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. 9 A R EPORT TO THE MEMBER TRIBES OF THE TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004

Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center welcomes Dr. Wappett, OB/GYN Dr. Nigel Wappett began obstetric and gynecological care for Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center (CAIHC) patients in late August. Known throughout Fairbanks, Dr. Wappett brings years of expertise and reliability to CAIHC and comes to us from a three-year By Sarah Hoffman, Community Relationship Manager, American Cancer Society likely to smoke than non-native youth, mission in Phoenix, Arizona, where he according to “Tobacco in the Greatland: A supervised missionaries for the Mormon Think of your kids. Now, think about Portrait of Alaska’s Leading Cause of Death.” Church. Prior to that, he spent 19 years at the the fact that one in three kids who start Tanana Valley Clinic, delivering hundreds of It’s not only cigarettes that are smoking will die prematurely from a threatening our youth, but smokeless babies – some of whom later worked with him tobacco-related illness. there. His family grew up in Fairbanks and tobacco as well. Some people assume, includes wife, Avalon, sons, Matt, Andy and Tobacco is the leading cause of death incorrectly, that just because spit tobacco is Kerry and daughters, Hailey and Whitney. and disease in Alaska, yet it remains the most smokeless, it is harmless or less addictive. preventable. In fact, tobacco kills more In reality, oral cancer occurs several times CAIHC will make room for Dr. Wappett people than alcohol, cocaine, crack, heroin, more frequently among snuff dippers to collaborate on improvements in the homicide, suicide, car accidents and AIDS compared with non-tobacco users. And the organizational structure of the clinic and combined. amount of nicotine in one dip or chew can staffing, as well as providing on-call assistance outside of normal business hours. None of Now, think about the fact that Alaska native youth are three to four times more continued on page 12... Dr. Wappett and Virginia Thurmond. this could happen without Dr. Wappett’s willingness to set a professional standard. Jim Kohler, Director of CAIHC says, “We are very excited to have Dr. Wappett as part of the What does it mean to staff; he brings outstanding expertise, leadership, enthusiasm, and professionalism to the clinic.” be tribally enrolled? By Debbie Mitchell, Tribal Enrollment Specialist

Alaska Native Medical Center Roughly half the Tribes in the region been members of the Tribe. The process use the services that our Tribal Enrollment usually takes at least a month, depending announces new changes Program. Although not all Tribes in the on when the next regularly scheduled region use our services, I can assist any By Dee Hutchison, Registered Nurse, Alaska Native Medical Center Administrator meeting is. Adopted individuals of members individual by connecting him or her with are eligible in most situations. Some Tribes their Tribe. It is my pleasure to announce that the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium in the region allow dual enrollment, (ANTHC) Board of Directors approved a fiscal year 2005 budget for ANMC, which will The cards prove membership to a meaning their members may also be allow ANMC to restore services effective October 1 when the new fiscal year begins, as federally recognized Tribe. Many services enrolled to another Tribe. Other Tribes do follows: and programs provided by Native not allow dual enrollment, and one must • Airport services, the airport shuttle between Ted Stevens International organizations and Tribes have a requirement choose where to be enrolled if he or she is Airport and ANMC, of tribal membership. eligible for two Tribes. Children are often an exception if dual enrollment is not • Meals for Quyana House guests My first question is usually, “What allowed, because the Tribe often wishes to • Inpatient caregiver meals for selected family members and escorts assisting Tribe are you enrolled to?” For some keep jurisdiction over minor children. in the care of patients individuals, confusion abounds, and he or The previously announced temporary reductions for these services will remain in she will usually answer with “Well, I’m After our office is notified of one’s place until September 30, 2004 to address ongoing shortfalls in the hospital’s fiscal year enrolled to Doyon.” In this situation the approval of membership a card is issued. 2004 budget. confusion probably arises from the words Many members use our membership cards There may be a change in the way we provide services at the airport in 2005. Ted “enrolled to”, which is a reasonable answer as second forms of identification as the Stevens International Airport has advised us of the cancellation of our lease on the location when one is not familiar with the differences. State of Alaska Department of Motor housing our current airport kiosk, which is in an area where rental car agencies have Vehicles office, and long established banks The governing body of the Tribe in our priority. We are currently exploring other options for providing services at the airport to and credit unions and airlines in Fairbanks region are known as the Tribal Council or ANMC patients, and we will keep you advised on the progress of our negotiations with take our membership cards as legitimate the Village Council, which approves all new airport authorities. forms of identification. For more members at regularly scheduled meetings information, contact Debbie Mitchell toll- Please realize that difficult decisions were made in order to restore these services. using official documents called resolutions. free at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452- ANMC still faces significant fiscal challenges this coming year. The hospital did not budget If one wishes to become a member of the for any new fiscal year 2005 initiatives or services for the ANTHC portion of ANMC due 8251 ext. 3274 or by email at Tribe one must submit an application with to a lack of resources. We will be required to reduce hospital staffing to meet our current [email protected]. a birth certificate or other documentation fiscal year 2005 targets. Our projected revenue from the federal government has not kept up with the growth of our patient population or with the advances in medical treatment that indicates lineal descent from a member. and technology; additionally, revenue from other payers is no longer sufficient to offset In other words, one’s ancestors must have these ongoing fiscal shortages. We remain committed to improving the efficiency of our operations here at ANMC. Win a prize when you’re the We believe that by operating as a coordinated, and unified statewide tribal health system, there are many advantages and efficiencies to be gained as we provide the highest first to call in and name the quality health services for all Alaska Natives within available resources. We look forward title of her article from the to discussing these mutual opportunities in depth with you, which will be a priority for ANTHC and ANMC leadership in the upcoming fiscal year. Thank you again for your July/August issue! understanding and ongoing support of ANMC. Amanda Tritt wrote an article
For more health information, go to page 6... in the last issue. Win a prize by naming her title correctly (hint: go online to www.tananachiefs.org to Manley Tribal Members: search for it). Call Ginger Placeres, Tanana Chiefs Conference is now overseeing the Manley Tribal Members operations Editor, toll-free at 800-478-6822 or on behalf of your Tribe. For more information, contact Debbie Mitchell toll-free at 800- locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3227 478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3274 or email [email protected]. to claim your prize! PAGE 2 • THE COUNCIL • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, The 2004 Galena Little League Teams would like to extend the deepest appreciation and thanks to the following businesses for their continuous support. Without your contributions our season would not be such a big success: Louden Tribal Council; Yukon Fuel Company; Gana-A-Yoo Limited, Warbelow’s Air Venture, Weldin Construction, Galena Liquor Store, KIYU, Interior Trading, Archie’s Snack Bar/Yukon Inn, Evert’s Air, The Council is a monthly report to the member tribes of theTanana Chiefs Yutaana Development Corporation, Crystal Electric, Randy and Alyson Esmailka, Conference, in accordance with agreements with the Bureau of Indian Affairs Sweetsir’s, Tanana Chiefs Conference, City of Galena, Bob and Marjorie Attla, also the and the Indian Health Service. Letters to the editor, other written contributions Elders, parents, and residents of Galena. and photo submissions are welcome. However, space is limited and program Thanks to our boat drivers; Terry and Nancy Pitka, Ed and Pam Pitka, Darryl and oriented news has priority. TCC reserves the right to edit or reject material. Rocky Thurmond, Fred Huntington, Tom Huntington, Susan Esmailka, Joe Demoski and Letters and opinions are not necessarily the opinions of Tanana Chiefs Evelyn Burgett. Conference. Material submitted anonymously will not be published. Thanks to the following for housing: Jen and Branden Hildebrand, Martha Sommer, Contributions and questions may be directed to: Claudette Green, Virgil and Susie Sam, Lavern Huntington, Joyce Huntington, St. John’s The Council Catholic Church, Agnes Sweetsir, Majorie Ambrose, Gin Attla, Annette Sam, Mary Ann Ginger Kennedy Placeres, Editor Sam, Brother Bob, Martha Demoski and Randy Pitka. Tanana Chiefs Conference Thanks to all community members of Galena, Huslia, Nulato, and Koyukuk for 122 First Avenue, Suite 600 providing all the delicious foods for the cook outs. Both teams had a great time traveling Fairbanks, AK 99701 to the different villages. Without your dedication and support these youth would not have Phone: (907) 452-8251, ext. 3227 the opportunity to make life long friends. Toll-free within Alaska: The Galena G-Units had another great season, they participated in four Little League 1-800-478-6822, ext. 3227 tournaments this season and placed 1st in all tournaments. The Nulato Little League team Toll-free from outside Alaska: gave them another great year of competition-the last tournament we only beat them by 1-800-770-8251, ext. 3227 one run. We were lucky that we won the toss and got the opportunity to bat last. It makes Fax: (907) 459-3851 a big difference which team takes the field first. E-mail: [email protected] The Galena Playaz are the youngest players, ranging ages 8-11. They also had another exciting year. They improved and their hard work paid off with each tournament. They came in 3rd at the Nulato and Koyukuk Little League Tournament. The summer was very Subregional Offices hot and both teams dedicated themselves to practice 100%. I would like to thank them for working hard and their dedication. Yukon-Koyukuk Kuskokwim Yukon-Tanana P. O. Box 92 P. O. B o x 1 6 9 1302 21st Avenue Galena, AK 99741 McGrath, AK 99627 Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 656-1326 (907) 524-3005 (907) 459-3930

Upper Tanana Lower Yukon Yukon Flats P. O. B o x 1 2 9 P. O . B o x 19 0 P. O. Box 304 Tok, AK 99780 Holy Cross, AK 99602 Ft. Yukon, AK 99740 (907) 883-5181 (907) 476-7137 (907) 662-2556 IN InTHIS This IssueISSUE

Tanana Chiefs Conference...... 1,3-6

Letters to the Editor...... 2 Galena Little League Results: Youth Employment & Training...... 6-7 1st Place-Galena G-Units Galena G-Units 2nd Place-McGrath Knights Health Services...... 8-9 3rd Place-Nulato Wolves Ethan Sam, Pitcher News for Our People...... 10-12 Sportsmanship-Koyukuk Raiders Lorina Brasket, Catcher Most Valuable Players-Lorina Brasket and st rd Clifton Pitka Ashley Burgett, 1 & 3 Base All-Tourney Team-Patric k Reddway, Kyle Clifton Pitka: 2nd Base & Dear Editor, Patsy, Garrett Huntington, Stacey Captain, Rover I am currently doing a two-year prison sentence in this state’s only maximum Raymond Huntington, Athena Sam, Justin correctional facility. Thanks to a good private attorney and my knowledge of how the Vent, Ethan Sam, Darlene Malamute, and Garrett Huntington, Short Stop justice system works, I got a fair sentence for my crimes. Unfortunately I cannot say the Misty Reaer Tyler Yoder, 1 st Base same for most Natives that I have seen through-out my time in jail. I have seen a high Home Run Derby: Patrick Reddway, Brenden Sweetsir, Left Field number of Natives doing long sentences on basically petty crimes due to taking bad plea- Clifton Pitka, and Garrett Huntington nd bargain deals. Huslia Little League Results: Shane Clark, 2 Base & When a person gets arrested they are always charges with more than one offense, 1st Place-Galena G-Units Rover nd even if they didn’t do anything wrong. They are brought to jail and given a bail that most 2 Place-Nulato Wolves Dudeo Burgett, Center Field 3rd Place-AK Blazers rural residents can’t pay. They’re usually unable to pay for a private attorney so the state Brian Settle, Right Field will offer a court- appointed one. This attorney will only try to get the inmate to take a deal Sportsmanship-Huslia to avoid going to trial and costing the state money through the process. The inmate will be Most Valulable Players-Ashley Burgett Trevor Marshall, Short Stop intimidated by the attorney and judge to take a deal. This intimidation is done through and Ethan Sam Kyle Huntington, Center Field All-Tourney: Garrett Huntington, Clifton fear tactics. They will tell the person that if they don’t plead guilty to the worst charge, they Gordon Davis, Catcher & will be found guilty to all charges at trial and be sentenced harshly. The inmate is also told Pitka, Stacey Captain, and Richard that if they take the deal offered, that they will be released much sooner. These promises Sommer Right Field are rarely ever true. Nulato Little League Results: Coaches: Nancy Pitka & Kyle 1st Place-Galena G-Units Once someone takes the plea bargain deal, they are given a bunch of time with a 2nd Place-Nulato Wolves #1 Davis bunch of time suspended. They are then placed on supervised probation for many years. 3rd Place-Galena Playaz Assistant Coach: Jenessa The probation conditions are very strict so the person usually ends up violating and Sportsmanship-Nulato #2 Pitka coming back to jail to do the suspended time. Taking a ride outside of city limits without Most Valuable Players-Ashley Burgett and consent is a violation. There are a number of ways someone can violate. Garrett Huntington Most people do not understand that the state needs people in jail or on supervised All-Tourney-Ethan Sam, Clifton Pitka, probation. The Governor is already trying to get Federal funding to have numerous new Brian Settle Raffle Winners jails built in the state. Inmates are job security for judges, district attorneys, public defenders, Koyukuk Little League Results: st Paddy Yaska : Gas at Yukon Fuel correctional officers, probation officers, substance abuse classes, anger management, etc. 1 Place-Galena G-Units • The Native community have become a major target to fill the gap for more Federal 2nd Place-Nulato Wolves Company funding. Take a look at Fairbanks Correctional Center. It is a fair to say that Natives make 3rd Place-Galena Playaz • Margaret Huntington: Roundtrip up 70-80% of the inmate population on any given year. This is also true in all the prisons Most Valuable Players-Ashley Burgett and ticket with Warbelow’s through-out the state. Kyle Huntington • Fred Huntington: 250 lbs. Freight When a rural person gets arrested, they need to make sure that they get a fair plea All-Tourney: Ethan Sam, Clifton Pitka, with Everts Air bargain deal, or go to trial. This may mean sitting in jail until ones trial date, but it is well Garrett Huntington, and Richard Sommer worth it in the end. The state knows that rural people are ignorant to the justice system. They use intimidation and scare tactics to make people think that they must take the plea deals offered. Native people must start standing strong for fair justice. CORRECTION: Sincerely, The July/August issue featured an article titled “Bumps in the Rico L. Dewilde Road” on page 12. It was written by Nina DeRoche but incorrectly Seward, Alaska linked to Corina Collins. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 •THE COUNCIL • PAGE 3 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE New Education Tribal College Program Program Assistant Takes Shape Cynthia Baldwin King started as the By David Monroe, Director, Interior Athabascan Tribal College Program Assistant for the Education Department in August after working as a The Interior Athabascan Tribal College processing (harvesting, production, etc.) use University of Alaska, Fairbanks Admissions (IATC) Forestry Technician Program took of various tools (table saws band saws, etc.) Clerk. She provides clerical and program a major step forward in July with the hiring and creating partially finished or completely support for Reva Shircel and David Monroe, of a contractor to develop the program finished wood products for sale locally or and offers assistance to students in college or curriculum. Robert Kesling of Seward, in other regions. university training. Alaska has been awarded the contract to As part of this process, Mr. Kesling is Having obtained a General Associate’s develop the curriculum, which should be being hired to design the curriculum and degree in May 2003, she is currently taking completed early in August. classes towards a Bachelor’s degree in Art, create the training modules for the concentrating in Native Arts, with a minor in M r. Kesling has extensive exper ien ce in instructional program. Women’s Studies. forestry, having taught forestry, logging and The Forest Technology and Wood Cynthia’s parents are Nicholas and saw-milling in colleges and technical schools Products Training programs are part of a Patricia Baldwin, she was raised in McGrath. throughout Alaska for over 24 years. Many larger effort by the Interior Athabascan She moved to Fairbanks in1999 to attend of his former students now run successful Tribal College (IATC) to establish several school, and ended up settling here. Cynthia wood product enterprises. “The work I plan Associate Degree Programs as well as career has a son, Nathan, born September 16, 2003 is designed to make students into successful pathways which will lead to employment on his Grandma’s birthday. wood products entrepreneurs.” said Kesling. for our clients living in rural Alaskan villages For information on the TCC grant program for Adult Vocational Training, or Higher This program will focus on training as well as urban areas. This program is Education, and the qualifications for each, contact Cynthia toll-free at 800-478-6822 or participants to work in and establish a small funded for five years starting in 2003 as part locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3287 or e-mail [email protected]. chain saw mill for the processing and of a larger National Science Foundation production of wood products. grant project awarded to Ilisagvik College. The program will be designed in a IATC is a sub-grantee under that award. If Nenana Community modular format with eight or more all continues to go well with this program modules for delivery by itinerant instructors some initial classes will be scheduled for later Garden Idea Grows who will travel to the six locations served in the fall of 2004. For more information, By Jay Moore, University of Alaska, Fairbanks Land Resources Agent, Planning & by the grant. If possible, delivery will also contact David Monroe toll-free at 800-478- Development take place via appropriate distance delivery 6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3285 methods. The training may include but is or email [email protected]. All it took was a thought in the head of the Carry Edwin, a resident of Nenana, and not limited to areas such as setting up the the garden was going to happen. She first rounded up funds through a school grant and we began to plan for the garden. Because we got such a late start we decided to build some raised beds, which will hopefully yield some produce before we get too far into the fall. We Scam targets rural acquired quotes for the lumber to build the beds, transplants, fertilizer, soil, and other odds and ends to help make the project successful. Even though it was late to start for a project like this, Carry and I thought that the beds would be there next year and would residents hopefully promote gardening By Natasha Singh, Intern, Legal Services within this village. Recently village residents have been receiving letters and emails from suspicious I picked up the supplies in corporations claiming to offer large sums of money in exchange for a safe bank account Fairbanks and headed down the number. These letters may sound legitimate and convincing and they may include a real road to Nenana on July19. I had corporate name and logo. A common name appearing on these letters is the Nigerian a truckload of lumber, fertilizer, and plants. I felt like I was National Petroleum Corporation which is an actual corporation of the Nigerian government. driving a mobile jungle with all However, posted on their website is a disclaimer expressing their current concern with the the plants in the cab of my truck. high number of scam letters that are fraudulently using their name. I arrived glad to see that the It is important that no one respond to a letter or email of this nature. Although these smoke wasn’t heavy in Nenana. The fun starts as the planting of the 15 raised beds letters do sound tempting, unfortunately they are all fakes and scams. If you would like We got started about mid-day began. The construction of the boxes and filling more information on how to protect yourself from these scams or from other consumer on the project and worked hard! with soil took the better part of two days. frauds please visit the Alaska Attorney General’s Office website at, http:// If it were not for Laurel, Connie, Kelly, and Eleanor and all their hard work, the project www.law.state.ak.us/department/civil/consumer/cpindex.html. If you would like to report could not have been completed. I began to cut the 2x10’s and they began to nail them a letter you can send it to Attorney General Gregg D. Renkes, P.O. Box 110300, Juneau, AK together. We planned to build 15 4x12 foot beds. It was hot and the sweat was pouring but 99811-0300. these ladies saw the finish line and nailed with all of their hearts. We finally got all of the beds completed just after 5 pm. I don’t think we stopped for more than five minutes at any one time. I went to bed tired and happy about a day of productive work. New Deputy Director Day two began at 9 am and the beds were reinforced with screws. The at Health Services soil from Fairbanks was supposed My name is Dena Sommer Pedebone to arrive at 9:30 but of course it and I recently joined Health Services as showed around 2 pm. I began to Deputy Director. I oversee several village shovel by myself because there was based programs within the organization; 25 yards of soil that needed to be the Old Minto Family Recovery Camp, shoveled. Suddenly out of the Upper Tanana Alcohol Program, Women, woodworks came child after child Infants and Children, Community Health from the community. The soil would Aide Program, Ch’eghutsen’, and Hunik not have been moved if it were not Zoo’. In addition to being a part of the for those children. In my mind I Health Services management team, I am thought this really is becoming a Eleanor, Angel and mom, Connie Mayo, and looking forward to working with the Health “Community Gar den.” The soil was Board, Tribal Councils, and other statewide moved by 5 pm and planting was Laurel take a break. entities. After several years with Anchorage’s about to commence. I demonstrated a quick lesson in one of the beds and showed how to Southcentral Foundation I am excited to prepare the soil and how to lay out the bed. After I finished, it was time for the residents return to my home region. who had worked so hard for two days to plant their very own garden. It was a mad dash to claim the beds and it was awesome to see. It really does the heart good to see others My parents are Sonny Sommer and enjoy what I find joy in as well. I hope Nenana continues to embrace this project and will Dene Sommer and I was born and raised grow come the spring of 2005. here in Fairbanks. My grandparents are If any other villages are Fred and Dorothy Sommer of Nulato and interested in a project like this Audrey O’Leary of Fairbanks. My husband, please contact me at Macoy, and I are blessed with two beautiful 800-478-6822 or locally at daughters, Austyn and Sunny-girl. (907) 452-8251 ext. 3248 or by Do you have information to share with our member Tribes? The deadline email at [email protected]. to submit information is the 2nd Friday of each month for the following month’s newsletter. For November, the deadline is October 8. For more, contact Ginger All the beds are full and Placeres,Editor, toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3227. Go growing towards a harvest. to www.tananachiefs.org, click the “Newsletter Archives and Information” button. PAGE 4 • THE COUNCIL • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE Healy Lake Tree Walking Strong Suicide Prevention Committee says thanks Thinning Project By Charlene Ostbloom, Director, Corporate Communications By D oug las Hanson, Dir ector, Forest ry & Co-chair, Walking Strong Committee

As smoke from one of the most active wildfire seasons on record settles over the The Tanana Chiefs Conference Walking Strong Committee, Careline, and Ch’eghutsen’ community, workers in Healy Lake are thinning timber stands around the village that would like to express our sincere thanks to the following businesses, organizations and pose a threat of wildfire. The work began June 24 in the village 150 miles southeast of individuals for their generous donations and volunteerism for the 1st Annual Walking Fairbanks. The idea for the hazard fuels reduction project came from the village. Village Strong Walk for Suicide Prevention on July 21, 2004. The Walk was a huge success, which Chief Ben Saylor contacted Tanana Chiefs Conference in the fall of 2002 and the TCC was due to the time and effort the volunteers put forth and the donations from many Forestry Program arranged for the project with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. A funding charitable Fairbanks businesses. proposal was submitted in the spring of 2003 through a competitive grant process for The businesses we would like to thank are: Aurora Motors, Fairbanks Arts Association, hazard fuel reduction projects throughout the United States. It won approval on several Arctic Travler’s Gift Shop, The Artworks, Beads and Things, Fairbanks Princess Riverside merits: 1) the village planned to use the larger thinned material for value-added wood Lodge, River’s Edge Resort, American Tire and Auto, Wrights Air Service, Airport Road products in its village-owned sawmill, 2) fuelwood produced in the thinning was to be Antique Mall, Beaver Sports, A Taste of Alaska Lodge, Springhill Suites, Gullivers Books, used by village residents and 3) the village had taken efforts on its own in past years to Marty’s Bake Shop, Pikes Landing, Super 8 Motel, Food Factory, Fred Meyers, Alaska Fun begin cutting a fire line in the hills to the north and had also performed some tree- and Center, Dillinger’s Restaurant, El Sombrero, Gambardellas, Wendy’s, Gottschalks, OK debris-clearing around the Lumber/ACE Hardware, Ben Franklin Crafts, Warbelow’s Air Ventures and Tanana Chiefs community. Conference. The Healy Lake project The following are some of the volunteers we would like to thank: Betty Weeks, Angie area involves about 27 acres of Richardson, Edith Hildebrand, Willow Bowen, Melanie Leal, Ginger Placeres, Carolyn forested land. Two six-person Barker, Billie Sundgren, John Martin, Lloyd Allen, Betty Huntington, Sharity Huntington, crews were hired by the village Rachel Graybeal, Dick Farris, Bessie Titus, Tracy Olson, Ruth Evans, Tonya Garnett, Mike Moe, Bill Bailey, Suzanne Mckechnie and team, and Peter Captain, Jr. These volunteers and worked two-week provided a tremendous amount of help with the set-up, clean-up, cooking, registration, alternating shifts. Crew cross-walk directing, and many other tasks. We give many thanks to those we might have members were trained by TCC missed. Allotment Forester, Jake Remember, suicide is 100% preventable. If you know someone is in trouble and Sprankle, emphasizing safe contemplating suicide, please encourage him or her to seek help. Please look for other chainsaw operations, chainsaw events and activities the Walking Strong Committee will be hosting in the future. If you maintenance and proper tree have questions or would like be involved with Walking Strong, please contact Charlene felling techniques. The crews Ostbloom at 800-478-6822 ext. 3006. Thank you. will thin areas and will burn TCC Allotment Forester Jake Sprankle teaches crew Perry Ahsogeak Charlene A. Ostbloom Peter Captain, Jr. debris piles in the fall and winter members, Pat Saylor, Casey Luke, and Cory Polston Co-chair Co-chair Fundraising Chair months. The project is chainsaw safety and maintenance. scheduled to be completed by Walking Strong Walking Strong Ch’eghutsen’ next summer. White spruce and mixed white spruce, black spruce and birch stands will be thinned to a minimum spacing of 20 feet although the area in the center of the project will be thinned to a heavier level. This area is where future village expansion may take place, Salmon data collection including the construction of a church built from the thinned logs. Remaining spruce trees nd will be pruned to remove the lower branches thus eliminating ladder fuels that have the finishes 2 year potential of carrying a ground fire. Hardwood trees of mostly birch and some aspen will By Kimberly Elkin, Fisheries Biologist, Wildlife & Parks be left standing as these species are the most fire-resistant. The project will leave a defensible space for fire suppression forces to protect the village if a wildfire occurs. Community participation is minimal non-profit organizations, and local For more information on protecting property from wildfire, contact Douglas Hanson, in the collection of biological data from communities to create partnerships. Forestry Director; toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext.3372 or email subsistence fisheries harvests. A total of 24 This was the second year for the project [email protected]. The funding cycle for hazard fuel reduction projects typically people (3 people per community) were and many of the same people were hired requires one year of planning before project implementation. hired in the following communities: Holy from the previous year to collect biological Cross, Grayling, Koyukuk, Huslia, Galena, data. Information gathered from this Nulato, Ruby, and Minto. Local technicians project could be used in conjunction with were hired to collect biological data from other salmon harvest data collected to aid subsistence caught Chinook and summer in making future fisheries management chum salmon. Each tribal council hired three decisions on Chinook and summer chum people which consisted of a supervisor and salmon harvests in the Yukon and Koyukuk two technicians. Field crews collected data Rivers. This project can be used as a model from fish camps or from various locations to build educational capacity and expertise close to their community. in fisheries biology throughout the TCC Biological data collected from fish region. consisted of age/sex/length through the The village crew thinned this stand collection of scales, fin clips for genetic stock of white spruce trees surrounding identification, and heart tissue for the community. As smoke from nearby wildfires hangs over Ichthyophonus presence or absence. the village, crew member Jackie Luke piles Information collected from subsistence thinning debris for burning later in the fall harvests were provided to state and federal and winter. agencies. By providing information to state and federal agencies, a new niche for data collection was opened; furthermore, Ch’eghutsen’ s interagency collaboration allows agencies, 2004 “Sharingtime” By Monique L. Kuhns, Program Assistant New Eligibility Specialist After three full days and two half-days of camping at Howard Lukes’ “Gaalee’ya My name is Sophia Elzey and I’m the new Spirit Camp, our Care Coordinators came back with the look of hunter’s fresh from the Eligibility Specialist for the Athabascan Self- hunt: a bit tired and bug bitten. Sharingtime Camp went off without a hitch and Sharingtime Sufficiency Assistance Partnership program. I took place the week of June 14-19. Sharingtime is an annual wellness get-together for review applications to determine eligibility for families and staff to share, learn and develop traditional skills while renewing cultural benefits on monthly basis, and submit request strengths in a traditional camp setting. There are cultural and recreational activities for benefits. I started working in September and facilitated by staff and elders. I’m in the process of learning all the details. This is new to me, because my field of work was in It took the efforts of 12 Care community corrections. Coordinators, two Clinical workers, two Program Assistants, a youth coordinator, I recently moved to Fairbanks from Craig, a social marketing worker, a internal Colorado, a small community of approximately evaluator, a training coordinator and 88 1200 people, so this is a big change for me. My family participants. husband and I relocated to be closer to his children and for job opportunities. I have two Ch’eghutsen’ would like to thank its daughters who remain in Colorado. I’m a native staff, family participants and Howard Luke of Colorado and haven’t lived anywhere else. for the time and energy they put into So this is going to be a great experience for me. Sharingtime 2004. All the people at TCC are so friendly, I couldn’t ask for a better place to be working. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 • THE COUNCIL • PAGE 5 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE Alaska Community Financial – New Eligibility Specialist My name is Inez Baca and I’m a new TCC’s new subsidiary company Eligibility Specialist for Athabascan Self- By Cassy Bartch & Margaret Matthew, Business Analysts, Planning & Development Sufficiency Assistance Partnership (ASAP) program. I will be processing ASAP Tanana Chiefs Conference is excited about opening Alaska Community Financial applications, ongoing cases, and child care (ACF), Fairbanks’ first Native CDFI. Alaska Community Financial will be a subsidiary of applications. My focus is to write up a TCC just as Alaska Growth Capital is to Arctic Slope Regional Corporation. We will procedures manual and guide for the child provide lending and technical assistance to economically disadvantaged clients in rural care program. Alaska and throughout the state. Previously, I worked for Division of The Business Development Center staff has been hard at work to get ACF up and Public Assistance for six years as a child care clerk and Eligibility I and II. I am very excited running. We have completed our market analysis (reported about in the March 2004 about working at TCC and getting to know edition), developed a draft capitalization plan, formed the board of directors, Articles of all the wonderful staff working here. I am Incorporation have been submitted to the State and we are working on becoming certified originally from California and have been in by the U.S. Department of Treasury CDFI Fund as a Native CDFI. Certification will be Alaska for many years. I am married to a complete by February 2005. It is our hope to have our first loan made under ACF by wonderful man, Robert Baca, and we have December 31, 2004. two beautiful daughters, Jevone’ Malaya and Alaska Community Financial clients will receive technical assistance in the form of an Katrina Ann Marie. entrepreneurial management training curriculum which will equip clients with the You can contact me toll-free at 800-478- knowledge they’ll need to successfully run a business. The ACF entrepreneurial training 6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3368 or will be a condensed curriculum that will be used as a supplemental training tool for email [email protected]. individuals interested in starting a business. The curriculum will consist of courses such as, Writing a Business Plan, Understanding Financial Statements, Developing Marketing Plans and Basic Financial Management. The courses will be used to aid ACF clients in Cultural Heritage developing their business management skills. Cassy Bartch, Duane Hoskins and Margaret Matthew are attending training to become Gathering Camp certified as Economic Development Finance Professionals through the National Development Council. Patrick Church is attending Pacific Coast Banking School. Notr’enedeya‘kh te Alaska Community Financial will lend money to existing and start-up businesses in an effort to spur economic development. Loans can be made in amounts ranging from Denateya’ Khoolan $1,000 up to $250,000. We will operate as a lending institution for businesses rather than a depository institution like regular banks or credit unions. Our target market will be “When we heal, we have strength” economically disadvantaged rural businesses; however our services will be offered state wide. By Amanda Race, Developmental Disabilities Care Coordinator If you have any questions about ACF please contact Cassy Bartch toll-free at 800- What is the cultural heritage camp? through story-telling, Native songs, dances 478-6822 or locally (907) 452-8251 ext. 3688 or email at [email protected] or Notr’enedeya‘kh te Denateya’ Khoolan, and demonstration of early Athabascan Margaret Matthew at ext. 3438 or by email at [email protected]. “When we heal, we have strength” is the techniques. The camp counselors come name given to the TCC Developmental from the same villages and communities as Workforce Development Disabilities (DD) Program Cultural the attendees. The DD Program provides Specialist Heritage Gathering Camp. The name was tents, sleeping bags and travel for the created by Geraldine & Neil Charlie, Elsie campers and camp counselors. The camp Susan Marshall began as the new Titus, Susie & Lige Charlie, and Minnie Titus counselors, all adults over 18-years of age, Workforce Development Specialist for the of Minto. It is a four-day camp for children receive a stipend to perform services to the Athabascan Self-Sufficiency Assistance campers. They provide supervision and Partnership Program in early September. and young adults with developmental Susan will be working directly with clients to disabilities. This camp has taken place each guidance to all campers. Camp cooks assist families in becoming self-sufficient. Her year since 1992. provide delicious and nutritious meals primary goal is to help people find jobs. This Who can attend camp? A total of eight ever yday. Due to its specialized camp will include assessing their skills and barriers to ten individuals with developmental package services, location and the unique to employment; referring them to education disabilities usually attend this camp. cultural and educational activities, the Old opportunities, job training and supportive Minto Camp was chosen for the past six services; and monitoring their progress. Campers must already be eligible for the DD Program through the State of Alaska years. The DD program and the Cultural Susan is a “new” Alaskan. She relocated Heritage & Educational from Connecticut in May of this year and is application process. Institute (CHEI) staff happy to finally realize her dream of working Developmental The goal is to provide a and living in Fairbanks. She has worked in Disabilities can include create a specifically tailored community relations and communications Downs Syndrome, setting for children and camp agenda to meet the for the past 17 years. She has a Bachelors Cerebral Palsy, Fragile young adults with needs of children and young degree in Sociology from Eastern Connecticut X Syndrome, Muscular adults with moderate to State College and a Masters degree in disabilities an severe disabilities. Communications from New York Institute of Technology. Dystrophy, Fetal opportunity to Susan is single. Her hobbies include travel, photography, reading, crocheting and Alcohol Syndrome and Who does the DD keeping in touch with distant friends. You can contact Susan toll-free at 800-478-6822 or Mental Retardation. experience culturally program collaborate with? locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3457 or email [email protected]. Campers can come appropriate activities The DD program staff, Amanda Race, works with from villages in the that will impart a New Remote Maintenance Worker TCC Region as well as several organizations to Delta Junction and sense of make camp happen My name is Greg Ratzlaff and I started Healy. The family including CHEI, Laidlaw working as a Remote Maintenance Worker accomplishment and ultimately decides if bus transportation, TCC on September 1st. I’ll be traveling to Alatna, belonging that will Travel, Ann’s Beads & Allakaket, Birch Creek, Circle, Healy Lake, their child can attend Hughes, Rampart, Ruby and Tanacross to and they offer a camp follow them back to Things, and Fred Meyer assist and encourage the Water Treatment counselor’s name to their communities. West. operators with their task of providing quality work with their child, or Who provides funding water to their communities. Doing this kind a family member can attend if they prefer. for camp? Part of the camp is annualized in of work has been a dream of mine for many What is the goal of camp? The goal is the TCC Community Developmental years. to provide a setting for children and young Disabilities Program Grant by the Division I grew up in Wasilla and graduated high adults with disabilities an opportunity to of Senior & Disability Services. The school in 1980. I got my start with Water experience culturally appropriate activities additional costs used to complete activities Treatment in Unalaska, on the Aleutian that will impart a sense of accomplishment are extra funds available from the current Chain. The last six years, I worked in the and belonging that will follow them back to fiscal year grant. Ann’s Bead & Things and Gold rush City of Nome treating the water Fred Meyer West have generously given the for Nome Joint Utility Systems. their communities. Elders teach Native crafts and customs using techniques from DD program a 10% discount for several My wife, Brenda and I just purchased a their villages. Safety issues are also years. home in North Pole, where our daughter Sarah is a freshman in high school. Our addressed; such as fire, water, boat, camp For more information about the DD oldest daughter Rachel is married and also and personal safety. All campers and Program, please contact Amanda Race, DD lives in North Pole with her husband Jake, and our favorite (only) granddaughter, Halee. working staff are encouraged or taught to Care Coordinator, toll-free at 800-478-6822 Tanana Chiefs Conference is a great group of people, and I want to thank everyone respect each other, Elders, visitors and or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3231 or for the open arms welcoming me to be a part of this family. You can contact me toll-free animals while at camp. email [email protected]. at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3266 or email Who helps at camp? Elders and Camp [email protected]. Counselors provide cultural education PAGE 6 • THE COUNCIL • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE Littering and Recycling New Administrative Assistant at By Sue Hollingsworth, Tribal Court Facilitator, Tribal Development The TCC Resolution #2004-17 Stop Littering and Start Recycling was sponsored by Family Services the Youth Delegation. Our staff have been gathering information from subregional offices My name is Rosemary Bierfreund and I’ve on what is needed in the villages to help strengthen this resolution. The following is the recently been hired as an Administrative information gathered so far. Assistant for Family Services. Before this, I One of the biggest obstacles to implementing actual recycling programs is that IGAP worked for over two years as an Early monies do not provide operational costs for recycling programs in the villages. Galena Childhood Educator at Denaake’ Saakkaayye staff identified the following needs: (TCC’s employee daycare) with children ages six weeks to five years, until the facility closed • Operational costs, including personnel to collect recycled materials and vehicles for recycled materials collection; in August. I’ve also been a Preschool Teacher, Postal Worker, Data Entry Clerk in Prudhoe • Shelters for recycling cans, plastic bottles and bags, computers, and aluminum; Bay, Full Charge Bookkeeper, Personal • Means of transporting recycled materials to hub villages. Secretary and Sales Assistant. My There was the suggestion that there be subregional recycling collections where recycled responsibilities include answering incoming materials are transferred to hub villages. Once collected in the hub villages, these materials phone calls; distributing mail and faxes; and would be transported to Fairbanks semi-annually. full clerical support for Don, including taking minutes at meetings, correspondence, grant Gerald Sam, IGAP personnel for the Fairbanks subregion, reported that the most common method of reducing waste is by burning the waste. Villages do this several ways; proposal assistance, travel arrangements, and more. open burning at the landfill, burning waste in home-made 55 gallon burn barrels and by the use of a burn box. He reported that Tanana does some recycling. Currently Tanana is I was born and raised in Australia and trying to ship out three fish totes of lead acid batteries and have a collection of aluminum moved to Fairbanks in 1981. I have 5 children, 3 boys and 2 girls ages 9-19, and a cans located through out the community but have not shipped them out. granddaughter who is 2-years-old. I enjoy traveling, gatherings with family and friends, Manley Hot Springs utilizes the burn box system in the sanitary land fill. There are going to my children’s sporting events, boating, camping, fishing, snow machining. I love two large burning boxes (huge barrel stoves) that burnable trash is placed in by residents. Alaska, and especially enjoy when family and friends come to visit and I can share this There is a person in charge of burning these barrels and dumping the burned trash into great State with them. You can contact me toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452- the current pit. (The burn box is on a hinge to facilitate the dumping of the burned 8251 ext. 3230 or email [email protected]. contents.) Burning the trash before dumping it in the pits has saved much space in the pits. There are several areas of the land fill designated for specific types of trash, such as a fish pit, large metal items area, and aluminum can recycle bin. Goods that are recyclable New Family Services File Clerk are set aside for others to use, though there is no covered area for these items. My name is Arlene Langworthy, and I am the new Vickie Thomas is the Environmental Manager for Fort Yukon. The Fort Yukon File Clerk for ASAP, in Family services. Most recently, I recycling program started in 1996 and has implemented several great ideas. There is a ban on plastic bags in the village, and the Tribe supplied all of the community members with was an Offfice Manager’s Assistant for the Alaska Legal canvas shopping bags. The Tribe started collecting used clothing and appliances and Services. Before that I worked as the Meals on Wheels/ opened a store to recycle these items. The tribal offices and recycle center are heated by Outreach worker for the North Star Council on Aging. waste oil using a burner that was obtained through a grant from the Alaska Native Health Working for ASAP will be a great learning experience as Board, yet they still sent 63 drums of waste oil last year out of the village. They have used innovative thinking to rid the village of used vehicle batteries by sending them into Fairbanks I help clients with information and services. via an empty charter plane. I have lived in Alaska for a long time and plan to Chalkyitsik recycles aluminum and back-hauls it on planes to Fairbanks. They have live here for a lot longer, as I love it here. Enjoy working, just started a vehicle battery recycling program, and are in the process of getting a new and will probably never retire. You may reach Arlene landfill. toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 Let us know what your village is doing to reduce litter and to recycle usable materials. Contact Sue Hollingsworth toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3273 ext. 3194 or email [email protected]. or by email at [email protected] and your information will be shared with the region in a future edition of The Council. YOUTH EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING

Did your son, daughter, brother, sister, or friend, Future Leader for Alaska do something amazing and you got it on film? By Lena J. Aloysius, Holy Cross Youth Opportunity Grant Youth Send it in for the 2005 TCC/Doyon Calendar. Imagine living where the air is so fresh you can almost taste it. Imagine living where wild animals wander through Contact the editor for instructions. your back yard. Imagine living in a place where all 250 neighbors know each other. Most of all, imagine living in a close-knit community with strong ties to Alaska Native cultural traditions. Most people have never heard of Holy Cross, Alaska, but this is where I am from. I was raised in Alpar Litter Patrol Holy Cross- a diminutive village located on the broad, muddy Yukon River. Growing up in a subsistence lifestyle, By Felecia Chase, Sakkaay Neelyik Kk’ Onheedineeyh there was much hunting in the fall and winter and fishing Youth Council Member, McGrath in the summer. I am an Ingalik Athabascan and I greatly I have been working on the value my traditions. I have taken bilingual classes in my Alpar Litter Patrol for the TCC Native language of Deg Xinag and sang and danced Environmental program in traditional songs all my life. McGrath for a month now. My Considering that I have grown up in a rural village, I supervisor is Tonya Vanderpool. have a clear understanding of the struggles of my people. There is alcohol and drug abuse that torment the Alaska Natives, which remains a barrier We patrol different parts of town cleaning up trash and for them. Growing up and watching this misery circulate throughout my village made me want to stand up for our rights and help others within my community. Consequently, I sorting out aluminum cans to be recycled. We are required to wear decided to become a Native Rights Lawyer. neon green vests so that we are Within my village, I accumulated many hours of community service helping and visible to all traffic when cleaning communicating with the Tribal and City Council. I contributed my time to find help for the roads. the youth to stay off drugs and still have a great time. Yearly, I participate on the council to There was a lot of garbage organize a “Culture Camp” for the Junior and High School students. This camp enables them to have a better understanding to their culture which they are able to hold onto for when we first started! We were filling three to four bags of trash a lifetime. They also are given the opportunity to communicate with the Elders and listen to their stories of the ‘old days.’ Felicia, or “Seesha,” as little sister Katie (in and one full bag of aluminum front) calls her. cans. All of this was collected from I attended Mt. Edgecumbe High School, a boarding school of excellence, where I cleaning only a couple miles of the participated in many extracurricular activities and held positions as officers in clubs and road. organizations. When we are done patrolling, we haul the bags of garbage to the dump and give Along with participating in clubs and organizations, I have had the opportunity to the aluminum cans to the Teen Center for their recycling program. Then we write a work in numerous career fields. Starting at the age of twelve as a childcare provider for my daily report. In the report we record how many bags of garbage and aluminum cans cousin gave me a feel for being responsible. I was then hired as the local grocery store clerk, were collected, how much the bag(s) weighed, how many miles we cleaned, and the which broadened my communication skills. As I matured I got a chance to work with my areas of town we cleaned. regional hospital, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation as an Administrative Assistant Since we began, we have cleaned most of the roads in McGrath- some roads for two summers, assisting patients, filling records and entering electronic data. more than once. We even cleaned up the dumping area at the town dump. Through these activities I have proven to myself that I have the ability to be a leader. Unfortunately, when we go back out to patrol, there is more litter along the roads. I want to be a leader for my people. I will succeed and not just by words, people will get People just do not get the point of the “no littering” signs. The job will last until the nowhere by words, I will take people to destinations by action. I will follow my heart and end of September. We work two hours a day, three days a week. reach for the stars. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 • THE COUNCIL • PAGE 7 YOUTH EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING “Corn on the Job”…Employment & Training Career Corner booth wins top prize at Fair Mechanical Engineering: a diverse job By Casey Hann, Manager, Youth Employment and Training By Casey Hann, Manager, Youth Employment and Training Once again, the Employment and Training Department has a booth at the fair showcasing all of our services. We even have employers visiting our booth, conducting Would you like to be a Mechanical Engineer? Mechanical engineers are curious interviews, and talking about employment opportunities. It has been a great success and about how things are made and work. They have a desire to solve problems and a more than a little bit…corny! talent for understanding the operation of mechanical devices. They enjoy mathematics, Each year, the fair chemistry and physics; these are some of the tools used in the mechanical engineering designates a theme for vendors profession. and exhibitors to follow in Mechanical engineers research, develop, design, manufacture, and test tools, decorating their booths. The engines, machines, and other mechanical devices. They work on power-producing various booths are then judged machines such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and and an overall winner is selected gas turbines. They also develop power-using machines such as refrigeration and air- for best reflecting the theme. conditioning equipment, machine tools, material handling systems, elevators and This year, the theme of the Fair escalators, industrial production equipment, and robots used in manufacturing. was “Corn to be Wild.” We Mechanical engineers also design tools that other engineers need for their work. The decided to take this theme and field of nanotechnology, which involves the creation of high-performance materials join it with the mission of our and components by integrating atoms and molecules, is introducing entirely new department and created our principles to the design process. booth theme of “Corn-on-the- Job.” Thanks to the creativity Youth Employment Specialist Kim Carlo at the Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Mechanical and effort of our team, our “Corn on the Job” fair booth. engineers may work in production operations in manufacturing or agriculture, booth took top honors and created quite a buzz. maintenance, or technical sales; many are administrators or managers. The booth wallpaper had bright yellow corn printed onto sheets of paper. Hanging Sound interesting? Contact the Youth Employment and Training Department to from the walls were the names of various programs and services offered with “Corn on learn more! What are you waiting for? the Job” centered on the back wall. The main attraction was a video produced by Adam Demientieff, Youth Services Coordinator, which showed a series of slides featuring an ear of corn working in many job settings. Some slides depicted the ear of corn on a space AmeriCorps*TCCC Program shuttle mission, working a farm, a construction site and even standing next to the president. The slide show was complimented with the song “Born To Be Wild.” Whenever the Now accepting applications line “born to be wild” was sung, the word “born” was replaced by “corn” in a funny high- pitched voice. This voice was actually Adam’s voice at a high speed. Needless to say, Adam’s Are you an Alaska Native or Native American, between ages of18-26 who are dedicated, skills in video editing and the creative efforts of the entire department paid off. If you wish drug- and alcohol-free, and interested in serving communities and villages for 10 months to see this video, contact Adam Demientieff toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at while earning a $4,725 education award for training, vocational school, or college? (907) 452-8251 at ext. 3410. We can send you a copy on DVD. Tribal Civilian Community Corps provides room and board, a living allowance, Fair-goers were entertained by the booth and employers and job-seekers learned college credits, and teaches living skills and GED training. about the wide-range of services offered by the For information call Daylinda Griffith, Recruiter, toll-free at 800-478-6822 ext. 3738. Employment & Training Department. If you’re outside of Alaska, call 800-770-8251 ext. 3738. Applications may also be picked up Congratulations to the entire Employment and at the TCC building in Fairbanks, Alaska. Go online to: Training Team for their creative efforts and for winning top honors at the fair. www.tananachiefs.org/client/americorps/tccc_index.htm.

My summer at the Our Employment booth was the recipient of the 2004 Best Booth Award. Rural Alaska Honors Institute Youth learn resume skills By Victoria Nathaniel, Youth Council By Rachel Graybeal, Youth Employment Services Coordinator

My name is Victoria Nathaniel and I Often, job seekers underestimate the important role a resume plays in gaining serve on TCC’s Youth Council, Sakkaay employment. For some, the idea of creating a resume can be intimidating. On Friday, Neelyik Kk’ Onheedineeyh. I am from Circle, August 13, Youth Employment Services (YES) facilitated a resume-writing workshop for Alaska and my parents are Laura Nathaniel- sounded, and people were available to help young people in the Fairbanks area. During the three and a half-hour session, the youth Crow and John Carroll Sr. of Circle. My with the class work whenever needed. The learned resume writing techniques and worked on their own resumes. Computers were mom’s parents are Loraine Nathaniel of first week felt like the worst, but it improved. available for the youth to begin their resume, and they were able to receive feedback from Circle and Ronald Rodrique from Alberta, RAHI was full of experiences that were all YES staff. Canada. My dad’s parents are Albert and fun in their own way. Alice Carroll Sr. of Circle. A resume is the first impression for a potential employer, and it can be a very powerful Our schedules were usually booked tool in job-seeking. The workshop included food and door prizes, which the youth Going to school during summer really with fun stuff to do, there was rarely a appreciated. For youth who were unable to attend, we will be offering more workshops in does not seem all that exciting to any junior moment when we found ourselves “bored.” the future. or senior in high school. The summer break We went camping at Twin Bears, hiking, is supposed to be spent relaxing and having white water rafting, shopping, some people Chantele fun. Doing extra school work is not all that went on a 30-mile bike ride, running in the Schoefield, great. This is what was going through my Midnight Sun Run, and much more. Evelyn Baldwin, head when I found out that I was accepted Although, I must admit that it was not all Rachel Graybeal, fun and games, the work that we had to do to the Rural Alaska Honors Institute Jasmine James, (RAHI) during a trip to Florida in April. I for some of the classes was not always easy Sherine Titus, had many doubts about attending, but I and adjusting ourselves to “college life” was took the chance and left for the university not either. Many of us had to learn what Diva Folger, and in Fairbanks. Luckily, I was not sent to suffer budgeting our money and time Jessica Smith . on my own because Jamie Marunde, who management meant, the hard way. serves on the Sakkaay Neelyik Kk’ I would definitely recommend this Onheedineeyh Youth Council with me and experience to anyone who is either a junior is from Northway, was accepted as well! or a senior in high school and are planning RAHI was far from what I had expected. to attend college. I learned a great deal and I was not only earning college credits, but I earned eight college credits to prove it. met plenty of interesting people. The classes were not as nerve-damaging as they Call us toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251. Go to www.tananachiefs.org AmeriCorps/VISTA Youth Employment Tribal Civilian Community Youth Opportunity Grant Services Corps Through VISTA and Village Empowers Native youth facing barriers to Based in Nenana, we provide Promotes self-esteem and self AmeriCorp, TCC offers a variety of employment by providing work opportunities for members to travel to determination through a culturally opportunities for participants to serve experience, training and educational perform service projects, gain work appropriate program of education, and strengthen Alaska Native opportunities designed to foster world- experience, increase cultural awareness training, occupational experiences and communities. of-work skills. and 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 PAGE 8 • THE COUNCIL • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 HEALTH New Assistant Manager at Women, Living Wills, Durable Power of Infants, Children Food Program Attorneys & Comfort One The Women, Infants, and Children’s *By Charlotte Davis, Registered Nurse, Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center Elders Program (WIC) Program would like to welcome *This is a revised article from August 2003 Ginger Jenkins, WIC Program Assistant Manager. She has worked on and off for Living wills provide instructions to medical staff and your family about your wishes Tanana Chiefs Conference in various for medical care. A living will guides your family and medical staff should you have a departments over the past 10 years. disease that the doctors can’t cure or change. In a living will, you outline your wishes about Last year she completed the WIC machines and procedures that keep you alive. This is a written, legal document. If you Certified Professional Authority Nutrition change your mind about the living will you can take it back in writing or verbally at any Training Program. Her job is to provide time. Two witnesses not related to you must sign your living will or you may have it quality WIC services to women, infants, and notarized. children. This includes conducting nutrition A Durable Power of Attorney states your choice of a person or persons (agents) who assessments, offering referrals, and ensuring WIC participants receive their free can make decisions about medical care for you when you cannot. On this document, you healthy foods. indicate the level of medical care that you do or do not want. It is best to have a living will and a durable power of attorney. You cannot choose your doctor, employees of your Feel free to contact her with any doctor, or any employee of a hospital or nursing home to be your durable power of questions toll-free at 800-478-6822 or attorney agent. Family members or close friends are great choices. Be sure the persons locally at (907) 451-6682 ext. 3778 or stop you choose understand what you want and can follow your wishes. It is important to by the WIC office located on the 3rd floor of Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center. choose more than one person in case the first person cannot make decisions for you. Be sure to ask these people in advance if they will serve as your agent. Each agent must get a copy of your notarized Durable Power of Attorney. You may change it or take it back at any time as long as you are still mentally competent. Charlene Malemute leads way Comfort One is a program for those who are terminally ill and do not want life saving measures when their lungs and heart stop working. Only your medical doctor can for healthy lifestyles provide the form, wallet card, and bracelet for the Comfort One. A person who has a By John Martin, Physical Activities Coordinator, Diabetes Program Comfort One will not receive any extraordinary care if their breathing or heart stops. The medical staff will provide every ‘comfort’ treatment that is needed. At 22, Charlene Malemute is a graduate You can seek advice about these advance directives from your primary care provider. from Washington State University with a You must be 18 years old, mentally competent and cannot have a guardian to do an Bachelor’s of Science degree in Microbiology. advance directive. She is currently working towards a career in It is very important to give copies of these forms to family, friends, hospital and your medicine with a future desire to return to Alaska doctor. You should store them in a safe place but NOT in a safety deposit box and you as a doctor and work for the Alaska Native should carry a copy with you when you travel. Medical Center in Anchorage. She graduated For information and forms for Living Wills, Durable Power of Attorneys or Comfort from Monroe Catholic High School and has One contact the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center Admissions and Registration office played softball for the past ten years, including toll-free at 800-478-6682 or (907) 451-6682. You may also contact Michelle Coe, RN, four years of fast-pitch. Her parents are Jimmy CAIHC at 451-6682, ext. 3776 or TCC Home Care at 452-8251, ext. 3440 if you would like and Josephine Malemute from Galena. assistance in completing any of these forms. Charlene developed a Youth Softball Camp for Ruby, Koyukuk, Alatna /Allakaket, Huslia and Nulato which was held June 1-20, through TCC Dental Travel Schedule support from the TCC Diabetes Physical Activities Program. The majority of the youth were between 8-12-years-old. About10-20 October-November youth attended the camp and were taught about healthy eating, safe exercise, and disease 18-22 Anaktuvuk Pass prevention through fundamentals of softball. They came away with the main lesson that 18-22 Tanana most chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes may be prevented by 18-22 Galena living a healthy lifestyle, which should be taught at a young age. These young people For more information, 25-29 Tanana became the role models for their siblings, parents, and Elders. Charlene met her goal of call toll-free 25-29 Anaktuvuk Pass having the children learn healthy habits through her softball camps. The softball camps 800-478-6822 or 25-29 Minto were very successful and supported by local volunteer coaches and family members. locally (907) 452-8251 Nov. 1-5 Galena ext. 3200. 1-5 Minto 1-5 Tanana

Featured Vegetable/Fruit of the Month: Cruciferous Cabbage Nutrition and Health Apple-Cabbage Slaw Cabbage is a good source of vitamins 3 cups shredded cabbage A and C, and fiber. Allakaket youth enjoyed pitching at the camp. 2 cups diced apples Cabbage is very low in calories; 1 cup 1 cup sliced celery 1 of finely shredded raw cabbage has only /2 cup thinly-sliced onion rings 22 calories. Pineapple Yogurt Dressing Cabbage is also a cruciferous Pineapple-Yogurt Dressing 1 vegetable, which can help to prevent /3 cup plain low fat yogurt certain kinds of cancer. 2 tablespoons pineapple juice 1 Selection /4 teaspoon mustard 1 Choose round, firm heads with /8 teaspoon celery seeds tightly packed leaves (some may still have Combine cabbage, apples, celery, and their loose outer leaves). The cabbage onions. In a separate bowl combine all Koyukuk youth worked hard learning many valuable techniques for head leaves should be crisp not wilted. ingredients for Pineapple-Yogurt softball. Storage dressing. Gently toss slaw with dressing. Cabbage can be stored for several Makes 6 servings. months in a cool place with high Birth Control and its many forms humidity, such as a crawl space or root Pills aren’t just for birth The Skin Patch cellar. Cabbage can also be stored up to a For more information, contact week, unwashed and uncut, in a plastic Renee Legan, Registered Dietitian, control anymore Birth control now comes in a patch! bag in the refrigerator crisper. WIC Coordinator, WIC Program, The patch is worn on the skin and is Birth control pills and patches are also Preparation Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center used for keeping periods regular and changed weekly. It helps women who have trouble remembering to take a pill everyday. Remove and throw out the outer toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at treating conditions like acne, premenstrual Check with your health care provider or leaves; wash remaining cabbage head. (907) 451-6682 ext. 3778 or e-mail syndrome, or ceasing vaginal bleeding. A pharmacist for more information. Call toll- Cabbage can be eaten raw, cooked, or [email protected]. pelvic exam is not necessary to begin the free 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 451- fermented into sauerkraut. pill. 6682 ext. 3670 to speak with a nurse today. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 • THE COUNCIL • PAGE 9 HEALTH TCC welcomes Indian Health Office of Service visitors Environmental Health By Susie Frantz, Executive Secretary, Health Services Dr. Charles Grim, Indian Health Service (HIS) Director, Chris Mandregan, Alaska Water Treatment and Water Distribution Area Native Health Service Director and Dr. Kenneth Glifort, Deputy Director/Chief Medical Officer of the Alaska Area Native Health Service visited TCC on August 2. Operator In Training Class Our IHS visitors were able to see how the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center (CAIHC) operates and get feedback on how recent developments and improvements in the IHS resource patient management system are benefiting CAIHC services. Transition from paper to electronic health records was also reviewed. TCC was selected as 1 of 22 beta test sites for implementation of the electronic health record this year. Benefits to this are Water plant unlimited technical support and more time efficient transfer of health records between operators toured the programs and thru the billing process. Hopes are the electronic health record will improve North Pole Water patient waiting times in the various clinics and in pharmacy. Diabetes, a nationwide health Treatment Plant during issue and CAIHC efforts in Diabetes prevention and management were also shared. the August 6-8 class in Fairbanks. At a luncheon TCC President, Harold “Buddy” Brown welcomed and introduced various local partners and leaders in health care. Fairbanks Memorial Hospital Administrator, Mike Powers shared Fairbanks Memorial Hospital’s partnering efforts with CAIHC and Denali Center and the cultural activities they assist in promoting. Other partners in attendance were Shirley Lee, Fairbanks Native Association Executive Director and Josephine Huntington, TCC Health Services Director. Dr. Michael Kwasinski, TCC Dental Director and Dr. Charles Jaworski, TCC Eye Clinic Director reviewed the services Top: Paul Trissell, their clinics provide in Fairbanks and in the villages. Rita Ellington, Graf Rheeneerhaanjii North Pole Operator; Director shared information about their 3-12 month adolescent residential treatment Brian Henry, Sr., program. Dr. Grim was presented with gifts by the Graf Rheeneerhaanjii students, which Allakaket; Tim they made in the few shorts days prior to his arrival. Dr. Grim was honored to receive a Anderson, Instructor hand made birch bark tent village, diamond willow walking stick, Diamond Willow talking from the Alaska stick, beaded leather gloves, and three jars of smoked salmon. The audience was impressed Training and with the hand made gifts and the presentation made by the Graf students and their Technical Assistance Cultural Coordinator, Mary Doppler. Center (ATTAC); and After the luncheon, the group flew to Huslia, having an opportunity to view the clinic Dane Lyons, Cold and sanitation facilities constructed with IHS funding. Ginger Attla, Tribal Family Youth Bay. Left to right: Dane Lyons, Cold Bay; Edward Evans, Specialist, Cecelia Nollner, Huslia Elders Center Cook, Elsie Vent, City Administrator and Galena; Brian Henry, Sr., Allakaket; Paul Trissell, Mary Ann Sam, CHA were gracious hosts while in Huslia. Dr. Grim was able to review North Pole Operator; Tim Anderson, Instructor from plans for Huslia’s new village clinic. The village is in the beginning stages of construction ATTAC and kneeling Mitchell Ned, Arctic Village. on their clinic which was recently approved by the Denali Commission. Huslia also has a 30 year old water plant which is in constant need of repair. Dr. Grim has been made aware that due to current regulations they are ineligible for further water/sewer funding because they already have running water. Hopes are changes in regulations will assist in bringing Merlan Ellis retires improvements to their water plant. By Matilda Dayton, Program Assistant, Health Services After being an integral part of Chief Isaac Health Center for almost 20 years. New Senior Andrew Isaac Health Center’s leadership for “His knowledge of Contract Health issues the past 19 years, Merlan Ellis has cannot be duplicated. He will be missed announced his retirement in September because of his Contract Health experience, Environmental Engineer 2004. dedication to TCC, professionalism, Sherri Hadley came on board at the humor, caring, attitude towards staff and Office of Environmental Health in June 2004 Merlan retired from the United States as a Senior Environmental Engineer. She Army in 1984 as a Lieutenant Colonial. In patients, and his desire to make a difference.” recently came to Fairbanks from Anchorage May 1985, he started working at Chief Merlan was recognized nationally in where she was a design and construction Andrew Isaac Health Center as 1989 when he was awarded the engineer at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Director of Contract Health, “Indian Health Service Consortium. While at the consortium, she a position he held until his Superior Management worked directly with villages in the Yukon retirement. Merlan obtained a Awar d.” He t ravel t o Kuskokwim, Bristol Bay and Kodiak Bachelor’s of Science in Washington D.C., where he Regions assisting villages with their water Nursing from Idaho State was presented the award by and sewer improvement priorities. University and a Master’s in the former Direc tor, Eve rett e Before coming to Alaska, Sherri owned Public Health from the Rhoades. and operated an asphalt paving company University of North Carolina Mr. Ellis said that since he for 12 years, working in road construction at Chapel Hill. has been with TCC, he has for over 16 years. In 1998 she returned to Mr. Ellis plans to spend seen “tremendous growth and school and received a BS in Civil Engineering time with his wife of 45 years, sophistication in all aspects of from the University of Cincinnati. Sherri Diane, and extended family business, intercultural looks forward to using her experience to which consists of their two activities, leadership strength, provide technical assistance to village utilities children, 11 grandchildren and five great- and the organization’s continued dedication and to assist TCC villages with capacity grandchildren. He is very involved with The to the individual beneficiary.” He said his development. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. greatest contribution, in addition to In her spare time, she enjoys many outdoor activities and is an old-time fiddler. You He also plans to continue with his scuba managing Contract Health, has been may contact Sherri toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3434 or by business and travel wherever it takes him. “setting a milieu to foster self-esteem, email at [email protected]. Mr. Ellis shared his enthusiasm for the individual growth, and task ownership underwater world with hundreds of scuba through delegated responsibility with New Pharmacy Technician students. He will receive international authority. This has fostered team building recognition as a scuba instructor this and valuable contributions by all who work, My name is Tracy Kado and I have October when he reaches the level of Master or have worked in Contract Health.” Merlan recently been hired as a pharmacy technician. Instructor with the Professional Association says what he will miss most is the close It’s our responsibility to enter prescriptions of Dive Instructors (PADI). Scuba diving association with a truly dedicated group of that have been screened by pharmacists. We has taken him to many exotic places such TCC co-workers and friends and the many fill each prescription so that another as the Bahamas, Central America, Fiji, patients he has been honored to serve. He pharmacist can re-screen and distribute each said he will sadly pass on the many hats he South Pacific, Micronesia, Australia, British prescription to patients. It’s very technical and Columbia, and many other places. wears to “a dedicated Contract Health staff that cannot be equaled.” requires a lot of detail and repetition but I’m Jim Kohler, Director, Chief Andrew enjoying it very much. Everyone is very nice Isaac Health Center said that Mr. Ellis has and helpful. strongly supported TCC and Chief Andrew I was born in Barrow, Alaska and raised in Kaktovik (Barter Island) until I was six- years-old. Our family moved to Hawaii and Breastfeeding and Alcohol I’ve been there until recently moving to Women who are breastfeeding should not drink alcohol or take street drugs until Fairbanks. A year ago I married my husband, their babies are weaned; alcohol goes into the breastmilk and may cause brain damage Thad, in Hawaii. We have three furry kids- when the mother drinks a lot. cats that we treat like babies. PAGE 10 • THE COUNCIL • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 NEWS FOR OUR PEOPLE Demoski couple retires after Oral histories of Koyukon nearly 40 years Elders available on internet Originally from Anvik and a Doyon By Mike Spindler & Bruce Woods, Koyukuk/Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge Complex shareholder, Ernest Demoski Sr. retired from civil service after 34 years as a Water The oral histories of 24 Elders in the Koyukon Treatment Plant Operator at Fort Richardson region of western Interior Alaska are now available Army post in Anchorage, Alaska. He retired for use by researchers, educators and the public. while exceeding requirements and meeting The University of Alaska Oral History Program has Level IV status as an operator. He is also made it possible for internet users to hear the voices president of Deloy Ges, Incorporated, Anvik’s of Elders on their home or office computers. Dr. village corporation. William Schneider, Curator of Oral History at the His wife Lillian, originally from St. University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Rasmuson George in the Pribilof Islands, retired from Library, said “The Elders and professional researchers cooperated at many levels so that these the Federal Aviation Association after almost Marge Attla 40 years working as a contracting officer. The stories could live on and be shared with a wider couple plans to take a leisurely trip down the audience.” Yukon River by boat and participate in the The project began in 1995 when a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist stationed in Athens Marathon in Athens, Greece as a part Galena, Mike Spindler, decided to investigate traditional knowledge as part of a wildlife Ernest Demoski Sr. and wife Lillian. of a Diabetes prevention team. The couple study to determine why the white-fronted goose population had declined along the has two grown sons and one grand-daughter, Koyukuk. Spindler asked Elders to recall and describe goose abundance and habitat all of whom live in the Lower 48. conditions, information which was not available from other sources because no formal waterfowl studies had occurred in the area before the 1950’s. Spindler later expanded the project by interviewing Elders who were known as subsistence experts in each of the Courtney Moore is villages along the lower Koyukuk and middle Yukon Rivers. Between 1995 and 2003, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff interviewed these Elders about their subsistence use of wildlife and fish species using a standardized questionnaire, but the Elders had more to Miss WEIO offer: “Most of the Elders really wanted to share their stories. This program has developed By Rhonda Joseph, Office Manager, World Eskimo Indian Olympics into a model of how people can work together to combine western science and traditional knowledge to better our understanding of subsistence,” said Spindler. The World Eskimo Indian Olympics is proud Happily, the project also coincided with a need for locally-originated programming to announce the winner of the 2004 Miss WEIO at the regional public radio station, KIYU, in Galena. Working together, U.S. Fish and Pageant. Courtney J. Moore accepted the crown Wildlife and KIYU used the 24 Elders’ interviews to produce 371 episodes of Raven’s Story, and sash on Friday, July 23, 2004 during the a continuing series of short stories tailor-made to air on KIYU and several other public coronation event at the Big Dipper Ice Arena in radio stations in Alaska. Raven’s Story documents Elders’ stories, observations, and Fairbanks. Moore represented her community of experiences relating to wildlife, fish and subsistence in the Koyukon Region. KIYU General Tanana with the title of Miss Nuchalawoyya. Manager Shadow Steel lauded the program: “It’s truly priceless. Raven’s Story is an Moore is the daughter of Patrick and Lorene invaluable resource for KIYU, and all Community Radio of Alaska stations, in our efforts Moore of Tanana. She graduated high school in to keep Alaska Native stories and knowledge alive and on the airwaves.” May of 2002 from the Maudrey J. Sommer School, Schneider’s Oral History Collections staff recently cooperated with KIYU public radio also in Tanana. She has attended the University of and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to complete the final stage of the project to archive Alaska Anchorage and Fairbanks and will continue the original tapes and provide for Internet distribution of the sound recordings. Schneider her education to receive a degree in Biological said “Oral history projects often just end when the tape recorder is shut off. We don’t want Sciences. She is currently serving an internship with oral history tapes just to sit on a shelf and the University of Alaska, Fairbanks studying deteriorate. Raven’s Story found a way to reindeer and caribou. extend the Elders’ accounts. Thanks to this Moore carries on her Native Culture and collaborative effort initiated by the Fish and family traditions of sewing, beading and Wildlife Service, we now can preserve these participating in subsistence activities. For the talent accounts and make them accessible in ways portion of the competition, Moore presented a that easily reach folks where they live and hair barrette, a knife sheath and a baby bonnet, all work.” To hear the Raven’s Story interviews, made with moose hide and decorated with simply go to the UAF Rasmuson Library’s beadwork. Moore tied with Megan Alvanna- “project jukebox” website http:// Stimpfle, of Nome, for the Most Talented award. www.uaf.edu/library/jukebox and select Moore goes fishing, hunting, dog mushing and berry picking. She also sings and goes to “Projects Currently Online.” Copies of the potlatches. The Native foods that are prepared in her home are soup, salmon strips, dried recordings are also available at the Alaska meat and fish ice cream. and Polar Regions Department, Elmer Moore would like to attend the Gathering of the Nations Powwow in Albuquerque, Rasmuson Library, University of Alaska New Mexico to compete in the Miss Indian World Pageant in April 2005. Raffle fundraisers Fairbanks. For assistance on internet access, will be held to subsidize the cost of her trip. contact Marla Statscewich at (907) 474- 6672, and for copies contact Robyn Russell The World Eskimo Indian Olympics would also like to recognize those who also at (907) 474-6773. placed in the pageant. The first runner up is Tina Harness, of Bethel, and second runner up is Megan Alvanna-Stimpfle, of Nome. The Miss Congeniality award went to Pauline The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the Nay, of Kotzebue; the Most Photogenic award went to Rebecca Cleary, of Tanacross; and principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, the Most Traditional award went to Megan Alvanna-Stimpfle, of Nome. For more Elder Henry Beetus information, contact the World Eskimo Indian Olympics office at (907) 452-6646, go wildlife and plants and their habitats for online to www.weio.org or email [email protected]. the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 95-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, which encompasses 544 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 69 national fish hatcheries, 63 Fish and Wildlife Management offices and 81 ecological services Walking Strong in McGrath field stations. The agency enforces federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species By Poppy Harris, Subregional Director, Upper Kuskokwim Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign governments with their McGrath held its first annual suicide prevention walk to raise awareness. Between conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Assistance program, which distributes parents, children and grandchildren, there were 30 participants that signed up and walked. hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies. For more information about the United States Fish and Wildlife We would like to thank all the walkers and the businesses that allowed them to join. We Service, visit our homepage at http://www.fws.gov. would also like to thank the different business who helped out: Kathy Snow, TCC McGrath office for the slush puppies and for setting up everything and registering people while I • University of Alaska, Fairbanks: William Schneider (907)474-7261 took pictures; MNVC for purchasing the hot dogs, buns, soda and charcoal; Mark Melton, • Untied States Fish & Wildlife: Mike Spindler (907)656-1231 Alaska Commercial store for the discount and the lighter fluid; Laural Baumgartner, Penn • KIYU: Shadow Steel (907) 656-1488 Air for cooking the hot dogs; Jim Vanderpool, Hotel McGrath B&B, for the use of the grill; • KUAC: Ann Dowdy (907) 474-1890 Holly Gibbens for the use of the tent; Alex Holmberg, United Utilities, for putting up the tent; Samantha Holmberg, SCF, for making the displays and informational hand outs; and the Camp Fire USA group that was here and walked with us. And last but not least, TCC and the Walking Strong Committee for the t- shirts, water bottles and most of all for taking the lead in bringing the problem of suicide out into the open to be discussed and to educate people of the importance of suicide prevention. McGrath youth participate in the Suicide Prevention Eliza and Benedict Jones Walk. Elder Lillian Olin SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 • THE COUNCIL • PAGE 11 NEWS FOR OUR PEOPLE Summer Smoke in Galena Depression and Suicide By Holly Evans, Galena/Anchorage Resident For some time, I have read articles from people who are hurt because they lost a loved one who took their own lives. Most people are aware that Alaska Natives have the highest rate for suicide. Isn’t it time that we quit talking about the statistics of suicide and try to do something to prevent it? Or do we want to continue to put the blame on other things when a person commits suicide such as, they were drinking, they were on drugs, or they were having relationship problems with their significant other and so forth? I personally believe that depression has a huge part in a Holly and person’s decision to commit suicide. five-year-old Sylvia Thurmond, who took this picture, son CJ. said “The fire was a deliberate burn by the Everyone has known me to be this happy Bureau of Land Management across the and outgoing person who loves to laugh and make other people laugh. For unknown river from Galena. It burned approximately reasons, I suffered from depression late last year. I didn’t really know what was going on 160,000 acres. With the setting sun behind for months and I kept thinking that things would get better and I’d get my lifestyle back to the smoke, it created the illusion that the normal. But it only got worse as time went by. I had this “I don’t care” attitude about my town was on fire. Ash was lightly falling on job, about raising my son, and about breaking up with my boyfriend before the holidays. people’s vehicles that were parked on the My feelings were down constantly. I would find myself laughing with co-workers in the dike watching it.” morning and then going to the restroom during lunch and crying. There were days before bedtime I would cover my tears so that my little boy wouldn’t see them. My attitude changed, my weight changed, and I couldn’t sleep well. Then I started having serious thoughts of suicide and that’s when I knew that I had to speak to someone about it. I thought really hard about my son, my friends, and my family. I couldn’t stand the thought of my son growing up without a mom and how much damage it would have on Parenting Video his future. I thought about my parents and would never want them to experience the loss By Heather Taggard, Project Assistant, 360 Productions of another child again. I finally broke down and called a good friend that I graduated from college with. He was the reason I built enough courage to go see a doctor and counselor. Families across Alaska will soon have that paid special attention to the needs of Had it not been for his friendship and advice, I’m not sure what would have happened the opportunity to watch a valuable new Alaskan families. and can only cringe at the poor choices I might have made otherwise. Athabascan parenting DVD thanks to a Using the Athabascan Values including After being diagnosed and on medication for a few months, my doctor said I was grant-funded project designed to teach respect for Elders and others, respect for better and took me off of them. I also learned that a few of my friends, both Native and family values in the Athabascan tradition. the land, love for children, honesty and non-Native, experienced depression in their lives at one point. Depression is nothing to be The video, entitled, “Ch’eghutsen, an fairness, humor, and responsibility to embarrassed about. I now understand first hand how life-threatening depression is. In Athabascan Parenting video,” emphasizes village among others, the video provides fact, I wish more people would be supportive to their family members or loved ones if raising a healthy family within the excellent resources for guiding families. they even think or suspect that the person is depressed. Some of the general symptoms traditional Athabascan Values set forth by “They’re core values for any family of any include: feeling constantly sad, hopelessness, guilt, lost of interest in your family or Elders from Interior villages. culture,” said Eggleston. “It’s all about being activities that you once enjoyed, sleep disturbances, and thoughts of suicide. Although The 45-minute DVD begins with an there for each other.” depression is an illness, it is treatable, and it’s only temporary! introduction by author Adeline Peter- In order to produce the video, Depression is twice as common in women as in men. Men are less likely to admit to Raboff from Arctic Village. She uses her own Eggleston called on director and editor, depression, and doctors are less likely to suspect it. The rate of suicide in men is four times life experience growing up in Fort Yukon to Odin Peter-Raboff, co-owner of 360 that of women, though more women attempt it. illustrate how families can overcome Productions and Youth Development stressful situations and grow together. Ways to help with depression include: medication; counseling; exercising; avoiding Specialist for Tanana Chiefs Conference. He alcohol, drugs and caffeine. Encouragement and support from concerned family members “Healthy families are the cornerstone jumped at the chance to help. and friends can make a huge difference! of a healthy, v ibrant community,” she said, “From the first visit I understood what It’s been almost a year since I was depressed and had those thoughts of suicide. emphasizing the Marilyn wanted,” responsibility of each Depression can sneak up and happen to anyone, men and women, young and old, Native “It’s a very strong word - said Peter-Raboff. or non-Native…anyone! The most important thing to remember is the way you choose Athabascan in “She wanted to honoring the spirit Ch’eghutsen’,” said Sarah Silas, to handle it! People can either seek counseling or see a doctor to fix the problem instead of make a culturally thinking suicidal thoughts or the long-term fix for a temporary solution, as I would call it. and traditions of from Minto. “It’s love. Not like relevant parenting Alaska Native in I’m thankful for good friends in my life and was able to re-focus on the things that make video using me happy and to spend time being a wonderful mom to my son. I hope this message order for the culture the word ‘worldly love,’ but parenting resources to survive. reaches many, especially with the fall season coming up. Statistics have shown that suicides very, very supreme love.” she had gathered.” occur in the fall and in the spring. I can only hope that many will benefit from reading this. By identifying Equipped with the causes of family stress, the producers of a list of questions provided by Eggleston, the video hope to help families relieve the Peter-Raboff headed to Huslia in February illness, abuse, and trouble that come from Nulato Suicide Prevention Walk 2003, where Jeneva Sam facilitated interviews By Kat Sam, Director of Human Services, Nulato Tribal Council everyday family functions and demanding with local families and found him a place to situations such as lack of work, relationship stay. After that, Peter-Raboff flew all the way problems, or seasonal depression. By On July 21 we went on our 1st Annual Suicide Prevention Walk in Nulato from 1-3 to San Francisco, Calif. to begin the editing pm, in 90-degree weather. There were a lot of participants who carried prevention signs caring for oneself, maintaining a healthy process. lifestyle and accepting love from friends and and words of wisdom made by the Nulato Tribal Staff. We started off at the Tribal Office, family, parents will be better able to give Working with top-notch producers walked down to the riverbank, walked back to the new town site, all the way up to the end love to children. helped Peter-Raboff make valuable editing of the road and then back down to the Tribal Office. This was a very successful walk decisions and realize what else was needed. because we had Elders, parents, and youth all “Walking Strong” together. This walk has In the heart of the video, Elders from brought Nulato even closer together as a family by chatting and laughing amongst each Minto, Huslia and other interior villages He went back to Minto for final interviews where Robin Frank and her other. We will continue to strive to survive because suicide is not the way to go, and God share their life experiences in raising strong will have our chosen day. We will be doing this suicide prevention walk on an annual basis. families. Chief Andy Jimmie, an Elder from brother Darrell took time on Darrell’s birthday to give him a ride to Old Minto Thank you to TCC for the water bottles and T-shirts, thanks to the Nulato Tribal Staff for Minto, said, “Hunting and fishing have organizing this walk, and a special thanks to all the participants. always been my favorite things to do, but where he talked to Robin Frank. when I do it with my parents it means a lot “It was right after completing the “God Bless Our Family” and all its members and friends; bind us together by your love. more.” project that I learned I was expecting to have Give us kindness and patience to support each other and wisdom in all we do. Let the gift of a son myself,” said Peter-Raboff with a smile. your peace come into our hearts and remain with us. May we rejoice in your blessings for all “Ch’egutsen’,” the title of the project, is our days. Amen a core value in the Athabascan way of life “Whatever I do for my next project I and a key element in raising children. better be careful,” he jokes. “Sometimes you “It’s a very strong word- Ch’eghutsen’,” can get too deeply involved with your said Sarah Silas, from Minto. “It’s love. Not projects. But in this case, it really helped like the word worldly love, but very, very me.” supreme love. That’s very important to The video was funded by a grant from show love to children, especially when the Alaska Children’s Trust. Parenting they’re small and growing up. If they know information was provided by the Resource they’re loved, they’ll pay more attention to Center for Parents and Children. A limited what you tell them. A little love will do great number of the videos are available on DVD and mighty things.” or VHS through RCPC until they run out. Planning and production of the video For more information or to order began about two years ago when Marilyn copies of the video contact RCPC at 1-800- Eggleston of the Resource Center for 969-7272 or visit www.rcpcfairbanks.org. Parents and Children received a grant from For more information, contact Heather the Alaska Children’s Trust to make a video Taggard at (907) 590-2081 or email [email protected]. PAGE 12 • T HE COUNCIL • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 NEWS FOR OUR PEOPLE Gulkana fire donations In the early morning (4:30 am) on August 15, a fire devastated the Sanford View Website for apartments in Gulkana Village. In the devastation, six families lost everything. Fortunately, there were no deaths or injuries. To help these families, the Gulkana Village Council issues Native American Soldiers a sincere plea to all organizations, communities, and the general public for any type of Please visit www.aicco.org/SOT/Troops.asp and you may add your loved ones donations (i.e. clothing, blankets, dry/canned food, toiletries, etc). Although any type of to the growing list of Native Americans deployed overseas. This website is for Letters donation is appreciated, the most needed are financial donations that will be used to establish temporary housing and to prepare these families for winter. All donations can be of support and care packages for the Native troops listed on the site. We have had delivered to the Gulkana Community Hall and any financial donations can be made to the support from Running Brave: Billy Mills and various Native female models from “Gulkana Fire Victims Fund” at the Wells Fargo Bank in Glennallen or can be mailed to rednations.com send out letters to the Native troops. the Gulkana Village Council, P.O. Box 254, Gakona, AK 99586. If you want, you may send me an e-mail with your loved one’s information to: [email protected]; include the soldier’s full name with title, tribal Huslia fire donations affiliation, home town and state, overseas contact address and e-mail address of soldier. Thank you for your continued support of the Native troops. From, Sherry There was a house fire recently in Girty, Creek-Cherokee Huslia, although no one was injured, two Clothing Sizes men are without househould and clothing Shoes: 9.5 and 10.5 items. If you are able, please mail any Pants: 32x32 for both Watershed Council holds donations to: Huslia Tribal Council, PO Shirts: 32 Box 70, Huslia, Alaska 99746. For more Socks: 9.5 and 10.5 leadership meeting information, call Vivian Bifelt at (907) 829- 2294 or Ginger Attla at (907) 829-2202. Coats: Large By Darcie Warden, Special Projects and Advocacy Coordinator Yukon, River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council

September is Alcohol & Drug Addiction The Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council (YRITWC) held its annual Leadership Meeting in Nenana, Alaska August 10-13. Consisting of Tribes and First Nations, Recovery Month the Board of Directors gathered to review and adopt long-term planning goals, review Alaska Governor Frank H. Murkowski also honor Alaska’s health care providers, consultation protocols, and introduce resolutions as well as review the progress on previous has issued an Executive Proclamation who dedicate their lives to the recovery resolutions. In attendance at the meeting were 35 Alaska tribes and First Nations with over designating September 2004 as Alcohol and process and to educating the public about 55 indigenous leaders and 25 guests. Further, delegates from Yukon Territory Premier Drug Addiction Recovery Month. He alcoholism, drug dependence and treatment Fentie’s office, Senator Ted Steven’s office and State Senator Ralph Seekins’ office also encourages all citizens to support men, issues.” showed their support by attending a portion of the meeting. women and youth who are in substance William Ho gan, D irec tor, D ivision of The Leadership Meeting in Nenana was a great success. YRITWC board members abuse recovery and treatment, and their Behavioral Health, encourages those who engaged in discussion around the organizational goals and adopted 11 long-term goals families. “Substance abuse affects are suffering from alcohol or other drug by consensus. The Alaska Region Director, Rob Rosenfeld, gave a progress report on work thousands of Alaskans of all ages, races, addiction to celebrate recovery month by related to resolutions and soon after that the floor opened up for new resolutions to be and ethnic backgrounds in all taking a first step towards their own introduced. One resolution was introduced and through a long discussion was signed by communities,” said Governor Murkowski. recovery. “Recovery is available to everyone- nine First Nations and Tribes and will be circulated by the YRITWC to indigenous “This month I urge you to encourage family all you have to do is ask,” said Hogan. governments that weren’t present. and friends, one by one, who have taken “There are likely people in your faith There was a discussion about including municipalities, state, and federal governments steps to recovery. Your support makes a community, your family, your workplace tremendous difference.” to help achieve the mission, vision, and goals of the YRITWC. The mayor of Nenana and those answering help line calls who are spoke about the importance of these potential partnerships and his willingness to work “People with co-occurring substance ready to help you today.” with the YRITWC. abuse and mental disorders can and do For more information about available recover, and people with such disorders The YRITWC would like to thank the Nenana Native Council, the Living Center, and prevention, treatment and recovery TCCC for their support in making this meeting the success that it was. The hospitality deserve access to the services they need to resources, please call the Division of recover,” said Joel Gilbertson, made this a memorable event for all. Thank you to the cooks who worked so hard to feed Behavioral Health at 800-465-4828, or visit this group morning through night. The food was wonderful! Thank you to all of our Commissioner, Alaska Department of the website at www.hss.state.ak.us/dbh. Health & Social Services. “This month we donors and organizations who supported this effort. Thank you to all who attended. These meetings are sometimes hard to get to, especially with limited funding, but without you the YRITWC wouldn’t be able to work as well as we do. See you next summer in AlaskaLawHelp website has new Dawson City for the 2005 YRITWC Summit. improvements ...continued from front page By Beth Heuer, Administrative & Technology Coordinator, Alaska Legal Services Protecting our future from a silent killer Alaska Legal Services Corporation AlaskaLawHelp project partners are (ALSC) and its justice community partners gratified by the positive feedback we have be one to five times the amount found in for a lifetime. announce site enhancements and a new received since the site was launched to the one cigarette. If you are a smoker, please join us for library of self-help materials that can be public a year ago. The site enhancements Our future is at risk, but we can stop the 28th annual American Cancer Society accessed by the public at and prototype for the library of self-help the cycle by changing youth attitudes Great American Smokeout. If you are non- www.AlaskaLawHelp.org. presentations have been adopted as a model toward smoking. With more than 80 smoker, tell a friend, colleague or family AlaskaLawHelp.org provides in the 29 states that utilize the LawHelp percent of adult smokers starting to smoke member who smokes that help is out there. before age 18, we must lead by example and information on how the legal system works, statewide legal web site design. ALSC was Quitting is difficult, but help is quit tobacco for good. consumer issues, disability law, domestic fortunate to have been able to work closely available. If you are ready to quit, please Over the past 28 years, American violence, employment, family law, health with the Alaska Court System in developing call the American Cancer Society’s quitline Cancer Society Great American Smokeout® at 1-888-842-QUIT. You can also contact law, housing, public benefits, seniors’ issues, and implementing the online library of self- help presentations, and we look forward to has played an important role in raising the the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center toll and wills. The site features self-help and legal level of consciousness about tobacco use expanding the site and its collection of online free at 800-478-6822 or locally at 907-451- education materials, downloadable forms and its deadly consequences across Alaska. 6682. For 24-hour cancer information, seven legal education materials.” and publications, a directory of legal and On November 18, nearly 10 million days a week, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit social services providers, and links to agency AlaskaLawHelp.org was built through smokers across America will stop using cancer.org. web sites. the collaborative efforts of the Alaska Bar tobacco for a day, in the hopes of quitting Launched in July 2003, the site was Association, the Alaska Court System, recently upgraded with a user-friendly home ALSC, the Alaska Native Justice Center, the page that offers visitors easy access to a Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and When you decide to quit, library of self-paced instructional slide Sexual Assault, Alaska Pro Bono Program, shows on a variety of topics. Site visitors Catholic Social Services Immigration and can find self-help presentations on divorce, Refugee Services Program, the Disability you can look forward to: custody, child support, hearing and trial Law Center of Alaska, and other social preparation, guardianship, special services and advocacy organizations 20 minutes after quitting: Your blood pressure drops to a level close to education, Alaska Native issues, mental throughout the state. that before the last cigarette. The temperature of your hands and feet health rights in Alaska, and eligibility for AlaskaLawHelp.org is part of a national returns to normal. help through Alaska Legal Services effort to utilize technology to provide free 8 hours after quitting: The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops Corporation. civil legal information to low and modest- to normal. Members of Alaska’s legal community means populations. The technology for the 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting: Your circulation improves and your developed this statewide web site to include web site was made possible through a lung function increases up to 30%. information particularly useful to the Technology Initiative Grant from the Legal 1 to 9 months after quitting: Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and approximately 80,000 modest-means Services Corporation and was developed by shortness of breath decrease; cilia (tiny hair like structures that move Alaskans who often need legal assistance in Probono.net. mucus out of the lungs) regain normal function in the lungs, the areas of housing, income maintenance, For more information, contact Beth increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce family law, and protection from abuse, but Heuer at (907) 452-5181 or email infection. who cannot afford an attorney. [email protected]. 1 year after quitting: The excess risk of coronary heart disease is half ALSC’s Executive Director Andy that of a smoker’s. Harrington notes, “ALSC and the