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. 8 A REPORT TO THE MEMBER TRIBES OF THE TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE JULY / AUGUST 2004 Elders’ Knowledge Enhances Smithsonian Efforts By Donna Dwiggins, Applied Anthropologist, Natural & Cultural Resources

At the invitation of the Smithsonian Institution, four Elders traveled to Matthew Gilbert, grandson of Washington, DC in May to help the Trimble Gilbert, shares: institution understand how to handle I went to Washington, D.C with and make decisions about some items in their Interior Native Alaskan collections. four honorable Elders, my grandpa The Elders were contacted based on their being one of them, from all over Alaska extensive knowledge that related to the and they shared their wisdom and collections, and their involvement with humor with me throughout the whole teaching or sharing knowledge with their trip. The trip will be cherished as one communities, especially young people. The of the most fulfilling experiences of my Elders had to be able to travel there and work within a demanding schedule. college years, because the knowledge Phillip Arrow (Shageluk), Trimble they instilled in my mind and heart Gilbert (Arctic Village), Eliza Jones far outweighs all the other knowledge (Koyukuk), and Judy Woods (Manley), were I’ve learned since being in college. They accompanied by Donna Dwiggins, Applied are passing my heritage on to me, so Anthropologist; Aron Crowell, Director one day I can be an Elder teaching this of the Arctic Studies Center (a division of the Smithsonian in Anchorage); Suzi knowledge to other kids. Jones, Deputy Director of the Anchorage It was definitely a defining moment The work took place at the National Museum of History and Art, and Trimble’s Museum of Natural History (NMNH) in learning who I am. Not only was it grandson Matthew (sponsored separately truly meaningful in learning my by Mr. Don Beeckler) all of whom met with archives, and at the archives for the brand culture, but it was also fun. Those four the group in Washington to learn details of new National Museum of the American Athabascan heritage from the Elders as they Indian (NMAI). These facilities for storage, adorable Elders prove to me that just handled and discussed objects during the preservation, and study are located in because you’re old, doesn’t mean you weeklong encounter. Suitland, Maryland, some distance from forgot how to have fun. The villages the actual museum locations. The Elders When we arrived in Washington, should realize that Elders are not only the congestion of people was the most reviewed many objects, from fish-skin leggings and mittens to ceremonial, sources of wisdom, but are fun folks impressive thing for Phillip Arrow. We to hang out with. I hope this trip is a were stuck in traffic jams each morning, ornately beaded caribou-skin shirts, Top, left to right: Trimble Gilbert, Arctic and one day as Phillip was watching planes dresses and leggings; also bows and arrows, Village; Phillip Arrow, Shageluk, and beginning of some sort of youth-Elder land every few minutes at the airport, snow shoes, canoes, caribou skin bags, Eliza Jones, Koyukuk, study a squirrel learning field trip program that TCC he exclaimed, “There’s enough people and many others. coat in the Smithsonian collection. can expand on because I can testify that here already — how come no planes are Elders story and photos Above: Judy Woods, Manley, and Eliza it was truly remarkable. leaving?!” continued on page 4 Jones are ready to work!

Greetings from Friends in Alaska TCC Jackets for Sale Cheer Health Care Liaison Port Authority Sister Roberta Downey Letter from Sister Roberta Expresses Signature Waterproof in Connecticut Appreciation, Humor and Faith Adventure for Treatment Dear friends and CAIHC staff: Jacket By Susie Frantz, Executive Secretary, I received your cards and generous $165 Health Service, and Walter Palkovitch, RN, money gift. It is wonderful to be able to (2XL $170) share with you even though we are over Director, Community Health Nursing M-Tek nylon shell with zip-in Many of you may have been missing 3,000 miles away. Friends are so impor- tant. Yes, it was a surprise to me that what reversible down jacket. Available seeing Sister Roberta Downey, Village Health in yellow, red, and blue. Care Liaison at the Chief Andrew Isaac I thought was the flu or an ulcer turned Health Center (CAIHC). Sister is currently out to be something very different. It was in Connecticut with family members with interesting to me that the blood work Sports Master they did here was perfect except for the Jacket a very serious health issue. Unfortunately, Above, left to right: Sister Roberta, she has been informed that she has pancreatic cancer markers. Surprise to be sure? I have $105 Virginia Thurmond and Cecelia cancer. This is often a very aggressive form received promises of prayers from so many (2XL $115) of cancer. and I feel the power and strength that Malemute picked blueberries together Available in red, Sister has been with CAIHC over the comes from prayer. Keep me on your list. last year on Old Murphy Dome. black, royal, navy. past seven years; she has been a wonderful I started chemo treatment and so far source of support, caring, and friendship to so good with the first one. I have a Porto-cath inserted for easier and safer access for Add $5 for shipping the CAIHC patients and staff. Sister was an the drug. That is the protocol here. My sister-in-law told me to be on the lookout for a For more information, contact angel to many people in a time of need and we blonde curly wig. Can you picture that? It would make for lots of laughs. I miss being Christine Cooper toll-free at 800- can only feel that her angel is looking over her among you and especially miss visiting the patients. I hope that the “hood” is not going 4786-6822 or locally at (907) 452- now. Her absence gives us an empty feeling crazy with the extra phone calls, etc. However, I know how flexible the staff is. and we are deeply saddened by what she must 8251, ext. 3108 or e-mail christine. The weather here is stifling; another reason to miss Fairbanks! The temperature face. Her presence is sorely missed by her [email protected]. ranges from the 70s to the 90s on given days, but the humidity remains. However, there friends and co-workers and by the patients at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. are plenty of air conditioners available. I found this general computer and wanted to get a letter off quickly. I had to sign on as a guest so I do not think that I can receive e-mails. General Election Sister Roberta’s address is below if you would like to send her a card or letter. Ana Bassee’. On the other hand, you know my computer knowledge of such things is questionable! November 2, 2004 Have a wonderful summer, be well, keep in touch, and please keep me in your prayers. Sister Roberta Downey Peace and love, For information, 27 Park Rd. see page 12 West Hartford, CT 06119 Sister Roberta PAGE 2 • THE COUNCIL • JULY / AUGUST 2004 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor, Dear Editor, I’m writing to give a big thanks to Tonya Brown, our Alaska Native Educator for Our family writes this letter to say a heartfelt thank you to: the Community of West Valley High School, for taking a small group of students, including myself, to a Tanacross; the Tanacross Village Council; and many visitors who came and attended National Multicultural Youth Leadership Conference, called “In Our Own Voices.” This the community dinner and dance that was held on May 21. Thank you to Virgil Titus conference was proudly sponsored by the Alaska Native Heritage Center of Anchorage. and the Minto Band for performing for us. Our son, Galen, had the privilege to play with I appreciate the Alaska Heritage coordinators who took their time to set this conference the band. The dinner and the dance took place to honor the short visit home by Galen up for the future generation because in my mind they are all leaders. prior to his second deployment to Iraq and to also celebrate the high school graduation The conference was to teach high school students leadership training to become of Rebecca Cleary from Tok High School. future leaders and make improvements in our small communities along with others We would like to especially thank Debbie Thomas for coordinating this event. in the United States. There were students from all over that came and celebrated the Debbie has always been there for anyone in our community when the need for organizing multicultural event, to acquire knowledge, and experience what it takes to be a leader and and coordinating community activities arises. She has always offered her time and to have fun. This conference inspired and created opportunities for us to discuss new ideas commitment to help. We want her to know how meaningful this act of love and kindness and broaden our understanding of the world. We took advantage of these opportunities means to us. We would also like to thank Ray Sanford and Alfred Jonathan for always to learn about ourselves, to meet new people and become assets for one another. being there to organize and coordinate the food preparation and cooking. Without I went to this conference as a follower to learn from what our leaders had to teach, these two fine gentlemen, many of our community activities would not turn out very and came out with a greater understanding of the aspects of becoming a leader. The well. Thirdly, we would like to thank all of those people who donated food and brought conference speakers taught us to see beyond what everyone else sees. To be a leader covered dishes to the dinner. By this act of kindness, the dinner turned out very well with one must be very efficient and effective to make enhancements in the world. Along much happiness, laughter, and fun. with that one must have knowledge, style, character, and always a vision. With these It is difficult and extremely trying for families across America to brace themselves values we have the power to make good and strong decisions to lead others in the continuously in our country’s fight against terrorism as we have so many young men right direction as responsible, trustworthy, and loving leaders. Leaders are the best and women in the military from this region of Alaska. But as Americans, we must find followers who always have a plan, to be the servant of their people, and are always the courage, stability, and faith within ourselves, to do our patriotic part. Seeing our son willing to do what it takes for a better community to survive. It takes a lot of time out leave is as difficult as any heart-breaking experience, but, along with the many families of their lives to be so committed to their people and the community they live in. They and parents of Americans, we silently pray for their safe return and openly support their have the ability to apply what they already know; they bring order to process and take efforts. In closing, we pray that God bless you abundantly for your love and support. action. Leaders command attention to influence the people to follow and to give them Thank you, the confidence and motivation to inspire others around them. Jerry and Arlene Isaac and family I highly appreciated this Youth Leadership Conference; I benefited a lot and came Fred Demit and family out a changed person with the ability to be an excellent follower. I comprehend all the Martha Isaac and family values of becoming a leader, so in the future I will have the mind to think different, to have a vision, and style to trust who I am, and who I will become. I give heartfelt thanks Dear Editor, to Tonya Brown for leading me to this conference, and giving me the opportunity to I am seeking my birth mother who was born in 1950, half Athabaskan, broaden my horizons. half Eskimo. I was born 1971 in Tacoma, WA. My father is full Sioux. Anaa Basee thank you, They were not married when I was born and my given name is Ellie Evans, Jenna Stevens but it changed when I was adopted. Fairbanks/Stevens Village I am seeking medical history information for myself and my fam- Dear Editor, ily. I have four girls, one of which has a very rare genetic disorder named Today I read about the recent resignation of Charlotte Davis, Registered Nurse, Joubert’s Syndrome. I found out that my mother’s brother was mildly re- from the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center (CAIHC) Elders’ Program. I was very tarded. Years ago, that is how they labeled this disorder, but with technol- sad to read that she will no longer be there to help take care of our Elders. I doubt that ogy and knowledge they are learning more about the syndrome. Please, there are many people who have not heard about Charlotte and her tireless advocacy for if anyone knows of someone who fits my description, please contact me. I improved medical services in our villages. Charlotte was always the person to strongly would like to meet my birth family. and proactively help our Elders while working within the Indian health care system. Sincerely, I had the pleasure of working with Charlotte at CAIHC for a short time and it Nancy Myers was there that I saw firsthand just how much good a single person can do for a group 1431 Goethals Dr. of people. Charlotte would accompany an Elder to a medical appointment, make sure Richland, WA 99352 that they had a ride to and from the appointment if needed, and would follow up with [email protected] them and make sure that they understood the doctor’s instructions. Often, I would see Charlotte writing out instructions by hand for an Elder, so that they would know just Letters continued on page 3 what to do or where to go for their appointments or lab work. In addition to being a great Registered Nurse, Charlotte was also part of a couple of clinic “institutions.” She would dress as a clown each Halloween with a crazy, frizzy, blonde wig, and she would always bring her “green stuff” to the staff luncheons (I believe that it was a salad with cool whip and marshmallows; very yummy!) Charlotte made coming to work fun and her laughter could be heard down the hall on both the 3rd and 4th floors. I hope that Charlotte had a big send off from CAIHC and I wanted her and others The Council is a monthly report to the member tribes of the Tanana Chiefs to know that her work was not unnoticed. Thank you, Charlotte, for your service to the Conference, in accordance with agreements with the Bureau of Indian Affairs Elders and to the people of the TCC/Doyon region! and the Indian Health Service. Letters to the editor, other written contributions Sincerely, and photo submissions are welcome. However, space is limited and program Lanien M. Livingston oriented news has priority. TCC reserves the right to edit or reject material. Letters Fairbanks, Alaska and opinions are not necessarily the opinions of Tanana Chiefs Conference. Material submitted anonymously will not be published. Contributions and questions may be directed to: CORRECTIONS The Council The “Nursing — a Rewarding Career for Alaska Natives” article on page 5 of Ginger Kennedy Placeres, Editor the June issue of The Council was listed as being written by Evelyn Baldwin. The Tanana Chiefs Conference author was actually Mary Sue Anderson, RN of the University of Alaska Anchorage, 122 First Avenue, Suite 600 Fairbanks, AK 99701 School of Nursing. Phone: (907) 452-8251, ext. 3227 The Yo! Huslia Band can be reached by calling the Huslia Tribal Council at (907) 829-2294 or (907) 829-2202. The number published in the June issue is not Toll-free within Alaska: the best way to contact them. 1-800-478-6822, ext. 3227 Toll-free from outside Alaska: Cassy Bartch was featured in the June issue as a newcomer to the Planning and 1-800-770-8251, ext. 3227 Development Department. Her last name was misspelled. Fax: (907) 459-3851 E-mail: [email protected] IN InTHIS This IssueISSUE Subregional Offices Yukon-Koyukuk Kuskokwim Yukon-Tanana Tanana Chiefs Conference ...... 1,3-5 P. O. Box 92 P. O. Box 169 1302 21st Avenue Galena, AK 99741 McGrath, AK 99627 Fairbanks, AK 99701 Letters to the Editor ...... 2 (907) 656-1326 (907) 524-3005 (907) 459-3930 Youth Employment & Training ...... 6-7 Health Services ...... 8-9 Upper Tanana Lower Yukon Yukon Flats Subregional News ...... 10-11 P. O. Box 129 P. O. Box 190 P. O. Box 304 News for Our People ...... 12 Tok, AK 99780 Holy Cross, AK 99602 Ft. Yukon, AK 99740 (907) 883-5181 (907) 476-7137 (907) 662-2556 JULY / AUGUST 2004 • THE COUNCIL • PAGE 3 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE Developing rural agriculture Language Coordinator By Jay Moore, UAF Land Resources Agent, Planning & Development Hishinlai’ “Kathy R. Sikorski” has recently been hired as the Language Coordinator-Instructor for TCC’s Beautiful weather in Alaska means amazed me with their ability to pull together Interior Athabascan Tribal College. She will coordinate gardening is in season in the Interior. I a community garden project so quickly. One with various Alaskan Athabascan groups through have begun to meet and talk with many day it is a grassy field and an idea. A few grants that focus on Native language revitalization who are interested in agriculture as a part days later the land is clean, turned over, with efforts and empowering teachers to work at the local of the village lifestyle. I sent out surveys to topsoil brought in and ready to plant. Wow, level. Additionally, she will provide training so fluent all Tribal Administrators and have begun to well done! I will be glad to assist with any such get some of them back. If you would like to projects you would like to tackle. speakers of Native languages are able to work with language learners. She is excited about the possibilities fill out a survey please contact your Tribal Besides gardening, I have had some and innovative directions taken for Native language Administrator. If for some reason they can’t inquiries about poultry and swine. I will revitalization efforts in the TCC region. help you, than contact me directly. The more be glad to help anyone with any questions feedback I receive, the more I will be able to concerning livestock. It could be as simple as Born and raised in Fort Yukon, Hishinlai’ address your needs. where to order chicks or as detailed as poultry currently makes Fairbanks her home with her husband I have heard from as far north as house construction. Food preservation and Hishinlai’ “Kathy R. Sikorski” David, two daughters, son-in-law, a dog, a rabbit and Chalkyitsik, as far west as Huslia, and as far activities with the children and youth are two turkeys. Hishinlai’ has her bachelor’s degree in south as Tanacross. I have even gotten to areas of interest I will try to touch on as well. linguistics from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and is currently working on her visit two villages, Tanacross and Nenana, and If I don’t have much experience in a specific master’s degree in education. She has 14 years of experience in teaching and curriculum have been given a great deal of information area, I will find someone who does. The development with Native languages at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where she is concerning their villages and histories. I have cooperative extension service has a diverse also a faculty member. If you would like to contact Hishinlai’ regarding Native language always felt one of the best ways to prepare for group of people who have much knowledge, work, please call her toll free at 1-800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251, ext. 3287. the future is to learn from the past. Thanks to not to mention the wealth of knowledge Her e-mail address is: [email protected] all those that have shared. within the villages represented by TCC. According to the surveys I have received, I am always open to suggestions and Health Records Clerk there is a definite interest in gardening. look forward to building relationships with Vegetable starter plants seem to be a big members of each village. I am encouraged Annie Corrine Bailey began working in the concern, as access to these is very limited. and inspired by the people I have worked with Health Records Department in September 2003. She When villages like Hughes purchase materials up to this point. Thanks for the opportunity has over 20 years of experience in several different to build a greenhouse this problem can be to serve you in this capacity, I look forward office occupations. Born at Solomon, Alaska, Annie solved or at least simplified. Starter plants can to the future and what it will bring. For more graduated from Nome High School in 1967, attended be produced in large quantities at a small cost information, contact Jay Moore, toll-free at Upward Bound at the University of Alaska Fairbanks with a little bit of sweat equity. I will talk to 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 (UAF) during the summers of 1966 and 1967 and began Janet Bifelt of Hughes to see how this project ext. 3248 or e-mail [email protected]. her freshman year at UAF in January 1968. She received is progressing. The residents of Tanacross an Associate of Applied Science in Office Occupations/ Secretary at UAF in 1983, and a Bachelor of Technology New Chief Information Officer and Associate of Arts/General degree in 2000. Annie married her husband, Tury G. Bailey, in My name is Shane Derendoff and my hometown 1980, and has three children: Larry William Pederson, is Huslia. I was born to Cece and Francis Nollner along Annie Corrine Bailey 27, Steven Tury Bailey, 19, and Isaac Raymond Bailey, with two brothers and two sisters. My grandparents 17. Annie enjoys sewing with material and fur, knitting, were the late Richard and Angeline Derendoff. I have cooking, baking, picking berries, catching fish, attending training classes of special a beautiful wife, Valerie, with two wonderful children, interests, and mining for minerals. Jadon and Naya. I graduated from the University of Alaska in 1998 with a computer science degree and have worked in the technology profession for six years. Since moving back to Alaska in 2000, I have enjoyed New Program Assistant volunteering with local organizations. As you may Tonya Garnett is the new Program Assistant for the know, I have been active on the Board of Directors for Tribal Development Department. She is responsible for the Doyon Foundation for two years, with more to go. overseeing office management and assisting in the daily I believe education will empower our people to make operations of the Tribal Development Department, Shane Derendoff decisions which allow them to succeed and live the life which includes Self-Governance, Planning and they choose. Development, Tribal Governance, Village Public Safety, I am excited about being TCC’s Chief Information Officer. My role is to manage a Transportation, and Wellness. She assists staff with group of professionals in the Information Systems Department who are working hard to administrative duties and processes client requests. be the best technical resource possible. I also work with the rest of the TCC organization Tonya is Gwich’in, originally from Arctic to leverage technology so that we can focus on providing the best service possible to our Village. Her parents are Lillian and Jerry Garnett, her villages. In the next few months, you will see some of the ways we are working to provide grandparents are the late Ezias and Martha James and more efficient and reliable systems. We welcome any feedback regarding our services or the late Edgar and Lucy Garnett of Cleveland, Ohio. systems, as your suggestions are what drive us toward our goal of becoming an asset to She is the great granddaughter of the late Reverend the company. You can contact me at ext. 3005 or [email protected]. Albert E. Tritt and Sarah Ghoo, and Birch Creek James Tonya Garnett and Agnes. Tonya previously worked for Big Brothers Letters continued from page 2 Big Sisters, Arctic Village Council, and TCC Youth Employment Services. She graduated from UAF in May 2002 with a B.A. in Sociology and a B.A. in Alaska Native Studies. Dear Editor, Tonya is happy to be joining Tanana Chiefs Conference and can be reached Once again I am grateful and honored to be in this community where a personal tragedy toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251, ext. 3250 or e-mail tonya. becomes not only my family and mine but the whole community’s. The community of Fairbanks [email protected]. and the surrounding villages responded as one in offering their assistance to us wherever then can, especially the Native people who came to help from everywhere. In our grief and sorrow, your individual gesture of sympathy and prayers have not gone unnoticed. Project Leader I was overwhelmed by the offering of help that poured in from the first day of the Misty Stands-In-Timber has been a Project Leader sudden and tragic loss of Robbie Webster, my son-in-law. Thank you to Sera Ballesteros for Tribal Civilian Community Corps for two years. who helped me shop for Robbie’s clothes; Al Ketzler who gave me the moccasins and A Northern Cheyenne, originally from Lame Deer, gloves for Robbie’s final journey; Quanna Northway who sewed the gloves together for us; Montana, Misty traveled from Minnesota’s TCCC Debbie Thomas who gave us the Pendleton blanket for the casket, and the gray blanket for program specifically for this position. “I was really the outside of the casket; Al Woods and his wife who did a superb job making the casket; apprehensive about making the move, being away James Grant who made the cross for the grave. Thank you to the pallbearers who took from my family, and the whole concept of Alaska…but care of my son-in-law’s final journey; the people who set up the Tribal Hall for the funeral then I was up here for the first three months and it service; the people who dug the grave and covered the grave; thank you to Reverend Scott was amazing, beautiful. The people are very friendly, Fisher of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, and Pastor Juanita Vinson of Born Again Believers in Christ. the Native people especially — everybody knows everybody. That’s really how our Native people are, a Thank you to Barbie Demit-Williams for organizing the kitchen work force; the sense of family, makes me feel more at home. people who worked tirelessly to feed people who stayed with us; thank you Martha, Rose, Monica Lisa Isaac, Roger Jonathan, and Ben Saylor (thank you, son) who walked with Her responsibilities as Project Leader include us every step of the way. Misty Stands-In-Timber traveling with and supervising a team of 8-10 people. A special notice goes to Traci Smith who dressed Cathi, Kevin, and Chloe in special It’s her job to oversee the team directives, handle clothing, and Terri Paul-Smoke who dressed them in beaded necklaces to ease their grief. disciplinary actions, and administrative paperwork. “I really love my job.” The beaded necklaces we gave as gifts were donated by Terri. The behind-the-scenes, hard- It’s easy to see how she connects with youth and fits in with the program. “I enjoy working team included my daughter Faye, niece Terri, and Elaine Long’s family. music, I like to sing and play the acoustic guitar — have for four years. I like to share Tsin’ aa ee, that with the youth I work with, kind of as an icebreaker. The guitar has as much travel Irene Arnold & Family, Cathi Webster, Faye and Coe Arnold time as me.” You can reach Misty toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251, Tanacross/Fairbanks ext. 3735 or e-mail [email protected]. PAGE 4 • THE COUNCIL • JULY / AUGUST 2004 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE TCC to Recognize Commissioned Corps Anniversaries

TCC has announced that it will begin recognizing the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps staff in its internal employee anniversary activities. Each year in the month of April, TCC recognizes employee anniversaries in five-year increments. Next April, TCC Public Health Service Commissioned Corps staff can look forward to being included in this activity. The Commissioned Corps is an all-officer personnel system comprised entirely of health professionals. It is one of the seven uniformed services of the U.S., along with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In the event of a national emergency as declared by the U.S. President, the Commissioned Corps may be designated as a military service. Commissioned officers may also be required to serve in emergency situations outside their permanent assignments when their particular skills are needed.

All officers, depending upon TCC has 15 Commissioned Corps personnel. their qualifying degrees, are placed in They are: one of the following 11 professional ★ COMMANDER Marla Kent, RPH (Pharmacist), TCC CAIHC Pharmacy Director categories: ★ LIEUTENANT Faith Walsh, RNC BSN (Registered Nurse Certified Maternal Newborn Medical Officers Nursing, Bachelor Science of Nursing), TCC CAIHC Community Health Nursing Dental Officers ★ LIEUTENANT, Charles Woodlee, TCC Environmental Health Specialist Nurse Officers ★ LIEUTENANT, Kyle Wright, Sanitarian, TCC Environmental Health Specialist ★ Engineers ★ CAPTAIN Michael Kwasinski, DDS (Doctor Dental Surgery), TCC Dental Director Scientists ★ LIEUTENANT COMMANDER Monica Rueben., RDH (Registered Dental Hygienist), TCC Dental Sanitarians ★ LIEUTENANT Brenda Whittaker, RDH (Registered Dental Hygienist), TCC Dental Veterinary Officers ★ LIEUTENANT COMMANDER John Etter, DDS, (Doctor Dental Surgery), TCC Dental Pharmacists ★ LIEUTENANT Linda Kim Lovejoy, DDS (Doctor Dental Surgery), TCC Dental Dietitians ★ LIEUTENANT Hyong Kim, DDS, (Doctor Dental Surgery), TCC Dental Therapists ★ LIEUTENANT Eric Mack, DDS, (Doctor Dental Surgery), TCC Dental Health Services Officers ★ LIEUTENANT COMMANDER, George Bird, DDS (Doctor Dental Surgery) TCC Dental – Starts this summer ★ COMMANDER Charles Jaworski, OD FAAO, (Optometric Doctor, Fellow of American Academy of Optometry), TCC Eye Clinic Director ★ LIEUTENANT COMMANDER Betty Masden, Physician Assistant, TCC CHAP Coordinator Instructor – Galena ★ CAPTAIN Peter Wallis, TCC Environmental Health Director ★ ★ ★ ★ Salute to our men and women in uniform! ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Nulato and Koyukuk Tribal Elders, continued from page 1 our people were ‘lost’...but through contact Eliza Jones was very impressed with with our places and learning about these Members Receive Union Training the beadwork, “The detail showed a very objects from our ancestors, you will see that our people are becoming strong, coming By Jerry Woods, Tribal Employment Rights Officer, Employment good quality of workmanship, and I recognized the old beads that were smaller, out from those problems. Later on, you will Through the assistance of the Fairbanks office of the and there was a technique of wrapping see that our people will become stronger Laborers’ International Union of North America, Local # 942, quills around a thread...” Throughout — we will see lawyers, doctors, in the next Tim Sharp, Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer, and Hugh the process of handling the objects, there generation. I believe that through this work Garrity, Apprentice Coordinator/Trainer, five tribal members, was a feeling of reverence and respect, we can help in this way; I am proud of our Leonard P. Lolnitz of Koyukuk, Leon F. Kriska of Koyukuk, both from the Smithsonian staff and accomplishments in Washington.” Christopher Stanley of Nulato, Leon C. Peter of Nulato, from the Elders. Trimble Gilbert spoke Judy Woods said that it did her heart and David Sommers of Nulato, attended the union’s annual of childhood memories that the objects good “to see such beautiful things — the “General Construction Laborer” training course, which began brought back to him. His wish is that by materials and all — it was really touching.” on May 16. The three-week class includes construction-related telling stories surrounding these objects, Judy speaks for all of the Elders, and Matthew activity: rigging, concrete work, and scaffold safety; mine future generations will better understand as well, in expressing her gratitude for this safety and health administration and flagging certification, for the strength and beauty of the old ways and opportunity. All of the participants were a total of 144 hours of hands-on training. All five successfully perhaps this will help some people cope completed the course on June 4. extremely appreciative of the opportunity with changes that are impacting our people. to be able to tell stories about these objects A major consideration behind the selection process was the “After visiting familiar places [in our home and share their own wisdom. ceremonial signing of the Yukon-Koyukuk Subregional Cooperative Labor Agreement territories] and even when touching the old between the six Galena subregional tribal villages and the Laborers’ Union and Operating tools or other objects, we feel something The Smithsonian Institution will Engineers on March 16, 2000. In the last four years a number of tribal members from — I want to keep making these tools to eventually bring many of these objects the Galena subregion have attended several union-related trainings as a direct result of show the young people and tell them about to Anchorage to be housed at the Arctic this cooperative labor agreement. The Employment and Training Department, along those times. About 25-30 years ago when Studies Center where they will be available with the above-mentioned unions, is very proud of this accomplishment for a number the modern world came in too fast, a lot of for study or interaction. of reasons, particularly because of the national recognition that this Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO)-related agreement received as being one of the first of its kind Far left: Trimble in the country. In fact, since March 2000, a number of tribes from throughout the “Lower Gilbert of Arctic 48” has requested a copy of the agreement to use in their negotiations with unions on Village explains various projects taking place on their Indian Reservations. features of a dog The trainees’ airfare, room, board, and training were paid for by the Laborers’ Union, harness in the Local #942. In exchange, the trainees agreed to join the union as full members, to maintain Smithsonian their monthly union dues, and to accept dispatches to various job sites throughout collection. Left: Interior Alaska on behalf of the laborers’ union, including a number of village projects. Phillip Arrow The laborers’ union has continued to travel to the six Galena subregional villages since of Shageluk March 2000 to provide construction-related training. examines a mask. JULY / AUGUST 2004 • THE COUNCIL • PAGE 5 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE TCC Legal Department Tribal Court Funding Assists Koyukuk River Survey Residents Submitted by Sue Hollingsworth, Tribal Court Facilitator The Judicial Subgroup of the Tribal/BIA National Budget Advisory Council by Ethan Schutt, General Counsel (Advisory Council) has been given the task of gathering data for a budget plan- The TCC Legal Department is happy to report that it successfully assisted ning document to justify the need for more tribal court funding across the nation. Huslia residents with reversing the overcharging of subsistence harvest reporting The Advisory Council has placed tribal court funding as one of the top four funding violations as misdemeanor crimes. priorities for tribes and is advocating for additional funding for tribal courts in the future. In March 2004, the TCC Legal Department became aware of potential prob- lems with criminal charges and convictions affecting residents of TCC villages along In order to show the unmet funding needs for tribal courts across the United the Koyukuk River. Gabe Sam, who is originally from Huslia, called to report that States, the Judicial Subgroup has developed a tribal court survey. This survey is sent numerous Huslia residents had pleaded guilty to misdemeanor crimes related to their to every tribe in the nation, as well as 150 other Native organizations. The survey has subsistence harvest of moose last fall. Sam also noted that he had heard that residents been sent out for two years, and will be sent out for one more data collection for the of other Koyukuk River villages had the same problem. period of July 26 through September 26, 2004. The first survey had 176 courts answer the survey, while the second survey had 180 courts reply. The Judicial Subgroup would The TCC Legal Department conducted a preliminary investigation to find out like to get 100 percent of the tribal courts to respond to the 2004 survey so that it will what the nature of the problem was. It turns out that there were two problems. reflect the full picture of the unmet funding needs for tribal courts. First, residents of several villages had been charged with misdemeanor crimes for simple reporting violations stemming from their subsistence harvest of moose. These individuals had failed to satisfy the reporting requirements for harvesting a Every tribe in the TCC region has utilized their tribal subsistence moose because they did not turn in the upper half of the moose antler court to some degree and should complete the survey. If you as required by subsistence harvest regulations for their area. But instead of issuing them non-criminal game violations for these reporting failures, the investigating State answer this survey, your tribe will be on the list of tribes to be Trooper had charged them with misdemeanor crimes, a much more serious charge. considered for recurring tribal court funding should the legis- Second, a majority of those who had been charged with the misdemeanor crimes had been talked into pleading guilty during a joint teleconference with the magistrate lature fund the expanded budget request. You may fill out the in Galena. None of the individuals who pleaded guilty to their charges had been ad- survey on the Internet, by fax, or by mail. Instructions to fill it vised of their legal rights or had the appropriateness of their charges evaluated by an attorney. It was also clear that those who had pleaded guilty did not understand the out will be included with the letter your tribe will receive along seriousness of pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge. with the survey itself. Upon discovering the problems identified by Sam’s report, the TCC Legal Depart- ment hired a defense lawyer to represent the defendants. That attorney was R. Scott If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Sue Hollingsworth, Taylor with the law firm of Sonosky, Chambers, Sachse, Miller & Munson in Anchor- Tribal Court Facilitator, at 452-8251, ext. 3273. Sue is a member of the Judicial Sub- age. The TCC Legal Department worked closely with Taylor in establishing the at- group and should be able to answer any questions you may have. torney-client relationship with the defendants and in performing the factual investiga- tion that was necessary to their defense. The TCC Legal Department did not represent the defendants directly because its staff does not have the specialty expertise necessary Please watch for this to represent criminal defendants. important letter and survey, Taylor worked with the Assistant District Attorney in Fairbanks who is respon- sible for the Koyukuk River area in an effort to reduce the charges and to retract the coming soon to your tribe! guilty pleas that had been entered on the misdemeanor charges. Taylor successfully And please answer the survey by represented the defendants in negotiations with the District Attorney’s Office. In early May, the Galena magistrate entered new judgments against the defendants for simple SEPTEMBER 26, 2004. game harvest reporting violations.

Tribal Court Video Ch’eghutsen’ Tribal Government Services is producing a new tribal court development training video. The last video was produced in 1993 and is in need of updating. This Sharing Time 2004 instructional video will be used in tribal court trainings and for other educational By Monique L. Kuhns, TCC Program Assistant purposes. The video will cover Indian law issues and tribal court procedures. It will include a mock hearing portrayed by Tanana Chiefs Conference employees and a After three full days and two half-days of camping at Howard Luke’s Gaalee’ya Spirit mock circle hearing filmed in Nikolai. There will be interviews — one with President Camp, our care coordinators came back with the look of hunters fresh from the hunt. Buddy Brown and another with the late Chief Peter John of Minto talking about the They were a bit tired and bug bitten. Sharing Time Camp went off without a hitch. importance and significance of tribal courts and how they provide sources of healing. This year Sharing Time took place the week of June 14-19. It took the efforts of 12 care coordinators, two clinical workers, two program assistants, one youth coordinator, one Tribal courts give Alaska Native communities the opportunity to be self-govern- social marketing worker, one internal evaluator, one training coordinator and 88 family ing by taking care of tribal members in a healing way, with respect for traditional participants. values and cultural practices. They allow the communities to use their written and unwritten traditional laws, which promote self-awareness and pride in one’s culture. Sharing Time is an annual wellness get together for families and staff to share, learn This project was supported by a Tribal Youth Program grant, Office of Juvenile Justice and develop traditional skills while renewing cultural strengths in a traditional camp and Delinquency Prevention, U.S. Department of Justice. setting. There are cultural and recreational activities facilitated by staff and Elders. The executive producers of the film are Lisa Jaeger and Sue Hollingsworth Ch’eghutsen’ would like to thank its staff, family participants and Howard Luke for of Tribal Government Services, in collaboration with Signature Media. Igor So- the time and energy they put into Sharing Time 2004. pronenko and Charles Watson traveled to Alaska to film in June. Footage was filmed in Fairbanks, Nikolai, Manley Hot Springs, Minto, and Old Minto. The video will be complete by September! If you have questions about the video, please contact Sue Hollingsworth or Lisa Jaeger at 452-8251, ext. 3273.

Front row, left to right: Sophie Peters, Eliza Ned, Mary Pilot, CeCe Nation, Polly McQuestion. Second row, left to right: Pauline Peters, Catherine Attla, Clara Peters, TCC employees, left to right: Roxanne Frank, Jim Knopke, Bessie Titus, Tanya Lois Law, Mary Johnson, Mona Jones and Ida Ross. Third row, left to right: Kenneth Beatus and Tonya Garnett listen to a witness over the phone during the mock trial Frank, Sarah McConnell, Hanna Carter, Debbie Toopetlook, Peter Captain, Jr. and filmed for the new tribal court development training video. Bill Bailey. PAGE 6 • THE COUNCIL • JULY / AUGUST 2004 YOUTH EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING Spotlight on Career Corner Village AmeriCorps Member Web Site Design: A Worldwide Opportunity Jessica Boyle of Circle By Casey Hann, Manager, Youth Employment and Training By Chantelle Schofield, AmeriCorps VISTA Leader Do you like to use your creativity to make new things? Do you like computers? Do you like surfing the Net? Do you look at web sites and think of how they could be Village AmeriCorps member Jessica better? If so, think about becoming a web site designer! Boyle has been more than a little bit busy making a difference in her village! Lately, The field of web site design is an ever-growing field that allows for creativity, career security and, best of all, portability. You can design sites from anywhere for anyone. she has planted flowers throughout the Ginger Stock-McKenzie, owner of WebWeavers Technology Group in Fairbanks, a full village, assisted by a team of youth, painted service agency, shows her enthusiasm for web site design: “It is such a great industry “Don’t Drink and Drive,” “Slow Down,” because it is ever-changing and evolutionary on a daily basis. To be successful, you must and “Kids at Play” signs, and helped in be flexible. Keeping up with all the changes requires an attention to detail and a drive the tribal store. She also participated in a to learn. It is exciting because it is never the same. It is challenging because it is never search and rescue operation. Next, she will the same. It is like any other business and yet it is completely different.” be preparing for a youth camp. Since a majority of employers are seeking experienced web designers, some people Jessica, who is the Village AmeriCorps do internships to get started, while others might begin by taking a position as a web member in Circle, says that her favorite production artist and work their way up. thing about being in AmeriCorps is “just Web site design is a challenging task, demanding an understanding of your Jessica Boyle being able to help out in my community.” customers, information architecture, web technologies, graphic design and more. To She appreciates the fact that the AmeriCorps be a successful web designer, you not only need to consider what you see as you click program gives her an opportunity to work for her people. She says she joined, “mostly to through a site, but what you feel as well. For those who have an interest in the web, there help out in the village; there weren’t many jobs available. I wanted to work with youth. are many opportunities. I want to go back to school, so the college money is a big help.” One of the advantages To learn more about web site design, contact the Youth Employment and of the program is that members, after they have finished their year of service, receive an Training Department toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251, ext. 3195. education award. Members receive $4,725, which they may use for going to college or For examples of what you could be learning, check out WebWeavers’ site: vocational training, or for paying off student loans. www.webbweavers.com. Jessica recently returned from a trip to Florida, where she spent two weeks as a chaperone for a group of 20 youth. The youth performed traditional dancing at an The Bearfoot Bluegrass Camp elementary school, and they were a huge hit. Jessica says she enjoys working, “not just with was held in June on the campus of the youth, but with everyone, there is always a need.” Jessica is a dedicated young woman, Bluegrass!Bluegrass! the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. and a wonderful example of someone who “gets things done” in her community. The instructors of the camp were For more information on AmeriCorps, please contact Stephenie Bennett, AmeriCorps the members of the musical group Programs Coordinator, toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251, ext. 3416 or Bearfoot. The Anchorage based band e-mail [email protected]. You can also contact Chantelle Schofield, AmeriCorps has just released their second studio VISTA Leader, at ext. 3268 or e-mail chantelle.schofi[email protected]. CD entitled “Back Home.” Fayleen Whiel (left in photo) and Salina Sam There are skills that are taught, skills that people receive, were exposed to fiddle, mandolin, and skills that you get from experience. guitar, and voice lessons. WHICH SKILLS DO YOU WANT? At the end of the camp, the girls participated in a concert to show off The Tribal Civilian Community Corps • Alaska AmeriCorps the skills they had learned in just three Currently Accepting Applications days. Way to go, Fayleen and Selina! • Youth, ages 18 to 26, may apply for the program. Tanana should be proud of their two newest musicians. For more information about the camp, contact Jay Moore at 452-8251, • Applicants must be Alaska Native or American Indian male or female. ext. 3248 or e-mail [email protected]. • While serving nine months, Corps members will gain leadership experience, greater confidence, career development, and job skills. Those without a GED will have the opportunity to earn one. Don’t Drill In ANWR! • Room and board are provided plus a living allowance for personal expenses. By Amanda Tritt, Arctic Village Youth • A $4,725.00 Education Award is earned for college or technical training. Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) is the last remaining untouched area on • Our residential campus is located in Nenana. Teams will travel to remote villages the North Slope. If people drill for oil in ANWR, they will transform the wilderness and communities throughout Alaska, while doing service projects. ecosystem into an industrial zone. I believe drilling in this area will change the migration • Service projects include trail work, brush cutting, carpentry, building log cabins, of the Porcupine Caribou Herd; therefore, it may weaken the culture of the Gwich’in park restoration, children’s playgrounds, disaster relief, search and rescue, people and destroy one of the last true wilderness areas in the world. biological surveys, oral history interviews and more. The pipelines and production pads could forever change the tundra. An oil spill For more information contact Daylinda Griffith would threaten the caribou, other animals and people. Animals eat the plants off the 1-800-478-6822, ext. 3738 • daylinda.griffi[email protected]. ground and the Gwich’in people eat the animals. This may result in the introduction of chemicals into our food chain. The wilderness would never be the same. Industry would also mean air pollution and water pollution. Harvard Announces Free Tuition The push for oil development in ANWR threatens the Gwich’in people. We depend By Donna Scott, Director, Employment and Training on the caribou just as the Plains Indians once depended upon the buffalo. If the caribou If you’re a better than average student, but never thought you would have a chance are threatened, then the people are threatened. In 1988, the Gwich’in people became to attend Harvard, now you do! Harvard University recently announced their offer of aware of this threat to our culture and way of life. At that time, there was a meeting which free tuition for honor students whose family income is below $40,000. Persons accepted resulted in a united position of the Gwich’in people against oil and gas development in as undergraduates to the university from low-income families will pay no tuition. This the birthplace of the caribou. Food is not the only thing at stake. If anything happened decision was based on the university’s recognition of the failure of prestigious universities to the herd, we would have no more caribou skin for gloves, clothing, shoes, hats and to enroll low-income students. This new initiative includes a summer academic program drums for celebrations. designed to help prepare talented students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds Studies show that the amount of oil in these fields would have no effect on oil prices for college. In addition, Harvard will reduce the contributions expected of families with nor make any real change in supply. In fact, this new oil would be for foreign export and incomes between $40,000 and $60,000. in no way help us here at home. I appreciate that there are a number of jobs at stake, Princeton University offers similar programs. For additional information, please but for all of the possible damage this can cause, are a few short-term jobs worth what visit Harvard’s web site at http://adm-is.fas.harvard.edu/FAO/index.htm, Princeton’s amounts to a drop of oil in the corporate bucket? Land is a resource as well as my culture. web site at www.princeton.edu, or contact Youth Employment and Training toll-free at Please help us stop the further abuse of our land, our people, and our future. 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251, ext. 3195. Call us toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251. Go to www.tananachiefs.org AmeriCorps/ Youth Employment Tribal Civilian Youth Opportunity VISTA Services Community Corps Grant Through VISTA and Village Empowers Native youth facing Based in Nenana, we provide Promotes self-esteem and self AmeriCorp, TCC offers a variety barriers to employment by providing opportunities for members to travel determination through a culturally of opportunities for participants to work experience, training and educational to perform service projects, gain work appropriate program of education, serve and strengthen Alaska Native opportunities designed to foster world-of- experience, increase cultural awareness and training, occupational experiences and communities. work skills. 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 JULY / AUGUST 2004 • THE COUNCIL • PAGE 7 YOUTH EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING Spotlight on Youth Spotlight on Youth Sherine Titus Ashley Cadzow By Rachel Graybeal, Youth Employment Services (YES) Coordinator By Odin Peter-Raboff Ever wonder what it is like to be a dental assistant? Ashley Cadzow is a 19-year-old from Fort Yukon. Sherine Titus was presented with an opportunity to find His grandparents are Addie Shewfelt, Dave Shewfelt, out for herself through the Youth Employment Services Margaret Cadzow, and Clifton Fairchild. His parents are (YES) Work Experience Program. For two years, she has Jake Cadzow and Carol Shewfelt. been working as a dental assistant aid. When I asked Ashley about where he may have gotten She is a prime example that persistence pays off. When his work ethic and values from, he said, “starting at five she enrolled into the YES program two years ago, she participated in a job readiness workshop, which focused on years old, I was taken up to the Salmon River to spend resume-writing, interview skills, and employer-employee time with my aunty Julie Mahler.” It was along the Salmon relations; however, she did not get hired despite her great River where Ashley went camping, fishing and learned efforts. She did not allow herself to get discouraged; she to enjoy the outdoors. Ashley said, “There was plenty returned to applying for other jobs the following year. of fun, but we also had our share of chores.” Ashley also Sherine Titus Finally, she was hired by the TCC Dental Clinic as states that he picked up some good skills from his uncles a dental assistant aid. She has learned a great deal about the dental profession, but Clifton and Earl Cadzow. Ashley assisted his uncles with admits the fast-paced environment surprised her. She came to understand how much Ashley Cadzow their dogs and in the summer with the fish wheel. responsibility there is in a dental clinic, “It’s hard work trying to keep up and to keep things In 1993, Ashley and his family moved to Fairbanks so his mother could attend school. clean.” She enjoys the fast-paced environment and the people. Her duties include, but Ashley says he was fortunate because his godfather, Victor Joseph, “took me under his are not limited to, answering the phones, pulling charts, meeting and greeting patients, wings.” Uncle Victor taught him a lot about values and took him out hunting in his free and keeping the area clean. time. His Uncle Victor taught him a lot about what to do, and what not to do, in life. Sherine, whose parents are Mike and Effie Moe from Minto and Beaver, always It was from the influence of these role models that Ashley built a foundation of strong had an interest in the medical field, though admits her experience at the Dental Clinic Athabascan values and work skills. Also, Ashley can never forget the influence of his has reinforced her drive to succeed. She is currently exploring the many opportunities mother: “Mom is mom…I’m pretty sure people know what that means.” available, from dentistry to therapeutic counseling. Her coursework at Hutchison Career Center will add to her ever expanding knowledge and interest. She will be enrolled in When Ashley graduated from high school, he said his mother gave him some the Certified Nurses Assistant (CNA) program and attain her CNA certificate by her options: “Go to school, get a job, join the service, or get out.” In the fall of 2003, Ashley senior year. went to school at Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC). Ashley graduated with When asked what qualities determine her success, she stated, “determination, a Facility Maintenance Construction Trades certificate May 28, 2004. He completed persistence, but most importantly, motivation.” Sherine is a role model to her peers 1,271 hours of classes over the course of the year. Ashley is currently working at Interior and continues to work hard and expand her opportunities. Sherine’s final advice to Regional Housing Authority as a laborer under the Youth Employment Services (YES) youth on the topic of seeking meaningful employment is: “Any job is better than no of TCC. Ashley plans to continue to work in construction and eventually become a job. After all, we all have to start somewhere.” journeyman. If you want to learn more about a career in dentistry, call the TCC Employment & Congratulations, Ashley, you have made us all very proud! Training Department at (907) 452-8251 or (800) 478-6822, ext. 3195.

Women in the Trades Training Career Corner Congratulations to the following TCC bought tools, a tool box and tool belt women who graduated from the Women for eligible participants. Flight Paramedic: in Trades Apprenticeship Preparation No date has been set for the next training: Naomi Butler, Colleen Charlie, training. TCC assisted with the recruitment, Best of Davina Denny, Laura Holmberg, Doreen interviews and selections. Eligibility: 18 Both Worlds Nikolai, Renae Richardson, Leota Seton, years of age, GED or high school diploma, Tiffany Silas, Jessika Smith and Monica 30-day residency. The interview team Are you interested in helping Williams. Presentation of awards and consists of three people: one from Alaska people who are sick or injured? Do a barbeque were held in honor of the Works, a union representative and a TCC you enjoy flying in airplanes and graduates on May 8, 2004 at the Carpenters’ staff member. helicopters? If you do, becoming a flight Training Center. The individuals assessed and paramedic may be the profession for Tanana Chiefs Conference, trained will be recommended, based on you. Being a paramedic is exciting and Employment and Training Department, performance, to the various union halls and rewarding. You are continually being in conjunction with Alaska Works held contractors for placement in employment challenged to think quickly on your the “Women In Trades” Apprenticeship or apprenticeships. feet, be calm and professional in an Preparation training. This was a four- emergency setting, and care for people A l a s k a Wo r k s week, 192-hour training which introduces in their greatest moments of need. and Tanana Chiefs women to the construction trades and Paramedic training programs Conference, Employ- apprenticeships. Unions involved included: usually last from six months to two ment and Training Carpenters, Laborers, Painters, Plumbers, years and are available in Fairbanks, Department, have been Electricians, Operators, Sheetmetal and through the University of Alaska, working together to Teamsters. Anchorage and all over the United enhance Alakan Native States. Positions exist for paramedics Twelve of the 18 women that were involvement in the with air ambulances, fire departments, interviewed were selected for the training, construction trades and private ground ambulance services, with three alternates. Eight slots were apprenticeships in the some hospitals, private companies reserved for rural areas. Training dates TCC region. (Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, were April 12 to May 8, 2004, Monday For more informa- for example) and volunteer emergency through Saturday, 9 a.m.-5. p.m. Alaska tion about the Women services. Works with a STEP grant paid for actual in Trades Apprenticeship For more information, contact training cost, transportation (to and from Preparation training, the TCC Employment and Training home), lodging, Alaska Club membership, please contact Gloria Department at (907) 452-8251 or (800) food stipends and certificates, which Riley at (907) 452-8251, 478-6822, ext. 3195. included 1.5 credits of Construction Math, ext. 3187. OSHA-10; Haz Paint, First Aid and CPR. General Election Top right: Collen Charlie with instructor from November 2, 2004 Operating Engineers Local 302. For information, Right: Laura Holmberg (on ladder), working with see page 12 Jessika Smith, left, and Naomi Butler on framing mock ups. PAGE 8 • THE COUNCIL • JULY / AUGUST 2004 HEALTH Fairbanks American Local Doctor Celebrates National Membership Heart Walk By Lisa Gwalthney, Office Manager, CAIHC Karlene Borja, Certified Nursing Assistant, Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center D o n n a obstetrics and gynecology, internal This year was the first time that held on May 8. The skies were cloudy and Galbreath, medicine, psychiatry and neurology, TCC was involved with the American overcast but Beth Zito, Christine Cebrian, MD, Medical surgery and community medicine. They Heart Walk. As the signature fund-raising Joey Gochis, Roger Manuel, and I, were D i r e c t o r also receive instruction in many other event for the American Heart Association, out washing cars, and we raised just over with Tanana areas including geriatrics, emergency $260. We held raffles just about every Chiefs Con- medicine, ophthalmology, radiology, the Heart Walk promotes physical activity sports medicine and urology. As a other Friday for small items (coffee cards, ference’s Chief and heart-healthy living in a fun, family A n d r e w I s a a c result, family physicians are the only environment. This year 750,000 walkers gift certificates, etc.) that were graciously Health Center, has medical specialists qualified to provide will participate in over 600 events across donated by various local businesses. completed continuing medical education comprehensive health care for people of the country, raising funds to save lives from Our raffle was a huge success and lots requirements to retain membership in the all ages. this country’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers, heart of fun to put together. Winners were: American Academy of Family Physicians People choose family physicians disease and stroke. Warbelow’s ticket: Michael Hankee (AAFP), the only medical specialty because they are trained to treat a broad I am pleased to say that TCC was Paid Day-Off: Wes Alexander organization devoted solely to primary range of illnesses, from coughs and ear care. among some of these 750,000 walkers! Wright’s Air ticket: Sara Ramos infections to chest pain, diabetes, and Together we can make a difference and Ivory Bracelet: Dr. Jarworski As members of the AAFP, family hypertension, as well as to provide prenatal care and well baby exams. In fact, more our money goes a long way. Last year over Beaded Ivory Necklace: Dr. Olson physicians are required to complete 150 than 200 million office visits are made Top Soil: Maggie Clark hours of continued medical education $400,000 went to the University of Alaska, every three years. This ensures that family to family physicians each year. This is Eskimo Doll: Sophia Stevens-Rustad Fairbanks, for heart- and stroke-related physicians remain educated on the most 79 million more visits than to any other projects, which employ 10 full-time James Grant Print: Debbie Dayton up-to-date medical technologies, research medical specialty. James Grant Print: Shirley Merculief scientists. Money also goes to provide and techniques. The AAFP is the national medical Ace Hardware Drill: Cindy Sears free CPR classes to the public, to advertise Family physicians, like other medical organization representing more than tobacco-free lifestyle, and emphasizes Daily News-Miner Three Months: specialists, complete an extensive three-year 94,300 family physicians, family the importance of physical activity in Sophia Stevens-Rustad residency program in the specialty after practice residents and medical students everyday living. Just 30 minutes a day 2- Heart Clock: Ted Korsgren graduating from medical school. As part nationwide. The AAFP was instrumental 3 times a week, along with a healthy diet, Calf-skin Boots: Rozella Simmonds of their residency, family physicians receive in establishing the medical specialty of can reduce the chances of heart disease Christmas Doll: Alice Atuk training in six major areas: pediatrics, family practice in 1969. and stroke. Dinner at Ivory Jack’s: Doris Miller I want to take this time to thank all the Great Alaska Bowl Company bowl: people involved in making this first-time Eddie Schroeder event a success! People involved in the TCC Wellness Bag: Gene Schroeder New Medical Records Clerk fundraising event over the last two months Leather Ski-Doo Jacket: Faith Walsh have made a significant difference in our $25 Gift Ace Hardware: Dr Olson Chrystal Fabian has recently become a Medical Records community. We held three bake sales; all the Thanks to everyone who bought and Filing Clerk for Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center. She assists in people at the clinic put their aprons on and sold tickets. Anyone interested in joining us filing, tracking, and delivery of medical charts to the necessary baked some really yummy goodies which in next year’s Walk can contact me at the providers. helped raise over $1,000. Our car wash was clinic, ext. 3657. Chrystal and her husband Andy have one son, Scott. Her mother is Lisa Gwalthney, her father is Leo Pritchard, and her grandmothers are Ida Williams and Mary Holman. Chrystal enjoys spending time outdoors, swimming, playing Tobacco use in Alaska Frisbee, and watching sports. Chrystal Fabian Taken from State of Alaska Epidemiology Bulletin Tobacco use remains the number one cessation therapy are recommended as threat to public health, both in Alaska evidence-based ways to achieve these four New Program Technician and nationwide. This overview of tobacco goals.18 Many of the identified best practices use in Alaska is the first in a series of for reducing and eliminating tobacco use for Quality Bulletins over the next two months that and exposure have been adopted in Alaska, will describe Alaska’s leading preventable including: Hello, and my name is Diana Hardy and I’m excited to join Quality Management(QM) Team as the cause of death, as reported in the new • implementing a $1.00 per pack Program Technician, working with and assisting the publication: Tobacco in the Great Land: cigarette excise tax in 1997, QM Director. I am located in the Al Ketzler, Sr. Building A Portrait of Alaska’s Leading Cause of • coordinating of an aggressive counter- on the 3rd Floor. I’m fairly new to TCC, beginning at Death. What Can Be Done to Reduce marketing campaign, Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center in the pharmacy and Tobacco Use? • implementing local clean indoor air transferring recently to this position. My educational Since tobacco use generates such ordinances, and background is focused in the sciences and biology, and substantial health and economic costs, a • enforcing laws prohibiting sales to my health care experience is mainly in pharmacy. I reduction in tobacco use and the elimination minors. was trained by the Air Force as a pharmacy technician, of exposure to secondhand smoke would working in both military and civilian sectors. I have Alaska experiences a tremendous been lucky enough to travel to places like Korea and have tremendous benefits for the nation burden in morbidity, mortality, and Germany, most recently working with the military. overall, and Alaska specifically. The Centers economic costs due to tobacco use. for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) I always wanted to experience Alaska from a Substantial progress is being made to resident’s perspective, and I got my wish and moved has identified the following four goal areas reduce this burden. The declines in youth Diana Hardy up here almost a year ago and my adventure began! I in which work must be done in order smoking are dramatic. There is hope had visited Alaska before and loved it. I have found to reduce, and eventually eliminate, the because adult smokers may be smoking living here is made better if you love the outdoors and morbidity and mortality associated with less. But vigilance is necessary to continue I took advantage of the winter and now the summer — there’s so much to do! My first tobacco use: these encouraging trends and reverse those winter up here was a challenge but since my mother has a dog team of her own, I had the • Elimination of exposure to negative trends that still exist. A major opportunity to learn most aspects of mushing before the winter was over! environmental tobacco smoke challenge is to eliminate the tremendous I am excited to work within Quality Management for TCC and to experience a (ETS), disparity in tobacco use between Alaska broader of view of health services, but what I have found really exciting is learning about • Prevention of initiation of tobacco Natives and non-Natives. Accessible, the Native community and culture in Fairbanks, as well as the surrounding villages. There’s so much going on, and I’m happy to be a part of it! use among youth, understandable, and current information • Promotion of cessation among on tobacco use behaviors and attitudes is youth and adults, and an essential tool in the fight against this public health threat. We hope that this • Identification and elimination series of Bulletins will provide that tool of tobacco-related disparities in Walking Strong Suicide Prevention 17 for health professionals, affiliated partners, tobacco use. and concerned Alaskans alike. A complete Committee Logo Contest Results Population-based policy initiatives, copy of Tobacco in the Great Land, can be 1st Place Honorable Mention: such as implementing smoking bans, found at: http://www.epi.alaska.gov/pubs/ Angus Peters increasing tobacco excise taxes, and reducing Aaron Scott Schmude • Fairbanks, tobaccofeb04.pdf. Fairbanks patient out-of-pocket costs for effective Tom‘as Salgado • Fairbanks 2nd Place 17. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Best Practices for Comprehensive Tobacco Control Janet Lee Curtis Jeremiah Harrington • Fairbanks Programs-August 1999. Atlanta GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Anchorage Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Jeremia Schrock • Fairbanks Smoking and Health, August 1999. 3rd Place Tia Hollandsworth • Arctic Village 18. Hopkins DP, Briss PA, Ricard CJ, et al. Reviews of evidence regarding interventions to reduce tobacco Molly Brooks use and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. AM j Prev Med. 2001; 20(S2); 16-86. Nenana William Sam • Arctic Village JULY / AUGUST 2004 • THE COUNCIL • PAGE 9 HEALTH Know the Facts: Hepatitis C Diabetes Program By Julie Klaker, RN, Viral Hepatitis Integration Program Coordinator, CAIHC By John P. Martin, Physical Activities Coordinator Chief Andreew Isaac Health Center As of May 2004 there are more than drugs with a needle or syringe with Ladies and Gentlemen: 200 people living with Hepatitis C in the someone else’s blood on it, you have the TCC region. It may not seem like a lot of highest risk of having Hepatitis C. It doesn’t Let me introduce you to a chance to improve the quality people, but for those with the infection, matter if the blood was dry-you can still get of life in your community. Yes, for all who say, “I cannot they often feel like their whole life has hepatitis C. If you share your works, you are move like I used to”... People with Arthritis Can Exercise changed as a result. also at high risk Program (PACE) and Arthritis Self Help Courses Leadership Trainings are being offered to your community. Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused • Snorting drugs and sharing the straw This program will improve your range of motion, help by the hepatitis C virus (HCV for short). with others you to be able to bend over, reach, and make many of life’s It can be very damaging to the liver over • Tattooing and piercing done with basic movements more enjoyable. TCC, with the help of the American Arthritis time. People with Hepatitis C must take shared needles/tools and/or ink Foundation, would like to conduct a clinic to train a minimum of two certified precautions to protect their liver from any • If you work in health care and had leaders for each community in your region. further damage–drinking alcohol when a needle stick injury from an infected The training materials costs and fees associated with this training will be you have hepatitis C makes you three times patient. more likely to suffer severe liver damage. covered. Trainers’ travel expenses are also covered. Your kind assistance is needed • Shared a toothbrush or razor with a to help host the training session. person with Hepatitis C infection. Upon successful completion of the training programs, trained professionals Can you get Hepatitis C from sex? in each community will be able to help others by conducting social interaction There are no documented cases of and physical activities that will help strengthen the affected joints. hepatitis C transmission between sexual Please contact me at 451-6682, ext. 3773 or [email protected] to partners even in studies where one partner schedule this three-day session in your region or to get more information. I look has Hepatitis C infection. But you should forward to bringing these new and exciting programs to your community. avoid unprotected sexual activity that can May your summer be filled with fun and many physical activites. tear the skin (anal or rough sex). Having a STD can increase your susceptibility to Remember — only 30 minutes a day is all it takes! HIV and HCV because of the breaks or You Have the Power tears in the skin. Hepatitis C is not spread by: - for a Healthy Lifestyle - Casual contact Only 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity! Breastfeeding Hugging What are the signs and symptoms of Sneezing Featured Vegetable/Fruit of the Month: Hepatitis C? Coughing Sharing food or drinks Most people (80%) with hepatitis C Berry-licious (Wild Berries) How serious is hepatitis C? don’t feel sick at the time they are infected Nutrition and Health Berry Muffins It can be very serious for some people, or when there is mild liver damage; people There are many varieties of berries but not for others. Most people (85%) who 2 cups flour may not have symptoms until their liver in Alaska that grow both in gardens get infected with HCV have it for the rest 1 tablespoon baking powder disease is very advanced (this can take up and in the wild. Berries are a very good to 20-30 years), and advanced disease may of their lives (called chronic hepatitis C ½ teaspoon salt infection). 15% of people with the virus source of vitamins A and C, and fiber. ¼ cup sugar be too late to receive successful treatment. Blackberries are a fair source of folate. Symptoms include: recover without treatment. After many 1 cup milk Fatigue years, hepatitis C infection can lead to Selection 1 egg well beaten Nausea and vomiting cirrhosis (liver scarring), liver cancer, Choose blemish-free berries that ¼ cup oil Flu-like feeling and maybe death. It is so important for have good color. Check container well 1 ½ cups berries Yellow eyes and skin those with hepatitis C to see their doctor for berries that may have mold or bruised Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Mix Confusion regularly. spots. flour, baking powder and salt together. How does the virus get into the blood? How do you know if you have Storage Stir in sugar. In a separate bowl, combine Hepatitis C? milk, egg, and oil. Add to dry ingredients. Infection happens when the blood Store fresh berries unwashed in the The only way to know for sure is to get Stir just enough to wet the dry items. of an infected person passes through a refrigerator. Fresh berries will only keep tested. If you have done any of the things Stir in berries. Batter should be lumpy. puncture or cut in the skin or mucous for a few days. Handle gently, as they that put you at risk, you should get tested Pour batter into greased muffin tins or membrane of an uninfected person; that bruise easily. — for yourself and others. use muffin papers, filling 2/3 full. Bake for person becomes exposed or infected by the Preparation How do you get tested? 15-20 minutes. Makes 12 servings. hepatitis C virus. Fresh berries should be enjoyed How can that happen? I make visits to all the villages and offer right away since they spoil easily. Rinse hepatitis C testing and am also available in berries well before eating. Berries can • If you received a blood transfusion the clinic when I am not traveling. You can easily be preserved for later use by before 1992 call me toll-free at 800-478-6682 or locally freezing, drying, canning, and preserving • If you received blood products at (907) 451-6682, ext. 3768 or e-mail me at as jellied products. To freeze, place dry, For more information, call Renee before 1987 [email protected]. You can also fresh berries in a single layer on a cookie Legan, Registered Dietitian, WIC talk to your health aide or provider and ask • If you ever had hemodialysis sheet. Put the cookie sheet in the freezer. Coordinator, WIC Program, Chief to be tested for hepatitis C. • If you ever, even one time, injected When the berries are frozen, pour them Andrew Isaac Health Center toll- into plastic bags or containers. Seal free at 800-478-6822 or locally at tightly, label with berry name and date, (907)451-6682, ext. 3778 or e-mail Even Light Drinking Affects and return to the freezer. [email protected]. Child Memory Taken from the monthly newsletter of the Blue Berry Spice Crunch National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Issue 2, May 2004 By Madeline Patterson-O’Dell, Try this fantastic recipe to finish off Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that even light to moderate Registered Dietician, last year’s frozen blueberries and add a drinking during pregnancy led to difficulties in learning and recall for adolescent children, from the kitchen of Aunt Jackie O’Dell little spice to your life. Blueberries are particularly in the auditory/verbal area. These children also showed growth delays. Evenly layer all ingredients in a 9x11” at the top of the list for foods that have Light drinking was defined as having three or less drinks per week, while moderate pan: anthocyanins, a strong antioxidant drinking included more than three drinks a week, but less than one drink per day. 1 tall can pineapple, crushed or fruit able to reduce oxidative stress damage While deficits were specific to alcohol exposure during the first trimester, the study 4 cups blueberries in the body. One component of recommended women avoid drinking alcohol throughout their pregnancy. Flour mix: blueberries has been identified as key 1½ cup whole wheat flour (sifted) in the process of moving information 1 cup sugar or Splenda (sifted) from short-term to long-term memory. Alcohol Use Disorders Strangely enough, this component 1 teaspoon salt is more bio-available in just-cooked 1 teaspoon cinnamon Go Undetected blueberries. The spices in this recipe Many patients being admitted to hospitals in the U.S. are not adequately screened 1 teaspoon ginger are cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and for alcohol abuse. A study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism ½ teaspoon nutmeg cloves. Each year science uncovers (NIAAA) shows hospitals fail to routinely screen patients who report alcohol use, missing 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves a little more about how spices like opportunities for referring patients for further evaluation and treatment. 2 teaspoon baking soda these heal us. For example, the latest NIAAA and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 1 cup melted butter or coconut oil study in Diabetes Care 2003 26:3215 (SAMHSA) recently announced a collaborative study that will investigate ways to or ½ cup extra virgin olive oil shows 2 teaspoon of cinnamon a day screen and treat patients in hospital emergency rooms for alcohol problems. For more 2 cups pecans, crushed reduced both fasting blood sugar and information, see http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/press/2004/NASD04-04.htm. Bake at 375 degrees for 50-60 minutes. cholesterol. Enjoy! PAGE 10 • THE COUNCIL • JULY / AUGUST 2004 SUBREGIONAL NEWS Holy Cross Clean-up Week Girl Scouts By Rosalie Wulf, Administrative Assistant, By Poppy Harris, Upper Kuskokwim Subregional Director Holy Cross City and the Holy Cross Tribal Council held their Annual Clean-up Recently the Girl Scouts had their last meeting before summer. The color guards Week on May 26-28. The Holy Cross City Council paid 60¢ a bag and was matched by were Tiana Gibbens, Molly Norback and Maria Strick. The girls received their badges the Tribal Council, so the kids received $1.20 for every garbage bag collected. The clean- they worked for during this season. The badges they received were Healthy Relationships, up week was followed by a BBQ picnic by the Holy Cross Community Hall. Holy Cross Art in 3-D, Winter Activities and for the younger ones, their Cookie Badge, for the older First Chief Eugene Paul held drawings for 18 bikes for the kids. It was a very enjoyable ones, the Looking Your Best Badge. All of the girls received all four of their badges. They day. Now Holy Cross “shines,” it is so clean. Thanks to all the children who participated also received prizes for the cookie sales. There were six girls at the meeting to receive their and the adults that helped. Congratulations to all the happy bike winners. Ride safely! badges: Maria Strick; Rachel Roos; Jenna Boudreau; Molly Norback; Teresa Harris; and Tiana Gibbens. Alice Strick was traveling but she also earned her badges. We would like to thank Head Leader Schelly Boudreau and Assistant Leader Melody Roos for all their hard work and dedication. We would also like to thank the McGrath Library for allowing the Girl Scout meetings to take place there. There were refreshments, and time to visit and check out the girls’ new badges following the meeting. Way to go, girls!

Above, back row: James Anthony III, Clayton Turner, Jimmy Walker; second row: Peter Demientieff, Davida Girl Scouts displaying their badges are: Molly Norback, Maria Strick, Jenna Walker, September Campbell-Burkett; Boudreau, Rachel Roos, Tiana Gibbens and Teresa Harris. Congratulations! third row: Michael Van Hatten III, Robbie Van Hatten, Janann Capsul; first row: Rodney Demientieff and Cecilia Turner. Not pictured: Billy Advanced Firefighter Training Turner, Emily Ross, Donald Peters, in McGrath Bambi Peters, Karen Whitley, Kathleen Gregory and Jenny Wade By Poppy Harris, Upper Kuskokwim Subregional Director Pictured at right are: Ronnie Turner, Photo and class descriptions by Jeff Browne, DNR McGrath Second Chief; Craig Aloysius and Mike Roos, Southwest District Fire Management Officer, has been instrumental in Ronnie Aloysius. efforts to promote McGrath as a training center. In a letter sent to the village councils and crew bosses, Mike states, “In the Southwest District (SWD), the historical training offered has been S-130 Firefighter Training and S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior. Grayling Cultural Camp This supports the EFF Type II Crew Program. I think the time has come to expand this By Phillip J. Demientieff, Sr., training program for mutually beneficial reasons: to provide more opportunities to Lower Yukon Subregional Director the people of Southwest Alaska as well as more resources to the Division of Forestry’s (DOF) Fire program. We need qualified firefighters to support our operation and I On June 1-3, Grayling IRA Council Activities included: discussion/ want to draw on local talent as much as possible instead of importing firefighters.” In held a Cultural Camp on the Innoko presentations on sobriety, Native language May the facility in McGrath was utilized for that purpose. There were 24 people who River (three miles above Holikachuk). (Hannah Maillelle talked to the youth attended an 11½ day Advanced Firefighter Training. They were from Chevak, Hooper Holikachuk is the old village site of about Native language and sobriety), Bay, Scammon Bay, Nondalton, Nikolai, McGrath, and Upper and Lower Kalskag. The Grayling. It was my first time that far up wooden spoon-making, story-telling, rod- students did hands-on training the Innoko River — very beautiful country. n-reel fishing, and talking circles. in the following courses: There were approximately 45 people We also spent most of the second The Chainsaw and Felling (youth, adults, and Elders) who attended day at the Holikachuk Graveyard. Graves the three-day camp and approximately 25 class taught students basic were cleaned, a large wooden cross chainsaw maintenance, chainsaw who visited the camp. There was also Jeanie (approximately 15 feet high by 12 feet wide) Green’s camera man, Andy Dwyer, who safety, and the proper method to was varnished and placed on the bank of safely drop trees. video taped throughout the camp. the graveyard. The words “HOLIKACHUK GRAVEYARD” were painted on the cross. The Compass and Maps After the cross was put up, Henry Deacon class introduced basic compass led us in prayer. We had lunch (fish, Native use and map reading. The map ice cream, crackers, etc). Henry shared portion of the class introduced stories of what was shared with him when students to maps of different he was young.We enjoyed his stories. scales and how to utilize them. The Pumps and Water Usage class provided the students with hands-on experience I would like to thank the Grayling IRA setting up different types of portable pumps both singly and in sequence, as well as Council for inviting me to their Cultural proper hose set-up for water delivery in varying types of terrain. They also included Camp and to all those who cooked. trouble-shooting pumps while in the field as part of the training. Everyone had a great time. The Helicopter portion of the training focused on helicopter safety when working in and around helicopters, as well as various tasks associated with helicopters while in a fire-fighting environment. This included giving passenger briefings prior to flights, Holy Cross Holds Upper Tanana Staff proper means of approaching and departing from an operating helicopter, marshalling Traditional Potlatch Presents Gift of a helicopter as it lands or departs, attaching external loads like a sling of supplies or a On May 30, 2004 the Holy Cross Tribal Appreciation to water bucket, and directing of helicopter bucket drops via radio. Council held a Traditional Memorial Day Lily Luke The McGrath Department of Natural Potlatch at the Holy Cross Cemetery. Resources Camp is an important part of This was a tradition back in the early McGrath. It helps bring jobs to our area. 1900s and for some reason it stopped. It is Every so often there is a rumor about the hope of the Tribal Council that this first how this camp will be closed and moved Annual Memorial Day Potlatch will bring somewhere else. Then letters fly because no back the tradition and will become an one ever wants to see that happen. There annual event. Members of the community is a good set-up here and, as I said, it is an gathered at family grave sites to clean, important part of McGrath. reminisce, and potlatch dry fish, fish strips, I know there has been a lot of good crackers, candy, and items such as gloves, feedback about Mike Roos utilizing this dish towels and bowls. The Tribal Council The Upper Tanana Subregional Staff as a training center, and for getting more potlatched coffee cups with angels on collected donations to get Lily Luke, training for the people of Southwest Alaska so they will have more opportunities. We them, candy, and memorial wreaths. There Administrative Assistant, a small token look forward to seeing this camp utilized even more in the future. Many thanks to the were at least 50 people there. It was a very of appreciation for all that she does for the Village Councils and regional non-profits for their financial help, and to Mike Roos, enjoyable and fulfilling day for everyone. subregional staff. the trainers, and others that have made this possible. JULY / AUGUST 2004 • THE COUNCIL • PAGE 11 SUBREGIONAL NEWS Walter Northway High McGrath Employee Barbeque Students Visit the U.S. Capitol By Kathy Snow, TCC Administrative Assistant The TCC staff and McGrath Native Village Council staff got together to have By Jamie Marunde our employee barbeque. Samantha Holmberg volunteered to cook the hot dogs and At the beginning of the 2003 school year, Walter Northway High School students hamburgers for the event. She included some delicious “baked burgers” – and I am attended “Close-Up.” Close-Up is a week-long program in Washington, D.C. which going to give you the recipe. teaches high school students about the history of D.C. and the politics of the United Just take a cookie sheet with a fairly States of America. The attending Northway students were George Albert, Scott Cronk, deep lip or a rectangular pan and drizzle Sheree Nutting, Glen Marunde and myself. some Wesson oil on the bottom. Add Our program began on May 1, 2004. Each of us were put into different groups and some dehydrated onions and some spices given two roommates from other parts of the U.S., so that we would learn about each like Lawry’s seasoned salt. Then pour in other. The students attending the program came from Alaska, Arkansas, Michigan, some water so the bottom of the pan is Illinois, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. all covered. Stir it around, then plop in the Our classroom was literally Washington, D.C. We were given short lectures on a bus, burger patties in a single layer. Let them then each student had to find their favorite quote at the FDR Memorial. At the Vietnam marinate for a while, then stick them in the Dominique, Lucille, Samantha and War Memorial, we had to study and explain the symbolism of the architecture. oven at 350-degrees for about half an hour. Kathy enjoying the good food at the Throughout the program, we participated in debates on the No Child Left Behind It’s delicious! So were the salads, the pies, McGrath picnic. Act, abortion rights, the presidency, and the war in Iraq. Other activities included the banana bread and the vegetable dip. attending lectures with D.C. politicians and lawyers, simulating the US government as Thank you, TCC, for an excuse to get together and enjoy each other a group, and visiting D.C. neighborhoods. and the good food. Among the many highlights of our trip was meeting Senator Murkowski, Senator Stevens and Representative Young. The Close-Up students also watched the play, “Oh Coward!” On the last night, May 7, Close-Up held a banquet, talent show, and an all- Koyukon Pride night dance! George, Scott, Sheree, Glen, and I also enjoyed riding the metro to the Metro Center Mall. For most of us, it was our first time leaving the state. It was an excellent opportunity and experience; we met many new people, learned how the government works and operates, and had a lot of fun. We would like to thank Northway, Inc., TCC, and the community of Northway for supporting the “Close-Up” trip.

The Koyukon Pride Softball team was sponsored by the Diabetes Prevention Program through Tanana Chiefs Conference. Standing, left to right: Diane Williams, Christine Attla, Kim Nicholas, Patti Brown, Laura Saunders, Standing in front of The White House, left to right: Glenn Marunde, Jamie Julia Pitka, Sharon Schrock, Daisy Henry. Kneeling, left to right: Tanya Yatlin, Marunde, George Albert, Sheree Nutting and Scott Cronk of Northway. Josephine Malemute, Euphrasia Demoski, Sarah Vent, Honi Vent. Team members not pictured: Lilly Sommer, Justina Demoski, April Carlo. “Our team had a lot of fun and we enjoyed playing in our second summer Koyukuk Wellness of softball.” — Josephine Malemute, Co-coach Run/Walk-a-thon By Celia Grant, Community Health Aide EPA General Assistance Program (IGAP) Koyukuk residents’ number one goal Immediately after the last participant Grant Work Plan Class this year is health and fitness. Koyukuk crossed the line, everyone gathered at the June 8-20, 2004 • Fairbanks held their first four-mile wellness run/walk Community Hall where Cecelia Grant and on June 5. The turnout was a great success, Mary Mayfield presented the awards, while with a total of 37 participants ranging from all the participants replenished their bodies three to over 50 years old. Whole families with nutritious fruits provided by the participated: grandparents, parents, adults, Koyukuk Tribal Council. Everyone enjoyed teenagers, and children. themselves so much that they would like to The temperatures averaged above make this an annual event. 81 degrees in the shade. As the sun was beating down on their faces and a slight breeze blew the mosquitoes away, all the participants had one goal in mind: crossing the finish line. Louis Grant pushed his 18-month- old daughter, Bethany, in a stroller while her mom (Cecelia) ran ahead. JoAnn Malemute volunteered her National Guard hours to driving the clinic ambulance, Photo above, back row, left to right: dropping water at the halfway point, Mabel Vent, Huslia; Molly Patton, OEH; and drove behind the runners to pick up Leon Carroll, Fort Yukon; Dorothy the youngest participants (Lilly Lolnitz, Yatlin, Huslia; Greg Ontiveros, Arctic Autumn Williams, and Bethany Grant). Village, Kyle Wright, OEH. Front Row, She also picked up Kirk, Thomas, and left to right: Cindy Gilbert, Arctic Hugh III for a few minutes so they could Village; Dorothy Solomon, Kaltag; catch their breath. All participants crossed Jerry Sam, FSRO; Josephine Derendoff, the finish line. Huslia; and Charlene Nollner, Gakona. At the finish line, Eliza Jones patiently Photo at left, left to right: Jerry Sam, waited for the participants to cross and FSRO; Leon Carroll, Fort Yukon; and clocked their time as the participants came Molly Patton, OEH. in. Percy Lolnitz I ran the fastest time of Koyukuk wishes to say Anaa baa 34:18, second place went to Dale Kriska, see’ (thank you very much) to their General Election and Leona Kriska placed third (first overall VOTE! for her age group). Percy Lolnitz II, six- sponsors: Koyukuk Tribal Council, years-old, came in first for his age bracket Doyon, Limited, Che’ghutsen’, and November 2, 2004 and came in sixth overall with a time of Tanana Chiefs Conference Diabetes ✓ ✓ See page 12 42:52, beating 31 other participants. program. ✓ ✓ PAGE 12 • THE COUNCIL • JULY / AUGUST 2004 NEWS FOR OUR PEOPLE Grants.gov Web Site By Martha Henneghan, United States Department of Health and Human Services ✓✓ 2004 ✓✓ Health and Human Services (HSS) “By putting relevant information in one Secretary Tommy G. Thompson unveiled place, we’re helping to level the playing field General Election a single comprehensive web site that will for organizations less familiar with federal VOTE! contain information about finding and grant programs so that they too can identify applying for all federal grant programs. and apply for appropriate grants.” November 2, 2004 The web site, Grants.gov, makes it HHS led the development of the OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION IN 2004 easier for organizations to learn about and cross-agency web site, which now has ★ United States President and Vice President (four-year terms) apply for federal grants. Its launch marks information about more than 800 available ★ One United States Senate seat (six-year term) an important milestone in President Bush’s grant programs involving all 26 federal ★ One United States House of Representative seat (two-year term) Electronic Government (E-Gov) Initiative, grant-making agencies, which together ★ 10 State Senate seats (four-year terms) which aims at harnessing Internet-based award more than $360 billion in funds. The ★ 40 State House of Representative seats (two-year★ terms) technology to make it easy for citizens and site includes a “Find Grant Opportunities” businesses to interact with the government, feature to help applicants find potential Special provisions are available for: Complete information is availabe save taxpayer dollars and streamline funding opportunities. The site also online at http://www. citizen-to-government communications. ★ Absentee Voting contains an “Apply for Grants” feature that gov.state.ak.us/ltgov/election greatly simplifies the application process. ★ Voting if you will be overseas “For the first time, there will be a single or contact on Election Day government-wide source for information More information is available at http:// Elizabeth Rexford, about grant programs across the federal www.grants.gov. ★ Voting if you will be traveling Get Out the Native Vote Intern, government,” Secretary Thompson said. on Election Day toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at ★ Voting if you are disabled or (907) 452-8251, or e-mail Athabascan Ballerinas Perform have special needs [email protected]. Emily Sexton, 8, daughter of Mark Sexton ★ “Bumps In The Road” and Janice Joseph, granddaughter of Jennie By Corina Collins, Yukon-Tanana Subregional Director Joseph of Rampart, Arthur Joseph of Anchorage, What are some triggers that can cause people who have sobered up to return to using and Nora Troppmann, 7, daughter of Tim and again? Remember that just as abusing substances becomes a way of life, so does learning Lorrinda Troppmann, granddaughter of Mary to live a clean and sober life. Remember how hard we worked to get that bottle of booze or drugs so we could get high? Well, the same effort that we put into trying to stay high Ann Thomas, great-granddaughter of Edmond now needs to be used to stay clean and sober. But, wait! There’s more! We want to be and Nora Lord, are ballerinas with Dance happy and that means being willing to work on ourselves. Some days, I would rather Theatre Fairbanks. wear a T-shirt that says...“Leave me alone, I’ve got issues!” The thing is that if we are not willing to take an honest look at ourselves and deal with our problems sober, then we On May 8 they participated in a “Celebration will either be miserable or get high to not have to face them. For some of us, going back of Dance: Amazing Grace” which featured 20-25 to drinking and drugging could mean certain death in just a matter of time, whether, spiritually or physically. ballet, tap, hip-hop, jazz, modern, Highland, and OK, back to triggers. What are they? How about if I just give an example. Say, theatre skits. The evening event didn’t have an something really bad happened at home or work and you had no one to talk to that could empty seat at the Pioneer Park Threatre, where help you work through your feelings. So you bottle up that memory inside of you. Now Emily and Nora performed once in the afternoon what happens is every time you happen to hear, see, or smell anything that reminds you of that bad time, you find yourself getting upset. No one was there to help you get through and again in the evening. that hard time, so you never processed your feelings about it in a healthy way. Both ballerinas will return to the stage this Now, here comes the culprit, drugs and booze. Check it out! Wow! This takes away fall, no doubt stealing the show! the pain; I don’t have to hurt anymore! Only, guess what? It’s the next day, you’re hung over or withdrawing from drugs, broke, someone else has your children and the pain is still there. So, you feel even worse than before and decide to get high to forget and the cycle goes on and on. That’s an example of one type of trigger which can lead to more abuse. Summer Energy Saving Tips Believe it or not, you have the power to stop this cycle anytime before it happens, By Paula Wright, Housing Technician right in the middle of it, or even afterwards. Just because babies fall down when they first learn how to walk, doesn’t mean they give up trying. They get up and try new methods Even in Alaska, where the sun never sets and people may not use as much energy because what they were doing before didn’t work. It’s like that with sobriety. That’s why I as they do in the winter months, there are some simple things that can be done that can help save you money on your electric bill. The ideas listed below are easy to do, prefer not to count how long I’ve been sober. My success is sometimes minute-by-minute, with little or no cost to you, and are well worth it. with bumps in the road. The most important thing is to be willing to recognize when something doesn’t feel right and willing to admit that we are weak and need help from $ No Cost $ Low Cost others at times. This is where spirituality comes in. ✓ Unplug small appliances, freezers People are not always available to help and we need to reach out to our Creator. He ✓ and refrigerators that are not in use. Replace furnace filters. made us, and He knows exactly what we need for that moment. Again, its up to us to reach out to Him. Sometimes people call at just the right time to encourage us. Other ✓ Caulk between windows, door frames, ✓ Line-dry your clothes. times it is necessary to talk with a professional to work through our “issues.” That is and walls. nothing to be ashamed of. We sure didn’t act ashamed when we were acting like idiots ✓ Wash full loads of laundry and clean while we were high. I am getting real with you because that is where we have to start, with ✓ Gaskets behind electric switches and out lint trap after each load. reality. Getting honest with ourselves and with others helps us to process our feelings outlets. in a healthy manner so that we can heal and get well. This takes time and we need to ✓ Wash clothes in cold or warm water be patient with ourselves and hang around others that are willing to be patient with us. ✓ Seal between walls, pipes, ceiling, and rather than hot. What do you say? Are you game? Give it a try and you will reap the benefits for yourself attics. and your family. ✓ Close curtains to keep heat- ✓ Weather-strip doors and windows producing sunlight out. Leaving the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed windows open keeps the house cool. ✓ Add storm windows or plastic film on single pane windows. Council Announces New Positions ✓ Keep refrigerator at a constant 36-38 As the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council (YRITWC) expands and degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer ✓ Check smoke detectors. gains momentum, we are pleased to announce several new positions being created to at 0-5 degrees Fahrenheit. Clean the keep the progress running effectively and efficiently. We hope to fill these positions by condenser coil once a year. ✓ Insulate water heater. October 1, 2004. Administrative and Finance Director: financial management, grant oversight and ✓ Lower the thermostat on your hot ✓ Install energy efficient low-flow human resource management. water heater to 115 degrees. shower head. Project Oversight and Training Coordinator: coordinate training, general project ✓ Plug all your home electronics into a ✓ Install compact fluorescent lights. oversight and grant management and reporting. power surge protector. Solid Waste Coordinators: provide support to communities to improve solid waste For more information, contact and sewage systems (2-3 positions). ✓ Use the microwave instead of the Paula Wright, Housing Technician, We look forward to receiving letters of interest and resumes from those in the stove. toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at community interested in joining our team. The majority of these positions will be based (907) 452-8251, ext. 3230 or e-mail in Fairbanks. However, we are looking into hiring one solid waste coordinator to be based ✓ Set back thermostat 5-10 degrees [email protected]. in St. Mary’s. Please forward all correspondence and questions to Rob Rosenfeld, Alaska Farenheit at night. Region Director at (907) 451-2530 or [email protected].