Dena’ Nena’ Henash • Our Land Speaks Vol. 39, No. 9 A REPORT TO THE MEMBER TRIBES OF TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 2015 Land Into Trust The Akiachak Case and What It Means for Alaska

Photo by Doreen Deaton

Last year, the tribes won a case signaling his opposition for tribal state lawmakers, municipalities in federal district court entitled trust lands in the state. Since and ANCSA corporations. TCC Akiachak. The court decision the filling, Governor Walker has believes Governor Walker will drop found the Secretary of Interior indicated a desire to work through the appeal if those uninformed has the power to accept petitions this issue with the tribes. people will learn more about the to take land into trust in Alaska. TCC understands there is a lot of facts of trust lands and encourage Last month, Governor Walker misinformation and confusion about the Governor to drop the appeal. filed an appellate brief in the case, trust lands not only with tribes, but More information on pages 4 & 5. Indigenous People’s Day: October 12th During TCC’s 2015 Annual Convention, the Full Board of Directors passed Resolution No.2015-02 submitted by the McGrath Tribal Council. The resolution states that the TCC region will “celebrate Indigenous People’s Day on October 12, the day America celebrates Columbus, as a way to oppose the celebration of Columbus’s ill treatment towards Native people and to also celebrate the courageous strength by Indigenous peoples to continue as modern day governments with self-determining powers”. Join us on October 12th as we celebrate Indigenous People’s Day

In This Subregional Hunting SPICE: What you Tobacco-Free Meetings Safety Tips Need to Know Art Contest Issue: Page 7 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Dear Tribes and Tribal Members, MISSION STATEMENT Wow, it’s already September! The past few mornings Tanana Chiefs Conference provides a I awoke to a cool chill in the air and frost on the ground, unified voice in advancing sovereign tribal indicators of the season ahead of us. As I sit in my governments through the promotion of office drafting this letter, my thoughts continue to drift to physical and mental wellness, education, moose hunting; what do I need to get ready and when I can socioeconomic development, and culture of the Native people. leave. I look forward to providing for my family, and wish the best of luck to you and your family this hunting season. This past month, we met with Yukon Flats in Fairbanks, Upper Kuskokwim VISION in McGrath, Upper Tanana in Eagle and Yukon Tanana in Tanana. We will be Healthy, Strong, Unified Tribes meeting with the Lower Yukon in Shageluk and the Yukon Koyukuk in Huslia. Once again, I send my appreciation to the hosting communities and enjoyed the time we had with our tribal leadership and members. Discussions at our subregional meetings included an update on the progress of TCC’s 2015-2020 Strategic Plan. Part of our strategic plan is to improve the quality of life for those we serve. Our Behavioral Health Services proved their dedication to this last month when they received the Commission on TCC EXECUTIVE Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation. CARF BOARD MEMBERS accreditation is a state mandate that all behavioral health programs receiving Donald Honea Sr./Ruby state funding are required to achieve by the end of this year. Join me in 1st Traditional Chief applauding all the staff who contributed to the success of this project, it was not an easy task. Trimble Gilbert/Arctic Village 2nd Traditional Chief I would also like to inform you that TCC recently became the sole health services provider in the Upper Tanana Subregion after taking over operations Victor Joseph/ Tanana from the Tok Clinic, LLC in August. This means we now provide health services TCC President at both the Upper Tanana Health Center and the site of the former Tok Clinic. Julie Roberts-Hyslop/Tanana This past month I met with Governor Bill Walker to discuss the recent Vice President developments in the case of the Fairbanks Four, after the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner obtained and published the details of Jason Wallace’s sealed Pollock ‘PJ’ Simon, Jr. /Allakaket confession. As the details of this case continue to unfold, Tanana Chiefs Secretary/Treasurer Conference hopes that it leads to what we believe is overdue to Marvin Donald Adams/Tetlin Roberts, Eugene Vent, Kevin Pease and George Frese: Full Exoneration. We Upper Tanana also discussed the Governor’s recent decision to appeal the Akiachak case (the Lands into Trust case) and requested a seat on the LNG Municipality Nick Alexia Sr./Nikolai Upper Kuskokwim Advisory Group. The seat is very important because this group discusses and recommends mitigation opportunities for impacted areas and is a way to Nancy James/Fort Yukon ensure that the tribal voice is heard. Yukon Flats I also attended the conference on Global Leadership in the Arctic: Cooperation, Eugene Paul/Holy Cross Innovation, Engagement and Resilience (GLACIER), where I participated in Lower Yukon a round table discussion with President Barack Obama, Governor Walker, Lieutenant Gov. Byron Mallott and Senator Lisa Murkowski. President Obama Frank Thompson/ Evansville made it very clear that the discussion was a Government-to-Government Yukon Tanana meeting with the Tribal Nations of Alaska. It was an honor to represent our Leo Lolnitz/Koyukuk region as we discussed climate change and other important issues that impact Yukon Koyukuk our tribes. As always, TCC will continue working with our tribal leadership to advocate Peter Demoski/Nulato Elder Advisor effectively on their behalf. Ana Bassee, Gerald Patsy/Nulato Victor Joseph Youth Advisor President/Chairman Tanana Chiefs Conference 2 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER Join the Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council Membership applications or nom- COUNCIL RESPONSIBILITIES: Want to Apply or Nominate inations for seats on the 10 Feder- • Review and make recommen- Someone? al Subsistence Regional Advisory dations to the Federal Sub- Contact [email protected] Councils are being accepted now sistence Board on proposals or download the PDF at through January 29, 2016. for regulations, policies, man- www.tananachiefs.org/rac/ agement plans, and other The Regional Advisory Councils subsistence-related issues; Applications can be sent to: provide advice and recommenda- • Develop proposals that pro- Carl Johnson, Supervisor, Council tions to the Federal Subsistence vide for the subsistence har- Coordinator. Board about subsistence hunting, vest of fish and wildlife; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service trapping, and fishing issues on • Encourage and promote lo- Office of Subsistence Management Federal public lands. Membership cal participation in the deci- 1011 E. Tudor Road, MS 121 on the Councils is one way for the sion-making process affect- Anchorage, AK 99503-6199 public to become involved in the ing subsistence harvests on Federal subsistence regulatory Federal public lands; E-MAIL: [email protected] process. • Make recommendations on customary and traditional use FAX: 907-786-3898 Each Council has either 10 or determinations of subsistence 13 members, and membership in- resources; and, Questions? cludes representatives of subsis- • Appoint members to National (800) 478-1456 or (907)786-3676 tence use and commercial/sport Park Subsistence Resource use. Commissions.

EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING team. Thank you Don Shircel, the many success stories, when in the DIRECTOR, BRENDA KRUPA, best boss in the world, who I will beginning all people needed was SAYS FAREWELL always be indebted to for hiring me a helping hand. Thank you TCC Thank you and God Bless: and being an extraordinary mentor. Chiefs and Tribes, for allowing me I just want to take this opportunity to assist with being a helping hand. to say it’s has been an honor and Thank you Victor Joseph, TCC a privilege to work for the Tribes President, for you unending dedi- “Anaa Basee, Mahsi’ Cho, Do- in the TCC Region these past 11 cation to the mission and vision of gidinh, and Tsen’ii” for allowing me years. I have resigned my position TCC. For providing good leader- to work for you. at TCC and my last day was Fri- ship to us all and having good peo- day, August 14, 2015. I will now ple in Administration. God Bless all of you. have 3 new bosses; Jovie age 1, Brenda Krupa, TCC Employment Summit - 2, and 5 year old Blaize, Thank you Executive Board & Training Director who will begin kindergarten. members and all the Chiefs of the TCC Region. You have taught me Employment & Training Staff: Thank you for the wonderful, more than you know about the Katina Charles, ext. 3353 amazing memories from all the Athabascan Values I hold dear. [email protected] trips I’ve made to the Villages. I You are such strong leaders and wish I could have been to each always addressing hard and diffi- Evelyn Ekada, ext.3199 and every one. It is so humbling cult topics, and working together at [email protected] to come in contact with so many conquering them. E&T Coordinator strong, vibrant, busy people work- ing for their communities across And last, but not least, I espe- Michelle James, ext.3416 TCC’s vast region. cially thank all the Tribal members [email protected] that came to this program for help. Program Assistant and Intake I want to also thank my co-work- You have shown me that there are ers, Katina Charles, Evelyn Ekada, many people that may be down Don Shircel, ext.3229 and Michelle James for making on their luck, but with persever- [email protected] coming to work each day enjoy- ance and drive, one can accom- Director of Client Development able and feeling part of a good plish great things. I have seen so TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER 3 Only Needless Fear Stands Between Alaska and Benefits of Indian Country Article by Jenny Bell-Jones. August 21, 2015. First published at Alaska Dispatch News, this article has been edited to make it up to date. The Akiachak case, involving four terminology used to describe one petitions for; they are not asking Alaska tribes and one individual or more of the following: the government to reserve other Native, was brought to court to • all land within the limits land for them. The process is challenge an “Alaska exception” in of any Indian reservation entirely voluntary; tribes that don’t the Code of Federal Regulations. under the jurisdiction of the want Indian Country won’t submit (25 C.F.R. § 151.1). Language in United States government, petitions. the code excluded tribes in Alaska, notwithstanding the issuance except for the Metlakatla Indian of any patent, and, including Tribes will rush to place land Community, from petitioning the rights of way running through into trust: False. Not all Alaska secretary of the interior to take fee the reservation; tribes own fee land and some that lands owned by tribes or Native • all dependent Indian do may have good reasons for not individuals into trust on their behalf. communities within the wanting to place that land into trust. The March 2013 decision held that borders of the United States, Trust status is not a cure-all and the exception was discriminatory whether within the original won’t work for everyone. Like land and therefore illegal. The DOI or subsequently acquired owned in fee, trust lands have both has published a new rule that territory thereof, and whether advantages and disadvantages; removes the Alaska exception, but within or without the limits of each tribe will need to weigh these is enjoined from approving Alaska a state, and before submitting a petition. petitions pending the outcome of • all Indian allotments, the an appeal by the state of Alaska. Indian titles to which have not Trust lands will provide been extinguished, including financial opportunities for tribes: HERE ARE SOME FACTS rights of way running through True. Lands held in trust status AND FICTIONS ABOUT THE the same. (18 U.S. Code § allow tribes to take advantage of AKIACHAK DECISION: 1151). federal programs restricted to trust Akiachak will result in large lands, such as opportunities for swaths of “Indian Country” It provides Indian tribes with business development, housing, throughout Alaska: False. The established jurisdiction over land court systems, and environmental Akiachak decision does one that allows them to govern properly, and cultural protection. thing; it ends discrimination and doing such things as providing allows Alaska tribes and individual effective law enforcement, All petitions will be approved: Natives to petition DOI to have establishing functional judiciaries, False. Successful petitions must fee lands they own be taken into enforcing planning and zoning include the purposes for which trust. Tribes in Alaska own around regulation, managing natural the tribe is requesting trust status. 6 million acres of fee land, much of resources and raising revenue via These must fall into at least one it in small parcels. The petitions are taxation -- in other words, all the of three categories: (1) to facilitate discretionary; DOI is not required normal and expected functions tribal self-determination through to approve them. Even if all the of government. Tribal and state governmental offices, health tribally owned fee lands were taken governments develop partnerships care and public services; (2) for into trust, this would result in just a in the same way that states partner economic development such as tiny portion of Alaska’s 375 million with neighboring state and local an industrial park or a shopping acres earning the designation of governments do, working together mall, and (3) for Indian housing. Indian Country in mostly small for mutual benefit. A petition that fails to satisfy at parcels dispersed throughout the least one of these requirements is state. Akiachak will force Alaska unlikely to succeed. Natives onto reservations: False. “Indian Country” is something Tribal trust lands are held in trust Trust lands will result in to be afraid of: False. Indian by the United States government proliferation of casinos: Country is well established in many for the use of a tribe. Tribes already False. While gaming is a form other states. Indian Country is legal own the lands they are submitting of economic development, it is 4 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER governed separately; a successful Akiachak includes no provisions something to change this! lands-into-trust application does requiring ANCSA corporations to not mean that gaming can then transfer lands to tribes. Any such The state of Alaska will suffer take place. Limited Class II Indian conveyance would be voluntary if tribes take land into trust: gaming exists in Alaska but tribes and would require agreement False. The case came to court cannot engage in Class III gaming, between the two entities. because safety and other concerns because the state does not allow ANCSA corporations will stop exist throughout Alaska’s Native it. If the state did allow some form paying shareholder dividends if communities. The taking of land of casino gambling, then a tribe tribes place lands into trust: False. into trust by tribes would be a small would need to enter into a compact The money that ANCs use to pay step towards a remedy that would with the state to open a casino. dividends comes from profits benefit all Alaskans. Appealing the earned from business activities. decision will further damage state Trust lands will remove It has nothing to do with tribally and tribal relations and will incur land from state and local tax owned fee lands. Even if an ANCSA huge expense for the state. The rolls: True, if the property was corporation were to convey some issues that brought the case to previously taxed. Indian tribes land to a tribe, it could retain the court will remain if the suit fails and with trust lands receive the same rights to develop the subsurface will come back to court again until level of consideration as other resources, thus retaining the ability they are finally resolved. Ignoring government bodies in the United to generate revenue from the land the needs of tribes will not make States. Federal, state and local for dividends. them go away. governments don’t pay property Governor Walker submitted an tax because the land is owned for Trust lands will help tribes appellate brief signaling his desire the benefit of their constituents. combat violence and abuse in to continue with the appeal of the An Alaska tribe placing property it their communities: True. Two of district court decision which ruled in owned within a taxing jurisdiction the four tribal plaintiffs in Akiachak favor of the tribes. Since the filling, into trust would see it removed wanted to take land into trust to Governor Walker has indicated a from the tax rolls. This could only help with enforcement of alcohol desire to work through this issue. happen if that property met the bans. (The other two wanted to TCC understands there is a lot of criteria for taking lands into trust. protect land for future use by misinformation and confusion about Property that a tribe had acquired members.) In a July 24 Alaska trust lands not only with tribes, but for investment purposes would be Dispatch News commentary, state lawmakers, municipalities an unlikely choice for a petition. Liz Medicine Crow and Troy Eid and ANCSA corporations. TCC Much of the land owned by tribes spelled out just how bad the public believes Governor Walker will drop is not currently subject to taxation, safety situation is in rural Alaska the appeal if those uninformed so placing it into trust would not and spoke in favor of dropping people will learn more about the change state revenues. the appeal. The state has been facts of trust lands and encourage unable to provide even the most the Governor to drop the appeal. Akiachak will “dismantle” basic law enforcement in many of Those who do understand trust the Alaska Native Claims Alaska’s Native communities. With lands should not hold tribes back Settlement Act (ANCSA): False. trust lands, tribes can actually do with remote and unlikely scenarios.

TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER 5 How to Stretch Interior Alaska Growing Season By Heidi Rader, Tribes Extension Educator for the University of Alaska, Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service and Tanana Chiefs Conference As short as our growing season is a little less protection than cold in Interior Alaska, it’s worth thinking frames because they are usually about how you can prolong it. You constructed from simple structures can protect your plants from frost and use a plastic covering. and cold using a range of season If you have extra room in your extension techniques: frost cloth, greenhouse, you can plant cold- low tunnels, cold frames or hoop hardy vegetables in mid- to late houses. summer, but it might be hard to Frost cloth, or row cover, comes take precious space from your Spinach often performs better in the shoulder seasons in Interior Alaska. Long and hot days tend to in a variety of weights — the tomatoes and cucumbers when promote bolting in the summer. Heidi Rader heaviest can protect plants down they are at their peak and give it to to 24 degrees. the lowly corn salad (mache). scallions can also be harvested Low tunnels are constructed from Eliot Coleman, an expert on into the late fall. metal hoops and can be covered winter gardening, says that when Don’t wait until the temperatures with frost cloth or plastic. the average nighttime temperature drop to plant your late-season Cold frames can be insulated and/ is zero, in a high tunnel it will be crops. Plant them in mid- to late or heated (hot bed). You can even 11 and in a cold frame it will be 14. summer, depending on days to make a rudimentary cold frame While researching high tunnels at maturity. Plant them early enough with straw bales. If you’re willing to the UAF Agricultural and Forestry to give them time to establish roots add heat to a cold frame (known as Experiment Station, Fairbanks and mature some, but not so early a hot bed) or high tunnel, you can Experiment Farm, in 2005, I found that they have already reached extend the growing season even that on the day of the first fall frost their peak during the regular further into the winter. the minimum temperature inside growing season. If you wait too Hoop houses and high tunnels the high tunnel was 29 and outside long to plant, their growth may slow are another option. They provide the high tunnel it was 24. so that they never have a chance Last year at the Fairbanks to reach maturity before it gets too Experiment Farm weather station, cold. the average temperature was 44 in Michael Orzolek, a high September and 24 in October, and tunnel specialist, says that air the lowest temperature was 21 in temperatures below 32 can slow September and 4 below in October. maturation of leafy lettuces by 10 to Use a season extension 15 days. Baby salad greens would technique that provides enough normally mature in 28-30 days and head lettuce would normally This cold frame is made out of recycled windows, which protection to keep the temperature provide greater insulation than plastic. Heidi Rader above 15, below which most winter mature in 42-58 days. greens will be barely edible. Based Try these simple tricks to enjoy on temperatures recorded last nutritious greens and vegetables year, this will be easier to do in longer this year. And, of course, September than October. these same techniques can also Choose cold-hardy crops. be used in the early spring. Claytonia and mache, both winter greens, are the hardiest of the cold Questions about your garden? hardy. Watercress, chard, baby Want to request a workshop? salad greens, collards, kale, bok HEIDI RADER Frost cloth comes in a variety of weights. You can place it either over wire hoops or directly on top of plants as a choi, tatsoi, arugula and various [email protected] ‘floating’ row cover. You’ll need to anchor it somehow so 907-452-8251 ext.3477 the wind doesn’t blow it away - boards, soil or clothes- types of chicories are also cold pins work (if you use wire hoops). Heidi Rader hardy. Beets, carrots, leeks and http://www.uaf.edu/ces/tribes

This project was supported by the Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA Grant # 2013-41580-20782. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author (s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department ofAgriculture. 6 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER TCC Continues Subregional Village Trips TCC’s Fall Subregional meetings are nearing an end, with only two more subregions to visit. In August, TCC staff traveled to Eagle for the Upper Tanana meeting and to Tanana for the Yukon Tanana Meeting. The meetings will end with the Lower Yukon in Shageluk and the Yukon Koyukuk in Huslia. TCC leadership and staff in Eagle.

EAGLE

TANANA 4th Annual Fast Pitch Tournament The Tetlin Royalty team dedicated their first place trophy to TCC Executive Board Member Danny Adams for his continued support and advocacy for sports and the fast pitch tournament.

August 7th & 8th, 2015

TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER 7 Interior Native Representatives meet with President Obama, Attend GLACIER Conference Article by Princess Daazhraii Johnson At the beginning of September, there to listen to President Barack Obama Tribal Nations and came to Alaska and spoke at that is what he did.” Athabascan voices at the GLACIER Summit in Anchorage; Princess Daazhraii the Global Leadership in the Johnson, TCC President Victor Joseph, James Chilcote of Arctic Village, Rhonda Pitka of Beaver, Enei Begaye and Evon Peter. Arctic: Cooperation, Innovation, Rhonda Pitka said Photo Courtesy of Evon Peter Engagement and Resilience of the meeting, “It Conference (GLACIER) in was amazing - unbelievable. How us into the dominant cultures. Anchorage. While President many times have Alaska Native Tth’aii dzaa tr’eelk’ii. But we are Obama was not able to visit people been able to have the still here and our Indigenous the Tanana Chiefs Conference President listen to our issues?” identity remains intact. My home of (TCC) region, we were extremely She added that on his trip “never Arctic Village and the people of my fortunate to have TCC President once did I hear him use the term community continue to live a life Victor Joseph and Chief Rhonda ‘subsistence’. He said traditional dependent on this land.” Pitka of Beaver represent us at the ‘way of life’.” native round-table discussion with As part of the conference, only 5 President Obama. Management of hunting and youth attended and they were the fishing resources and Land into Trust newly selected US Arctic Youth Additional attendees for the were two of many subjects brought Ambassadors who will be closely round-table included Interior to the President’s attention during engaged with the Arctic Council Secretary Sally Jewell; Alaska the roundtable discussion. While in over the next few years as the Governor Bill Walker; Alaska Lt. Alaska, the Obama Administration United States holds the chair. One Gov. Byron Mallott; Sen. Lisa announced that Department of of those youth is James Chilcote, Murkowski (R-Alaska); Melanie Interior will provide $375,000 in of Arctic Village, Alaska. James Bahnke, president and CEO of funding for the is seventeen years old and is Kawerak; Marvin Adams, 5th vice Inter-Tribal Fish Commission and a freshman at the University of president of the Central Council the Inter-tribal Fish Alaska Fairbanks. He is also a of and Haida Indian Tribes; Commission. These funds will help strong advocate for protection of Ana Hoffman, president and CEO build capacity in the Commissions. the Porcupine Caribou Herd and of Bethel Native Corporation; Both Commissions have a critical the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Myron Naneng, president of the need for administrative support, James was able to relay his Association of Village Council biologists, social scientists, and message directly to Secretary of Presidents; Eugene Asicksik, legal consultants to ensure that Interior Sally Jewell in a closed- Mayor of Shaktoolik, Alaska they have the capacity to fully door meeting that she held with the and VP of Bering Straits Native engage in the historic tribal youth. Corporation; AlexAnna Salmon, salmon management opportunities president of Iguigig Tribal Council; available and to ensure that The overall call to action of the Andy Teuber, president of Kodiak tribal traditional knowledge is GLACIER conference was for Area Native Association and meaningfully employed in the the leaders of the world and for the Alaska Native Tribal Health conservation and re-building of communities to come together and Consortium; Michelle Anderson, Chinook salmon stocks. address climate change. While president of Ahtna Incorporated; much emphasis was placed on Julie Kitka, president of the Alaska Meanwhile, during the day, coastal communities, it is important Federation of Natives; and Carol Ministers from the Arctic Nations to note that the Interior of Alaska Gore, president/CEO of the Cook were able to listen to University of is also significantly feeling the Inlet Housing Authority. Alaska Fairbanks, Vice Chancellor effects of climate change. From Evon Peter, give a speech during a threats to our fisheries to flooding Participants were given a very closed-door luncheon. He shared and wildfires to warm weather short amount of time (approx. 2 with the Ministers and Obama during moose hunting season and minutes) to relay their messages Administration staff the history of inflexible hunting regulations, the to the President. Victor Joseph attacks against ; TCC region will need to continue to commented, “The President made “The goal was to erase our sense put into place plans for adaptation, people very aware that he was of indigenous self and to assimilate resiliency, and advocacy.

8 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER HEALTHY, STRONG AND READY TO LEARN 2015 Interior Education Summit The Tanana Chiefs Conference and interactive discussion with the and graduation rates, Education Council and the Interior participants focusing on: • Preparing rural students for Athabascan Tribal College Board • The State of Alaska’s today’s jobs and the careers of Trustees invite you to join the Education Agenda (current of the future, 2015 Interior Education Summit, issues, priorities and state • The roles of parents, Interior Alaska’s largest forum on funding status) teachers, school board Education. This summit brings • The unique challenges facing members, tribal leadership, together Tribal leaders, REAA Interior communities and social service and behavioral School Boards, Local Advisory their schools, health programs and other Board members, superintendents, • Local impact of school agencies as partners in principals, teachers, parents, district policies, recent state helping students to make students, state legislators legislation and national healthy choices, to be strong and representatives from the policies and initiatives in their cultural values Department of Education and relating to and ready to learn. Early Childhood Development and • Native education issues, • Prioritizing the education the Department of Labor. • Current trends relating to issues raised and proposing This year’s summit will include Native student achievement a plan of action. informative panel presentations levels, attendance, drop-out November 10th-11th • Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall • Fairbanks To participate as a panel presenter or to find out more information, contact: Blanche Murphy at 907-452-8251 ext.3185 or e-mail [email protected] YOUTH LOGO CONTEST HUNTING SAFETY TIPS TCC is seeking youth ages 10-25 to design a logo for the Circles of Care Program. The Circles of Care is an infrastructure • Tell someone where you and planning grant in twenty one villages, and is family-driven and are going, what route you youth guided. plan to take and when you The logo design should represent youth wellness and incorporate plan to return. cultural and traditional designs. • Bring a friend. If you do go alone, be careful and THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2015 hunt in familiar areas. To review contest guidelines, visit: • Check the weather fore- www.tananachiefs.org/coc-logo-contest cast. It’s important to be aware of any drastic change in weather conditions. Circles of Care Program • Be Prepared. Wear appropriate clothes, bring Shirley Holmberg • 201 1st Ave, Suite 200 high energy foods, flashlights, and anything else Fairbanks, AK 99701 907-452-8251 ext.3031 to prepare for worst possible conditions. • Check hunting equipment before and after each outing, and maintain it properly. Familiarize your- Trauma Informed & Systems of Care Training self with its operation before using it in the field. November 9-10, 2015, TCC CHOP Circles of Care: Trauma Informed and Systems of Care Training on the Gathering of • Dress properly. Wear blaze orange to be highly Native Alaskans Healing Process. The training will be held at visible to other hunters. the Westmark Hotel in Fairbanks, Alaska. • Don’t drink and hunt. Stay safe by staying sober. The Trauma Informed and Systems of Care Training is a se- • Know your basic gun safety rules: ries of interactive, quarterly trainings that encourages partici- Assume every gun to be loaded. pants to learn about trauma, look at ways of healing trauma, Control the muzzle-point guns in a safe develop systems of care, and collaborate with child serving organizations and other entities interested in youth wellness. direction. Trigger Finger- keep your finger off the Questions? Please contact Shirley Holmberg at trigger until ready to fire. 1-907-452-8251, ext. 3031 or by email at Target – be sure of your target and beyond. [email protected]

TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER 9 SPICE: What You Need to Know About It In recent months, hospitalizations chemical compound sold as Spice caused by the drug ‘Spice’ have becomes illegal, the makers replace increased in Alaska, particularly in it with another ‘legal’ substance Anchorage. There have also been capable of the same physical effects, several reported deaths due to use but slightly different in its chemical of the drug. As spice continues to makeup. This means that the make- become widespread throughout the up of the drug can change greatly from state, it is important to be aware of its package to package and there is no dangers. guarantee of knowing what symptoms or side effects one will experience. the mouth, screaming and body What is ‘Spice’? contortions. “Spice” refers to a synthetic form of Is it Addictive? marijuana containing a wide variety YES. Synthetic cannabinoids can be How Can I Identify it? of herbal mixtures that produce highly addictive. Because the drug is Spice is often sold in bright and experiences similar to marijuana and sold as a legal alternative to marijuana, colorful packages, sometimes that are marketed as “safe,” legal many people assume there is no risk featuring cartoon characters, with alternatives to that drug. of addiction to Spice. This is not the names like ‘zero gravity’, ‘King Kong’, case. Anyone can get physically ‘Godzilla’, ‘K2’ ‘Great Ape’ and ‘Gorilla’ What is in it? addicted to synthetic cannabinoids in or in ziploc bags and individual Spice is a mixture of herbs, just a few weeks of regular use. cigarettes. incense and other leafy materials The mixture in spice packets often that are sprayed with a chemical that Is it Safe? resembles potpourri and products are mimics the effects of THC, the active NO. The side effects of using spice often sold as incense. ingredient in marijuana. The chemicals can be incredibly harmful. In fact, found in Spice are called synthetic smoking Spice has been fatal in some Where can I find help? cannabinoids and there are over 100 cases. • Call 911 immediately if known variants of these chemicals. Spice has also been implicated someone stops breathing, in cases of kidney failure and heart collapses, or has a seizure. Is Spice Legal? attacks. Mental health problems are • If you are unsure of mild The Drug Enforcement Administration also commonly reported by spice symptoms, call the Alaska (DEA) has designated the five active users including hallucinations, suicidal Poison Control Center at (800) - 222-1222 or contact chemicals most frequently found and homicidal thoughts and actions, a personal physician for in Spice as Schedule I controlled intense fear and paranoia. guidance. substances, making it illegal to sell, Several recent hospitalizations in • If you or someone you know is buy or possess them. Anchorage have reported symptoms currently abusing spice, call the However, manufacturers of the drug including cardiac arrest, inability Alaska Careline at 877-266- try to skirt around these laws. As one to breathe, seizures, foaming at HELP (4357). SOURCES: National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the State of Alaska Health & Social Services. Health Effects of Soda & Energy Drinks Heart Problems Studies show that those who consume one can of sugary beverage a day have a 20% higher risk of having a heart attack.

Diabetes People who consume 1 to 2 cans of sugary drinks a day or more have a 26% greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes than people who rarely have such drinks. ENERGY Tooth Decay Soda These drink, particularly soda, contain phosphoric acid and DRINKS carbonic acid. These acids increase the risk of tooth decay.

These are only a few of the negative side effects of drinking soda and energy drinks. The long-term effects of drinking these beverages on a regular basis may also include obesity, kidney issues and osteoperosis. For more information, talk to your local provider.

10 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER Tobacco-Free Art Contest Tanana Chiefs Conference Tobacco Grades 3-5 - How would you Alaska is Expanding Prevention Program is hosting a refuse tobacco? Tobacco-Free Art Contest for youth • In your native language, tell us ways Medicaid to Cover grades Pre-K to 12th Grade. All you will refuse tobacco in entries must be mailed on or before the future. More People September 25th. • Create artwork of you having to You can Apply Starting in September refuse tobacco. 2015. For those newly eligible for To Enter, Youth Must: Medicaid under expansion, wait until 1. Live within the TCC region Grades 6-8 – How do you deal September to apply. Applying prior 2. Be In Grades Pre-K thru 12th with peer pressure when tobacco to September will result in a denial of grade by fall 2015 is involved? your application. 3. Fill out an Art Release Form with • In your native language, tell us how an authorizing parent/guardian you deal with the peer WHO may be Eligible? signature pressure of tobacco use. Adults between 19 to 64 years • Create artwork of peer pressure old without dependent children Artwork Guidelines: you have dealt with when tobacco is • Artwork must be original. involved. who earn less than • Size of art work: letter size (8.5 • $20,328 a year ($1,694 per inches by 11 inches). Grades 9-12 – Show us the month) for single adults • Must be turned in with Art Release sweet deception of big tobacco • $27,492 a year ($2,291 per Form attached to artwork. companies? Hint: In movies, month) for married couples, • Name, grade, and village needs to internet, and commercials (do an and who are not eligible for an- be written on backside of artwork. internet search). • Work with language teachers or • In your native language, tell us how other type of Medicaid or Medi- elders so that words are in your big tobacco companies are targeting care. native language with English youth. subtitles. • Create artwork to show us some of WHEN Can I Apply? the deceptions/marketing that make Applications for coverage will Pre - K-2 – Where do you see youth start using tobacco. be accepted starting in Septem- tobacco use in your community? • Create artwork of where you see QUESTIONS? ber tobacco use in your village. Contact TCC Tobacco Prevention • Tell us, in your native language, what 907-459-3800 or 1-800-478-4741 HOW Can I Apply? village you live in. Starting in September you can www.tananachiefs.org/tobacco-free-art-contest/ apply online at : www.healthcare.gov or SUBMISSIONS MUST BE MAILED ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 25 aries.alaska.gov Tobacco Prevention Youth Art Contest 122 1st Ave. Suite 600 • Fairbanks, AK 99701 NOW HIRING: Head Start & Early Head Start ALASKA FEDERATION The Tanana Chiefs Conference Head Start & Early Head Start OF NATIVES ANNUAL program is currently recruiting creative and energetic individuals who CONVENTION love working with children to fill the following positions: October 15-17th, 2015 • Tetlin: Family Visitor Anchorage, AK • McGrath: Substitute Teacher/Teacher Aide • Northway: Substitute Teacher/Teacher Aide • Fort Yukon: Substitute Teacher/Teacher Aide • Nulato: Substitute Teacher/Teacher Aide • Nenana: Teacher Aide

Please contact Racquel Martinez, Child Development Director, at 1-800-478-6822 ext. 3172 for additional information.

TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER 11 The Council Newsletter 122 First Avenue, Suite 600 Fairbanks, Alaska 99701

Phone: (907) 452-8251 ext. 3570 Toll-free (Alaska): 800-478-6682 (Out-of-State) 800-770-8251 Fax: (907) 459-3884 [email protected]

www.tananachiefs.org

Letters to the Editor, other written contributions and photo submissions are welcome. However, space is limited and program-oriented news has priority. We reserve the right to edit or reject material. Letters and opinions are not necessarily the opinions of Tanana Chiefs Conference. Material submitted anonymously will not be printed.

Follow us: NOW SEEKING PHOTOS FOR TCC’S 2016 CALENDAR E-mail images to [email protected] Photos must include: • A Caption (who is in the photos, where was it taken) • Your Contact Information (e-mail or phone number) Deadline is October 2nd, 2015 JOB VACANCIES WITH TCC VILLAGE VACANCIES • Behavioral Health Aide (Anaktuvuk Pass, Ruby) • Community Health Aide/Practitioner (Hughes, Ruby, Chalkyitsik, Circle, Rampart, Minto, Tanacross, Alatna, Kaltag, Tetlin) • Coordinator/Instructor Mid-Level Practitioner (Tok) • Edgar Nollner Health Center Director (Galena) • Home Care Provider (Allakaket) • Medical Assistant (Tok) • Squad Boss (Tok) • Support Living Specialist (Tanacross) • Tok Sub-Regional Primary Care Physician • Tribal Workforce Development Specialist (Stevens Village, Chalkyitsik, Takotna) • Wild Land FirefighterType II Crew Member (Tok)

REGION-WIDE • Community Health Aide/Practitioner

Apply online at www.tananachiefs.org /job-seekers/careers/ Upcoming Meetings/Events Lower Yukon Yukon Koyukuk Subregional Meeting Subregional Meeting September 29-30th • Shageluk October 6-8th,2015 • Huslia

Indigenous People’s Day October 12th, 2015

TCC Tobacco Prevention • 907-459-3800 • [email protected]

TCC Tobacco Prevention • 907-459-3800 • [email protected]