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

D e n a ’ N e n a ’ H e n a s h O u r L a n d S p e a k s

VOL. 29, NO. 3 A REPORT TO THE MEMBER TRIBES OF THE TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE MARCH 2004 2004 TCC Annual Convention Highlights and are depended upon for many decisions including five seats on the Executive Board that face a constantly changing society for of Directors, three on the Health Board, two Alaska Natives. on the Education Council, three on the Reverend Salmon will be listened to Interior Athabascan Tribal College Board intently throughout the upcoming of Trustees, one seat for the Alaska convention. In order to assure the time Federation of Natives Village Representative, necessary, we will forgo a customary keynote and two seats on the Interior Regional March is speaker and Reverend Salmon will hold a Housing Authority Board of prominent position during the activities Commissioners. Part of the normal course Athabascan throughout the three-day convention. of convention activities includes the introduction of Subregional resolutions. As many are aware, Reverend Salmon Month The resolution process offers guidance to is a Gwich’in Athabascan from Chalkyitsik, the many programs within TCC for the Alaska. He has two children, William upcoming years’ activities, goals, and focuses Salmon and Sally Henry, five grandchildren, on critical issues facing a particular and 12 great-grandchildren. He was subregion. ordained in the Episcopal Church in 1962 and travels frequently for the Ministry, For questions about the convention, please call Doris Miller, Executive Assistant Traditional Chief Rev. David Salmon despite being 92-years-old. He is a renowned to the President, toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3112 or email A significant part of the 2004 Annual canoe-maker, carver, and lived a traditional [email protected]. Convention will include the rare selection lifestyle all of his life. He has an immense of a 2nd Chief to replace Reverend David love for children and the future leaders of Salmon’s position as he steps into the official our people; he will not hesitate to say how For a glance at the week of Convention activities role of Traditional Chief. We will rely heavily important it is to teach children to learn the upon him as we embark on the highly- western lifestyle while holding on to our in Fairbanks, see pages 6-7. regarded process; both leaders act as treasured culture. ambassadors for the Athabascan culture Several seats are up for election as well, Tonya Garnett: Gwich’in leader in Fairbanks By Ginger Placeres, Editor Lillian’s generation, called “Relocation” that She is wholeheartedly committed to Alaska encouraged immersion for Native people Native youth and serving her community Native way-of-life; Native people have into the rest of western society. Rather than (whether it be her peers, local groups or always taught by example, and this return home from Mt. Edgecumbe, Lillian our Alaska Native community-at-large). opportunity for youth has created an was relocated to Cleveland, where she met Leadership is inherent in her character and “official” title for many strong role models and married Jerry and they returned home I have seen it in the enthusiasm she puts in the villages. after 10 years. Tonya has two brothers, into her efforts when helping her friends, Brandon and Mike, and she’s especially close lobbying for her Tribe on ANWR and In the seven months she’s been with to her niece and nephew, RaeAnn and subsistence rights and now with the BBBS BBBS, Tonya has traveled to Nome, Huslia, Anthony. outreach. As one Alaska Native to another, Allakaket, Galena, Delta Junction, Hooper I trust and admire Tonya for the person Bay, Nenana, Bethel, Northway, Tok, and She was a positive role model in high she is and have always been able to count Tanacross. Her work week often involves school, elevating the potential of the Alaska on a big smile with her every greeting!” travel to two villages and represents the Native Education program at Lathrop High thorough networking that BBBS has to School; they were able to raise enough When asked about her plans for the Tonya and Bruce at last years’ Fair. integrate in order to be successful from a money to take everyone involved to Seattle future, Tonya said she’d like to get her logistical standpoint. Fairbanks is indeed for the Northwest Indian Conference and Master’s degree in rural development, non- Tonya Garnett is a Gwich’in leader with far from Hooper Bay and when asked, succeeded in hosting the 1st and 2nd annual profit, or administration, but whatever it an amazing future. She is from Arctic Village Tonya says “first of all, it’s always respectful Youth Interior Leadership Conferences. is; it will be for the benefit of Alaska Natives. and Fairbanks and graduated from to stop by the tribal office or let them know Tonya’s support network came from family, Tonya’s advice for young people is truly a University of Alaska, Fairbanks (UAF) in you’re coming; meet with the chief or her grandma Martha James, Aunt Sarah reflection of her generosity, good heart, and 2002, with two degrees, one in Sociology whatever. Everyone’s pretty nice. If you want James, and her parents. She said “I always willingness to improve Native culture, and the other in Alaska Native Studies. to take pictures, make sure to ask first. And listened to my parents…they were always “Always carry with you who you are and supportive and encouraging, no matter where you came from; and always be proud Tonya recently found a niche for herself also visit the Elders; they really, really like what. They were always just there for me of that. Keep your beliefs with you.” in urban Fairbanks at a mentoring that.” She enjoys traveling and has such an emotionally.” program, Big Brothers/Big Sisters (BBBS), easy-going personality that it’s no surprise which has experienced a lot of growth and she makes new friends wherever she goes. Tonya is also a “Big,” who spends at exposure lately, no doubt a result of hard “I would definitely choose the little planes least an hour a week with a youth in the work by her and the entire rural expansion over the big ones; when you land on the Fairbanks community. She and boyfriend staff. In fact, they’ve recently begun the coast, you don’t just land,” she said with a Bruce Peter, from Nulato, spend as much BBBS program in eight villages and laugh. time together as possible, and can often be partnered several youth with adults. Their Tonya’s recent position is a reflection seen at the movies or at the pool with RaeAnn goal is to create strong mentoring of her lifelong commitment to Native and Anthony. relationships for youth who are able to people and the success of cultural survival, While a student at UAF, Tonya spent a enjoy a healthy relationship independent “Ever since I was young I really wanted to lot of time at Rural Student Services and from their usual family environment. The work with Native people to help the villages, was employed as a tutor there; advisor Kay youth is partnered with an adult who must more so in the Social Services area.” Her Thomas, said “I feel blessed to know her offer a positive influence and must pass a parents are Lillian and Jerry Garnett. Many and fortunate to be able to call her ‘friend.’ rigorous set of guidelines in order to be know Lillian as a leader in Gwich’in It’s not enough to say Tonya is an exemplary chosen for each youth. Tonya appreciates languages, as a former instructor at UAF. role model (which she is) but for others to Tonya and her “Little” sister. her work because she says it reflects the There was a program established during see her as someone who truly ‘walks the talk.’ PAGE 2 • THE COUNCIL • MARCH 2004 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor, Dear Editor, The Joseph and Hildebrand family This letter is written today with great thanks and sincere hope for the future. We would like to extend our deepest appreciation heartily thank you for your part in helping during the passing of our mother, Josephine to all those who showed such kindness, love and support upon the loss of our son, Stewy. Rita Mountain. We received much support and monetary donations. People traveled to We can’t even begin to list names of people Fairbanks and/or Nulato to be with us at this most difficult time. In addition, we for fear of leaving someone out. Friends, received many sympathy cards, flowers, emails, and telephone calls. We would like to colleagues, and family from all over came thank Alaska Native Medical Center Contract Health for the support during Mom and forward with donations of money, food, Marie’s stay in Seattle. flowers, support and so much love. We will be forever grateful to you for your kindness. We want to thank Doyon Limited, Gana-A yoo Limited and Nulato Tribal Council We would like to thank the trooper that came for their monetary support from the potlatch funds. The villagers in Nulato never cease to to our home, the emergency services amaze us. They held a raffle to help with mom and Marie’s expenses before they left for personnel, the Fairbanks Memorial doctors Seattle. After mom’s passing, they held another raffle to help with the funeral expenses. and staff, the air ambulance crew, the Alaska Native Medical Center medical personnel, People from the surrounding villages also helped with donations for this raffle. When we and family and friends who were with us arrived in Nulato, everything was already taken care of. during the last hours with our son. We would We would also like to thank all Mom’s grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins like to thank the musicians that came to our home to share their wonderful talent; those and sisters and brothers-in-law for their wonderful support throughout the time we were that contributed to the printing of the program; to the many women who sewed the slippers, hat, mittens and to those who lined the casket. Thanks to Al Woods and James with her in Seattle, through the time we took her home to Nulato. We never expected our Grant for building the casket and the cross; they were beautiful. We appreciate the mother to die. When they moved her from University of Washington Medical Center to outpouring of love and support at the services and potluck in Fairbanks. Father Ed Northwest Regional Hospital, we believed that she would get better. They have such a high Hartmann, Fred Villa, those that served as Eucharistic ministers and the musicians helped success rate for weaning people off of the respirator. We are extremely thankful that Erick, to make it a memorable service. Thanks to Peter Captain, Jr. and the Fairbanks community Vera and Kris Ann were able to fly down to be with our beloved mother for the last hours for the fundraiser. Thanks to uncle Harold and aunt Florence Esmailka and Tanana Air of her life. We thank the Lord that six of her children were by her side at the time of her for flying our son and family home to Nulato and to Wright’s Air and Frontier Flying Service for hauling the freight and many of our family members and friends. We appreciate passing: Kris Ann, Marie, Paul, Simeon Jr., Erick, and Vera. Although the other four the ladies that cleaned our home while we were in Nulato. Thanks to the community of would’ve loved to be there, they weren’t able to make it. These are Kevin, Marvin, Cletus, Nulato for being there for us. Nulato will always be home and your help with the grave and Bradley. Our parents opened their home to many boarding home students from site, food, hunting, potlatch and final services will always hold a special place in our hearts. other villages so that they could finish high school. Many of these boarding home students So many people have told us that words cannot express how they feel or remove the hurt considered our parents their parents. that we are feeling, but your support has been awesome. God and prayer will help to ease the pain. We truly appreciate your hugs, phone calls, prayers, cards and show of support It is going to be hard for us because we tried to make sure we called our mother at and hope that you continue to pray for all young people who may be experiencing troubling least once or twice a week. We would never end a conversation saying goodbye because times. Thank you. that is final. We always made sure to let her know that we love her. With sincere prayers Our heartfelt appreciation, and knowledge that she is with our father, Simeon Mountain, Sr. we believe that we Stewart, Sr., Bernice and Alice Joseph will make it. We would also like to thank everyone for their help during Dad’s passing in P.O. Box 83651 1997. Fairbanks, AK 99708 We leave you with this message: Please don’t hesitate to tell your family and friends Dear Editor, that you love them everyday. Thank you again for your wonderful support and love. May On behalf of my large, and extended family, I would like to thank everyone in the the Lord bless each and every one of you. village of Gwichyaa Zhee and beyond for their generous love, support, and assistance they showed myself and my family, when we lost my Shitsii, Isaac John Jr on January 21, 2004. This loss came all too sudden for my family, as we were still grieving over the loss of my Sincerely, Shitsuu, Sarah John, who passed away in June 2003. There are so many people that carried Kris Ann, Marie, Paul, Simeon, Jr. Kevin, our family through a very difficult time (and cold I might add, -40); it showed me what the power of a strong, Native community is capable of. Marvin, Erick, Vera Rose, Cletus, Bradley My Shitsii was a loving and generous man, and extended his knowledge of the The Mountain Family traditional lifestyle not only to his own family, but to community members as well, or P.O. Box 65084 anyone who was interested and willing to learn for that matter. He can best be remembered Nulato, AK 99765 by his gracious smile and endless amount of energy, which he utilized to spend time in his favorite place, the outdoors, which is also where he died. The best memories I have of my Shitsii are the short, yet sweet time I spent with him. From the moment I expressed an interest in being with my Shitsii, and learning all there was to know about my family and where we had come from, my Shitsii dedicated his time to teaching me. I let him know that I was interested in speaking our language, like he did and he from then on spoke to me in only Gwich’in. I told him that my favorite foods were tloo tloo’ (berries) and nilli gaii (dry meat), and every time I saw him, he made sure I ate those things before I left the village. The Council is a monthly report to the member tribes of the Tanana Chiefs I could go on and on about my Shitsii, and the deep respect and love I have for him, Conference, in accordance with agreements with the Bureau of Indian Affairs despite the pain of his death being yet so raw; however, I would like to make a point to all the grandchildren who might be reading this, and share this sort of love and admiration and the Indian Health Service. Letters to the editor, other written contributions for their own grandparents. Treasure your grandparents, and all of your Elders for that and photo submissions are welcome. However, space is limited and program matter, because you are never sure that you will have “one more time” with them. I feel a oriented news has priority. TCC reserves the right to edit or reject material. loss in my heart, as both of my Native grandparents are no longer around to teach me (or Letters and opinions are not necessarily the opinions of Tanana Chiefs others) the stories, language, and traditions of my culture. I am happy to say that I did Conference. Material submitted anonymously will not be published. learn a lot from my Shitsii and Shitsuu, and will do my best to pass this amazing legacy Contributions and questions may be directed to: onto my own children, and future grandchildren as well. The Council Mahsii Choo, Ginger Kennedy Placeres, Editor Jessica Black Tanana Chiefs Conference 122 First Avenue, Suite 600 Fairbanks, AK 99701 CORRECTION: Phone: (907) 452-8251, ext. 3227 The Biomedical Equipment program with Al Wendel, Director, is part of the Toll-free within Alaska: Health Services Department, not the office of Environmental Health, as stated on 1-800-478-6822, ext. 3227 page 3 of the January issue. Toll-free from outside Alaska: 1-800-770-8251, ext. 3227 Fax: (907) 459-3851 In This Issue E-mail: [email protected] IN THIS ISSUE Subregional Offices Yukon-Koyukuk Kuskokwim Yukon-Tanana Tanana Chiefs Conference...... 1,3-4 P. O. Box 92 P. O. Box 169 1302 21st Avenue Letters to the Editor...... 2 Galena, AK 99741 McGrath, AK 99627 Fairbanks, AK 99701 Youth Employment & Training...... 5 (907) 656-1326 (907) 524-3005 (907) 459-3930 March Events...... 6-7 Health Services...... 8-9 Upper Tanana Lower Yukon Yukon Flats P. O. Box 129 P. O. Box 190 P. O. Box 304 Subregional News...... 10 Tok, AK 99780 Holy Cross, AK 99602 Ft. Yukon, AK 99740 News for Our People...... 11-12 (907) 883-5181 (907) 476-7137 (907) 662-2556 MARCH 2004 •THE COUNCIL • PAGE 3 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE Market Analysis Being Protecting Cultural Places This series of information to help Tribes understand and utilize basic Prepared for TCC CDFI regulations, terms, and processes for protecting cultural resources. By Amber Kocsis, Economic Development Coordinator As part of the ongoing feasibility discussion on the obstacles to business analysis to establish a Native Community development in our region and how they Development Financial Institution (CDFI), can be overcome. What are ‘cultural resources’? the TCC Business Development Center is By Donna Dwiggins, Anthropologist, Natural & Cultural Resources Individual surveys make up one of the overseeing the completion of a market most important pieces of data for the Public agencies tend to refer to all of the ‘properties’ (in a broad sense) of a analysis for Interior Alaska. The market market analysis. Thank you to the 86 culture that require consideration by protective laws as ‘cultural resources’. These may analysis is intended to capture a picture of individuals who submitted surveys at the include tangible items such as archaeological and historical artifacts (arrowheads, the economic conditions in the Interior. The Dinayetr Summit; these surveys provide pots, masks, cabins, etc.) or intangibles such as sacred and spiritual places. study will provide valuable information for important information on the financial designing TCC’s CDFI so that it will best Areas that people use for subsistence, for ceremonies, for worship or spiritual circumstances in our region. Each address the business needs in the region. interaction, or simply for gathering supplies may also be considered as having cultural individual who submitted a survey received importance. For example, a particular type of tree may grow in a place that is known A wide range of data will be collected a ticket for a prize drawing. Gabe Nicholi, for its value – say a birch grove where the trees provide good, bendable wood for to complete the market analysis. Data such James Kelly Sr., and Debbie Thomas took making sleds, or where the bark or a special grass is traditionally harvested for making as population and unemployment rates, will home prizes. baskets or for other traditional purposes. Although these places are collection sites be gathered using sources such as the United The CDFI market analysis will gather for supplies of local artisans, they may also play a part in the local culture if the people States Census, the Alaska Department of a great deal of information together in one are known for their connections to sled- or basket-making. This special relationship Labor, and the Alaska Department of comprehensive document that will provide of the culture with these resources could mean that the location where these supplies Community and Economic Development. an assessment of the business environment are harvested is also a cultural resource because it is integral to the traditions of the Local business owners, tribal chiefs, and in our region. The study will be completed culture. village corporation general managers and in May 2004. If you would like more CEO’s will be interviewed and surveyed. Similarly, if a group of people have a long history of meeting together in one information on TCC’s proposed CDFI, Interviews will also be conducted with other particular spot, and they continue to use that area to perpetuate their cultural ties please contact Amber Kocsis at 1-800-478- Native and non-Native CDFI’s throughout with each other, that area may be considered a cultural resource because it contributes 6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3181 Alaska and the United States. to the continuity of the culture. Nuchalowoyya may be considered an example of such or email at [email protected]. Representatives from each subregion will a place. Traditional picnic or campsite areas that are part of the cultural group’s long be asked to participate in a focus group collective history may also be considered as a cultural resource if it continues to contribute to the vitality of the culture, and destroying the site would substantially change an important element of cultural traditions. The Individual Survey will be distributed during the 2004 Annual Convention. Other sites may be considered cultural resources if they are closely connected to Please take the time to stop by our information table, fill out a survey, and learn an individual who played a key role in the history of the cultural group. There may more about the proposed Community Development Financial Institution. Fill also have been places where significant events happened in the cultural history, for out a survey and be entered in our Grand Prize Drawing! example a war, or the meetings of Chiefs, traditional trading sites, or a place where several bands came together on a regular basis. The definitions that public agencies follow in their consideration of protection New Director for Interior for traditional cultural places (TCPs) and cultural resources are somewhat flexible. Often effective protection, with assistance from public agencies, lies in critical and Athabascan Tribal College thorough documentation of how and why the site has been used, its historical importance, and the impacts to cultural continuity that will be suffered if the site is By David Monroe, Director, Interior Athabascan Tribal College destroyed. We will detail some of this documentation process in future columns. I have happily joined TCC after spending the For questions or suggestions for future articles, please call Donna Dwiggins, last two years as the Project Director for the Rural Applied Anthropologist, toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. Career Pathways Project at the College of Rural 3394 or email [email protected]. Alaska. I am very excited to be here and looking forward to the challenge-a great project that has so much potential to help people and make a difference in their lives. Prior to this I was a grant manager and TCC Receives Loan social science instructor at Ilisagvik College in Barrow, Alaska. I have been involved in education in Alaska both as a teacher and administrator for the past Funds from USDA eight years. Prior to that I was an Attorney at Law in By Pat Church, Business Analyst/Loan Officer, Business Development Center Colorado. Last but not least, I spent almost 20 years prior as a professional musician, playing music of The Business Development Center The new funds will be used by TCC to all kinds in various bands throughout Colorado and received a new $750,000 loan from the United leverage additional funding from various the west. States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organizations including the CDFI Fund of In my spare time I like to spend time with my Rural Development Intermediary Relending the United States Treasury Department. This children-I have four and am a single parent with a Program (IRP) to provide low-interest new funding will allow TCC to obtain up 12-year-old daughter and 18-year-old son living at loans to small businesses in the rural areas to $2 million in matching funds each year home with me, as well as two older daughters in college. One daughter is an exchange of the TCC region. This new loan will from the CDFI Fund for the purpose of student in Cordoba, Spain. My oldest daughter is a junior at the University of Alaska, provide the first funds in TCC’s proposed lending to all of our business owners in the Fairbanks. I love to hike and ride my bike in the summer, and to play music in the winter Community Development Financial TCC region. months. Institution (CDFI) that is expected to open TCC beneficiaries that are business in the fall of 2004. My goal in my new position as Director of the Interior Athabascan Tribal College is owners, or are thinking about starting a to help develop a college curriculum that honors the values, language, culture and history In 1995, TCC received a $1 million loan business, are eligible to apply for these loans. of the Athabascan people of Interior Alaska. In addition I am hoping to work with Reva from the USDA that financed over 50 loans Contact Pat Church toll-free at 800-478- Shricel and Beth Leonard to develop classes and eventually degree programs that prepare to village-based businesses throughout the 6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3278 people in the Interior for the various economic opportunities available in their communities. TCC region. Since then, TCC has used all or email [email protected] or I believe that culture is the foundation of any successful educational experience. I feel of these funds and requested the additional Margaret Matthew at ext. 3438 or email strongly that education should be designed to meet the needs of the people being served, $750,000 to continue TCC’s business loan [email protected]. and should respect their learning style. I also believe that education should be practical program. and help people to find employment where they live. This is a great opportunity; I’m thrilled to be here and will work hard to make exciting new things happen for the college.

Census Data Workshop in Fairbanks A workshop sponsored by the United States Census and hosted by Planning & Development will be held on March 25 from 1:30-4:30 pm in the TCC Basement Classroom. The purpose of the workshop is to educate end-users on how to easily access Census data for any information needs such as grant writing and reporting. This workshop will focus on accessing data specific to tribes and rural villages. The workshop is free and open to the public. Please RSVP Amber Kocsis toll-free TCC President Harold “Buddy” Brown and Dean Stewart of the at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3181 or email United States Department of Agriculture. [email protected] so we can ensure there will enough materials available. PAGE 4 • THE COUNCIL • MARCH 2004 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE Staff attends abuse Taking Care of Our Grandparents... survivors training By Nina K. DeRoche CT, AAS, OMFRC This section regarding Elder issues is a continuing effort by several organizations to feature those we cherish most. Caring for our grandparents is reflected on Fred John, Harold Paul, Nina DeRoche, Harold Paul said this conference behalf of TCC, Fairbanks Native Association, and Denakkanaaga. and Miriam Titus, all Old Minto Family affected him tremendously, especially Recovery Camp counselors attended the through the teaching, small group sessions, When living at home is not possible Survivors of Abuse Leadership Training and his co-workers reflected the same Seminar (SALTS) for the first time. The comments. Tears were shed and hugs of By Lisa Richard RN, TCC Home Care and Charlotte M. Davis, RN, Elders Program training took place in Fairbanks in late encouragement given as people took risks If you ask Elders where they want to grow old, they will say “in January. by opening up their hearts, many for the my own home.” When you ask them “Who will take care of you?” Beauty for Ashes was the theme for very first time. As people shared, it was they will answer “my family.” Unfortunately, families are not always addressing core issues of abuse ranging evident that inner healing was taking place. able to provide the care an Elder may need. People are living longer from sexual, spousal, to verbal, and physical All could relate to one another’s stories of with new health care tests, surgeries, and medications. However, living abuse, as well as child neglect. Special surviving abuse and how it has affected their longer does not mean that we are healthy enough to care for ourselves. speakers shared their stories of how they own personal lives and families. An Elder may need help to get out of bed, bathe, cook, keep clean, survived abuse, the affect it had on their The conference ended with a and go to the bathroom. Who will help? What is available? How much image of self and others, which in turn celebration for the beginning of the healing does it cost? Where can I go for care? It is important to think about affected their ability to develop healthy process. Attendees echoed the voices of and plan for needing help in the future. relationships with themselves and others. conference leaders by making commitments After sharing their stories, attendees met in to pass on what they have learned. Most The Home Care Nurses completed a survey last spring with the small closed groups designed to create a stated, “It’s time to break the silence through Elders in their homes. We gathered information about what they safe atmosphere for sharing how they’ve sharing our pain with other wounded know about Long Term Care and Advance Directives. We encouraged been impacted by abuse as the stories that warriors.” them to think about the ability of family members to care for them if were told related to them individually. they should need a lot of care. In Assisted Living Homes, residents live with other people and may have their own room. The homes provide meals, snacks, and caregivers provide help 24-hours a day. This includes help with personal hygiene, medications and laundry. Most of the assisted living Living with Alcohol & Substance Abuse homes are licensed by the State of Alaska. Excerpts are taken from the book titled “Drugs & Drinks: Painful Assisted Living Homes cost from $60-$100 or more daily Questions, How Substance Abusers and Their Loved Ones Ask for Help” depending on the level of care needed. Payment for assisted living homes includes all of your monthly checks-Social Security, retirement, by Frank N. Shiromoto & Edgar Soren. Mr. Soren is an Intake Counselor for Senior Assistance, and Medicaid checks. You can keep $100 a month the Old Minto Family Recovery Camp. Subsequent issues will have future from your checks for personal spending. You may keep the Alaska excerpts as well. Native Corporation and Village dividends, and the Permanent fund dividend to spend as you wish. Children should keep the following important facts in mind: The Tanana Elders Home is the only assisted living home in an • You are not responsible for your parents’ behavior. Interior village. Payment for the Tanana Elders Home is based on a percentage of the client’s monthly income. There are Assisted Living • You cannot stop your parent(s) from drinking or using of drugs. Homes in Fairbanks but these homes are often full and some have a • You have been affected by your parent(s) drinking or use of drugs. waiting list. Getting into the home can take weeks to months. • You are not alone in your feelings of helplessness and there is help for The Pioneer and Veteran Home is an assisted living home. You you through such supportive groups as Alateen and Al-Anon. must be 65-years-old or older to apply to the home. There are nurses • When you reach for help you are doing something good for yourself, and nurse’s aides who provide 24-hour care. The Pioneers Home has a waiting list several years long. Every person who turns 65- and that is okay. years-old should apply for the Pioneer Home just in case it’s necessary If you have a specific question and would like to ask Mr. Soren, call toll- in the future. You will be notified if a room comes open. If you are free 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3160. You can email not ready to enter the home then, you can let them know and your [email protected]. name will go back to the bottom of the list. The Pioneer’s Home cost about $3,000 per month. You cannot receive Medicaid while in the Pioneer Home. The home will get all your monthly checks except for the $100 a month personal spending money. The State of Alaska makes up the difference between the Are you having trouble with... monthly checks and the cost of the care. Denali Center is a nursing home with two levels of care – skilled Addiction? and intermediate. Nurses and nursing assistants provide care 24- hours a day. The skilled care level is for residents who are recovering Crisis? from hospital stays and are expected to return home. Some residents may be dying of cancer, have breathing tubes, stomach tubes, or are Debt? paralyzed. These residents require totally skilled care and Denali Center becomes their home. The intermediate level of care is for the very sick, people with strokes, diabetes complications, Parkinson’s Depression? disease, dementia and Alzheimer’s. They must require a licensed nurse everyday. Most of these residents are confined to beds and wheelchairs Self-Esteem? and need complete help with feeding and keeping clean. The state and federal government sets very strict guidelines about Sexual Assault? how sick one must be or how much care they require for entering the nursing home. The person must need someone to do everything Suicide? for them all day long. The cost of Denali center is about $320 per day. Medicare pays for up to 20 days for the skilled level of care and Domestic Violence? rehabilitation. Some insurance may pay for part of the costs for skilled Call the Careline care. Medicaid pays for the intermediate level of care. Education? Crisis Hotline toll- This is just a brief explanation about some of the long-term care free at 877-266-4357 choices in the Interior. You are welcome to call the Home Care Grief? or locally at (907) Department toll-free at 800-478-7822 ext. 3440 or the Elder’s Nurses 452-4357. Brought to toll-free at 800-478-6682 ext. 3663 and 3779 if you have any Isolation? you by The United questions. We will be able to provide you with a list of Assisted Living Way of the Tanana Homes in Fairbanks, who to call for openings, and answer your Loneliness? Valley and Tanana questions about Denali Center and the Pioneer Home. Chiefs Conference. MARCH 2004 •THE COUNCIL • PAGE 5 YOUTH EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING The Role of a VISTA Career Corner By Neil Gahn, VISTA Fund Development Coordinator and By Casey Hann, Youth Employment & Training Manager Chantelle Schofield, VISTA Leader Welding-a bright future AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members are working on many exciting projects in Fairbanks. Fairbanks VISTAs perform a wide variety of services, Welding is an important industrial skill, useful in a variety of areas. This profession ranging from working with youth programs to coordinating tutors for adult education. has a strong future in Alaska. The proposed natural gas pipeline alone will require Some of the VISTAs in Fairbanks are local recruits, while others have come from around many trained and certified welders. Now is the time to begin classes, so you can be the rest of the United States, including as far away as Puerto Rico. VISTAs come from all ready for the jobs of tomorrow! walks of life, from recent college graduates to establish professionals. The one thing all People trained in welding often find employment opportunities in the VISTAs have in common is a commitment to help their country by giving their time, construction, agriculture, mining, transportation, aviation, and petroleum industries. energy, and enthusiasm to their projects. There are programs for beginning students who want to learn to cut and weld, as well VISTA members sign up for a 12-month term of service, and receive a modest living as for more advanced welders, offering training and opportunity to weld for stipend during the year. Additionally, at the end of their project, members choose between certification on pipe and plate. a $4,725 Education Award, which can be used to pay off student loans or to fund further Training exists for levels from welding basics to advanced pipe and metal plate education, or a $1,200 cash payment. Furthermore, members who complete 12 months as fabrication. Most programs offer classes that are small in order to offer hands-on a VISTA are granted non-competitive eligibility status in federal hiring, which means that training and maximize student-instructor interaction. Advanced students may work if you meet the minimum requirements, you can be considered for a government job toward American Welding Society certification or pursue advanced projects. All before the general public. programs emphasize welding safety in every course and develop the student’s ability Life as a VISTA member is not always easy. Many members are far from homes and to recognize hazardous situations encountered in the workplace. families, and it can be difficult to live on the small stipend members receive. On the other If you want to learn more, contact Casey Hann, Youth Employment & Training hand, most members agree that, although it can be challenging, it is also on of the most Manager, toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3089 or email rewarding experiences of their lives. VISTAs gain great insight into the community they [email protected]. serve, as well as invaluable work experience. Ramona Douglas came up from New Mexico to work as a VISTA providing support for the Tribal Civilian Community Corps (TCCC) in Nenana last year, and she enjoyed her time so much that she has returned to live and Elizabeth Peratrovich: what one person can do work in the Fairbanks area. She said, “Although the surroundings were different, it was By Odin Peter-Raboff, Youth Development Specialist like a home away from home, because the community was like family, and they welcomed me.” Elizabeth Peratrovich was a major civil rights leader in Alaska. Elizabeth was born on Ileana Garcia, from Puerto Rico, works as a VISTA with the Literacy Council of July 4, 1911 in Petersburg, Alaska. Elizabeth attended elementary school in Petersburg and Alaska, and is serving her second year. She decided to join VISTA because it was “different graduated from Ketchikan High School. She furthered her education at Western College and bold” and she “enjoys serving others without expecting anything in return.” Ileana is of Education in Bellingham, Washington. responsible for creating a lesson planning database for tutors to use. She thinks that this When Elizabeth completed college and moved to Juneau in 1941, she was shocked at online resource will help prevent tutor burnout, and make it easier for tutors to quickly the blatant discrimination against Natives. Elizabeth then co-wrote a letter with her find what they need. “I never realized how much need there is. If every person gave just 10 husband to the territorial Governor, Ernest Gruening, calling his attention to the un- hours a month of volunteer service, there are many things you could accomplish without American signs on the Douglas Inn, which read “No Native Allowed.” The letter reminded money.” the Governor that Natives pay the required taxes to the territory – even the unjust school VISTA Neil Gahn traveled up from Iowa late last summer. Since then he has been tax – to a system that excluded Native children from the public schools. employed as the Fund Development Coordinator in Youth Employment and Training Elizabeth lobbied extensively for the passage of an anti-discrimination law. In 1943, Department at TCC. Neil uses the internet to research for possible funding sources for the Territorial Legislature finally considered the first anti-discrimination law, but it did not youth programs. Once he finds a funding source that is a good match with the youth pass. This didn’t stop Elizabeth from fighting and when the issue came before the senate programs, he prepares a funding proposal to submit. again in 1945, it was Elizabeth’s powerful testimony that moved the legislature to pass the Preparation of this proposal requires Neil to communicate with many different first anti-discrimination law in the country which outlawed discrimination in housing, departments of TCC, as well as organizations and businesses in the community. public accommodations, and restaurants in Alaska. Additionally, to prepare a successful proposal, he needs to be very familiar with the In 1988, The Alaska Legislature established February 16th as “The Annual Elizabeth granting agency, the program he is writing about, TCC, the community of Fairbanks, and Peratrovich Day” to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the Anti- Alaska in general. Neil is a recent college graduate and has learned many skills that will Discrimination Act. serve him well in future job positions. “Serving as a VISTA has been a wonderful experience. I feel I am learning office and managerial skills that will serve me well after my time as a VISTA is over. Plus I have learned that helping others, not collecting a fat paycheck, gives Tribal Civilian Community Corps wants you me great satisfaction.” By Vernon Joseph, Wellness Coordinator Tanana Chiefs Conference is responsible for overseeing VISTA programs at Adult Learning Programs of Alaska, Alaska Legal Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Calypso Hi, and Happy New Year from all of us here at Tribal Corps in Nenana. We are proud Farm and Ecology Center, the Cultural Heritage and Education Institute, Girl Scouts to support our youth with another year of service to our villages. We are now accepting Farthest North, and at TCC. In addition several other VISTAs are placed at the Literacy applications for Tribal Corps Members. Council of Alaska and the Fairbanks North Star Borough Community Planning It is our hope to provide our future leaders with the tools needed to enter higher Department. Currently, positions are open with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Adult Learning education, trade school, or actively seek full-time employment and reach their personal Programs of Alaska, with more spots opening up during the year. goals and dreams. As a graduating Tribal Corps Member you will receive an education In addition, TCC plans to recruit several Rural Youth VISTAs, who would work award of $ 4,725. This may be used for tuition for college, trade schools and much more. within their villages to help coordinate offerings and programs for youth. For questions, Also, room and board is provided, plus a living allowance for personal expenses. help with starting a VISTA program in your community or agency, or more information In other words, you get to: travel the state doing exciting community projects, receive on how to become a VISTA, please contact Stephenie Bennett, AmeriCorps Program college credits for free, gain valuable trade skills, work on your GED if needed, get introduced Coordinator, toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3416 or email to dozens of employers in private career fairs who may offer you work after the program, [email protected]. You may also contact Chantelle Schofield, VISTA Leader, at never pay a thing for your entire stay, make a living allowance, and you get almost $5000 ext. 3268 or email [email protected]. You can also go online to: for college or trade school. What are you waiting for? www.americorps.org. You will work for this and work towards achieving a number of tasks that will be set down by a staff that is committed to modeling accountability, professionalism, and a Neil Gahn, positive attitude. As a Tribal Corps Members you will develop the skills of positive attitude, Chantelle strong work ethics, pride, and a solid viewpoint on good self-esteem. Schofield, and We, here at Tribal Corps, are looking for young men and woman that are willing to Stephenie Bennett. earn their own way. You are the leaders of tomorrow, and our staff is responsible, innovative, and committed to helping you reach your goals and dreams. So, if you feel the desire to meet the challenge or know of someone that might be ready, please call toll-free 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3738 and our recruitment specialist Daylinda Griffith will be pleased to assist you. Also, if your village or tribal council would like to help sponsor a new project in your area please call ext. 3922 and our project specialist Connie Mayo will assist you. Once again, we will engage everyone’s help in supporting our youth. No job is too small or too big for Tribal Corps. Basee’

Call us toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251. Go to www.tananachiefs.org AmeriCorps/VISTA Youth Employment Tribal Civilian Community Youth Opportunity Grant Services Corps Through VISTA and Village Empowers Native youth facing barriers to Based in Nenana, we provide Promotes self-esteem and self AmeriCorp, TCC offers a variety of employment by providing work opportunities for members to travel to determination through a culturally opportunities for participants to serve experience, training and educational perform service projects, gain work appropriate program of education, and strengthen Alaska Native opportunities designed to foster world- experience, increase cultural awareness training, occupational experiences and communities. of-work skills. and enhance educational skills. related services for rural youth. Contact: Stephenie Bennett Contact: Rachel Graybeal Contact: Daylinda Griffith Contact: Adam Demientieff [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Extension 3416 Extension 3193 Extension 3738 Extension 3410 PAGE 6 • THE COUNCIL • MARCH 2004 March is Athabascan Month Friday Saturday Sunday Monday March 12 march 13 March 14 March 15

TCC Executive TCC Subregional Dear Friends, TCC Subregional Board Meeting Advisory Board The Alaska Native Policy Center, an Advisory Board initiative of the First Alaskans Institute, 6th Floor Board Room is a think tank and research institute Chief Peter John Tribal Building Meeting Meeting 9-5 pm Chena River Convention Center dedicated to raising levels of information Chena River Convention Center Meeting times vary by subregion and understanding on public policy Meeting times vary by subregion issues of importance to Native people. TCC Regional Upper Tanana Subregion Upper Tanana Subregion The Policy Center is engaged in a major Health Board 9-5 pm project to analyze and disseminate 9-5 pm important data on the condition of Yukon Flats Subregion Meeting Alaska Natives (population trends, Yukon Flats Subregion 9-5 pm Al Ketzler Sr. Building 9-5 pm health/wellness, economic problems, and 9-5 pm educational performance), now being Yukon Tanana Subregion Community Health Aide Program gathered by UAA’s Institute for Social Training Room Yukon Tanana Subregion and Economic Research (ISER). The 9-3 pm 10-3 pm primary audience for this information Yukon Koyukuk Subregion is Natives, although the data are publicly th Yukon Koyukuk Subregion available to everyone, via our Internet 6 Floor Board Room 6th Floor Board Room website. Chief Peter John Tribal Building 9-5 pm Chief Peter John Tribal Thank you for your consideration, Greta L. Goto Kuskokwim Subregion Building Director, Alaska Native Policy Center 9-5 pm 10-3 pm Lower Yukon Subregion




8:30-5 pm Denakkanaaga Listen to her entire report Board of Directors Kuskokwim Subregion on Wednesday, March 17, Meeting 9:30-5 pm 2004 at the annual FNA Board Room 8:30 am convention.

 TCC Annual Youth Convention
8:30 am 9:30 am 10 am 8:30 am Basement Basement Basement Basement Guest Speaker Evon Peter Resolutions Workshops Subregional Meetings University Tour Lunch with E-Board Trip to Chena Hot Springs Guest Speaker Will Mayo College of Rural Alaska at Food Factory

2004 Doyon Foundation 2004 Association of Interior Native North American Educators Raffle Drawing for $5,000 on March 19, 2004

Basketball Tournament For tickets and information, call Sheila Vent at (907) 459-2141. The 2004 Doyon Foundation North American Basketball Tournament will be held at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Patty Center, March 16-20, 2004. Proceeds from this tournament benefit Doyon Foundation’s scholarship programs which assists Native students in obtaining a higher education. Each year Doyon Foundation provides scholarships to about 300 students, many of whom are first-time college attendees Fairbanks Native within their families. The tournament, which also promotes healthy lifestyles, will feature eight Master Association teams (40 and over), 16 Men’s teams and 14 Women’s teams. The teams come from Annual Meeting throughout Alaska, including Angoon, McGrath, Kaltag, Barrow, and Allakaket. Daily admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children, students, and Elders. The David Salmon Tribal Hall tournament will start at 9 am each day and last until midnight. On the average, several hundred spectators attend the games between 9-5 pm; evening games attract as many as March 20, 2004 1,500 spectators. 1-3 pm The Opening Ceremony for the Doyon Foundation North American Basketball Tournament will take place on the first night of the event, March 16 at 6:45 pm at the Patty Center. University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Chancellor Marshall Lind and Doyon, Limited CEO Orie Williams are scheduled to participate in the ceremony. 41st Annual Potlatch Sponsors of this year’s tournament include Compeau’s, Frontier Flying Service, Fairbanks Central Labor Council, Arctic Office Supplies, Local 375 Plumbers and David Salmon Tribal Hall Steamfitters, Doyon, Limited, Walsh, Kelliher & Sharp, and Raven Screens. March 20, 2004 For more information, please contact Sharon McConnell Gillis, Doyon Foundation Executive Director, at (907) 459-2051 or Tournament Planning Committee Members 3:30-10 pm George Bell at (907) 456-4716 or Bob Maguire at (907) 459-2144. MARCH 2004 •THE COUNCIL • PAGE 7 March is Athabascan Month Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday March 16 March 17 March 18 March 19 Tanana Chiefs 2004 Tanana Chiefs Conference Annual Convention Conference Chena River Convention Center CLOSED ALL DAY Welcome Address FNA Queen Contestants Fort Yukon Dance Group 9 am Introductions 8 am Doyon Annual Traditional Chief Dr. Reverend 8:30 am David Salmon, Chalkyitsik Governor Frank Meeting Murkowski’s Address Westmark Gold Room Regionalization Discussion President’s Report 8:40 am 10:15 am 9:30 am 1) Registration Harold “Buddy” Brown Election Ratification 8 am Nenana Inter-Tribal Dance Alaska Federation Begins at 10:45 am 2) Call to Order Group 1 pm of Natives Report 9:30 am Fort Yukon Dance Group Discussion of 2nd 10:30 am 12:45 pm Traditional Chief Selection Julie Kitka, AFN President Benefit Dance 3:15 pm nd Alaska Native Policy 2 Chief Selection Wickersham Hall Center Report (continued from Tuesday) Welcome Reception Nenana Unlimited David Salmon Tribal Hall 11:45 am TCC Potlatch 5:30 pm Greta Goto, First Alaskans Institute David Salmon Tribal Hall 9 pm Sponsored by the Fairbanks Morris Thompson Cultural 5:30 pm Chamber of Commerce Beneficiary: Kevin Webster & Visitor’s Center Report 1:25 pm Cindy Schumaker, Executive Director

 TCC Annual Youth Convention
8:30 am 8 am 8 am Traveling Chena River Convention Chena River Convention Chena River Convention Home Center Center Center Attending Annual Convention Guest Speakers Sam Demientieff & Week Overview Wally Carlo TCC Youth Council Tasks

Benefit Dance at the Wickersham Hall Johnson O’Malley Saturday, March 20, 2004 Fort Yukon Band Beneficiary: Youth Basketball 9:30 pm Kevin Webster Tournament nd Tanana Middle School Doyon’s 2 Annual Grades 3-12 Regional Job Fair March 15-17, 2004 Saturday, March 20 For more information, 10 am- 2 pm please call (907) 451-6201 Doyon, Limited Chiefs Court We invite you to visit representatives from: Watch the Tanana Chiefs Conference
Doyon Universal Services
Alaska Regional Council of Carpenters 1243
Tanana Chiefs Conference
Convention live at Tribal Civilian CommunityCorps/AmeriCorps
Doyon American J/V,
Doyon Aramark J/V
Doyon Tourism Incorporated,
Doyon http://tcclivecam Limited
Fairbanks Native Association
Fairbanks Job Center
Adult Learning Programs of Alaska
Big Brothers/Big For questions, contact Jesse Foglebach, Acting Sisters,
Doyon Drilling
Interior Regional Housing Authority, Director, Information Systems, toll-free at 800-478-6822
Teck Pogo Mine
Galena City School District Post Secondary or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3491. You can also email Program
and many additional companies and organizations! [email protected]. If you have any questions, please contact Patricia MacDonald at (907) 459-2117 or Jennifer Maguire at (907) 459-2015. PAGE 8 • THE COUNCIL • MARCH 2004 HEALTH From the old you to Chief Andrew the new you By John Martin, Physical Activities Coordinator, Diabetes Program, Isaac Health Center and Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center Nearly 60% of American youth manage to find the time for physical exertion at a level Pharmacy Hours sufficient enough to constitute the constructive physical activity helpful to prolonged Effective March 1, 2003 the Weekend and Holiday Clinic at good health. You do not have to exercise everyday to achieve goals for good health. Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center are as follows: Initially, aim for every other day. Walking or running for 15 minutes is terrific start. The average length of time spent by people who consider themselves to be in good shape is Clinic Hours: about 20 minutes three times a week. If, however, you take medications for depression and you are interested in finding out whether exercise would benefit you, talk with our doctor Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-7:30 pm first. Walk- In the Beginning Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm Ins need to check Be certain to warm up before you begin a workout and to cool down when you are Weekend Clinic: in 45 finished. Additionally, done properly, stretching can prevent injuries such as strains, sprains, minutes and shin splints while increasing blood circulation and the range of motion in the joints. Friday 5:00 pm-8:00 pm prior to Hold stretches. Bouncing is not beneficial and can be harmful. Overstretching can cause Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am-5:30 pm closing. injury, so if you are stretching to the point where you feel pain, stop. The neck, shoulders, Holidays 10:00 am-5:30 pm trunk, hips, leg, and groin muscles all benefit from stretching. Being overzealous can lead to harmful excess. Do not overdo it. A little bit of tightness is expected, but pain is another The clinic is closed the last Friday of each month from 8:00 story altogether. If you begin to feel pain in your joints or muscles, give yourself days of am-9:00 am. rest until the pain goes away. If the pain continues or if your legs or feet become cool or pale, see your doctor. Pay attention to your body’s response to heat. After 15 minutes of Pharmacy Hours: working out in hot weather, your body temperature can rise as much as five degrees. Sweating has a cooling effect on your body, and sufficient fluid is needed to produce Monday – Thursday 8:00 am 7:30 pm enough sweat. Drink water before and after you work out as well as every 15 to 20 minutes Wednesday 9:00 am 7:30 pm during moderate physical activities. If your body cannot get rid of heat effectively, the Friday 8:00 am 4:30 pm consequences can be as simple as an uncomfortable workout or as serious as fatal heat stroke. An even cool-down decline period is also important after the workout is finished. The pharmacy is closed weekends/holidays, prescriptions can be If during this time you experience shortness of breath, dizziness, cold or clammy skin, filled after hours at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. nausea, or chest pains, stop right away and call your doctor. Where is the pest place to work out? Many cannot afford the rising price of gyms or home fitness equipment. That is okay. In the home, Simples chairs and the floor are excellent starting apparatus for use by the beginner. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) Getting into the Rhythm By Monica P. Rueben, Hygienist, Dental Clinic Eventually, you should work out at least 30 minutes a day. Strength training is also a good idea. How well one performs during periods of exercise depends upon their oxygen What Is Dry Mouth? Dry mouth is the condition of not having enough saliva, or spit, intake. Remember that oxygen is the key to life. The only way physical recuperation can be to keep your mouth wet. achieved is after oxygen has reached the bloodstream. This is why it is paramount to What Do I Need To Know About Dry Mouth? Everyone has a dry mouth once in a breathe properly. Always breathe through the nose not through the mouth. Oxygen while – if they are nervous, upset or under stress. But if you have a dry mouth all or most of the time, it can be uncomfortable and can lead to serious health problems. absorbed through the nose reaches the bloodstream faster than through the mouth. Of Dry Mouth can cause: all the time to keep your mouth shut, this is it. This revised breathing pattern greatly • difficulties in tasting, chewing, swallowing, and speaking reduces one’s recovery time– as well as the likelihood of a hear attack caused from lack of • dental decay and other infections in the mouth oxygen in the blood. Pulmonary rehabilitation can help you reach your physical potential. • can be a sign of certain diseases and conditions It can also help you avoid heart attacks and keep you out of the hospital. If you have had • can be caused by certain medications or medical treatments a heart attack or other heart problems, chances are that you would benefit from regular Dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. So if you think you have dry mouth, see exercise, and you can probably safely start an exercise program right in your own home. your dentist or physician, there are things you can do to get relief. Symptoms Include: Helpful Hints • a sticky, dry feeling in the mouth Are you thinking “I don’t need a formal exercise program, I walk from desk to desk, • trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting, or speaking or around the house at least three miles a day.” Shuffling around hardly substitutes for a • a burning feeling in the mouth prolonged minute-after-minute, calorie-burning program that extended exercise offers. • a dry feeling in the throat Office types can walk for the rest of their indoor lives and never accumulate the time • cracked lips • a dry, tough tongue necessary to burn calories and unmanageable fat buildup. Have you ever said, “I get bored • mouth sores of doing exercises– besides, there never seems to be enough time.” Pry a crowbar into your • an infection in the mouth schedule and wedge the time in. You can always find time to save your own life. Here are Why Is Saliva So Important? Saliva does more than keep the mouth wet, it: shortcut exercise suggestions: • helps digest food • Park you car farther away than you normally do to give yourself extra walking • protects teeth from decay time. • prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth • If possible, take just 15 minutes before or after you eat lunch to go for a quick • makes it possible for you to chew and swallow What Causes Dry Mouth? walk. • Side effects of some medicines such as high blood pressure or anti-depression pills; • Exercising with a group puts peer pressure on everyone in the group not to quit. • Diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease; • At work, walk the halls briskly or go up and stairs to get your blood pumping a • Radiation Therapy – salivary glands can be damaged from exposure to radiation; little faster. • Chemotherapy – drugs used to treat cancer can make saliva thicker; or, • Even if the weather is bad, you can stay in doors and walk briskly. • Nerve Damage – salivary glands can be damaged from head or neck injuries. • Add some fun to your routine: Try dancing or dance lessons. It is great way to For questions about your dental health, please call the Dental Clinic toll-free at socialize and exercise at the same time. Success is its own reward. 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3200. Once the new you is working out, as we all know, habits are hard to break– bad ones and good ones. For more information, contact John Martin, Physical Activities Coordinator, toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 451-6682 ex t. 3773. You can also Teen Support at email him at [email protected] the Counseling Center Are you between the age of 12 and 18? Find yourself in trouble with your friends, parents, school or worse for anger or losing control? Walking at the Big A new group is forming at the Counseling Center, a group for teens that focuses on anger management and taking charge of your life. Dipper Arena Dr. Larry Gooding, a counselor in Fairbanks, will be facilitating this group to help young people learn the skills of managing their anger. The Big Dipper Arena fee is paid for The group is a mix of learning about you, learning skills and practicing these skills in a structured manner. The group will be for one all eligible TCC Health Services hour, 4:30 to 5:30 pm, on Mondays starting February 23rd. Beneficiaries. Just sign in at the Big Dipper
It is open to all members of the TCC region, but space is on the roster provided with your name limited, so call (907) 459-3800 to reserve a seat. and TCC Health Services chart number. MARCH 2004 •THE COUNCIL • PAGE 9 HEALTH Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center’s A new service at the Health Records Counseling Center Health Records is open Monday-Friday from 8:00-4:30 pm. If you would like to have By Cristina Ackerman, Mental Health Clinician, your records released to another agency for ongoing medical care, please call Edna Nathaniel, & Siobhan Lynch, Supervisor/Mental Health Clinician, Counseling Center Release of Information Technician, toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 451-6682 ext. 3230. If you have questions regarding your health records, please call Beverly Beardsley, The Counseling Center at CAIHC is pleased to announce a new capacity to help the Health Records Director, toll-free at 800-478-682 or locally at (907) 451-6682 ext. 3632. youngest members of our region. In June 2003, we hired Cristina Ackerman, Licensed Master Social Worker, who has special skills in working with children ages birth to eight- Filing years-old. She has set up her office as a “playroom” with wonderful toys in order to use the technique of “play therapy” with little kids who are having trouble. In this first of a File clerks keep track of all patient files; they track charts using a computer system series of articles on behavioral health for young kids, Cristina describes play therapy. called the Resource Patient Management System (RPMS). They’re responsible for filing all encounter forms, x-ray reports, laboratory reports, and consultations. Further, health What is Play Therapy? aides receive a copy of encounters of village residents who are seen in Fairbanks for any Play therapy is a way of helping young children who have had difficult life experiences care. However, this information will not be seen if a patient requests it. Also, file clerks pull charts for all appointments. Currently, Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center stores or who have problems managing behavior, relationships, or feelings. A play therapist is a approximately 50,000 charts, of which 30,000 are actively available for current patients. counselor who has had specific training in how to help kids “play with a purpose.” The File Clerks (front purpose is to help the child make sense of thoughts, feelings, relationships, and experiences left): Janice that have challenged the child beyond his or her ability to “talk” about things. Solomon, Bella Young kids can use words to tell about typical events in their lives, like what they did Savino, Nonie in preschool today or what they had for breakfast. But they can’t use words easily to talk Lewis, Merreline about, for example, the worry they have after Mom had to go to the hospital. Let’s say this Kangas, Valerie happened to a child we’ll call “Howard.” Instead of talking about the worry, Howard may Isaac, Arliss Tritt use play therapy to act out a scene that shows the “Mommy Bear” with band-aids all over and Wilma and the “Baby Bear” sad and crying because it’s scared that “Mommy Bear” might die. Flyinghorse. Not photographed: Howard then says, “Baby Bear made his Mommy sick because he’s a bad bear.” Chrystal Fabian, What Does a Child’s Play Mean? Annie Bailey and Now what would Howard’s play scene tell a play therapist? First, the play therapist Viola Taylor. knows that three-year-old Howard’s brain hasn’t developed enough to have thinking and language skills to describe his worry or the event that happened. Instead, Howard, and all Release of Information young kids, must use the language of play to show the therapist what matters to them, what hurts they feel, and how adults can help. Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center is committed to protecting the confidentiality of information about you and is required by law to do so. All requests for medical records In our example of the bears, Howard uses play to show that he worries about his must be arranged with Edna Nathaniel, Release of Information Technician. A Release of mother being hurt and not able to care for him, and that he feels sad and scared about Information form has to be signed by the patient, as medical records will not be released this. Howard also shows that he thought it was his own fault when his mother got hurt, without a patient’s consent. We work with the State of Alaska regarding patients who are which of course isn’t the case. In fact, young children often have inaccurate notions about applying for disability, attorney requests, and with insurance companies. Also, children’s what happens to them and in their families. shot records can be released to the parent or school nurse through the Release of Information Technician. Information in the medical record are protected under the Privacy How Does the Play Therapist Help? Act of 1974 and most recently under HIPAA which is the Health Insurance Portability and So what would a play therapist do in Howard’s case? Well, the play therapist would Accountability Act of 1996 that came into affect April 2003. “stay in the play,” meaning that she would continue to play the scene Howard has started. Release of But, the therapist is thinking, “What does Howard need in order to make sense of this Information worry, sadness, and self-blame?” includes Nancy One thing Howard might need is to know that even if Mom can’t take care of him, Aukongak and Edna there are others who can. So the therapist might introduce an “Auntie Bear” who comes Nathaniel, with and holds “Baby Bear” while he’s crying. The message the therapist gives is that “Other Health Records Director Beverly grownups can help you feel safe when you are scared.” In fact, with this intervention, the Beardsley in the therapist is teaching Howard to look for help from adults. Research has shown that kids middle. who make it through hard times do so because they get help from healthy adults around them. The play therapist might also have the “Auntie Bear” tell “Baby Bear” that it’s not his fault that his mom got hurt. The therapist could give a simple description of what happened such as, “Mom told you to come back and she ran after you. She slipped on the ice and hurt her leg. You think it is your fault but it’s not because accidents happen.” Coding Conclusion This is just one thing the play therapist might do in the case of Howard. But it gives Health Records Technicians receive all medical records after a patient has seen a an example of how play therapy is useful for little kids who can’t so easily use words and provider, they analyze all encounter forms to check for eligibility and completion. Diagnoses ideas to share their troubles. Play therapy uses the language that young children are most are coded for billing and other purposes. fluent with, the language of play. It is play with a purpose and the purpose is to help kids The Coding Staff make sense of feelings, thoughts, relationships, and events that are too big for them just (left to right): Terri yet. Grown-ups use talk therapy, prayer, traditional activities, talking to friends, and other Cadzow, Katie strategies to help them solve problems or cope with hard times. Kids use play and a play Wiehl, Melanie therapist helps them do it. Bonus, and Eliza Play therapy is especially useful with children between the ages of two-one-half and Winfrey. Not six-years-old. If you are wondering about whether or not play therapy might help your pictured: Karie Haschke. child, call the Counseling Center toll-free at 800-478-4741 or locally at (907) 459-3800 or email [email protected].

Eye Clinic Spring 2004 Travel Schedule Dental Clinic Travel Please contact your local health aide or clinic for scheduling of appointments. You 5-9 Northway (Dentist) can call the Eye Clinic toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 12-16 Galena (Dentist) 3220. 12-16 Northway (Dentist)  12-24 Nulato (Dentist) Week of March 1: April 19-23 Northway (Dentist) Galena 26-30 Northway (Dentist) Week of March 22:
26-30 Northway (Hygienist) 26-30 Anaktuvuk Pass (Dentist) Tok, Tetlin(road conditions permitting), Northway Week of April 19 (Tentative): For more information, please call the Dental Clinic toll-free at 800-478-6822 or Allakaket locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3200. PAGE 10 • THE COUNCIL • MARCH 2004 SUBREGIONAL NEWS “Honoring Our Elders Day” Newest McGrath Residents By Poppy Harris, Director, Kuskokwim Subregion

in Holy Cross We welcome 2003’s newest members of McGrath: By Tessiana Paul, Tribal Administrator ☺ Gavin Rohn Ellis, born January 11, is the son of Jim Holy Cross held an “Honoring and Jo Ellis; Our Elders Day” on December 19. It ☺ Jadon Riley Fleagle, born February 12, is the son of was a time to thank 22 honorable Einar and Jill Fleagle; Elders. These wonderful men and ☺ Dayton William Magnuson, born July 17 to Derek women teach us guidance, respect and (Buddy) and Shannon Magnuson; and, how to live a healthy, traditional ☺ Dakota Lynn Magnuson, born September 20, is lifestyle. For this we are all very the daughter of Robert Jr. (Mansie) and Renita (Sweet pea) grateful. Gavin Rohn Ellis Magnuson. The community gathered together at a potlatch to honor the This could be our own version of “all in the family.” Dakota Elders, people ate and socialized. Later, and Dayton are cousins but Dayton, Jadon and Gavin are also gift baskets and door prizes were cousins. And I have to admit they are all cuties, as you can see presented to the Elders by both youth and Tribal Council members. Gifts were donated from the pictures. One nice thing about living in the villages from Holy Cross Oil, Tweedie’s Store and Frontier Flying Service and many others. you get to see them all and watch them grow. Congratulations to all the families and we welcome the future generation. The gift baskets for men included a flashlight set, socks, gloves and chocolate candy. The women received a tea kettle, socks, gloves and chocolate candy. The Head Start children made craft-replicas of the tea kettles, each inserted with a poem. Toward the end of the potlatch, community members spoke fondly about the past, emphasizing how and why we are where we are today. Before closing, Eugene Paul, First Chief, mentioned that Elder jackets and hats with the Tribal logo were on their way. He also thanked the Elders and everyone present and welcomed them to the Fiddle Dance featuring Louis Demoski and friends. Many people were involved in Jadon Riley making this special event happen, especially the Tribal Council. Thank you everyone Fleagle for your hard and dedicated work. Dayton William Dakota Lynn Magnuson Magnuson Pollution Word Find By Diana Ervin, Environmental Technician II-Solid Waste Coordinator, Upper Tanana Subregion

We gathered environmental words which we hope are familiar to you. If not, this is a good opportunity to learn more about them through research. In order to find the hidden words you will have to look forward, backward, diagonal, upwards, and downwards. Have fun finding these environmental words! Holy Cross Elders Marie Alexie Betty Johnson Harold Aloysius Wilson Jerue Angela Demientieff Maurice Newman Alice Demientieff Harry Sims Luke Demientieff Sr. Helen Sims Mary Demientieff John Sims Jr. Annie Edwards Rose Sims Mary Edwards Pete Turner Dorothy Gregory Frank Turner Herbert Gregory Irene Walker Irene Gregory Jerry Walker Vaska Gregory Lillian Walker Irene Irwin McGrath Birthday Bash By Kathy Snow, Administrative Assistant, Kuskokwim Subregion The first Birthday Bash in McGrath was small but very enjoyable. Three February Birthday people (Sally Collins, WORD BANK ECOSYSTEM Kim Miller and Timothy Snow) and 17 ACID RAIN ENVIRONMENT Thank You others showed up to celebrate on Sunday, February 29. A nice day, illness, and a baby AGRICULTURE FERTILIZER By Poppy Harris, Director, shower kept more people from attending. ALTERNATIVES GROUNDWATER The driving force behind the bash, Kuskokwim Subregion ANIMAL WASTE HAZARDOUS WASTE Kuskokwim Subregional Director Paula I was attending a Harris, was unable to attend due to illness BACTERIA LANDFILL training and summit on so we dispensed with public comments on COMMUNITY NONPOINT the Birthday people and got right to the January 20-23 and lost one COMPOST NUTRIENTS of my gloves that had been eating and visiting. Melody Magnuson- Strick made a beautiful cake, and it tasted CONTAMINATION PESTICIDE made by a local McGrath good too! Everyone remarked on how nice DISPOSAL POLLUTION Elder. I lost it sometime it was to get together just for the fun of it during the afternoon of the nd and not for an occasion. We really enjoyed 22 and was to travel back to McGrath the ourselves and everyone said they are looking rd next afternoon on the 23 . forward to the next one. The good company Is there something to brag about in your subregion and community? When I got to the summit Friday included: Kim and Wendell Miller, Sally If so, share it with The Council. Call Ginger Placeres, Editor, toll-free at morning I was going to check with the lost Collins, Peter and Kathy Snow, PT Snow, 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3227 or email and found but no one was there yet. When Timothy Snow, Ashton Snow, Jessica Snow, [email protected]. I’m not receiving enough subregional I got into the elevator and looked out it was Forrest Snow, Joel Collins, Jake Collins, news and haven’t heard from several valuable communities. laying on the counter. Someone had found James Magnuson, John Harris Jr., John it and turned it in. Needless to say that made John, Jamie John, Bossy Howard, Carla The deadline is the second Friday of each month and your article will my day. I just want to say a big Thank You Baumgartner, Samantha Hooper, Galen be printed the following month. Baumgartner and Sila Baumgartner. to who ever found it. And God Bless You. MARCH 2004 • THE COUNCIL • PAGE 11 NEWS FOR OUR PEOPLE Fish & Wildlife Alaska Legal Services Corporation networks with Launches Legal Learning Lab and Earned Council of Income Tax Credit Project Alaska Legal Services Corporation’s earners, many people who might otherwise Athabascan Tribal Fairbanks office has opened its new Legal receive the credit either don’t know about it Learning Lab. Funded by a grant from the or have no way to claim it without paying Governments Beaumont Foundation of America, the lab for tax preparation assistance. serves as an access point where visitors The Fairbanks office is an AARP Tax- The United States Fish and Wildlife to provisions of Public Law 93-638, Section seeking self-help information on legal issues Aide site, with free assistance provided by Service has negotiated an annual funding 403(c) (the Indian Self-determination and can use www.AlaskaLawHelp.org, an online appointment to income-eligible filers. While agreement with the Council of Athabascan Education Assistance Act), 16 U.S.C. 668dd- library of self-help legal and referral some will receive Tax-Aide assistance from Tribal Governments (Council) whereby the 668ee (National Wildlife Refuge System information compiled by ALSC and partner an ALSC attorney with expertise in tax Council would perform some of the Administration Act), and other applicable organizations throughout the state. The lab issues, many low-income filers will be able Service’s activities on the Yukon Flats laws and regulations. also offers access to the extensive collection to use the Legal Learning Lab’s facilities to National Wildlife Refuge during 2004-2005. The Yukon Flats National Wildlife of online court forms and instructions prepare their own returns. The lab uses an The proposal is now available for a 45-day Refuge is the third largest of more than 540 offered by the Alaska Court System. online tax preparation module called I- public review period prior to its planned refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge Walk-in lab sessions are offered on CAN! EIC, which was developed by the signing. System. The refuge was established in 1980 Monday and Friday afternoons from 2 pm Legal Aid Society of Orange County, Under the agreement the staff of the and includes more than 8.5 million acres of to 5 pm and on Tuesday and Thursday California. The I-CAN! EIC online tax Council would work closely with the staff wetlands and boreal forest habitat along mornings from 10 am to 12 noon. The preparation module is written at the fifth of the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge. 300 miles of the Yukon River, north of computers are available on a first-come, grade level, is offered in English and in The Council would perform the following Fairbanks. It is internationally noted for its first-served basis, and no appointment is Spanish, and allows low-income filers with activities in 2004: abundance of migratory birds. needed. Children are not allowed in the lab, limited computer proficiency to successfully 1) locating and marking public Individuals who are interested in and on-site child care is not available. complete and e-file their own federal tax easements across private lands within additional information on this tentative ALSC also offers a family law lab, from returns for free. the refuge boundary; annual funding agreement may view the 4 pm to 6 pm each Wednesday. The family Low-income individuals who seek 2) assisting with environmental draft agreement at http://alaska.fws.gov/ law lab is for self-represented individuals assistance from ALSC with tax preparation education and outreach in local current.htm or contact Ted Heuer, Refuge who have an active, ongoing family law need to fill out an application packet. villages; Manager, at (907) 456-0440, e-mail court case. No appointment is needed for Applicants will be contacted to set up an 3) wildlife harvest monitoring; [email protected], or write to: the family law lab. Visitors who attend the appointment, either to use the I-CAN! EIC 4) moose population surveys; and Ted Heuer, Refuge Manager family lab should bring their case module in the Legal Learning Lab or to 5) maintenance of government Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge paperwork with them. consult with ALSC’s tax attorney. property on or near Fort Yukon. 101 12th Avenue, Room 264 In conjunction with the opening of the Application packets can be picked up at The Service views this annual funding Fairbanks, Alaska 99701 Legal Learning Lab, ALSC has set up a pilot ALSC’s Fairbanks office at 1648 Cushman, agreement as a mechanism to engage local Anyone interested in commenting on project to offer tax assistance to members Suite 300, from 9 am to 12 noon and 1 pm residents in refuge management activities, this proposed action may do so at the of the low-income and senior community, to 5 pm Monday through Friday. The increase the efficiency of refuge programs, addresses above. Public comments will be with a special emphasis on helping residents application can be obtained through the and foster a closer relationship between accepted through March 29. claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC mail by calling ALSC at (907) 452-5181. For refuge employees and local residents, or EIC). For tax year 2003, the EITC can more information, contact Beth Heuer at including tribal members. After signing, the return up to $4,204 to low-income working (907) 452-5181 or email bheuer@alsc- agreement would be reviewed by Congress families. While the tax credit puts money law.org. during a 90-day period before it becomes back into the pockets of low-income wage effective. This tentative agreement conforms Wetlands “Souper Bowl” By Kip Cronk, Aquatic Ecologist, Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council Memorial Dinner Debi Ely organized an event in January to celebrate the lives of loved ones who passed away and especially to bring attention to the grieving process. “The Souper Bowl began as a memorial for my husband, Ron Ely, but because of our urban setting potlatches just aren’t like village potlatches…so this was a way to balance that missing piece. This wasn’t strictly a Native gathering but was a time for all going through grief to come together.” Losing her husband to suicide brought her life to a grinding halt and began a yearlong process of The Nollner family An area that has water all or part of the year, with specific plant and soil types is seeking help for grief. “In the past year, there wasn’t considered a wetland. Unfortunately to some, these areas are considered a waste of space a direct path for seeking healing; I bounced around on my own to seek help. With the and have been filled in. Sadly, in my home state of Michigan, 50% of the wetlands are gone Souper Bowl, I wanted to share information regarding organ donation, grief counseling forever. for adults and children, and about local assistance-whatever I could get my hands on.” For me, a wetland is a very interesting, beautiful and exciting ecosystem. Some wetlands Because there is a strong need for networking in the grieving process, and because dry up during certain times of the year and later fill up with water and come to life. Wetlands are crucial habitats for many different forms of life. They provide breeding grief affects everyone at one time or another, Debi feels strongly about assisting others and grounds as well as a place to feed for animals. Various plants that can live with the shedding light on the topic, “I think there should be more places to go for talking about changing water level, live in and around wetlands. Wetlands are very productive ecosystems these things, sharing information, etc.” To assist with a future Souper Bowl through by taking in the sun’s energy and processing it into other types of energy for the animals to participation, volunteering, planning, or new ideas, call Debi Ely at 800-418-3710. use and also supplies water to those animals and plants. Some people consider a wetland as mosquito machines, which they are, but those mosquitoes provide a diet for many different animals in the food web of life. Eric Roberts, DeShawn Roberts, and It is critical in managing a watershed to preserve the wetlands throughout the entire Michelle Roberts pause for a moment watershed. Wetlands are Mother Earth’s natural filters, as the water comes to rest in them during the “Souper Bowl” Potlatch. and allows time for the plants to filter out contaminants. Wetlands are also very important during floods as they act as a natural overflow pond. They take in the water during times of high water minimizing the effect of the flood. Areas that have lost wetlands along rivers are much more affected by floods as the water is not contained and continues to flow out and over the land. Wetlands also help control the quality of water by allowing it to settle, which gives the plants time to filter nutrients and pollutants in the water and sediment to drop out of the water. Another important role of wetlands is that they recharge ground water. Many people still depend on wells to obtain their water from the ground. By holding water, a wetland allows that water to seep through the ground to recharge aquifers and this is very important as many areas around the world are losing ground water supplies at alarming rates. The Clean Water Act has provisions in it to protect wetlands, but only large wetlands of five or more acres. It is critical that communities prioritize preserving wetlands in their planning processes. All wetlands are important, and the smaller ones can be protected through planning and local ordinances. Without wetlands the watersheds we live in will Clara Joseph of Fairbanks/Beaver and not flourish and many more problems will arise in water quality and diversity of life. For Nellie Sheldon of Selawik enjoy the more information, contact Kip Cronk, Aquatic Ecologist, at (907) 451-2530 or email soup and good company during the [email protected]. potlatch. PAGE 12 • THE COUNCIL • MARCH 2004 NEWS FOR OUR PEOPLE To speak or not to speak? Preserving Our Culture By Courtney Moore, UAF Student from By Jenny Bryant, from Galena, Alaska Part 1 of 2 Tanana, Alaska Part 1 of 2 Courtney is a Koyukon Athabascan from Tanana, Alaska Jenny is an Athabascan who was born and and the daughter of Lorene (Jordan) and Pat Moore of raised in Galena. She attended Galena City Tanana, a renowned family of dog mushers. She is the Schools through high school and received a B.S. granddaughter of Carrie Jordan and grew up living a in Wildlife Biology from the University of Alaska, traditional and subsistence lifestyle, fishing on the Yukon Fairbanks. Jenny currently works as a wildlife River in the summer and driving dogs with her family in the biologist in Galena. winter. She is 19 years old and is currently attending the University of Alaska-Fairbanks working towards obtaining We were left a great inheritance from our her bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences. Her goal is to ancestors, the gift of our land and its bountiful become a pediatrician so she can remain close to home and resources. Alaska is both beautiful and cruel, help her Native people in the ways of modern medicine and nurturing and starving our people in turn technology. through the centuries. The land gives and takes our lives, just as it does every other living thing I was five-years-old as I watched Grandma Effie Kokrine’s and our ancestors ensured that all the invaluable cheerful face smile with delight as she counted aloud in survival lessons they learned were embedded in Athabascan, “One, two, three, four!” We listened avidly until our culture and traditions. Traditional beliefs and she reached four and said, “Denk’ee,” then we all squealed with stories are lessons which unfold like a map, delight to hear such a goofy-sounding word. Today, I only showing how interwoven our lives are with those remember that number four and can’t recall any other. We of the plants, insects, and animals we share the absorbed everything that Mrs. Kokrine taught us about our language, culture, and lifestyle land with. The underlying story is always the same, with enjoyment, for we all loved that she brought us a sense of who we were. She connected “respect our resources or they will no longer be us to our ancestors’ ways-of-life, and illustrated that our culture was unique and all our there for us.” As such, the land and its resources Jenny “Boomer” Bryant and own. Although Native American languages are declining due to language dominance, are basically who we are. Today we are faced with daughter Tirzah. undetermined tribal members, and uninvolved parents and schools, community the loss of our culture and tradition. Our children organizations that are not actively reinforcing the use of cultural languages, it is not too are left defenseless with no instructions to survive in the natural world, which ironically is late to save these valuable portions of our cultures. their home. Young people today are immersed in a world of modern technology which enables them to access the four corners of the earth, yet they are surrounded by wilderness Languages all over the world have been declining steadily in the past centuries. According to the renowned linguist Michael Krauss, over half of the world’s 6,000 languages at the edge of the village-a wilderness they don’t know how to live in and subsequently enjoy. As a result, they have become prisoners, bored in a small town with “nothing to will cease to be spoken in the next century. Of all the languages of the world, only 250 have at least one million speakers-considered the necessary safety level. Native American do.” Even our language is disappearing. But even if we did have our language, we don’t have the stories and more importantly, we don’t have the lifestyle. The true lessons are the languages were once spoken in all of America’s 50 states, and now only 29 states have indigenous languages that are being spoken. According to W. Wayt Gibbs, a writer for ones you learn by living them. Scientific American, “There are 20 tongues still known to Alaska’s indigenous people, of But what about the old ways of living off the land? Traveling with the seasons to those only two are being taught to children.” Of all the United States’ indigenous languages, spring camp, fall camp, winter camp, and fish camp was an adventurous and fulfilling only 11% are being learned by children, while only 17% are spoken by the parental way to live, but it was also a hard one. It’s a wonderful dream of the ignorant to wish we generation, and only 72% are spoken by the Elder generation. I surveyed a group of could revert completely to living the old ways. Times have changed too much and we are people, whose ages ranged from 9-59 years of age, and 68% said that they are some what now a people who live out of grocery stores and amazon.com. I know of only a handful active in participating in their cultural customs, while 32% said that they did not. Language- of people who truly depend on the resources for their livelihood-but for the rest of us, it wise, 85% said that they sing their Native songs but only know what they are about and has become a choice. In the old days, they had no choice, they either worked hard at weren’t taught the meaning of the words, while only 15% said that they fluently speak their hunting and gathering or they died. Now we switch off our cable or satellite TV and language. Why are so many languages dying? venture out from the comfort of our nice warm houses to harvest a moose, some fish, One reason is language shift, which is when another strong language overshadows and maybe some berries-not because we have to, but because we want to. And that’s not a bad thing. Though this shift in fortune has proven detrimental to our culture for several the weaker language, causing it to become extinct. Weak languages usually fall prey to strong languages because the speakers of the weak language must communicate with the reasons, it is also a blessing that can be easily taken for granted. For those who had to live without, an appreciation of our prosperity today is burned into their minds. Take into speakers of the strong language in the strong people’s language. Why don’t the speakers of the strong language bend to speak the language of the weak? “English is taking over the rest consideration the generation of people who lived through the Great Depression and World War II-they take absolutely nothing for granted. In contrast, my generation has of the world’s speech, just as the dollar took over the Ecuadorian currency, the forces of the “English Only” grow stronger in the United States,” said author Earl Shorris. What never known hunger or true hardship-I never have and, God willing, my children will never have to survive on fish broth all winter to survive. People in the old days lost their right do people have to decide which languages should be the supreme language? babies all the time to sickness, whereas today some of those same maladies are almost The history of the ‘English Only’ movement is a compelling example of language shift. trivial. You can see the change in our medical histories; where the people were once plagued They are groups of people who push for English to be the official language of the United by tuberculosis, measles, influenza, and malnutrition, we now suffer from diabetes and States, as a means to unify the country. This society gained support in the 1980’s, when its heart disease. It can be easy for us who have never lived those past heartaches to forget or focus was directed at the Spanish-speaking Latin Americans. T.J. Morgan, Commissioner maybe not even realize just how precious and extraordinarily wonderful our everyday of Indian Affairs, depicted English as “the language of the greatest, most powerful and comforts are. enterprising nationalities beneath the sun.” Boarding schools in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s are another example of the ‘English Only’ dominance. 2004 Science Camp GED Marathon in Fort Yukon
On March 26-27, Friday and Saturday, the Adult Learning Programs of Alaska The goal of the 2004 Science Camp is identification WaterQuality to train 9th-12th graders from Fort Yukon, Monitoring
Fish Identification
Stream (ALPA) is sponsoring the GED Marathon anytime from 8 am-8 pm at the Chief Peter Stevens Village, Rampart, Arctic Village, Ecology
Natural Indicators John Tribal Building in Fairbanks. The GED Marathon is a two-day event and 24-hours Beaver, Chalkyitsik, Birch Creek, and You can pick up an application from of GED preparation and testing are offered. For more information Venetie to combine Western science and the CATG Office in Ft. Yukon or at the local The GED call (907) 452-6434. local knowledge methods in fisheries. tribal offices and schools in your village. Marathon is a There will be two sessions on July 19- Include one letter of recommendation and To test, students need to bring identification with social 23 and July 26-30 for students in 9th-12th three references with your applications to: two-day event security number and current address, $25 cash or money order grade. There is enough room for 8-10 TCC Fisheries, 122 First Avenue, Suite 600, and 24-hours for the test fee, and (if ages 16-17) parent permission or proof of students in each session, which will be held Fairbanks, AK 99701 or CATG Fisheries, emancipation in addition to an official withdrawal form from the in a fish camp near Ft. Yukon. Box 283, Fort Yukon, AK 99740. of GED Daily activities will include: For more information, contact last Alaska school attended.
Harvesting fish from a fishwheel Collecting Kimberly Elkin, Fisheries Biologist, toll-free preparation
For more information, contact Jackie Debevec, Recruitment biological data from fish Local knowledge at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251

and testing and Retention Coordinator, Adult Learning Programs of Alaska storytelling Fisheries Management Cutting ext. 3489 or Joe Shlosman at (907) 662-2667. and Drying Fish
Seining, gillnetting, drifting at (907) 452-6434 ext. 21. Email [email protected] or are offered. nets
Water bug collection and go online to www.adultlearning.org. Upcoming Language Galena Men’s and Inventory Women’s Basketball Margie Attla, Eric Mack and other volunteers from KIYU radio in Galena will be visiting Koyukon villages along the Middle Yukon and Koyukuk Rivers this spring to Tournament conduct a language inventory and record Native Language, stories and traditions from Elders and community members. There will also be discussion of goals for March 12-14, 2004 language and cultural preservation as well as the most appropriate and respectful ways to use the information that is recorded. For information, please contact Nancy Pitka at (907) 656-1719 or (907) 656-1883 Meeting dates will be arranged with local schools and tribal councils. For ext. 122 or PJ Simon at (907) 656-2392 or 4576. questions, concerns or if anyone knows Koyukon speakers that would be interested in being recorded call Eric Mack, ANA Project Technical Director at (907) 656-4548.