2014 Annual Report

Kenaitze Indian Tribe 2014 Annual Report Our Mission To assure Kahtnuht’ana Dena’ina thrive forever Our Vision By 2025, the Kahtnuht’ana Dena’ina have enhanced and strengthened the prosperity, health and culture of their people and tribe by: • Working toward united effort with Native organiza- tions and other governments that impact our people • Developing and implement- ing a tribal education system • Living our traditional values and practices • Empowering our sovereignty • Continuing to demonstrate resiliency • Striving for excellence in all of our programs • Elevating the wellness of our people • Using our talents and resources to ensure we are able to take care of ourselves and share with others Our Values • Family – honoring and sustaining health and happiness of family as a “first responsibility.” • Stewardship – respectful use of land, resources and all creations. • Spiritual Beliefs – acknowl- edging the existence of a higher power and respecting spiritual beliefs. • Education – passing down cultural knowledge and traditions and supporting formal education. 2 About the Kenaitze Indian Tribe Kahtnuht’ana Dena’ina people have The directors manage health sys- Recognizing the abundance of the lived on the Kenai Peninsula since tems, community programs, housing Kenai Peninsula land they called time immemorial. services and administrative functions Yaghanen, “the good land,” they set- The Kenaitze Indian Tribe is feder- such as finance, information tech- tled along the banks of Cook Inlet and ally recognized under the Indian nology, human resources and tribal its rivers. Reorganization Act as a sovereign government. Ts’itsatna, the Kenaitze ancestors, independent nation with almost 1,500 The tribe places special emphasis traveled throughout Yaghanen, fishing members. During its annual meeting, the tribe elects the members of its Ex- ecutive Council to serve two- year terms and govern the tribe in accordance with the tribe’s constitution, bylaws, ordinances and resolutions. The Coun- cil appoints a Chief Tribal , Louis Forstner V, Doug Gates and other members of the Jabila’ina Dancers perform at the open- Judge who ABOVE ing of the net celebration on May 1. AT LEFT, Kaleb Franke hangs red salmon to smoke in the smokehouse oversees the at the tribe’s Cook Inlet waterfront fishery site. Tribal Court and upholds tribal law. on the hiring and training of Kenai- from the banks of rivers and Cook Inlet. The Council also appoints the tze Indian Tribe members, and on Salmon were harvested with Executive Director, who implements increasing the awareness of Dena’ina dipnets, weirs, dams or traps. Men, Council policies and procedures and is language and culture both in the women, children and Elders all responsible for the day-to-day oper- workplace and within the community. worked together to harvest and pre- ations that enhance and support the The Kenaitze are Dena’ina people, serve this most important food. continued growth and success of the a branch of the people who are Atha- After the fish harvest, the ancestors tribe. bascan Native Americans. Linguists traveled inland to hunt bear, caribou, Programs and services ensure that have shown that Athabascans migrat- mountain goat, sheep and moose. tribal members have access to health ed throughout North America from Women and children gathered ber- care, social services, justice, educa- Alaska’s Interior to Mexico. ries and snared small mammals. tion, and employment services and The Kenaitze dialect of the Dena’ina Winter was a time for trapping and language is one of the most complex opportunities. for traveling from one village to an- and diverse of all Athabascan lan- Kenaitze Indian Tribe strives to both other to share stories and to trade. guages. It contains both coastal and grow and improve the level of support Today, Yaghanen is still “the good it offers members so that each may marine terminology, in addition to land” and the Kenaitze continue to achieve the tribe’s mission: To assure more than 400 Russian loan words. prosper. By honoring family, respect- Kahtnuht’ana Dena’ina thrive forever. Many centuries ago, Athabascan The tribal organization is comprised people, nomadic hunters of the boreal ing the land, respecting spiritual of three divisions and four functions, forest, traveled from west of the Alas- beliefs and through education, the which are each overseen by a director. ka Range to the shore of Cook Inlet. Kenaitze will thrive forever. 3 Meet the Executive Council Seven council members, elected at the Annual Gen- eral Council Meeting each October, govern the tribe in accordance with the tribe’s constitution, bylaws, ordinances and resolutions. Meeting dates and times are posted to the tribe’s website on a regular basis.

Jennifer Showalter Yeoman Rosalie Tepp Liisia Blizzard Chairperson Vice Chairperson Secretary Committees and Members Art and Interior Committee Constitution Review Committee Education Committee Purpose: To procure art and displays Purpose: To review and consider revi- Purpose: To provide oversight for the for the Dena’ina Wellness Center. sions to the constitution and to make vision, objective and strategic plan for Jennifer Showalter Yeoman, Chair recommendations to the tribal mem- the education program. Liisia Blizzard bership for adoption. Susan Wells, Chair Mary Lou Bottorff Liisia Blizzard, Chair Connie Kirby Jon Ross Mary Ann Mills Sondra Stuart Jon Ross Alan Boraas Finance Committee Rita Smagge Wanda Reams Purpose: To provide advice and James Segura Jennifer Showalter Yeoman recommendations regarding financial Allan Baldwin Sandy Wilson matters of the tribe. Rita Smagge Audre Gifford, Chair Early Childhood Center Michael Bernard Rosalie Tepp Policy Committee Charmaine Lundy Mary Ann Mills Purpose: To work in partnership with Julianne Wilson management staff, governing bodies, Raven Williams Court Code Committee parents, and volunteers to facilitate Ashley Segura Purpose: To review and consider revi- compliance with the Head Start Per- sions to the Tribal Court Code. formance Standards, to assist in ac- Elders Commission Susan Wells, Chair complishing the program mission and Purpose: To provide oversight for the Mary Ann Mills to service as an advocate between the Tyotkas Elders Program. Rusty Swan program and the community. Phyllis Bookey, Chair Kimberly Sweet Bianca Chase, Chair James Showalter Analisa Selden Amber Douglas, Chair Rita Smagge Liisia Blizzard Chris Seaton Betty Porter Kalyn Simpson Caitlin Sparks Marie Anderson Aurora Hawkins Fiocla Wilson, Lifetime Member Kim Novak Robert Fulton, Lifetime Member Ashley Poulin James Segura, Council Rep. Michelle Teates Sharee Jones Liisia Blizzard – Council Rep. Susan Wells – Council Alternate

4 Audre Gifford James Segura Mary Ann Mills Susan Wells Treasurer Council Member Council Member Council Member

Election Board Health Committee Traditional Healing Planning Team Purpose: To regulate the conduct of all Purpose: To review and make recom- Purpose: To provide oversight and tribal elections, including those initi- mendations regarding primary care, planning for traditional healing in the ated by petition, and the resolution of behavioral health, and dental pro- Dena’ina Wellness Center. election disputes. grams. The Health Committee meets Audre Gifford, Chair Phyllis Bookey, Chair the statute requirements for the State Winnie Wong Katheryn Rodgers of Alaska Community Mental Health Jon Ross Bernice Crandall Center grant. Mary Lou Bottorff Kynde Bishop, Alternate Jennifer Showalter Yeoman, Chair Nancy Knapp Clare Swan, Lifetime Member Linda Ross Enrollment Committee Allan Baldwin Bobbie Oskolkoff Purpose: To provide oversight for Diana Zirul Sarah Smith the tribe’s enrollment procedures as Patsy Marston defined in the tribe’s constitutionand Manuel Linderman Kenaitze/Salamatof Enrollment Ordinance No. 98-01. Rita Smagge Tribally Designated Housing Entity Katheryn Rodgers, Chair Purpose: To promote the development Bernice Crandall Land Committee of affordable housing opportunities Linda Ross Purpose: To research all lands pres- by providing new construction, rental Liisia Blizzard ently owned by the tribe and recom- assistance, home modernization and Rene Edelman-Azzara mend policies that will assist the tribe weatherization services, and various in meeting its vision, objectives and other affordable housing activities Hunting, Fishing and Gathering strategic plan. to eligible American Indian/Alaska Committee James Segura, Chair Native beneficiaries. Purpose: To provide oversight for the Mary Ann Mills James Segura, Chair tribe’s traditional hunting, fishing and Liisia Blizzard Rita Smagge, Vice Chair gathering activities. James Showalter Nick Sacaloff, Secretary Treasurer James Segura, Chair Kaarlo Wik Mary Ann Mills Clare Swan, Lifetime Member Jennifer Showalter Yeoman Rosalie Tepp Mary Ann Mills Clinton Lageson Liisia Blizzard Kaarlo Wik Elsie Maillelle James Showalter Kaarlo Wik

5 From the Executive Director Yaghali du? We are also the Kenaitze/Salamatof Tribally Des- I am happy to say, “Aa’ grateful to our ignated Housing Entity (TDHE) will yagali!” It is good. staff and many vol- manage the apartments. This has been a monumental unteers. The doors In May, our Tyotkas Elders year for the Kenaitze Indian opened because Program moved out of the facility Tribe, with many accomplish- you cared. we had been operating out of for ments and significant growth We were sur- more than a decade, due to structural as is reflected here in our prised and humbled issues with the building. After careful annual report. this year as the consideration, it was decided that it Decades of planning and Kenai Chamber of will be more economical to replace the years of hard work came to a Jaylene Peterson-Nyren Commerce rec- building than to repair it. We will keep joyous conclusion as more than ognized the tribe you informed as we move forward. 1,000 people joined us in a three-day in its efforts to further the wellness of Please keep in touch; let us know celebration to mark the Dena’ina Well- our community by awarding the tribe how we are doing as we continue our ness Center’s grand opening in June. its Business/Organization of the Year efforts to keep you informed. Con- I want to again thank our Elders for their Award, presented to us in June. tinued improvements are planned for vision, sacrifice and hard work that laid In a commitment to provide more our newsletters, our website and our the foundation for a successful project. affordable housing opportunities to Facebook page. We are committed to Many thanks to our funding part- the people we serve, the tribe invested ensuring that Kahtnuht’ana Dena’ina ners who helped us build the center. in the purchase of Toyon Villa Apart- thrive forever. Our gratitude goes out to the State of ments from Beluga Point LLC in Chiqinik! Alaska, the Rasmuson Foundation, the August. They are located conveniently M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust, The across the street from the Dena’ina Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Wellness Center in Old Town Kenai. Jaylene Peterson-Nyren and Cook Inlet Region Inc. The tribe now owns the building and Executive Director From the Chairperson Yaghali du? year. give us helps us improve our system of This sure has been an excit- We are also healthcare. Please ask any staff member ing year. making plans to to listen to your concerns. I would like to start out by publish minutes We also enjoy hearing your compli- saying chiqinik, thank you, and agendas ments. Please fill out a chiqinik thank- to the members of the Tribal for Council and you card if a staff member has been Council and those who serve committees on especially helpful. the tribe on our committees. our website. Your Council is working on a You have done a lot of very I hope to see written code of conduct which clearly hard work this year. We have you at some of defines the relationship and conduct come far because of your the meetings and between the Tribal Council, the efforts. Jennifer Showalter Yeoman I also hope you Executive Director and staff. The code I also want the tribe to re- are able to attend will also help us serve you better. member the hard work of our Elders, some of the tribe’s many activities. Again, thank you for everyone’s because they are the ones who set us We want to see you, to hear from hard work. I look forward to having on the path we follow. you and to know how we are doing another year of progress toward our In the coming year, the Tribal Coun- throughout the rest of the year. 2025 Vision. cil is even more committed to trans- We have changed the way that we parency in government. We are also respond to customer concerns. We have making plans to hold quarterly tribal a new system that allows us to track Jennifer Showalter Yeoman membership meetings in the coming information. The feedback that you Council Chairperson 6 Tribal Government Affairs In last year’s annual confluence area. report the Tribal Council In the coming years we will and tribal staff commit- be consulting and working ted to providing greater with federal and state agen- transparency in tribal op- cies and other consulting erations and in engaging parties as planning for the tribal membership to the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline fullest extent possible. begins. Tribal Council and This commitment helped staff are committed to re- to focus our efforts. sponding to employment and The tribe’s website was training opportunities that continuously updated to may arise for the tribe and reflect upcoming Council its members as this project and committee meetings. develops. In addition to newslet- Applications for tribal mem- ters, tribal information and bership continue to increase. items of interest have been Past Council member Robert Fulton speaks to the tribe with This year the Enrollment Com- shared this past year on the Council Secretary Liisia Blizzard during a tribal member only mittee reviewed more than 90 opening for the Dena’ina Wellness Center. “I just look at this tribe’s Facebook page. and it overwhelms me,” Fulton said of the center. applications. Applications that The current and pro- have been received throughout the first time tribal members were posed revised constitutions are posted the year are not approved until they are able to vote for Council members by on the website. We are committed presented to the tribal membership at to posting Council and committee absentee ballot. the annual meeting. meeting agendas and minutes to the This year, the Election Ordinance Past Council members were honored website soon. was revised to state only official in March in a tribal member only event The Constitution Committee is Tribal Absentee Ballots mailed to the to open the Dena’ina Wellness Center. working diligently to draft a revised voter by the tribe shall be counted. A volunteer committee of trib- tribal constitution that reflects our The tribe is responsive to requests al members, staff, and community heritage and shared traditional values, for tribal consultation and contin- friends worked tirelessly for months strengthens and sustains our rights, ues to work with Cook Inlet Region to make our Grand Opening for the and guides our efforts to assure that Inc. (CIRI), U. S. Fish and Wildlife Dena’ina Wellness Center a success Kahtnuht’ana Dena’ina thrive forever. Service and the U. S. Forest Service in June. The three day celebration met Last year’s annual meeting marked in the Russian River – Kenai River and exceeded everyone’s expectation. Limited Waivers of Sovereign Immunity 2013-07 – Limited Waiver of Health Trust for Dena’ina Wellness 2013-17 – Limited Waiver of Sovereign Immunity to enter into a Center construction project for State Sovereign Immunity to Alaska Grant Agreement with State of Alaska FY 2014 Department of Health and Social Department of Health and Social 2013-15 – Limited Waiver of Services Time Limited Family Services Community Initiative Matching Sovereign Immunity to Alaska Reunification Service Grant Program Grant Program for State FY 2014 Department of Health and Social for FY 2014 2013-11 – Tribal Resolution Services Community Initiative 2014-23 – Limited Waiver of Authorizing the Limited Waiver of Matching Grant Program for FY 2014 Sovereign Immunity to Stewart Sovereign Immunity for Title and 2013-16 – Limited Waiver of Title of the Kenai Peninsula, Inc.. Settlement Agreement with First Sovereign Immunity to Alaska for claims which may arise from the American Title Insurance Company Department of Health and Social agreement to obtain title and escrow 2013-13 – Limited Waiver of Services Comprehensive Behavioral services related to the closing on Sovereign Immunity to enter into Health Treatment and Recovery for Beluga Point Apartment building Grant Agreement – Alaska Mental FY 2014 purchase. 7 Tribal Court Dena’ina people have historically resolved dispute and conflict, maintained community peace and delivered justice with traditional laws, customs and practices. Written tribal codes give authority and jurisdiction to hear and adjudicate matters concerning child protection, voluntary relinquishment Chief Judge Kim Sweet Judge Mary Ann Mills Judge Susan Wells and involuntary termination of parent rights, tribal adoption, child custody, domestic violence, marriage, divorce and annulments, protection for Elders and vulnerable adults, and conservatorship and guardianship. Today, the Nitghu k’t’uch’ qenashen Tribal Court (meaning “One Who Talks for Equity”) aims to ac- Judge Rusty Swan Judge Paul Lorenzo Judge Evelyn Huf knowledge and honor our traditional customs for tors for the National the purpose of preserving, American Indian Court strengthening and ensur- Judges Association. ing justice on behalf of our • Kenaitze Tribal Court families. was singled out with The Court’s Tribal Youth honorable mention Justice Program serves during Alaska Chief Alaska Native and Ameri- Justice Dana Fabe’s can Indian people dealing State of the Judiciary with issues that have led to Address to the state delinquency, or that threat- legislature in February, en to do so. as well as during her The program provides speech at the 31st annual Talking Circles to allow Alaska Tribal Court De- youth, their family and com- velopment Conference Kenaitze Tribal Court judges meet with judges and magis- munity members to address in Fairbanks. trates from Kenai Superior Court during a luncheon hosted by the tribal court in the tribe’s administration building conference core issues in an environ- • Kenaitze Tribal Court room in March. Kenaitze’s court has been hailed as a model ment of respect, honesty, continues to promote of success by both tribal and state court officials. responsibility and honor. cooperation and collaboration between tribal judges continue to act rating with tribes and 2014 Highlights courts and state courts on sovereignty by pro- community partners. It • Kenaitze Tribal Court through judiciary meet- moting restorative jus- continues to be avail- judges represent Alaska ings and joint trainings. tice practices through able for training events on the board of direc- • Kenaitze Tribal Court sharing and collabo- and conferences. 8 Court Appointed Special Advocates The Court Appointed Special Ad- vocates program (CASA) recruits and trains volunteers to serve as advocates for abused and neglected children in court. They speak to the best interest of the child. Advocates are empow- ered and educated to speak for children with strength and understanding of tribal values and traditions. The tribe’s CASA is a leader among CASA programs. Currently it is the only active tribal CASA program in Alaska. It is also the first program in Alaska to dually train volunteers in both tribal and state court proceedings. ABOVE, Runners take off from the start of the CASA Superhero 5-kilometer run/ walk in August. The event raised support for the tribe’s Court Appointed Special Through a partnership with the Advocates program. Office of Public Advocacy, the CASA program has the potential to serve any AT LEFT, Tuckerman child in the community who has been Babcock, Melinda Cox, Sharon Tyone and removed from their home due to abuse Shelli Elliott are sworn and/or neglect. in as Court Appointed Special Advocates 2014 Highlights during a joint ceremony • A Memorandum of Agreement involving judges from between the tribe and the Office the Kenaitze Tribal Court and the Kenai of Public Advocacy was renewed, Superior Court in allowing CASA to continue to May. Kenaitze CASA serve children in both tribal and volunteers advocate state court. on behalf of children • In May, four new volunteers were in both tribal and state sworn in for service. courts. Volunteers received 40 hours of • Twelve CASA volunteers served training prior to the 32 children this year (15 in tribal ceremony. court and 17 in state court). • CASA hosted its 2nd annual Superhero 5-kilometer run/walk; 98 people registered. Generous How to volunteer individuals and businesses helped The first step to becoming a CASA volunteer is to attend an informational raise $3,500 to help children in meeting. Monthly informational meetings are scheduled for the last Tuesday foster care and to fund the tribe’s of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the administration building conference room. first foster care Christmas par- ty, which is being organized by After attending the informational meeting, those interested complete an CASA staff. application and go through an interview and intense background check. • CASA received a $5,000 gift from Norwex, an environmentally Once accepted into the program, all volunteers go through 40 hours of friendly cleaning company. Funds training and are sworn in to serve by a tribal and state court judge. will be used to grow CASA and to meet the special needs of children To learn more, please contact Joy Petrie at 335-7219 or [email protected]. and youth in foster care. 9 Tribal Fishery

The Kenaitze Indian Tribe’s fishery This year, the tribe was restricted again to one net for the rest of the helps preserve the cultural and tradi- by the Alaska Department of Fish and season. tional way of life established by the Game to one net for the months of The tribal fishery is administered by early Dena’ina by teaching the way of May and June, as part of the depart- the Hunting, Fishing and Gathering life to current generations. ment’s efforts to protect king salmon. Commission, which recognizes that The fishery brings people together, The second net returned to the water many families depend on the net for ensuring that traditional values thrive in July. fish. forever. On July 26th, the tribe was restricted This year, with one net for the The tribe typically majority of sets two, six-fathom Comparing Tribal Fishery Numbers the season, nets at fishing sites families were along the Kahtnu 2014 2013 2012 2011 asked to share (Kenai), Ggasilahtnu Kings 2 19 14 47 the net, as two (Kasilof) and Yaghehtnu Reds 6109 4837 3445 6873 families were assigned one (Swanson) rivers. Pinks 352 24 553 5 The tribe’s fishing tide for most Silvers 261 566 140 439 permit allows for 8,000 of the fishing salmon each year. Totals 6724 5446 4152 7364 days. In their words WILLIAM SEGURA, 69, and his family fish the tribal net. He has also worked at the net for “at least 15 or 16 seasons, maybe 17 now.”

The net feeds a “lot of people. If it wasn’t for this net, a lot of our Elders wouldn’t be able to get fish. It’s a real good thing. ... It’s not a hard job, it’s a good job. Still, it’s a lot of work. It keeps me busy. – William ”Segura

10 11 Housing Assistance Programs Kenaitze Indian Tribe helps qual- program helped 12 families. The housing program also operates ified Alaska Native and American The emergency housing program Ninash Q’a, a tribal transitional home. Indian households with safe, sanitary, provides financial assistance with Ninash Q’a offers a safe haven for and affordable housing. rental deposits, rental payments, families who need temporary housing The safe home program is designed delinquent mortgage and delinquent during a crisis. to renovate and repair the homes of property taxes. Families using this facility are qualified Kenaitze and Salamatof The emergency housing program expected to work in conjunction tribal members, Alaska Native, and served 22 families this year. with other tribal programs that American Indian people who live The sanding and snow plowing promote self-sufficiency and healthy in Kenaitze/Salamatof Tribally program is available to eligible Elders relationships. Designated Housing Entity’s (TDHE) and disabled people. This program Ninash Q’a transitional home helped jurisdiction. provides sanding and snow plowing seven families in crisis this past year. The program helps with weather- services at no charge, helping make The rental housing program offers ization, health and safety issues, and winters safer and a bit easier. affordable housing for qualified accessibility. Last winter, 12 families received families. In the past year, five families In the past year, the safe home help with snow and ice. were served. Shortly before this report went to press in September 2014, the Kenaitze In their words Indian Tribe purchased the 32-unit Toyon Villa Apartments from Beluga Point LLC. The tribe now owns the building and TDHE will manage the apartments, with a mix of subsidized and market rate units. Existing leases will be honored and the on-site manager will remain in place. The student housing voucher program offers qualified, full-time students who are enrolled in an accredited college, university, or trade school with financial assistance in the FRANK and JACKIE TRIGG received help from the Safe Homes Program to form of a monthly voucher or lump finish the exterior of their self-built home on the edge of Kenai. sum payment directly to a landlord or dormitory. We were paying $300 a month for gas. It Seven students were served by the “ student housing voucher program this was just awful. To have that gas bill cut by past year. more than half, that was such a blessing. The housing program also offers counseling for families who are inter- The house is beautiful now. When they ested in taking back control of their were first done with it we’d just sit in the financial situation. The participants are taught the ins and outs of financial car out on the street and look at it: It’s so basics such as interest rates, credit pretty! We didn’t think we’d ever get it done reports, credit scores, various debts, budgeting tools and more. by ourselves. The Kenaitze workers were In the last year, 10 families fantastic. – Jackie Trigg improved their knowledge through ” financial counseling. 12 Tyotkas Elder Services Tyotkas Elder Services worked with more than 145 Elders in the past year In their words with the goals of providing healthy, nu- tritious meals; fun activities; traditional foods, and preventing social isolation. Respect for Elders is a traditional Dena’ina value, one that is taken very seriously by the staff who serve Elders at Tyotkas. This year, Tyotkas returned to its former home two blocks away at Fort Kenay after structural problems were found in the existing building. Plans are underway to replace the old building. Staff will seek input from Elders. They will also keep El- ders informed of progress during the construction process. During the transition back to Fort Kenay, the Saturday health clinic was moved into the Dena’ina Wellness Center. Elders are also participating ED EDELMAN is a lifelong commercial fisherman. He and his wife RUTH in traditional food gatherings at the are “snowbirds” now, wintering in Washington, but they maintain strong Dena’ina Wellness Center. connections to the area and to the tribe by having lunch at Tyotkas Elder Elders hosted 11 fish days at the Services and through other tribal programs. tribal net this year to savor the beach, visit, barbecue, and enjoy each other and their families while fishing. We come here just about every day. ... It’s “been a really wonderful program. ... What 2014 Highlights • The Kenai Fjords field trip sold out I like here is it’s a close feeling and they’re with the Elders program collabo- all my cousins. ...If we lived here (in the rating with the wellness program from Dena’ina Wellness Center. winter) we’d take advantage of the snow • The steak dinner fund-raiser plowing. – Ed Edelman raised $ 2,275 this year. Money ” was placed in a fund for future activities. We even bring our guests here. They’re so • Saturday health clinics continued “impressed. The kindness, having the plates uninterrupted after the move from the Tyotkas Elder Service to Fort removed. ... They thought it was wonderful. Kenay, thanks to the efforts of the We’ve used the shuttle when we’ve gone staff and the Dena’ina Wellness Center providers. on out of town trips. ... It meant a lot to • Activities included: bingo, horse- me that we’ve been well taken care of. shoes, beach day with Yaghanen Everybody needs to know about the Native Youth Program, yoga, arts and crafts, game days, walking, cro- way of taking care of Elders. – Ruth Edelman chet and no-host dinners. ” 13 Yaghanen Youth Programs Yaghanen means “A Safe Place” Yaghanen programs include Jabi- derstanding of their kinship system. and is an excellent description of the la’ina Dance Group, the Del Dumi The Murujuga Ranger team has in- Tribe’s youth programs. Intertribal Drum Group and Gguggu- vited Michael Bernard, the Yaghanen As a prevention and early interven- yni Native Youth Olympics Team. Youth Services manager, and some tion program, Yaghanen helps the With honor given to the traditions of the youth to participate in a proj- tribe’s greatest resource, its youth, to of the Kenaize Indian Tribe, the ect through the Murujuga Land and understand its culture and develop life Murujuga Group from Australia were Sea Management Unit in the Burrup skills through activities and camps. welcomed by Kenaitze Elders for a Peninsula in northwestern Australia Yaghanen teaches children how to be summer visit. The Murujuga Ranger next year. leaders and strong advocates for them- team discussed their local practices This team works closely with their selves and each other. and customs including a complex un- Elders and they enjoyed the time they spent here learning about the Dena’ina.

2014 Highlights • Yaghanen staff held cultural pre- sentations at Kalifornsky Beach Elementary school for approximately 50 students in April. • Yaghanen staff hosted cultural orien- tations for 30 new tribal employees. • The Ggugguyni Senior NYO team went to the state competi- tion in Anchorage. Several youth achieved personal bests, some tried events they’ve never compet- ed in before and one youth placed 3rd in one of her events. • The Jabila’ina Dancers and Del Dumi Drummers performed at the opening of the tribal net, the grand opening celebrations for the Dena’ina Wellness Center and Soldotna library, and the opening for the Dena’ina exhibit at the Anchorage Museum. • Yaghanen raised $350 to put to- wards NYO uniforms by raffling off autographed baseball memorabilia. • Yaghanen staff presented to approximately 700 local school children about traditional fishing practices at the annual Salmon Celebration at Johnson Lake. • Yaghanen staff gave a presentation to 11 of our youth on bullying. • Yaghanen staff have planned six Mekhai Rich competes in the one-foot high kick event for the tribe’s Ggugguyni Na- summer activities for youth. Topics tive Youth Olympics Team during an invitational hosted by the Kenaitze Indian Tribe include lake fishing, hiking, disc in January. The event was a highlight of the Peninsula Winter Games. golf, in house movies, among others. 14 Early Childhood Center “We believe ... the earlier children become competent in social/emotional skills the sooner they will thrive. It is during these first years that children build the foundation for how and what they will learn for the rest of their academic careers and beyond. Given a strong foundation, respect for culture, and the confidence to recognize their own abilities all our children are capable of distinction.” – Kuya Qyut’anen Early Childhood Center staff

The Kenaitze Indian Tribe’s Kuya Qyut’anen (“Little Children of the Kenai River”) Early Childhood Center offers a Head Start Preschool program, an Alaska Native Education preschool, an after school program, and a summer program for kindergarten through 3rd grade. The programs use The Creative Curriculum for Early Childhood phi- losophy, which incorporates the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework. Programs also incorporate the Kenaitze Indian Tribe’s traditional Dena’ina language and values, along with Project ACHIEVE “Stop and Think” social skills/problem solving curriculum. The curriculum is also aligned with the State of Alaska Early Learning Guidelines.

2014 Highlights • The Early Childhood Center provided services to 117 families this year. • The center provided an 8-week summer camp attended by 47 children. • The students visited the tribal net in May and were able to spend time learning about traditional ways of life. • Summer camp featured three classrooms, with themes of Moth- er Earth, energy, insects, beach week, under the sea, bike safety, fitness and gold mining. • Thirty-four children transitioned from preschool to kindergarten. • This year the Early Childhood Center added parenting classes to the list of other family events, Teachers Aide Ann Strongheart helps Eliza Massey brush her teeth after lunch in trainings and activities. the Otter preschool classroom. 15 Na’ini Social Services Na’ini Social Services provides help for individuals and families who have In their words immediate needs, along with individual planning to help people meet longer term goals of self-sufficiency. Social services include child care assistance, energy, general, burial and funeral assistance. Na’ini has a wild game harvest and a food bank. It offers services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking. Help is available for career planning, job placement, vocational reha- bilitation and education services.

2014 Highlights • Scholarships were granted to 36 Kenaitze Indian Tribe students to attend college or an accredited KRISTI ISAAK is a Criminal Justice Technician in the Wildwood Transitional vocational training program. Program at Wildwood Correctional Complex in Kenai. She describes herself as a lifelong learner and credits the scholarships she received from the • 127 people received help finding Kenaitze Indian Tribe for helping her with her growing career. a job. • Six youth were hired and men- tored under the Workforce Invest- Without Kenaitze, I would not have ment Act. Additional mentoring “ been able to fully fund my school. ... I opportunities are in development. • The wild game harvest and food went hardcore. I did 18 or 19 credits per bank programs helped 1,081 fami- semester. I was working full time. I had lies avoid hunger. • Indian Child Welfare Act workers a part time job. So I lived, ate, breathed and case managers helped with the school and work. But I’m glad I did it. It needs of the 39 children who were was hard, it took a lot of dedication, but in protective custody of the tribe as a result of tribal court orders. it helped me get to where I’m at now. So • More than 200 reports of harm I am thankful. ... I was able to do all of it, were investigated in collaboration with the state’s Office of Chil- and now I don’t have a bunch of student dren’s Services. loans because I was able to stay in state • 133 children were served by the child care assistance program, and the Early and I was able to utilize the scholarships. Childhood Center was licensed in So it helped a lot. I don’t think you’re conjunction with Child Care Assis- tance in order to continue the summer never too young or old to start learning or and after school programs. to continue learning. • Staff offered advocacy, case – Kristi Isaak ” management, and conservatorship services to six vulnerable adults. 16 Dena’ina Wellness Center

The Dena'ina Wellness Center sits on four acres of Kenaitze land in the heart of Old Town Kenai. A figure from Kenaitze artist Joel Isaak’s hammered bronze sculpture installation titled, “Luq’a Nagh Ghilghuzht (Fish Camp)” stands at left. Decades of planning and years of of physicians, advanced nurse practi- community, are another important part hard work came together in April tioners, certified physician assistants, of the care team. when the Dena’ina Wellness Center registered nurse case managers and Services include individual and fam- opened its doors for service. medical assistants. ily therapy, interactive play therapy The tribe hosted a special celebra- An in-house laboratory and digital for children, crisis intervention and a tion for tribal members shortly before radiology equipment provide essential variety of other therapeutic groups. the center opened. diagnostic resources to providers. The chemical dependency recovery In June, the public was invited to When it is needed, care is coordi- program works with individuals and three days of celebration during a nated with specialty services offered families whose lives have been affect- grand opening weekend that featured through Alaska Native Medical Center ed by substance abuse. dancing, drumming and songs from and Central Peninsula Hospital. Customers receive comprehensive tribal groups from across the state. The care team also features a well- assessments and treatment recommen- The Dena’ina Wellness Center ness department that offers diabetes dations that are tailored to their needs. combines under one roof services that prevention, lifestyle coaching, nutri- Care is provided in a culturally rel- before were housed in three different tional assessment, tobacco cessation, evant environment and incorporates tra- locations. fitness evaluation, digital storytelling ditional activities such as arts and crafts, The tribe owns the building. Pre- and activity programs. fishing, drumming and Talking Circles. viously, health care was delivered in Behavioral health services, available Early intervention, outpatient, and several rented spaces. to any member of the surrounding continuing care services are available Services include primary medical in the building, and help is offered care, dental, behavioral health, chem- with transitions to residential treat- ical dependency, wellness, physical ment facilities when needed. therapy, pharmacy support and tradi- The Dena’ina Wellness Center has tional healing. licensed social workers and profes- The tribe values an approach to sional counselors who are comfortable healthcare that places the customer at working with adults, adolescents and the center. Its Dene’ Model of Care fo- children from a variety of lifestyles cuses on physical, spiritual, emotional and cultural backgrounds. and social health. Behavioral health treatment some- Primary medical care services are times includes referrals to additional delivered by care teams consisting See PAGE 19 17 Dena’ina Wellness Center

AT TOP, Tribal Council member Susan Wells leads one end of the cloth during a Dena’ina Cloth Ceremony conducted by Clare Swan during the Dena’ina Wellness Center’s public grand opening in June. ABOVE LEFT, A performer from the Kingikmiut Dancers performs during the opening. AT LEFT, Josie and Ali Jones perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” from a landing on the grand staircase. ABOVE, Dancers blur in a circle around the Heartbeat of Mother Earth Intertribal Drum Group. The grand opening spanned three days. 18 CONTINUED, from p. 17 tribal programs or other local agencies. Dental professionals provide primary dental services. They offer a wide range of general dentistry needs, including exams, X-rays, cleanings, Chiqinik! fillings, emergency treatment and some specialty treatment. Emphasis is placed on prevention Thank you! and education to reduce the amount of The Kenaitze Indian Tribe gives special thanks to our dental decay and dental emergencies. major sponsors and our many community supporters The dental team also partners with the tribe’s Early Childhood Center of our new Dena’ina Wellness Center. to provide annual dental exams and biannual fluoride treatments to the Alaska Department of Commerce, program’s preschool children. Community, and Economic Development Division of Community and Regional Affairs 2014 Highlights • Many new staff positions, including: - Dr. John Molina, Director of Health Systems Rasmuson Foundation - Dr. Meredith W. Mayfield, Clinical Pharmacist and Infection Control Officer - Joe Cannava, Behavioral Health Clinician - Paul Carlson, Physical Therapist M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust - Michael Cruz, Quality System Manager - Dr. Heather Callum, Pediatrician • Additional dental staff has helped The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority improved access to care. • Training and tools are allowing staff to better record and respond to customer concerns. • Behavioral health, wellness and Cook Inlet Region, Inc. medical staff are working more closely together to treat all of a person’s health needs. Another very special • Hours have expanded to better serve people earlier and later in Chiqinik! the day, including 12-hour per day to the access to the activity area. Kenai Chamber of Commerce • Electronic health records have been implemented for behavioral for honoring the tribe with its health. Business/Organization • Loving Foods cooking events and of the Year Award. demonstrations are being held in the new demonstration kitchen. 19 Environmental Program Kahtnuht’ana Dena’ina values include stewardship: the respectful use of land, resources and all creations. The tribe’s Environmental Program lives those values. This year, under the program agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Indian General Assistance Program, the Environmental Program held activities designed to improve health, decrease the abundance of household hazardous waste, and increase the understanding of traditional ecological knowledge. Activities were focused on tribal members, and Alaska Native and Na- tive American families. The program worked with other tribal departments to let people of all ages know about environmental education events and the dangers of household ABOVE, Children pose for a photo during a marine science field trip to Seward. hazardous waste. They toured Resurrection Bay by boat with a stop at Fox Island. BELOW, Children Environmental assistants also worked work on a poster illustrating their ideas for the Kenai River in the year 2025. on interviewing kids for of Resurrection Bay, with a stop at a book project, “Kenaitze Fox Island. Four Elders accompa- Youth Speak,” with Dr. nied the group. Alan Boraas, concerning the • The summer program included importance of salmon and week-long day camps with the Ke- the resilience of children to nai Watershed Forum for Small Fry a changing environment. camp and the Adopt-a-Stream camp. 2014 Highlights • Some youngsters attended an engi- • The tribe’s core values neering and robotics camp. for stewardship and ed- • The Environmental Program ucation were supported worked with the Kenai Peninsula by grants awarded this Borough Solid Waste Department to year. The grants focus update information for the hazard- on environmental ed- ous waste program schedule for ucation, with a goal to handouts and calendars. increase the number of • Other accomplishments include Native youth interested successful grant awards to continue in pursuing college for the EPA Indian General Assistance careers in science, tech- Program, submitting a cooperative nology, engineering and math. Ac- Youth Council members attend- EPA-Kenaitze Tribal Environmental tivities included hiring high school ed an overnight science camp at Plan for the fiscal years 2015 and college students as assistants for Spirit Lake. – 2017, and working with the science camp activities. • Kids also went on a marine sci- Executive Council to address • Nineteen elementary age students, ence field trip to Seward, where environmental issues through six teen chaperons and Tribal they took a Kenai Fjords boat tour Council resolutions and actions. 20 K’Beq’ Interpretive Site

Jonathan Wilson, Raven Willoya-Williams and Julianne Wilson worked last summer to educate visitors to K'beq'. Kenaitze ancestors, recognizing the abundance of the place they called Yaghanen, “the good land,” settled in areas along the banks of its rivers and Tikahtnu (Cook Inlet). One of these areas is Sqilantnu, which is located in the area now called Cooper Landing. The Kenaitze Indian Tribe partners with the Chugach National Forest to preserve, protect and provide interpre- tation for this location at the K’Beq’ “footprints” interpretive site. At K’Beq’, tribal members share traditions and culture with visitors through interpretive walks that feature an archaeological site and interpretive signs. They also teach traditional plant use from June through September. • K’beq’ was open for a total of 53 Kenaitze tribal members and for- 2014 Highlights days and saw a total of 1,147 visi- mer and current Yaghanen youth) • K’beq’ was open four days a week tors this past summer. worked at the site this summer from June 1 to August 31, with • Jonathan Wilson, Julianne Wilson giving tours and answering ques- hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Raven Willoya-Williams (all tions for summer visitors. 21 Human Resources The human resources department oversees recruitment and hiring, employee benefits, compensation, employee relations, workplace safety, and staff training.

2014 highlights: • Increased the number of staff from 214 in October of 2013 to 265. (Current numbers as of late August 2014.) • Increased the number of tribal members employed from 40 to 50. The number of Salamatof staff members have remained un- changed at five. • Increased the number of Alaska Native/American Indian people employed from 58 to 61. Christa Huf and Lana Perry listen, at right, as Kris Smith talks about her 15 years • Received close to 2,000 employ- of employment with the tribe’s dental program during an employee recognition ment applications for positions luncheon in January. across the tribe. Vacant positions on the employment information page on the website were viewed more than 20,000 times. • Launched two new web-based learning management systems for staff training and development. • Hosted for the first time a wellness event for staff to participate in a health screening and assessment to help improve health and to lower tribal insurance costs. • Recognized 39 staff members who have been employed at the tribe for 2, 5, 10 and 15 years. • Worker Compensation Claims decreased from 25 claims in 2010 to 10 this past year. • Supported a second annual all employee customer service training event. The guest speaker again Petra Marquart, author of, “The Power of Service: Keeping Customers for Life” and this year was Petra Marquart, Director of Tribal Government Affairs Alexandra “Sasha” Lindgren laugh as Maggie author of, “The Power of Service: Jones reads from a script while learning customer service skills at a training Keeping Customers for Life.” seminar in March. • Participated in the Kenai Peninsula Job Fair and the Cook “We believe ... our human resource is our greatest resource.” Inlet Region Inc. annual meeting . – Jaylene Peterson-Nyren, Executive Director 22 Financial Information “We believe ... in building a strong foundation of financial stability and strength by operating on a balanced budget and growing our savings each year. This objective will provide opportunities for the tribe to grow, develop and improve services to ‘assure Kahtnuht’ana Dena’ina thrive forever.’” – Vadette (DeeDee) Fowler, Director of Financial Services

Financial Performance History FY 14 Sources of Revenues

Revenues Expenses Surplus

31.6 $, Million Payments for Services 21 19 32.28% 17.7 17 15.5 14.6 13 12.9 13.6 12.2 Grants 64.85% 4.1 2.6 2 Other Revenues 0.8 2.86%

FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 est In FY14, the tribe earned $21M in revenues, spent $19M In FY14, about $13.6M of total operating revenues were from to provide programs and services, and saved $2M that will federal, state and private grants. Reimbursements for health be invested in future capital projects and tribal development services paid by Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance activities. generated about $6.8M. The balance came from program user fees, donations and interest income.

FY 14 Operating Expenses by Financial Assistance Payments $570,490 Program Health Services $545,120 Community Services 12% Tribal Court 9% $490,182 3% $489,008 Housing $476,076 3% 51% Tribal Government 22% General and Administrative FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 est In FY14, about $15M (79%) of total operating expenses In FY14, the tribe spent about $545k on direct payments were spent on direct programs and services. The balance to customers or their designees to assist with housing, was spent on tribal government activities ($1.7M) and education, training, transportation and emergency needs. administrative support of programs ($2.3M).

Unrestricted Net Assets Total Assets

$7,000,000 $, Million $5,615,726 $52.00 $5,086,650 $5,067,254 $37.08

$2,696,372 $17.80 $11.67 $8.76

FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 est FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 est As of the end of FY14, the tribe has accumulated $7M in Over the past five years, the tribe’s assets (cash, accounts unrestricted net assets (savings), which provides a reserve receivable, prepaid expenses, and capital assets) have for working capital, equipment replacements, facility increased substantially. Investments in capital assets (the improvements and future investments. new Dena’ina Wellness Center and Toyon Villa Apartments) are largely responsible for the overall asset growth. 23 Kenaitze Indian Tribe Traditional Values

(907) 335-7200 Kenaitze Indian Tribe http://www.kenaitze.org 150 N. Willow St. [email protected] Kenai, Alaska 99611