Dena’ Nena’ Henash • Our Land Speaks Vol. 40, No. 3 A REPORT TO THE MEMBER TRIBES OF TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE MARCH 2016 3rd Annual Inter -Tribal Fish Commission

Indigenous leaders representing restoration, and conservation of fishery of the fisheries. over 20 Tribal Governments from resources. By exercising their right to In 2014, Yukon River Tribes came Nunam Iqua at the mouth of the Yukon self-determination, the ______together in St. Mary’s, River to First Nations in Canada, Yukon River tribes are Alaska on the Yukon River, came together in Fairbanks on April seeking to establish The Yukon River and for future generations 18th & 19th with a unified voice for a meaningful role in King salmon is made the informed the restoration and conservation of the co-management of decision to self-impose Yukon River King salmon. This was their fishery resources a resource that a fishing moratorium on the 3rd annual meeting of the Yukon for the health and well- unites us as one King salmon. Again, in River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission being of their people, - VICTOR JOSEPH 2015, YRITFC member (YRITFC), which was formed to build future generations, ______Tribal Governments a unified voice among Yukon River and all Alaskans and came together in Tanana, tribes for the sound management, Canadians who rely upon the health Alaska, and for future generations Continues on page 6 Respected Elders Receive Honorary Doctoral Degrees This month we celebrated this year’s Honorary Doctoral Degree recipients Dr. Trimble Gilbert who received an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree and Dr. Elizabeth Fleagle who received an Honorary Doctor of Education Degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Dr. Trimble Gilbert Dr. Elizabeth Fleagle Ruling Made in In This YRITFC Meets Mental Health CHOP Child Support Case Issue: Page 3 Page 6 Page 10 Page 11 Central Council of and Haida Win AK MISSION STATEMENT Supreme Court Case in Child Support Dispute Tanana Chiefs Conference provides a Dear Tribes and Tribal Members, unified voice in advancing sovereign tribal The Central Council of Tlingit On appeal, the Alaska Supreme because the power over family governments through the promotion of Congratulations to all the 2016 graduates! What an and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska Court ruled in favor of Central Council law matters and the welfare of physical and mental wellness, education, (Central Council) run a child support and affirmed the state superior court the Indian children is tied to the achievement; this milestone demonstrates your commitment socioeconomic development, and culture enforcement program known, as the decision. Specifically, the Alaska children’s tribal status, not the of the Native people. to educational excellence and I commend you for your hard work. Nothing is Tribal Child Support Unit (Unit). The Supreme Court made the following parent’s tribal status. more essential in ensuring the success of our people than the education of our Unit began operations in 2007 and three rulings: VISION future leaders. issues child support orders involving The state of Alaska can still ask Central Council children. The children 1. The Unit, and tribal courts, have the United States Supreme Court to Healthy, Strong, Unified Tribes are either Central Council members or inherent, non-territorial subject review the case. TCC has sent Gov. This year I attended Mt. Edgecumbe’s graduation and had the opportunity to eligible for membership. matter jurisdiction (the court’s Walker a letter asking him not to do listen to the graduate speakers. They reinforced my belief that our future will power over the law and the facts this. TCC has a form letter that your be secure. The young people of today will be able to meet the challenges of Central Council sued the state of of a case) to decide child support tribe can send to Gov. Walker asking tomorrow head on, just as our leaders of the past have done. Alaska in 2010 because the Child obligations owed to children who him not to appeal this case. Support Services Division (CSSD), are tribal members or eligible for the state agency tasked with enforcing membership; For more information, please contact I would also like to recognize two special graduates, Dr. Trimble Gilbert of child support orders, refused to 2. The state of Alaska’s Child TCC’s Legal Department at extension TCC EXECUTIVE Arctic Village and Dr. Elizabeth Fleagle of Alatna. They were recognized with enforce the Unit’s child support orders. Support Services Division must 3178. BOARD MEMBERS honorary doctoral degrees from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) this Central Council asked the superior recognize and enforce tribal This article is not legal advice from court to make CSSD recognize and court child support orders the TCC’s legal department to a tribe or Donald Honea Sr./Ruby month. It’s wonderful that UAF recognized these respected elders for their vast 1st Traditional Chief enforce its child support orders. The same way it recognizes and tribal court. It is an informational article knowledge of our history, culture, and traditions. Congratulations! state superior court in Juneau ruled in enforces other states’ child that updates tribes and tribal courts of Trimble Gilbert/Arctic Village favor of Central Council and the state support orders; and this recent decision. For specific legal 2nd Traditional Chief Next, fishing season is nearing. It’s important for us to remain informed of Alaska appealed the decision to the 3. Tribal courts have inherent advice regarding your tribe or tribal Alaska Supreme Court. authority over nonmembers court, please contact TCC’s legal and active in the efforts to restore and preserve Chinook salmon for future Victor Joseph/ Tanana in child support proceedings department. TCC President generations. We must all closely monitor the 2016 fishing season updates. Last month, TCC hosted the 3rd Annual Yukon River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission Julie Roberts-Hyslop/Tanana meeting in Fairbanks. The commissioners once again stood in support of Vice President voluntary conservation efforts by subsistence fishing families. TCC plans to Pollock ‘PJ’ Simon, Jr. /Allakaket continue to advocate on both state and national levels to ensure that we have a Secretary/Treasurer meaningful voice in the management of fish and game on our lands. Chai Albert/Tetlin Upper Tanana Last month, I traveled to Juneau where I met with state legislators on several topics, including the criminal justice reform bill. This bill is on its way to passage Nick Alexia Sr./Nikolai Upper Kuskokwim and is likely to be signed into law soon. If passed, it will have wide sweeping benefits for TCC beneficiaries. I also met with legislators to discuss the Nancy James/Fort Yukon Power Cost Equalization program, which was the topic of Senate Bill 196. I Yukon Flats emphasized the importance of this program to TCC and the Native community. Eugene Paul/Holy Cross I am hopeful for this bill’s passage. Lower Yukon

Frank Thompson/ Evansville One last message I would like to give to all of the mothers; Happy Mother’s Yukon Tanana Day – for all you do, may the lord’s blessing be with you!

Leo Lolnitz/Koyukuk Yukon Koyukuk Ana Bassee’, Victor Joseph Peter Demoski/Nulato President of Tanana Chiefs Conference Elder Advisor Mel Sheldon Jr., Chairman, Tulalip Tribe presented a King Salmon paddle to TCC in recognition of our shared efforts Isaac Ticknor/Anvik to restore wild salmon. Pictured here: Eugene Paul, Nick Alexia Sr., Julie Roberts-Hyslop, Victor Joseph, Mel Sheldon Youth Advisor Jr., Leo Lolnitz, Nancy James and Frank Thompson. 2 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER 3 A Medical Minute with Health Staff TCC health staff are well-trained of age & has a fever, you need to the bug before getting it with a wealth of knowledge on medical visit your Doctor • Immunizations are safe & conditions and ailments. We now have • Do not just give Tylenol- but important for your children’s a great way to share their knowledge do make sure your child stays health and well-being with all patients through our new video hydrated Certified Physician’s Assistant series ‘Medical Minute.’ The videos • If the fever persists, you can Mathilda Huntington was also able to will feature health staff and provide give Tylenol but be sure to follow provide some helpful tips for patients an easy ‘how to’ guide on handling the label on Preparing for your appointments. medical issues if they may arise. • Make sure to use a thermometer! They are the best way to Some of the tips Mathilda The first provider interviewed in determine if a fever is present Huntington provided include: the series was Dr. Jay, a pediatric • Bring in a list of your medication/ physician at CAIHC. Dr. Jay was able Another video takes a look at bottles of medications to talk about what to do if your little immunizations and what you can • Ask questions! Don’t be ones may experience a fever. expect when bringing your children to embarrassed, if it is bothering CAIHC to have them immunized. you, tell your provider. Some of the tips he provided • Ask for explanations so you include: Some of the tips Dr. Jay understand what is happening • A fever is actually the body’s provided include: • Tell your provider how you feel. way of increasing your immune • Immunizations are the backbone • Take Notes! Write it down so you system’s ability to fight off a of pediatrics by helping prevent can review later virus. disease • Lastly, know your care team TCC Offers an ‘Inside Guide’ to Services • A temperature above 100.4 • A cool Fact- the Iditarod is run at Chief Andrew Isaac Health degrees Fahrenheit is to commemorate the serum Center! TCC offers a wide array of services to its beneficiaries, How Does Healing Touch Work? considered a fever run that saved Nome from We will continue to add to this series from energy assistance, childcare, healthcare and During a Healing Touch session the patient will be asked • A fever is simply a sign of a Diphtheria! and explore more information in order newer services like acupuncture. As a way to keep our to lay down fully clothed in the room with their provider. possible bug/virus • Immunizations give the body a to help our patients at Chief Andrew beneficiaries informed of the many services we offer, we Laura Ballou then runs her hands over what she calls the • If your child is less than 2 months chance to “practice” on fighting Isaac Health Center! have launched a new video series called ‘Inside Guide.’ patient’s “energy body.” There are different techniques The series will provide a way for people to gain unique where she uses pressure points to find the imbalances You can view the videos on Tanana Chiefs Conference’s YouTube page, or by following this link: insight to the services we provide and how it could benefit where she needs to focus. https://www.youtube.com/tananachiefs them. The first videos of the series focus on our new Integrative How can I get in to Healing Touch? Medicine Department at the Chief Andrew Isaac Health You don’t have to have a referral from your provider. Center which provides a holistic approach to a patient’s You can schedule your appointment directly with the healthcare needs. Nurse Practitioner Laura Ballou gave Integrative Medicine Department at Chief Andrew Isaac us our first ‘Inside Guide’ on Healing Touch. Below we Health Center. have listed a few of the highlights from the video. What types of conditions is Healing Touch A look into Healing Touch good for? Healing touch is a well-researched new field in medicine According to Ballou, some of the top ailments that that focuses on the patient as a whole person. It is also Healing Touch can help with include cancer, anxiety, known as “energy medicine.” The idea behind it is that depression, anything stress related, chronic pain, or we are more than our physical bodies- that we are also pain issues, and relaxation. part of what Ballou calls our “energy bodies.” It isn’t a massage- what it helps to do is to balance all of Be sure to visit www.youtube.com/tananachiefs to our energies and has proven to help people with cancer, watch Inside Guide’s on Healing Touch, Acupuncture and chronic pain, and even anxiety or other issues. Chiropractic. Also, be on the lookout for more videos by following us on Facebook. Contact Info: Integrative Medicine Department: (907) 451-6682 ext. 3755

STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE: One of the objectives of TCC’s 2015-2020 Strategic Plan is to promote the quality of care at the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center and market the quality of TCC Health Services. TCC’s Communications Department has developed the ‘Medical Minute’ video series, along with the ‘Inside Guide’ to educate patients about the services available to them through TCC.

4 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER 5 Yukon River Inter-Tribal

...continued from page 1 ‘our catch’. As a result, we ended up “Our Tribes and First Nations are in the REARING HABITAT and CONTINUED the Commissioners recognized the the hiring of a Director and revising made the informed decision to agree with not enough fish for everybody. perfect position to protect and restore VOLUNTARY CONSERVATION continued need to act with caution the Constitution to be more inclusive to conservation efforts and minimized We must be unified – from the mouth the king salmon along the Yukon, we WITH LIMITED HARVEST FOR and conservation in considering and to ensure equity in voices along subsistence catch of King salmon. to the headwaters – and sound in are the first stewards.” Elder advisor, THE 2016 SEASON. First Nations the subsistence fishing season the river. YRITFC was pleased to Due to these conservation efforts, for our management. We want to be at Raymond Waska, Sr. from Emmonak Commissioners from Canada shared and harvest this coming summer. announce Dr. Stephanie Quinn- the first time in many years, the US the table and have an equal say in continued this message of unity by the threats posed by dams and mining Commissioners once again stood Davidson (formerly Schmidt) as met its treaty obligations to Canada fisheries management,” said Victor saying “We need to work together to in their territories. The Commissioners united in the need to provide increased the new Commission Director. Dr. on the Yukon River in 2014 and 2015. Joseph, Tanana Chiefs President, in get the kings back. Let’s work together stood in solidarity opposing activities passage opportunity for Yukon King Quinn-Davidson previously served as This demonstrated the power of Tribal his opening remarks to YRITFC. and get something going.” that impact critical spawning and salmon to reach their spawning the Yukon River In-Season Fishery unity and the sacrifice Yukon River “We are all the same people along During the historic two day meeting, rearing habitat throughout the grounds, to ensure improved returns Manager for the Alaska Department tribes are willing to make for the future the river, fish is central to all of our Tribal-authorized Commissioners watershed in both Alaska and Canada. in future years. The Commissioners of Fish & Game. “I joined this effort of the salmon. wellbeing. We must work together once again demonstrated their supported voluntary conservation because I support YRITFC’s objectives “The Yukon River King salmon is a as one to ensure our children have commitment to conservation for A review of historic Yukon King efforts by subsistence fishing families to protect, conserve and restore the resource that unites us as one. But the blessing of fish as we have had,” future generations. Resolutions were salmon runs was presented by elders along the river. salmon and I see the opportunity over the years, we fought over this advised Paul Williams Sr, Traditional passed calling for: PROTECTION OF and YRITFC’s lead biologist. Upon YRITFC also made great to positively impact the fishery,” Dr. resource. We were trying to protect Chief of Beaver and elder advisor. CRITICAL SALMON SPAWNING AND consideration of this historical data, organizational strides, announcing Quinn-Davidson shared.

6 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER 7 Get out & Get Active! a guide to Healthy Activities for you & your family! There’s no better time than in the and sunshine outdoors, it’s an build a fort out of twigs and spring, when the sun is shining, snow easy and healthy way to stay branches, depending on how is melting, and the weather warming to active! creative you get, it could be a start to think about activities that can • Plant a garden- try your hand at summer-long project! help keep you and your loved ones gardening outdoors! Don’t have a • Play sports- even if you aren’t on healthy! According to the Department green thumb? That’s okay there a team, you can still play a game of Health and Human Services, a are plenty of local resources to of kickball, basketball, or soccer! person should get around 150 minutes help get you started! • Go camping- Explore the a week of aerobic activity. This could • Go to the playground- swings, summer in your tents! be anything from walking outdoors to slides, and basketball hoops are • Cook/Bake healthy meals State Budget Issues: A Town Hall Meeting playing with your kids. a great way to be active, healthy, together- even the youngest On April 28th, 200 Alaskans plan which includes continued budget on oil and gas royalties plus some Tanana Chiefs Conference believes and bond with your kids! child can help in the kitchen by gathered in the Chief David Salmon cuts, a restructure and reduction of PFD interest earning. This would still in promoting healthy and happy tribes • Hike! We have so many beautiful pouring or stirring Tribal Hall and 200 more listened the Permanent Fund dividend (PFD), amount to less than Alaskans currently across the interior and have provided places in our communities to Of course there are many other online to hear panelists talk about the personal income taxes, reduced oil receive in a PFD, but more than the a list of activity ideas for you and see! options to stay healthy this year as state’s current fiscal situation and the and gas tax credits, and increased Governor’s proposal. The Governor your loved ones this Spring/Summer • Bike! Save on gas and enjoy well. Being active is an important significant impacts Alaskans should taxes on fuel, alcohol, cigarettes, proposed a state income tax based season! getting out in fresh air. part to your health! expect in the future. Panel members fisheries, commercial vessels and on 6% of federal tax liability. In order • Take a Walk- enjoy the warmth • Build a fort- Help your kids to included Tanana Chiefs Conference’s mining. to keep all Alaskans paying a similar General Counsel Natasha Singh, Real Rasmuson Foundation funded a share of the burden it might be better Estate broker Wes Madden, Borough study to review Governor Walker’s to increase this to 12-15%. Mayor Karl Kassel, and Diane proposal; as currently written, There are a number of ways to Kaplan, President of the Rasmuson disproportionately impacts low income generate new revenue fairly, but Foundation. Alaskans. If the plan was rebalanced any solid proposal will deal with The cost to fund the state government to derive more of its revenue from the implementing state income taxes, for 2016 is $5 billion (down from $8 personal income tax and less from reducing the PFD to Alaskans, billion in 2013), but there is only $2 reductions in the dividend the proposal reducing oil and gas tax credits and billion to pay for it so $3 billion has to would be significantly improved and reducing the state budget. The be taken from savings- with only $7 more balanced and fair to all Alaskans. meeting was sponsored by the billion remaining in savings. Additional Without getting into the details, the Rasmussen Foundation as one in cuts from the budget will result in cuts Governor proposes to base the PFD a number of town halls they have to education and health services. If solely on oil and gas royalties, but hosted in recent months to raise nothing is changed we will not have these would eventually phase out community education and awareness savings or funding for the state budget unless there was more production (gas of the growing problem. For more by 2018. A comprehensive overhaul line). In order to avoid the significant information on the issues discussed of Alaska’s revenue is needed. impact to low income Alaskans based you can visit our website at www. In December, Governor Walker on a large reduction in the PFD check tananachiefs.org. proposed a comprehensive budget it might be better to base the PFD

8 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER 9 Community Health Outreach Program (CHOP) MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH now providing suicide prevention & training workshops The new Wellness and Prevention safeTALK in Circle, Chalkyitsik and training are able to utilize tools from Department, formerly known as the Nikolai as well. As more and more the training to help intervene and Community Health Outreach Program communities become aware of these prevent the immediate risk of suicide (CHOP) is pleased to announce training opportunities, we can assure and to establish safety for now. The that we now offer several suicide you that we will do our best to meet class is recommended for participants prevention trainings/workshops to your needs. who are age 15 and up. The minimum our rural communities. Tanana Chiefs If your community is interested in number of participants per training is Conference (TCC) was awarded a scheduling a training(s), please put in 8 participants who can commit to the Garrett Lee Smith Suicide Prevention a formal request to our department by two full days of the training. Grant (GLS Grant) in September of contacting either: safeTALK: safeTALK is a three 2014, which allowed several members Constance Reimer-Ely, Wellness to four hour suicide alertness training of our department to receive training Coordinator, who covers the Yukon that prepares participants ages 15 and in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Flats, and Upper Tanana sub- up to become a suicide alert helpers. Training 11 (ASIST 11), safeTALK, regions at constance.reimer-ely@ It also teaches how to connect Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) and tananachiefs.org or 907-452-8251 x individuals with thoughts of suicide Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). The 3576 to services. The minimum number of purpose of this grant is to implement a Valerie Pingayak, Wellness participants per training is 10. youth suicide intervention system and Coordinator, who covers the Yukon QPR: Question, Persuade Refer to expand TCC’s suicide intervention Koyukuk, and Yukon Tanana sub- is a one to two hour gatekeeper activities within our region. It was a regions at valerie.pingayak@ training that teaches participants how very exciting opportunity because tananachiefs.org or 907-452-8251 x to identify someone with thoughts it means local trainers are now 3148 of suicide, how to ask if they are equipped to provide trainings against You may also contact Shawna considering suicide, and how to suicide, an issue that deeply affects Hildebrand, the Wellness Program persuade them to get help. The class our communities. Manager for our grants at shawna. is for participants 15 years of age and As more of our communities make [email protected] or 907- older. There is no minimum number of positive efforts towards overall 452-8251 x 3184 for general questions participants needed for this training. wellness, Tanana Chiefs Conference or inquiries. MHFA: Mental Health First Aid is an offers their full support by providing Our address is: 8 hour training that is designed to arm these trainings at no cost to our TCC Wellness Project the public with skills to help individuals villages. Recently, Tanana planned Wellness and Prevention who are developing a mental health and successfully implemented a 201 First Avenue, Suite 200 problem or experiencing a mental Wellness Week for their community Fairbanks, Alaska 99701 health crisis. The course addresses members during the week of February Toll Free#: 1-800-458-6822 the fear and stigma associated with 1-5, 2016. They planned a number of mental health problems, builds an events in which our department fully Following is a description of each understanding of its impact and supported by providing the trainers of the trainings that we offer in further overviews common treatments. and materials for safeTALK, ASIST 11, detail so that your communities can Participants in the training learn a 5 and QPR. We also supported Minto decide which fits your need. step action plan to help individuals during their Wellness Week which ASIST 11: Applied Suicide who are experiencing a mental health was from February 8-10, 2016 where Intervention Skills training is a two day crisis. The class is for participants 15 we also trained community members intensive training on how to provide years of age and older. The minimum along with students in ASIST 11, and suicide first aid to a person(s) at number of participants per training is safe TALK. We have also offered risk for suicide. Individuals with this 10, with a max of 30 participants.

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

Phone: (907) 452-8251 ext. 3570 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.

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Village Vacancies TCC E-Board Meeting • Behavioral Health Aide (Anaktuvuk Pass) May 18-19, 2016 6th Floor TCC - Fairbanks • Community Health Aide/Practitioner (Dot Lake, Rampart, Ruby, Healy Lake) TCC GILA • Squad Boss (Tok) May 24-27, 2016 • Tribal Family Youth Specialist (Ruby) Wedgewood Resort – Fairbanks, AK • Tribal Workforce Development Specialist (Rampart, Youth Engagement Training McGrath) June 21-22, 2016 • Village Public Safety Officer (Nulato) Wedgewood Resort – Fairbanks, AK • Wild Land Firefighter Type II Crew Member (Tok)

Region Wide • Village Public Safety Officer SEEKING 2016 GRADUATES

Fairbanks Vacancies • Behavioral Health Clinician We want to feature our 2016 graduates! • Central Scheduler We need your: You can also include: • Certified Lead Medical Coder Name Names of Parents • Child Care Coordinator Tribal Affililiation Names of Grandparents School of Graduation • Community Planning Coordinator • Computer Support Intern • Education Manager Send your photo and • HRSA Lead RN Case Manager information to • Mid-level Practitioner (PA or ANP) [email protected] • Physician

JOB LISTED WERE OPEN AS OF APRIL 25, 2016