TCC Energy Summit Tanana Chiefs Conference Christmas Bazaar
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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. 32, NO. 6 A REPORT TO THE MEMBER TRIBES OF THE TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE NOVEMBER 2007 TCC Energy Summit By Margaret Mathew, Will Putman and Bob Sattler Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) is convening an Energy Summit on November Tanana Chiefs Conference 13-15 at the Chena River Convention Center to provide a forum for the discussion of energy concerns among Tribes in Interior Alaska. The summit will consist of a one-day Christmas10am to 6pm Bazaar session of presentations on November 13 from Alaska Native leaders and State and Federal November 30, 2007 officials involved with the gas pipeline project. The following two days will be devoted Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall to participation in the Alaska Wood Energy Conference, a state-wide meeting on wood For more information, energy being organized by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural contact (907) 452-8251 ext. 3108 Development, USDA Forest Service, Alaska Energy Authority, Denali Commission, Alaska Department of Natural Resources, UAF Cooperative Extension, Bureau of Indian Affairs, We will have a variety of Native Crafts from Birch Bark Baskets, Beaded Earrings, Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation, and TCC. We will bring in delegates Gloves and Slippers, Homemade Children/Adult hats, music and much more. We from all Interior Villages for this important meeting and will hold a Tribal caucus at the will be featuring informational booths of other Native Organizations, Employment end of the meeting to obtain directives from Tribes on energy issues and priorities for Opportunities and More. Anyone interested in playing Christmas music is welcome the TCC region. to perform but must not interfere with the bazaar activities. 1 Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Session Looking for Native-owned Businesses November 13 The Purchasing Department is updating our Alaska Native Business Directory. Buy On November 13, TCC is inviting delegates from our villages to attend a series of Indian is required under PL93-638 and will be exercised whenever possible for all presentations concerning the potential impacts, effects, and benefits of proposed natural purchases. Exception to this is purchases of State of Alaska Department of Health and gas pipeline projects. The Gas Pipeline Session will be structured to inform Tribal Social Services. leadership on the status of the pipeline projects and to understand needs, opportunities Indian Preference and constraints regarding Tribal participation. One important component is to Indian tribal organizations and entities will be given preferential treatment in matters understand how Tribal communities along the proposed route will be involved in the of purchasing goods, services and facilities in accordance with requirements giving Indian state and federal permitting processes. We are inviting decision-makers to explain the preference as stated in the Federal Code of Regulations (CFR) and the mandate of PL93- process by which TCC Tribes can get involved in any or all stages of the project. 638. This preference shall extend to the acceptance of up to, and including, at ten percent Particularly important is to understand how TCC and member Tribes can be (10%) variance to the nearest price quoted. meaningfully involved in the “fast-tracked” environmental review process (or, the environmental impact statement assessment leading up to permitting). TCC has held If you are interested in placing your Alaska Native/Indian-owned Business in our several meetings during the past four years with state, federal and tribal leadership on directory, please fill out the attached form and fax, email or mail to: Tanana Chiefs becoming involved in the permitting process as a cooperating agency. This is especially Conference, Attn: Purchasing Department, 122 First Avenue, Suite 600 important for areas under the TCC compact where there is special expertise or legal Fairbanks, AK 99701. You may email [email protected] or fax: jurisdiction over Native affairs such as the trust services: Realty, Forestry and Wildlife (907) 459-3854. We would like to have our book complete by December 1, 2007. and Parks. For further information contact Bob Sattler toll-free at 800-478-6682 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3343 or email [email protected]. 2 Alaska Wood Energy Conference November 14-15 On November 14-15, TCC will host the Alaska Wood Energy Conference, a statewide meeting for people and organizations interested in alternative energy solutions and opportunities using woody biomass. There will be a stimulating and interesting array of speakers during the Wood Energy Conference, and a trade show that will allow people to view first-hand products and services available from vendors and organizations working with wood energy solutions. A tribal caucus/reception will be held to discuss ongoing or new initiatives in the TCC region and to plan for additional wood energy projects. Anybody who is interested in staying informed on the details of the meetings should contact TCC Forestry toll-free 800-478-6682 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3373 or email [email protected], and we will keep you posted on more details. TCC will issue a written report on the outcome of the 2007 Energy Summit and make it available to anyone who is unable to attend. The report will be written in a manner that could be used by Tribes and government agencies to build on the issues and priorities for the region. We hope that this meeting will contribute to innovative solutions to the long-term energy issues or problems faced by villages in rural Alaska. For more information about the general organization of the meeting, call Margaret Mathew at ext. 3438. TFYS & ICWA Training The fall time season is often times thought of as a time for reflection. As we work with children and families it is important to stop and gather together for more learning. We are looking forward to the annual Tribal Family Youth Specialist (TFYS) training. We will meet November 6-8 at the Chena River Convention Center. We are inviting all the TFYS, ICWA Workers and other tribal court personnel who would like to participate. Looking after the safety of our children is stressful; so we purposefully scheduled this training during the Annual Fiddler’s Festival so that we can de-stress and have a good time dancing and meeting up with friends and loved ones after our work time. We hope that each tribe can send someone as we learn from each other and the broadest perspective is so enlightening for all of us. Please pencil in these dates now and look for our registration and agenda that will be sent to each of the Tribal Council offices. May you have a safe and prosperous fall gathering season, Mishal Gaede, Family Support Specialist–and all of the Child Protection Program staff. For more information, contact Denise Callahan, CPP Administrative Assistant, toll-free at 800- 478-6682 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3495, or Mishal Gaede at ext. 3478. To read more about the Purchasing Department, see page 4... PAGE 2 • THE COUNCIL • NOVEMBER 2007 Tanana Chiefs Conference A warrior’s journey A wife and her children were taking their beloved warrior on his final journey. As the caravan drove along the highway, a huge eagle followed overhead, gracefully swooping and circling as if to say, “Don’t hurry, take your The Council is a monthly report to the member tribes of the Tanana Chiefs time and let me enjoy the beautiful scenery…” As the Conference, in accordance with agreements with the Bureau of Indian Affairs family reached their destination, all present witnessed the and the Indian Health Service. Letters to the editor, other written contributions eagle as it circled several times just above the tree line and photo submissions are welcome. However, space is limited and program near the church before flying off towards the mountains oriented news has priority. TCC reserves the right to edit or reject material. as the warriors body was being laid in estate. Letters and opinions are not necessarily the opinions of Tanana Chiefs The ground, not wanting to yield, ever so slowly gave Conference. Material submitted anonymously will not be published. way to the constant barrage of the pick- axes and shovels Contributions and questions may be directed to: as the young men worked diligently around the clock The Council taking turns digging. It was their desire to honor their Ginger Placeres, Editor father and uncle, the man that had given so much of himself to them. They all agreed that Tanana Chiefs Conference this would be done the right way, the way they were taught. 122 First Avenue, Suite 600 On Sunday as the vehicle backed up to the church ramp there again above his family Fairbanks, Alaska 99701 and friends a beautiful eagle circled, swooping down then soaring high not resting until the Phone: (907) 452-8251 ext. 3570 warriors casket was firmly set into the truck safe and secure for his final journey home. Toll-free within Alaska: As he was being laid to rest, the ministers’ words seemed to sound off in the distance, 1-800-478-6822 ext. 3570 his wife, with their children beside her, felt as if her heart was being placed in the ground Toll-free from outside Alaska: with her beloved husband. And as the burial service came to an end the warriors eldest son began to sing a beautiful song in honor of his father, a man who meant so much to so many 1-800-770-8251 ext.