Non-Profi t Organization U.S. Postage PAID Anchorage, AK Permit No. 537 Dena’ Nena’ Henash ––Our Land Speaks Vol. 33, No. 6 A Report to the Member Tribes of the Tanana Chiefs Conference June 2008 ConocoPhillips begin fi eld season Lovingtheirlivelihood,Jamesfamily Survey crews will conduct studies along operatesFreightServicesonYukon proposed pipeline route By Ginger Placeres, Editor By Lisa Pekich, ConocoPhillips Owner Gerald James (center) ConocoPhillips is preparing to begin Field study crews typically consist of two with sons Wesley, 18, and summer fi eld study activities along the to seven scientists. The crews will not enter Bruce, 19. proposed pipeline route. Field studies are land without landowner permission, and the fi rst step in the process of constructing they will work to minimize disturbance. the proposed pipeline. Landowners along the pipeline route Professional survey crews will begin are being contacted directly to obtain walking the pipeline route this month, permission for access. conducting a variety of studies including ConocoPhillips is also working with civil surveys, archaeological surveys, individual landowners and communities wetlands and habitat mapping, hydrology along the pipeline route to inform them surveys, soil and water temperature about the project and its benefi ts, answer monitoring, and contaminated site questions and address concerns. identifi cation. Meetings have already been held with the The fi eld studies are needed to help villages of Tanacross, Northway, Tetlin and ensure the eventual pipeline design Dot Lake, as well as the city of Fairbanks. protects the environment, wildlife habitat Other community meetings are being and historic and cultural resources. scheduled. Studies will last until September, with For more information about Tanana some work required along stream crossings Chiefs Conference involvement, contact after freeze-up. The majority of fi eld studies Bob Sattler, Director, Realty, toll-free at are planned for Delta Junction to the U.S.- 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 Canada border, although some studies will ext. 3343 or email bob.sattler@tananachiefs. be conducted along the entire length of the org. pipeline route in Alaska. Evelyn and Gerald James love being on the His boat was constructed the summer of river, and through their enjoyment, they’ve 2004 with the help of sons, Bruce, 19, and evolved into small, successful business Wesley, 18. Gerald bought the materials in owners in Fort Yukon, Alaska. “The idea 2003 from a retired boat builder, and got a Yukon 800 around the bend! came after not being able to afford lumber good price. The next summer he took out a several years ago” Evelyn explains. They personal loan to buy more metal. decided to haul their own lumber from “I’ve kept track of the boys’ hours in case By Ginger Placeres, Editor Fairbanks to Circle via highway, and from they want their captains’ license when they there, hauled the materials to Fort Yukon get older.” Evelyn anticipates what most The Yukon 800 gets underway on June 21, 2008 at the Pike’s Waterfront Boat Landing. by boat. Interior mothers do when considering Many changes this year make for an exciting competition, the boat race currently has 12 Many people along the Yukon River will back-to-school planning, “They’ve always race boats and will host its fi rst ever GPS tracking system, available for observing online fi nd affordable routes using highways that worked on the barge with him, ever since at www.yukon800.com on race days. Huslia Tribal Member Shane Derendoff is assisting meet rivers in order to offset expensive they were little–they wanted to have with the venture, a rental purchase of GPS units out of Arizona will deem this endeavor freight rates with bush airlines, a means spending money at the Fair!” a proper representation of the 21st century! Currently the incomplete list of captains and used by residents of Fort Yukon, Stevens Fort Yukon’s recent development has team members include: Village, Rampart, Tanana, and others. benefi ted from Gerald’s business, “We Joey Zuray, T’sood Peters, Steven Gregory, Gilbert Huntington, Devon People will drive their materials to Manley hauled materials for the clinic construction, Hot Springs or Circle City, Alaska and then gym renovation, and the water and sewer Walker, Earl Sommer, Katie Sommer, Tyler Huntington, Stuart Erhart, boat their freight home. As for the James project here” Evelyn explains. In fact, they’ve Robert Erhart, Israel Silas, Harold Attla, AJ Dick, Clinton Huntington, Gary family and their business, Freight Services, hauled 126 vehicles since 1999. “They’re Folger, Tommy Kriska, Sherri Kriska, Sharlisa Kriska, Tom Huntington, “Our summers are devoted to the business, all good-looking vehicles, nice ones that Charlie Huntington, Allison Huntington, Milton Moses, Scott Joseph, Bill we just love being on the river. We just love are the opposite of our ‘rez rides’ of the Page, and others. visiting in Circle.” past” Evelyn laughed. Walking through The event is also supported by more business than in the past, including $5,000 in Gerald started Freight Services in 1999– Fort Yukon, one can see vehicles parked gasoline from Sourdough Fuel, Ruby Marine, and Crowley for racers. This is a great show hauling lumber demonstrated his ability at the post offi ce, health center, school, of support since fuel in Galena was $6.25 at press time. A racer may use 20-25 gallons from so others began asking him to haul their and elsewhere. It’s the largest Athabascan freight. “Then IRHA was doing work in community located about 140 air miles continued on back page... Canyon Village and they contracted hauling from Fairbanks, where the Porcupine River services from him and it took off from joins the Yukon River. there” said Evelyn. “Now he hauls for Fish & Although Gerald’s main route has been Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, Circle to Fort Yukon, the James family Request for Proposal the (Native Village of Fort Yukon) Housing made river trips to Birch Creek, Venetie, Department, and he hauls privately-owned Old Crow, and Chalkyitsik. “It’s only 20 By Jim Knopke, Director, Village Public Safety Offi cer Program vehicles from Circle.” He can haul up to air miles to Birch Creek, but it’s 196 miles three vehicles at a time in his 300-horse so that’s a lot of gas. With the rising costs powered Volvo Inboard, which as a hauling of gas, we don’t have a trip planned in the Tanana Chiefs Conference is requesting interested building contractors or capacity of 30,000 pounds. Gerald remains near future. We have a cabin upriver from individuals located in the following villages to contact Village Public Safety Offi cer cautious and careful with his cargo so a full Fort Yukon that we get to sometimes. We (VPSO) program Director Jim Knopke to bid on renovation/construction projects load may take him fi ve to six hours to Fort only get the river for four months out of the within the villages. These projects will enhance the offi ces and storage areas for VPSO Yukon. The reverse trip from Fort Yukon to year, so we just enjoy being on the river.” equipment and work spaces. Circle is a quick three hour drive. Their love of the river also affected Fort Projects will include renovation of VPSO offi ces with attention to remodel existing Speaking of the natural way this business Yukon youth benefi cially, Evelyn talked of a offi ce space and renovation/improvement of VPSO vehicle storage areas. evolved, Evelyn described her husband, trip to Old Crow for a cultural event. “Old The villages identifi ed as having a VPSO facility in need of renovation include “Gerald likes being his own boss and he’s Crow was having their Gwichin Days and Anvik, Eagle, Huslia, McGrath, Tanana, and Ruby. Please contact Jim toll-free at 800 a hard worker so this really isn’t work for they asked if we could bring the kids up so 478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3236. him. You always hear ‘fi nd something you love to do’ and that’s what this is for him.” continued on next page... Page 2 • The Council • June 2008 Tanana Chiefs Conference Summer job available to college, vo-tech students The Council is a monthly report to the Member Tribes of the Tanana By Robin Frank, Employment Youth Employment Services Coordinator Chiefs Conference, in accordance with agreements with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service. Letters to the Editor, other Are you a college or vo-tech student on summer break, looking for that perfect summer written contributions and photos submissions are welcome. However, job? We may have just the thing! ConocoPhillips management team has expressed an space is limited and program-oriented news has priority. We reserve the interest in hosting a summer intern program to help native students reinforce your right to edit or reject material. Letters and opinions are not necessarily the education. They are looking for people in a variety of fi elds. They will focus on those that opinions of Tanana Chiefs Conference. Material submitted anonymously can relate to the gas pipeline project, but if you are unsure, please submit your information will not be printed. Contributions and questions may be directed to: anyway. This is a fantastic way to put what you have learned so far to use, further your education in your chosen fi eld of study and earn a little money all at the same time. Ginger Placeres, Editor If you are interested in being considered for an internship please forward your name, Tanana Chiefs Conference contact information, program and year of study to [email protected] or call 122 First Avenue, Suite 600 her toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext 3418.