Conference Offi ce of 8251 ext. 3435. The Glo-Germ® activity • Nickel (a metallic element) Environmental Health (OEH) was a partnered the hand-washing sink by • Polonium-210 (a chemical element that gives off radiation) proud participant of the 2008 Annual demonstrating the effectiveness of proper Convention Bazaar. Staff prepared a booth • Vinyl chloride (a toxic substance used in plastics manufacture) hand washing. Glo-Germ® lotion, when among the traditional arts and crafts on rubbed on the hands, simulates real germs. Should someone already diagnosed with cancer bother to quit using tobacco? display in Chief David Salmon Tribal With the aide of ultra violet light germs that Yes! There are many reasons that people diagnosed with cancer should quit using Hall Wednesday, March 12th. The display were not removed during hand washing tobacco. For those having surgery or other treatments, quitting tobacco helps improve consisted of a hand-washing sink designed become illuminated. This seemed to be a the body’s ability to heal and respond to the cancer treatment, and it lowers the risk by Environmental Engineer Trevor White big hit with the youth. of pneumonia and respiratory failure. Also, quitting tobacco may lower the risk of the partnered with a Glo-Germ® interactive, Additional information concerning cancer returning or a second cancer forming. educational demonstration. Additional services provided by the program How can I help someone I know quit their tobacco use? information about services provided by the was available for review. Scattered It’s important for you to be supportive of someone who is quitting tobacco! Here are program was available for review as well. sites applications, solid waste training some things you can do to help: The hand-washing sink was specifi cally applications, MRSA awareness/treatment -Ask the tobacco user for ways you can provide support; designed to target homes in villages with fl iers, and carbon monoxide awareness electricity but lack of running water. The -Let them know that you are there if they need to talk and ‘vent’ about quitting; fl iers were just a few of the informative sink provides hot running water for dish pamphlets distributed. Information on any -Be encouraging and express your faith that the tobacco user can quit for good; or, washing and hand washing at a reasonable of these topics is available by contacting the -Suggest a specifi c action, such as calling the Alaska Tobacco Quit Line, for help in price. Improving hygienic practices in Offi ce of Environmental Health. If you, or quitting. remote areas has been proven to reduce anyone you know, is interested in any of Here are two things you should not do: illness and promote good public health. the services or educational opportunities -Don’t make their attempt the center of conversation every time you see them, try to If you are interested or would like more provided by the program feel free to distract them by talking about other things; and, information call Trevor White toll-free call toll-free 800-478-6822 or locally at -Don’t criticize, nag, or remind him/her of their past failures. at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452- (907) 452-8251 ext. 3431. What are Nicotine Replacement Products? Nicotine is the substance in tobacco that causes addiction. Nicotine replacement products deliver small, measured doses of nicotine into the body, which helps to relieve the cravings and withdrawal symptoms often felt by people trying to quit their tobacco Health Services Facilities use. Strong and consistent evidence shows that nicotine replacement products can help people quit their tobacco use. It’s far less harmful for a person to get nicotine from a Master Planning underway nicotine replacement product than from tobacco because tobacco contains many toxic By Sherri Hadley, Director, Offi ce of Environmental Health and cancer-causing substances. Long-term use of nicotine replacement products is not known to be associated with any serious harmful effects. All nicotine replacement This is a very exciting time for Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) Health Services! To meet products, which are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration its goal of providing the best possible health care, Health Services is in the thick of a health (FDA) and available in the following fi ve forms and appear to be equally effective: facilities master planning process. A preliminary report on the master planning effort was Nicotine Gum, Lozenge, Patch, Nasal Spray, and Inhaler. presented by Health Director, Victor Joseph, during the recent TCC Convention. What if a person returns to tobacco use again after quitting? In 2007, Health Services received funding to complete a Facilities Master Plan. To Many tobacco users fi nd it diffi cult to quit. People commonly quit tobacco and then complete this plan, Health Services contracted with Hammes Company that specializes in fi nd themselves using again, especially in the fi rst few weeks or months after quitting. medical facility planning, service feasibility and has worked extensively within the Native People who use tobacco after quitting should stop immediately! Most people fi nd that health care system. they need to persist in their attempts to quit tobacco use before they quit for good. It The goal of this plan is to look at how Health Services can best provide health care to may take four or more attempts before tobacco users are able to quit for good. People TCC benefi ciaries in the short term and well into the future (through 2025). In order to be who quit tobacco for three months or longer have an excellent chance of remaining able to “look” into the future, Hammes Company is analyzing all types of historical data tobacco-free for good. from TCC and using that data, along with health industry trends to make projections for For more information on our program, contact Karlene Borja toll-free at 800-478- the future. Future projections will also take into account how the benefi ciary population size is likely to change over time and where this population can best be served. 6682 or locally at (907) 451-6682 ext. 3779. You can also email her at karlene.borja@ There is a desired range of services that were identifi ed by benefi ciaries and Health tananachiefs.org. Services providers and are being investigated in this plan. Some examples of these services include: primary care, urgent care, emergency services, a birthing center, audiology and other specialty services. The master plan will recommend what services are possible to provide from the list of desired services based on need, projected funding, and reimbursement rates for services. It is likely that TCC will not be able to provide all desired services because of the ever-increasing cost of health care. However, this plan will provide TCC a clear direction on how to maximize its ability to provide excellent health care. April 2008 • The Council • Page 11 News for our People

Flood insurance for your community By Micheline Patterson, Insurance Manager, Fairbanks

Coverage is available for residential, commercial buildings and renters’ personal items. There is coverage available up to $250,000 for single-family, multi-family and other residential buildings and up to $100,000 for contents coverage. Non-residential buildings, including small businesses can acquire coverage up to $500,000 for the building and $500,000 for contents. Only fl ood insurance protects your most important fi nancial asset, your home and your personal property, from fl oods. Types of Flood Insurance “Lender Placed” is when the lender determines the home is not adequately covered and therefore places coverage to meet the loan requirements. It could cost you three to four times more for a lender placed policy, than if acquired on your own with the help of an insurance agent. Lender placed coverage only protects the Lender’s interest, not necessarily your interests. Flood Insurance purchased in connection to a mortgage does not have a 30-day waiting period. Lenders will notify borrowers if Flood Insurance is required as a condition of the mortgage loan (National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994). Flood Insurance is mandatory if the lender is federally regulated and your home is located in a Special Hazard Area. Flood zones in the Fairbanks North Star Borough Is your home in a Special Hazard Area? This is an area with the highest risk of fl ooding. Flood Insurance Rate Maps show high risk areas as Zones A, AE or V. Nearly 25% of all Flood claims come from medium or low-risk fl ood areas, Zones B, C and X. Anyone can purchase Flood Insurance with out being in a Special Hazard Area. If you have Flood Insurance and are selling your home, you can assign your current Flood Insurance policy to the new owners at the time of closing. A Flood Elevation Certifi cate is necessary before fl ood premiums can be determined. The certifi cate is to be completed by a Licensed Land Surveyor, or Professional Engineer who is authorized by law to certify elevation information. Flood Elevation Certifi cates cost between $200and $1,000 to complete. The Fairbanks North Star Borough requires a fl oodplain permit before building. This permit is issued by the community offi ce and requires property owners to build above the base fl ood elevation. Completed Flood Elevation certifi cates should be kept on fi le with the community offi ce as required by NFIP regulation 44 CFR 60.3b1, FEMA 480 Publication and the local fl ood reduction ordinance for the community. New Construction On new construction, it’s easy to check with the Department of Community Planning to determine your fl ood zone. If your building site is located in a Special Hazard Area, it would be wise to have a land surveyor, engineer, or architect come out and set a temporary benchmark before construction begins. This will allow the builder to refer to the benchmark and build above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) and will help you determine how much fi ll material is needed to raise your home above the BFE, resulting in lower Flood Insurance costs. Since building your home above the BFE allows for lower Flood Insurance premiums; building below the BFE will have higher premiums. Lower Flood Insurance premiums are available to property owners that build above Eligible taxpayers must fi le the BFE and do not have a basement or crawlspace. Building a home that has a basement or crawlspace requires fl ood openings in the foundation. These are openings on all sides 2007 tax return to receive rebate of the basement or crawlspace walls and allow the fl ood waters to fl ow freely through the Compiled by Kris Ashley, Senior Tax Consultant, Internal Revenue Service, Anchorage space without building up hydrostatic pressure. How to get Flood Insurance Even if you normally don’t need to fi le Payment” at the top of the 1040A or 1040. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is the main source for Flood Insurance a tax return, you may want to fi le a 2007 All taxpayers who qualify for a payment in the United States. Flood Insurance is available through about 90 insurance companies return in order to receive the economic will receive an additional $300 for each in more than 20,300 participating communities nationwide to renters, business owners stimulus payment. Most eligible taxpayers child who qualifi es for the child tax credit. and homeowners. The Fairbanks North Star Borough is a participating community of won’t need to take any special actions to For taxpayers with a tax liability, or at the NFIP. Applying for Flood Insurance is easy; your agent will require a Flood Elevation receive a payment, just fi le their tax return least $3,000 of qualifying income, the IRS Certifi cate, which will have the necessary information to rate the policy. The premium as usual. However, for low-income workers emphasizes they must fi le a 2007 return charged for an accurately rated NFIP policy will be the same, regardless of whom you and people receiving Social Security or in order to receive a payment. In addition, purchase the policy through. For more information on rates, premiums or maps contact certain VA benefi ts, who may not be taxpayers must have a valid Social Security your local Independent Insurance agent. required to fi le a tax form, there are some Number, and may not be another person’s All information provided in this article was obtained from the following websites special instructions to insure the payment dependent. Payments to higher income www.fema.gov or www.fl oodsmart.gov. For more is received. If some of the income is from taxpayers will be reduced by fi ve percent of information call Taunnie Boothby with The State earned income, that taxpayer may also the amount of adjusted gross income above of Alaska Division of Community and Regional qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit. $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for Affairs at (907) 269-4583 or taunnie.boothby@ In most cases, the payment will equal the those fi ling jointly. alaska.gov. amount of tax liability on the tax return, Stimulus payments will be direct Micheline Patterson is the Personal Lines with a minimum payment of $300 ($600 deposited for taxpayers selecting that Manager at Ken Murray Insurance, an established for married taxpayers who fi le a joint option when fi ling their 2007 tax returns, Insurance agency since 1939. She has six years return) and a maximum payment of $600 as long as a refund anticipation loan was experience in personal insurance in Alaska. for individuals ($1,200 for married fi ling not requested. For more information on Micheline is a working mother of three little joint.) the Economic Stimulus payments, visit Insurance risks, ages 2, 4, and almost 6, and wife If the person has no tax liability, then www.irs.gov. to a wonderful husband, Kama. When she is not they may receive a minimum payment Examples working you can fi nd her in her yard attending to ($300 single or $600 for MFJ) as long as Single: Taxpayer had wages, Native her Giant Cabbage! To contact Micheline email her the person has at least $3,000 of qualifying Corporation dividends and Permanent at [email protected] or (907) 456-6646. income. “Qualifying income” includes only Fund Dividend totaling $20,000. No Social Security benefi ts reported on Form children. He has $195 in tax liability. He will 1099-SSA, certain Railroad Retirement receive a $300 economic stimulus payment benefi ts, certain veterans’ benefi ts and and an additional payment of $600 for the earned income, such as income from two qualifying children for a total of $900. wages, salaries, tips and self-employment. Single: Taxpayer had income equal to “Qualifying income” for taxpayers with no $8,000 from Native Corp. Dividends and tax liability does not include items like the Permanent Fund Dividend but no wages, Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend, Native Social Security or VA benefi ts. She has one th Corporation Dividends, SSI payments, or child. Her tax liability is $0. She will not 47 Annual World Eskimo Indian Olympics most pension or investment income. receive an economic stimulus payment. Recipients of Social Security, certain Married Filing Joint: Taxpayers have two July 16–19, 2008 Railroad Retirement and certain veterans’ children, no wages, veterans’ payments of benefi ts should report their 2007 benefi ts $2,000, social security benefi ts of $2,000, Wednesday through Saturday at the Carlson Center on Line 14a of Form 1040A or Line 20a of and $8,000 from Native Corporation and For more information, contact the WEIO Offi ce in Fairbanks at (907) 452-6646. To Form 1040. Taxpayers who already have Permanent Fund Dividends. Their tax contact via fax, dial (907) 456-2422. You may also contact Perry via cell phone at fi led but failed to report these benefi ts liability is $0. They will receive a $600 (907) 590-1215 or Luke via cell at (907) 978-8084. Email: [email protected] or visit their can fi le an amended return by using Form economic stimulus payment and an website at www.weio.org to download registration forms! Enjoy the 2008 traditional 1040X. In addition, taxpayers in these additional payment of $600 for the two games, dancing, arts and crafts! The World Eskimo Indian Eskimo Olympics is proud groups should write the words “Stimulus qualifying children for a total of $1,200. to host a drug- and alcohol-free event! Continued on next page... Page 12 • The Council • April 2008 News for our people

Northway People & Traditions McCotter makes it easier for By Polly Hyslop, Northway Resident/Descendant low-income to get cell phones We are called the highway Indians and you can fi nd our village if you drive through Tok Fairbanks resident towards Canada. About 55 miles later, a sign on the highway points towards Northway. I Annette McCotter never qualify as a highway Indian because I know every curve and bump on the Alaska Highway dreamed she’d be on the leading towards my village. In other defi nitions, we are called the Upper Tanana Indians because where we live is called the Upper Tanana region of Alaska. cutting edge of wireless A drive to our village requires several stops because of the absolute beauty of the region. communications just after We are surrounded by mountains, hills, rivers, lakes, and a wide open expressive sky. There delivering a new baby is no getting around it even with eyes closed. We have Native names for all our places not even two months because this is our ancestral grounds. The traditional trails still that connect us to our ago. Now she’s out in past. the community helping Northway area is a people take advantage wetland for migratory birds. In the spring, we hear of the Lifeline Cellular the return of waterfowl to Program. our waters to nest and our Annette grew up in village area becomes home Fairbanks and her family to swans, ducks, and geese. is from Tanana, her In addition, the muskrats parents are Trapper and become tasty in the spring. Harriet McCotter. She has a sister, Audrey income based service, they will qualify I often boast of being from Jones, and one brother Lee, who will be to get the phone for $1 a month. No up the coldest place in Alaska as our temperatures dip pretty married this summer. She also has one front payment, credit check or deposit is low at times. niece and two nephews. Annette’s children required. When I was born, the are Nicole, Shay, Shannon, Stuart, Stallon, “People can call all around the state Alaska Highway was 15- Nathan, and Kierra. of Alaska with the phone and even get Northway elder Oscar Albert with his daughters. years-old. It was built during When not working, Annette enjoys Nationwide Text Messaging if they want,” World War II. This event going to church, spending time with family, says McCotter. “We even give them a nice drastically changed the life of the Upper Tanana Native people who traveled by dogsled, children, helping people, traveling, and phone at no charge to get them started.” waterways and trails. I have read many accounts of this, but there are many more stories boating. You can usually see her at local Annette says HF Wireless goes above that should be shared from the Native perspective. Before the road was built, the Northway people were semi-settled already in a village boating events with her extended family. and beyond to provide a special service to called Nabesna that was located across the river from present day Northway. A big fl ood As for her new business, she said “I her clients. “We will go to people’s homes in the late 1930’s forced the people to move. They still had camps located elsewhere for heard about this offer from a friend, Kurt to set them up with phone service. It hunting and fi shing, but the school kept them settled in one place. Tanner, who sells cellular service for High doesn’t matter if it’s 9 pm or 11 am on a My mother was one of the fi rst generation to go to school and she went to third grade. Frequency Wireless in Anchorage. He Sunday. We’re there to help.” She went on Her second language was English. Her mother spoke our language fl uently. My fi rst showed me how I could get a cell phone to say it’s like delivering presents Christmas language was English. What happened was that I could never understand the stories my for $1 a month so I looked into it,” says presents. grandmother used to share because I did not know my language. Over the years, I have McCotter. I found out that being on WIC “They give me hugs because they are so taken classes and know a little how to read and write my language and I try to speak to the elders. So, I am struggling to learn my language, like my mother struggled to learn qualifi ed me to get a free cell phone; 1,200 happy to get this cell phone for $1 a month. to speak English. The difference is that I don’t hear my language spoken as often, so it is minutes every month; and free nights and I really feel like Santa Claus bringing gifts.” diffi cult for me to remember what I learned. weekends. I was so excited to get my new Information on Lifeline What I love most about my village is my language. I am fortunate to have many people phone!” The Lifeline and Link-Up Programs who still speak fl uently. I don’t want to accept that we will not be able to speak to one When Annette started telling her friends are available to qualifying consumers in another in our language in generations to come. There is a healing deep within that about the special government subsidized every state, territory, and commonwealth. happens when I speak to an elder in our own words. Their eyes light up and they smile. phone service called Lifeline, they all wanted Eligibility criteria vary by state. States And there is a spiritual way of looking at our world that we learn when speaking the words to get in on the offer. She approached the that have their own Lifeline program may of our ancestors. There is a strong connection to the animals and land that exists in the language. owner of High Frequency (HF) Wireless have their own criteria. For states that rely Many of our traditional songs were made by Stephen Northway, the brother of the late in Anchorage and inquired about being an solely on the federal Lifeline and Link-Up Chief Walter Northway. We still observe and know our clan people. Our elders are always agent for Fairbanks marketing the phones. program eligibility criteria, subscribers teaching us to learn about our clans there. It is very important to them. Today, she is the Fairbanks lead Agent of must either have an income that is at Our people used to have their own way of governing one another. In the winters the HF Wireless, LLC, providing cellular service or below 135% of the federal Poverty elders told stories in the evening that taught lessons for living the right way. In my area to residents of Fairbanks and surrounding Guidelines, or participate in one of the there was a story of “The Man who went Around the World.” He has a name. It is called areas, as well as Anchorage and Juneau. following assistance programs: “Yaa Maagn TeeShaiy”. I still hear some of the stories. What amazes me is that the stories HF Wireless offers the Lifeline phone are told exactly the same way as in the oral tradition. The story-tellers are very careful to service as well as regular post-paid phone Medicaid • Food Stamps • Supplemental keep them correct. Security Income • Federal Public The advent of Noodlee (pronounced no-gay) was slow as explorers were fearful of plans at deeply discounted prices. entering into our territory. In the late 1800s discovery of gold led many people to see Annette has enjoyed much success in Housing Assistance • Low-Income Home their fi rst white people. Soon, the gold miners were followed by traders, teachers and these early months offering the service Energy Assistance Program • Temporary missionaries. There was a trader who lived near Northway called Herman Kessler. He is to Fairbanks residents. She now has help Assistance to Needy Families • The buried there. serving clients by friends Joel Titus as well National School Lunch Program’s Free But when the highway carved its way through the country, big changes took place. as Nicole Thompson, Kara Koutchak, two People began working for wages for the army. An airport and an army base were built near other friends who work with those who Lunch Program • Bureau of Indian Vietnam Veterans Walter Mark would benefi t from the $1 cell phone offer. Affairs General Assistance • Tribally- and Sherman Thomas, both of McCotter says it is very easy to qualify Administered Temporary Assistance Northway. for a Lifeline phone as long as a family is for Needy Families • Head Start (if on WIC, Food Stamps, Medicaid, Tribal the village. Churches were built. The income eligibility criteria are met) •Tribal elders living today were the workers Assistance, Free/Reduced Lunch program back then. or about any other government low- National School Lunch Program. Today, there are about 300 residents of Northway. We have If you’d like to know more about the Lifeline Program, contact Annette McCotter, about 40 students from K-12 in the Agent, at (907) 799-1101 anytime day or night. Visit the website at www.hfwireless. Walter Northway School. There is a com or email the business owner, Howard, at [email protected] large community hall in the village. Our village corporation owns the store at the Junction called Naabia Niign. There is a lodge located at Memorial Day Traditions? the airport. We are crazy about basketball and baseball and we love to kick up our heels to Indian rock and roll and Do you have a particular community tradition for Memorial Day? If so, call country music. yours in or send an email to [email protected] and it will be I am proud of our history as strong, independent people who lived off the land and printed in the May issue. Include your name, community, and phone number. helped the newcomers survive the harsh temperatures of our country. I am so fortunate Any missing information will automatically cause omission. to walk the same places of my ancestors and to have the opportunity to learn my language. Today, I often hear someone say, “What goes around, comes around.” This used to mean to me that we sit back and let things happen to us without doing anything about it. A lot of changes happened to the people of Northway and other villages. Now, I know that “coming around” means that we try to do our best in life for one another and that same treatment will come back to us, or our children, or their children. It may not happen right REBATE...continued from previous page away, but it will come back to us. Married Filing Joint: Taxpayers had income equal to $35,000 from wages, Native Corp. Would you like to feature your community? If you are willing to spend time Dividends, and the Permanent Fund. They have two children who qualify for the Child on the phone and do some research in your community, contact the editor at Tax Credit. They have a tax liability before child tax credit of $1,070. They will receive numbers listed on page two. The deadline is the last Friday of each month for the a $1,070 economic stimulus payment and an additional payment of $600 for the two upcoming month. qualifying children for a total of $1,670.