Dena’ Nena’ Henash • Our Land Speaks Vol. 40, No. 3 A REPORT TO THE MEMBER TRIBES OF TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE MARCH 2016

Healing OurCHAP Communities Training Center Opens in Fairbanks

On February 1st 2016, TCC opened The patient care/clinical portion of Faith Walsh, a nurse and the training the doors to the only Community training will be done at Chief Andrew center manager said, “There is such Health Aide Training Center in Interior Isaac Health Center. Our hope is to a huge wait list to get into health aide Alaska. Mariah Bifelt of Hughes, overlap the health aides in training training statewide and with this center Rochelle Bifelt of Nenana, Karissa as much as possible with providers we will partner with the field training Carroll of Ruby, and Eva Thomas of from the Primary Care Teams that department to coordinate ongoing Northway were the first four students cover their village. This will begin training and build better relationships.” to begin their education inside the to establish the essential working “Community Health Aides are often new facility. relationship with CAIHC providers the only health care provider in our Health aides will attend the and health aides they work with every villages and they have to be prepared classroom portions of training in the day. This training collaboration is an to deal with every medical situation or state of the art renovated classroom exceptional opportunity not offered emergency you can possibly think of,” of 1st floor Al Ketzler Senior Building. at any other health aide training site. said Jacoline Bergstrom, Executive Continues on page #

“I’m excited to start seeing patients and to be able to carry my weight back at my clinic in Nenana.” -Rochelle Bifelt

In This CHAP Training Land Into Trust YRI-T Fish Key Coalition Center Opens Commission Issue: Page 3 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Dear Tribes and Tribal Members, MISSION STATEMENT Tanana Chiefs Conference provides a This year’s Annual Convention promises to be a strong unified voice in advancing sovereign tribal one that will provide our Tribes and Tribal members with governments through the promotion of important information as well as promote open discussion physical and mental wellness, education, on topics affecting our region. Topics covered will include socioeconomic development, and culture out migration, education, fisheries and climate change – just to of the Native people. name a few. Tribal leaders, TCC staff and other guests will share the successes and challenges they’ve had while addressing these important issues. VISION This past month, the Executive Board met with our Health Advisory Board, Healthy, Strong, Unified Tribes staff and others to discuss how we can increase access to Behavioral Health Services and jump start the Reclaiming Our People initiative (War on Alcohol). Additionally, the Executive Board and management met with the Doyon Board to discuss Land into Trust (see more on page 6). TCC management and our Executive Board continue to review and update our 2015-2020 Strategic Plan to ensure that it remains in alignment with the needs and concerns of our tribes. This year TCC departments and programs made huge strides toward accomplishing our 2015 objectives. Here are just a few of TCC EXECUTIVE our achievements from the past year: BOARD MEMBERS • In June, we hosted and organized a potlatch and celebration on the 100- Donald Honea Sr./Ruby year anniversary of the historic meeting between the Tanana Chiefs and 1st Traditional Chief Judge James Wickersham. Trimble Gilbert/Arctic Village • The CAIHC Radiology Department received a 3 -year Mammography re- 2nd Traditional Chief accreditation, where images and equipment were inspected to ensure quality. Congress has mandated that facilities receive this accreditation to Victor Joseph/ Tanana lawfully perform mammography. TCC President • The CAIHC Lab successfully passed a COLA accreditation, meaning they passed over 300 regulations were surveyed and passed, ensuring Julie Roberts-Hyslop/Tanana accurate results are being delivered to our patients served. Vice President • We began the implementation of a Wellness and Prevention Department Pollock ‘PJ’ Simon, Jr. /Allakaket which will oversee programs such as tobacco prevention, suicide prevention Secretary/Treasurer and the community health outreach program.

Donald Adams/Tetlin With Doyon board elections quickly approaching and the U.S. Presidential Upper Tanana elections in November, I want to stress the importance of practicing our right to vote. Elected positions are important, as they are the people who have Nick Alexia Sr./Nikolai influence on many of the issues affecting our region. I encourage you to stay Upper Kuskokwim up to date on who is running in the upcoming elections and I hope you utilize Nancy James/Fort Yukon your right to vote. Yukon Flats Now that spring has arrived there are a lot of events happening in our villages, which means more travel between our communities. I hope you have a safe Eugene Paul/Holy Cross and happy carnival season. Lower Yukon Ana Bassee’, Frank Thompson/ Evansville Victor Joseph Yukon Tanana President of Tanana Chiefs Conference Leo Lolnitz/Koyukuk Yukon Koyukuk We’ve Gone Mobile! Search for ‘2016 TCC Convention’ in the App Store or Google Play Peter Demoski/Nulato Store to download our FREE app for our 2016 Annual Convention & Full Elder Advisor Board of Directors Meeting. • Watch the Livestream • Download important documents Gerald Patsy/Nulato • Access our Agenda • Receive alerts on updates and opportunities • Learn about our speakers • See photos from Convention Youth Advisor

2 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER continued.... CHAP Training Center Opens in Fairbanks Director of Health Services, “The lack breaks up each of the four levels of community and give back.” Once she of training capacity for the community training with several months between completes the program Carroll will be health aides in the State has been a each session and depending on the only Health Aide in her community, challenge and frustration for years. training capacity and availability of “There were three,” she said “but the So, it’s really exciting that we are now students it could be a year or more other two resigned.” able to train our aides ourselves and between some of the sessions and 5 Another student who waited to get that we are able to fast track their years to reach the highest level. TCC into the program, Rochelle Bifelt says training through the use of technology. will pilot a fast track training program she knows the importance of having It will give our villages more access to taking level I students through to Health Aides in the villages, “I’m trained health aides who can provide a level IV in a 12 month time frame. excited to start seeing patients and to higher level of care in their community The intention is to rapidly teach and be able to carry my weight back at my because of the trainings we are now re-enforce all skills the health aide clinic in Nenana.” able to provide.” may be called on to use. By having In 2014 CHA/Ps provided 5,800 Previously Health Aides who were all facets of the training, we envision direct patient care visits, that number accepted into the program would health aides being more comfortable was increased by nearly 200 more have to travel to Anchorage, Nome with the variety of medical skills they than previous years, a number that or Bethel to complete parts of their will need to perform at any given time continues to grow. Health Aides are training. However, Nome and Bethel’s for any type of patient. tasked with anything from emergency training centers quickly fill up with “It is an incredible honor to be care to every day administrative work student from their region, leaving little entrusted to train our own health to keep their offices running. They if any room for health aides from the aides so they are ready to care for remain the primary access to health interior. Crystal Stordahl says she is patients in their community,” said care in rural Alaska including 24/7 thankful to the TCC Executive Board Crystal Stordahl, Director of TCC’s emergency medical response. “Health for funding the program despite we Community Health Aide Program. Aides are the backbone to our rural receive no additional I.H.S. funding for Many Health Aides have waited health care system,” TCC President running training center. The board’s years to get into the program. “Growing Victor Joseph said, “there has been commitment to fund this program up I always wanted to be a nurse but a need for a training location in our sends a strong message of support I thought it would take too long,” said region and we are happy to provide to grow our own and support the rural Karissa Carroll, “when I heard about that place so our tribal members can clinics,” Stordahl said. this position it sparked my interest have access to quality care.” Traditional health aide training because I want to be able to help my

STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE: The CHAP Training Center was identified as a priority for the tribes in TCC’s 2015-2020 Strategic Plan. The new facility allows CHAs access to essential medical tools and a partnership with providers at CAIHC for clinical training.

TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER 3 2016Agenda Annual Convention at-a-Glance& Full Board of Directors Meeting MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY MARCH 14TH, 2016 MARCH 15TH, 2016 MARCH 16TH, 2016 MARCH 17TH, 2016

Call to Order Call to Order/Reconvene Call to Order Call to Order/Reconvene 8:15 a.m. 8:15 am 8:15 am 8:15 am Welcome Address Education Credential Committee Report Resolutions Committee Report 8:30 a.m. 8:20 a.m. 8:20 a.m. Consideration of Resolutions In Memoriam Roll Call & Establishment Stand Against Violence 8:25 a.m. 8:45 a.m. 8:50 a.m. of Quorum 8:25 a.m. Working Luncheon Presentation of Colors Village Internet Connectivity/ Financial Report 12:00 p.m. Alaska Native Veteran Association Phone Service 8:40 a.m. 9:05 a.m. 9:25 a.m. Department of Interior Committee Assignments President’s Report 1:15 p.m. 9:20 a.m. Get Out the Native Vote 10:15 a.m. 10:10 a.m. Doyon, Limited Question & Answer Election Committee Report 1:45 p.m. Aaron Schutt, President & CEO Introduction of Theme and 11:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. Keynote Speaker The Fairbanks Four Elections Mayor Welcome Addresses 10:20 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 2:00 p.m. John Eberhart, City of Fairbanks Reconvene & Call Back Keynote Address Swearing in Ceremony 9:45 a.m. to Order Floyd Green, 1st Chief of Rampart VP & Executive Board Karl Kassel, FNSB 9:50 a.m. 1:15 p.m. 10:25 a.m. Bryce Ward, North Pole 9:55 a.m. Health Services Report The Honorable Lt. Governor The Honorable Senator 1:15 p.m. Lisa Murkowski Byron Mallott ADJOURN 11:15 a.m. Question & Answer 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. Elders & Youth Address The Honorable Senator Wellness & Prevention TCC Annual Potlatch 10:45 a.m. Dan Sullivan Division Recognizing Official Name Luncheon Provided 11:30 a.m. 2:45 p.m. 12:00 p.m. The Honorable Congressman Behavioral Health of 5:30 p.m. Don Young Reconvene & Call Back 3:15 p.m. Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall 11:45 a.m. to Order Question & Answer 1:15 p.m Honoring Luncheon 3:45 p.m. 12:00 p.m. Our Communities, Proposed Bylaw Change(s) Our Future Panel Yukon & Consideration 1:15 p.m. Fish Commissions Report 4:30 p.m. FNA 1:15 p.m. Steve Ginnis, Executive Director Climate Change/ RECESS 1:45 p.m. Arctic Athabascan Council TCS Strategic Plan Report 2:30 p.m. TCC 2:15 p.m. Emergency Preparedness Bertha Moses Patient Housing Panel & Response Hostel Open House Convention 3:15 p.m. 3:45 p.m. Tribal Government Troth Yeddha’ Bazaar Constitutions and Codes 4:45 p.m. 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. 3:55 p.m. March 16th - 17th Economic Development Panel 4:15 p.m. ADJOURN Westmark Hotel in Fairbanks Fundraiser for RECESS David Kokrine Denakkanaaga TCC Fairbanks Chamber & Laura Ekada Fundraiser Welcome Reception Health 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall Fair Auction March 14th - 15th Live Music Westmark Hotel in Elder Storytelling Fairbanks Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall

The convention will be broadcast live on our website. This agenda is subject to change. For an updated agenda visit www.tananachiefs.org. 4 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER 2016 TCC Election Criteria SUBREGIONAL ADVISORY BOARD ELECTIONS FULL BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTIONS TCC Executive Board of Directors Officer Positions Subregional Positions: Vice President...... 3 year term (2016 - 2019) Yukon Flats Subregion...... 3 year term 2016 - 2019 Currently Julie Roberts-Hyslop, Tanana Currently Nancy James, Ft. Yukon ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Yukon Tanana Subregion...... 3 year term 2016 - 2019 • Officers must be members of a member village of the corporation and eligible Currently Frank Thompson, Evansville to be selected as a Director of a member village. (Article 5, Section 1) Upper Tanana Subregion ...... *1 year remaining 2014 – 2017 Currently William C. Albert, Northway-Interim ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: DECLARATION OF CANDIDACY • Must be a current village director, as authorized by tribal/village resolution. Individuals who want to declare themselves a candidate for any of the above seats (Article 7, Section 4) must submit a written, signed and dated letter of intent between 8:00 AM-February 4, 2016 and 5:00 PM-March 4, 2016. • Must be residents of the State of Alaska and Alaska Native Members of mem- ber villages of the corporation. (Article 4, Section 1) Individuals may submit a letter of intent for AFN Village Representative and IRHA • Except for the President, full-time employees of the corporation shall not be Commissioner Seats but they must be nominated from the floor to declare them- eligible to serve as director or officers of the Corporation. (Article 4, Section 2) selves a candidate. TCC Advisory Boards Letter of intent (see example) must be received by fax, mail or delivered in person The three TCC Advisory Boards make recommendations to the TCC executive board no later than 5:00 PM on March 4, 2016 to: and President. The President has the authority to appoint all individuals to the advi- Tanana Chiefs Conference • ATTN: Norma Dahl, Executive Secretary sory boards, (Article 7, Section 3), but the President currently allows the subregions 122 First Avenue, Suite 600 • Fairbanks, AK 99701 FAX # (907) 459-3884 • 1-800-478-6822 ext.3112 to democratically select representatives to each advisory board. All candidates must be Alaska Native. We recommend that you confirm the receipt of your letter of intent with the TCC Executive Secretary prior to 5:00 PM March 4, 2016; TCC may not know of your TCC Regional Health Board submission of your letter of intent, but we can confirm that it was received. Upper Tanana Subregion...... 3 year term 2016-2019 Any questions, please contact Natasha Singh in the Legal Department at Currently Terri Paul Smoke, Tanacross 1-800-478-6822, extension 3178. Upper Kuskokwim Subregion...... 3 year term 2016-2019 Currently Ann Alexia, Nikolai YOUTH ADVISOR TO THE EXECUTIVE BOARD TCC Education Council Youth Advisor Upper Kuskokwim Subregion (McGrath)...... 3 year term 2016 - 2019 1 Seat ...... 3 year term (2016-2019) Currently Elizabeth “Jade” Patterson (*Elected in 2015 for 1 year remaining) Currently Gerald Patsy / Nulato Upper Tanana Subregion ...... 3 year term 2016 - 2019 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Currently William C. Albert (*Elected in 2014 for 2 years remaining) • Must be a current TCC Tribal Member between the ages of 18-21. • Must be residents of the State of Alaska and Alaska Native members of mem- Interior Athabascan Tribal College Board of Trustees ber villages of the corporation. (Article 4, Section 1) Yukon Flats Subregion ...... 3 year term 2016 – 2019 ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF YOUTH ADVISOR: Currently Donna Thomas Serve for three years and is expected to attend all regularly scheduled E-Board meet- Yukon Tanana Subregion ...... 3 year term 2016 – 2019 ings. Currently Vera Weiser, Minto • The meetings usually take place in Fairbanks, but sometimes take place in Inte- rior villages, Anchorage or at other locations in conjunction with other State or Upper Tanana Subregion ...... *1 year remaining 2014 – 2017 National meetings. Currently Vacant • Most meetings last one to three days, while some require 4-5 days. Yukon Koyukuk Subregion ...... *2 years remaining 2015 – 2018 • TCC will pay for all travel/and or mileage, per diem (for hotel and meals) and a Currently Vacant meeting fee for each meeting they attend. • E-board members meet whenever the Chairman calls for a meeting; quarterly or more often as required. • The TCC Youth Advisor is allowed NO more than THREE UNEXCUSED ABSENCES FULL BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTIONS from meetings; as is required by regular Executive Board members pursuant to the TCC bylaws. AFN Village Representative • The Executive Board discusses major issues of the region and the business and 1 Seat ...... 1 year term 2016-2017 financial matters of the organization. Currently Julie Roberts-Hyslop, Tanana • Members serving on the Executive Board are required to maintain confidenti- * The AFN Village Representative seat is not affected by the TCC Bylaws; however, we ality, and conduct themselves in a professional manner. notify villages of AFN candidates who declare their written intent as a candidate, for • Training / orientation is provided to NEW Executive Board members. informational purposes. • Provide quarterly Council Newsletter announcements to the Youth of the TCC Region. IRHA Board of Commissioners • Non-voting seat member. Seat C...... 3 year term 2016 – 2019 Currently Daisy Northway, Northway CALL FOR RESOLUTIONS Seat D...... 3 year term 2016 – 2019 MARCH 12th, 2016 Currently Pat McCarty, Ruby Saturday, March 12th, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. Seat E...... *1 year remaining 2014-2017 Currently Vacant Resolutions can be submitted by mail, fax, e-mail * Must be eligible to serve on TCC Board of Directors or delivered in person to: - Employees of TCC or IRHA are not eligible to serve as IRHA Commissioners (Article Tanana Chiefs Conference ATTN: Chris Woodward, Legal Department 7, Section 7) 122 First Avenue, Suite 600, Fairbanks, AK 99701 * The election of the IRHA seat is not affected by the TCC Bylaws pertaining to the EMAIL: [email protected] declaration of candidacy requirements; however, we notify villages of IRHA candidates FAX: (907) 459-3953 who declare their written intent as a candidate for informational purposes.

TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER 5 TCC and Doyon Meet to Discuss Land Into Trust In February the TCC Executive Not much is known how the Bureau’s safety. “We believe this could be a tool Board met with the Doyon Board to rules will play out in Alaska and TCC to help our tribes” elder advisor Peter request support for Tanana’s proposed President Joseph explained, “The best Demoski Sr. explained. application to place the tribally owned way to educate our people would be Doyon, Limited CEO Aaron Schutt land on Mission Hill in Tanana into to put an application in the process.” and Victor Joseph both agreed they federally protected trust land. The The intent is to submit an application want to work together for the common Mission Hill property was given back that is simple in nature, not former good of our people. Both organizations to the Tribe by the Episcopal church in ANCSA lands, and supported by all agreed that more education and the 1980’s. interests. understanding regarding the topics After a federal court win in Akiachak, Several TCC Executive Board needs to be distributed for better the changed members spoke about the challenges understanding moving forward. the rules to allow Alaska tribes to villages experience in funding, apply for trust lands under the rules. education, criminal justice, and public Early Intervention Services in Behavioral Health Early intervention services motivated while in the process of Upon completion of the interview, the encompass several different levels engaging into treatment services. assessor will meet with the client to of care to support you and provide Brief Interventions are short, monthly review the assessment and discuss a you with information to make healthy individualized sessions structured to plan of care that is recommended. choices. Intervention level services assist you with making risk reduction Tobacco Cessation is provided by start with a short screening that can or improvement of your health. the Behavioral Health Consultants in be completed at Chief Andrew Isaac Health Education includes up to conjunction with the Quitline. Staff will Health Center or at Tanana Chiefs eight individualized sessions (up to assist clients in enrolling in the Quitline Conference building on 1st avenue as 1 hour in length). You will work with to receive Nicotine Replacement well as via VTC (Video Teleconference) a Behavioral Health Consultant to Therapy (patches, gum, etc.) and from any of our clinics or Behavioral develop goals that are realistic and provide motivational and education Health offices. After screening, achievable. support to the client. *Tanana Chiefs Behavioral Health staff will review Assessments are for those who Conference does not provide patches, your scores with you and provide you want, or are required to receive a more gum, or other over the counter nicotine with a menu of options for services. extensive evaluation of their alcohol/ replacement therapy*. Pretreatment involves working with drug use or mental health symptoms. Please call 452-8251 ext 3800 to a Behavioral Health Consultant to Assessments are a long interview schedule a screening or call 451-6682 complete case management, receive with the client to obtain a life history to contact the health center who can support while waiting for further (these take an average of 2 hours assist with scheduling. treatment and to keep the client to complete the interview process). 6 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER Inter-Tribal Fish Commission On Feb. 19 the interim executive fishing practices and a willingness to more information about the Yukon council met to plan the Yukon River participate in regular meetings to serve River Intertribal Fish Commission, Inter-Tribal Fish Commission’s annual as a commissioner. The Commission contact Ben Stevens director for board meeting to occur on March will decide on constitutional the TCC Hunting and Fishing Task 29, 30 and 31 in Fairbanks. Each amendments, elections, escapement Force at 907-452-8251 ext. 3078 or tribe is asked to submit the name of recommendations, enhancement [email protected]. an individual with knowledge of local recommendations, and more. For

STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE: The Village Planning and Development (VP&D) program is happy to announce that 5 communities completed a community plan in 2015 through our program. These communities include: Northway, Chalkyitsik, Tetlin, Ruby, and Tanana. In total 6 community plans were completed in 2015 as Birch Creek completed a community plan in collaboration with TCC’s Community Planning Coordinator. Through these plans, goals and objectives were identified to help plan for future economic development within their communities.

TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER 7 Key Coalition of Alaska Advocates for People with Disabilities On Friday, February 10th, the Key Coalition of Alaska their children with severe disabilities who need long and other advocates for people with disabilities rallied term services and supports of the Medicaid program across the State of Alaska from Fairbanks to Juneau. and the income assistance of the Social Security People rallied in support of Senate Bill 104 and House program. Adults with disabilities also want to save Bill 188 which would let individuals and families set up for their own needs. HB 188 and SB 104 will allow tax-free savings ac-counts to help pay for education, individuals with disabilities whose disabilities occur housing, transportation or other expenses for children and before age 26 and their families, access to accounts adults with disabilities without losing their benefits such as that would allow individual choice and control while Medicaid or Social Security. protecting eligibility for Medicaid, Social Security, The Key Coalition of Alaska is a non-profit, statewide and other important federal benefits for people advocacy organization of people with disabilities and with disabilities. In creating ABLE Accounts, the their families, friends and other supporters. Their mission, legislative intent is to provide secure funding for through unified state-wide advocacy, is to promote the disability-related expenses on behalf of designated dignity, status, and equality of all Alaskans who experience beneficiaries with disabilities that will supplement, disabilities as valued, contributing participants in a shared but not supplant, benefits provided through private community. insurances, the Medicaid program, the Social We are encouraging community members to show their Security program, the beneficiary’s employment, support for the Key Campaign. There’s still time to assist and other sources. the Key Coalition in their advocacy efforts for Alaskans 3. Alaska Fiscal Plan. who experience disabilities. Alaskans who want to help • Key Coalition of Alaska recognizes the fiscal make a difference can contact their legislators and let situation Alaska faces and the implications for state them know they support the Key Priorities of the Key agency budgets. Campaign. A simple way to do this is by submitting a • Key Coalition believes strongly that Alaska cannot Public Opinion Message (POM) Form to your Legislator. cut its way to a sustainable budget. The “rainy day” Key Priorities for 2016: is here – today – and the Permanent Fund must be 1. Maintain the state’s commitment to eradicate the tapped to “weather the storm.” waitlist. • Key Coalition supports the adoption of an “Alaska • 1,200 individuals were on the waitlist in FY06. Thanks Fiscal Plan” that looks at a combination of cuts, to Senior and Disabilities Services’ commitment cost-savings recommendations and revenue to draw between 17-20 individuals a month off the enhancements, which will move us from the ups and waitlist, the number of Alaskans waiting for services downs of fluctuating oil prices. has dropped dramatically. However, the longer the • Key Coalition members identified the following cost- 662 individuals sit on the waitlist, the more the cost to savings recommendations for Alaska’s Medicaid the State increases. Without supports, young people program to be incorporated into the “Alaska Fiscal sit at home, losing all the skills they developed during Plan.” their school years. Family members neglect their We would like to thank everyone who completed own health trying to “do it all,” especially as they and Personal Opinion Messages (POM) and sent those to their loved ones face the challenge of aging. their Legislators in support of community services, The 2. ABLE Act Program. ABLE Act and an Alaskan Fiscal State Plan! • Many families save for the educational needs of their Learn more about the Key Coalition of Alaska at https:// children through “Section 529” college tuition plans. keycoalitionofalaska.wordpress.com/about/ However, these plans often do not fit the needs of How to Apply for... Medicaid Expansion • Senior Benefits • Medicare • VA Health Care Benefits

Alternate Resources [email protected] Come see us at Convention!!! 907-451-6682 Ext. 3100 Complete screening process to qualify for $50 Gift Card!!!!

8 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER COCAINE: What You Need to Know Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that comes in the form of crystals What are the effects on your that is often found in crack/rock form ranging in color from white or creamy health? in large Alaskan cities like Fairbanks to transparent with a pink or yellow Long-term use of cocaine can cause and Anchorage, while powdered tinge. physical and mental deterioration. cocaine is more commonly found in Is it Addictive? Cocaine places severe stress on the the villages. YES. Next to methamphetamine, heart and the vascular system. When What is Cocaine? cocaine creates the greatest cocaine is used, the heart speeds up Cocaine is a powerfully addictive psychological dependence of any and the blood vessels constrict. The stimulant that directly affects the brain. drug. A tolerance to cocaine develops combination of effects can trigger a The drug was originally developed as quickly, meaning the addict soon fails heart attack, stroke or cardiac arrest. a painkiller and is most often sniffed, to achieve the same effect with the Users take cocaine in “binges,” with the powder absorbed into the same amount of cocaine, causing during which the cocaine is used bloodstream through the nasal tissues. people to ingest larger amounts each repeatedly and at increasingly higher It can also be ingested or rubbed into time to achieve a high. doses. This can lead to increased the gums. How can I tell if someone is irritability, restlessness, panic attacks, What is in it? abusing cocaine? and paranoia—even a full-blown Cocaine is extracted from coca Cocaine causes a short-lived, psychosis, in which the individual loses leaves and usually used as powder intense high that is immediately touch with reality and experiences which is often mixed with other followed by the opposite- intense auditory hallucinations. With substances like corn starch, talcum depression, edginess and a craving increasing dosages or frequency of powder and/or sugar or other drugs for more of the drug. People who use it use, the risk of adverse psychological such as procaine (a local anesthetic) don’t often eat or sleep properly. When or physiological effects increases. or amphetamines. high doses are used or the drug is SOURCES: Narconon.org; How can I identify it? used in binges, symptoms of cocaine drugabuse.gov; Foundation for a Cocaine is generally sold as a use often include disorientation, Drug-Free World; fine, white crystalline powder. ‘Crack delusions, paranoia, antisocial Cocaine’ is another form of cocaine behavior and aggressiveness. Got Drug/Alcohol Trafficking Information? Villages throughout Alaska are seeing a large movement of drugs and alcohol entering their communities, especially designer drugs, which result in increased levels of violence. The impact on our communities and children is devastating. The resulting assaults, deaths, sexual violence and accidents brings a lot of grief and trauma to our people. It’s time we take a stand together and bring drug traffickers and bootleggers to justice for the harm it brings our villages.

Who can you call to report drug trafficking? • Fairbanks Airport Police Dispatch: 907-474-2530 (24 hour contact) • Fairbanks Trooper Dispatch: 1-800-811-0911 or 451-5100 • Galena Troopers: 1-800-656-1203 • Lower Yukon & Kuskokwim Subregions- call Aniak Troopers:1-800-675-4398 • Tok Trooper Post: 907-883-5111

Please include the following in your report: Who what, when, where, how and possibly why. • Name and description of suspect • Specific drugs/alcohol info, how they received knowledge of trafficking • Reporter may remain anonymous but if they chose to identify themselves (for trial purposes) there is a great possibility for gaining search warrants and later convictions in court. • Specific flight information or other transportation information

TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER 9 employed by TCC. • Contestants younger than 18 will need to submit a parental consent form. How to Enter: Email attachment to marna. [email protected] before May 15th, 2016. Mail thumb drive with electronic file, DVD, CD or hard copy to 122 1st Ave., GOTNV Media Ste. 600, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701 Contest Winners will be announced at the Denakkanaaga Elders and Youth Do you vote? Do you think it’s Conference. important for your voice to be heard? Prizes: Tanana Chiefs Conference wants to 1st place youth & adult will win an know why you take the time to fill out a iPad. ballot, whether it be at the local, state 2nd place youth & adult will win or federal level. $50 iTunes card. We want to get our beneficiaries 3rd place youth & adult will win $20 excited about participating in the iTunes card. democratic process, so we are TCC Tobacco proudly participated Judging Criteria: hosting a contest to help us generate in the 2016 Go Red for Women event • Clear and convincing message promotional materials that are at the Carlson Center. Sharing the • Visual appeal inspiring to our community members. message that cigarette smokers are • Design originality GENERAL GUIDELINES 2-4 times more likely to develop heart Copyright/Original Work/ Contest Description: disease than non-smokers & smoking Intellectual Property Rights: • Create a poster or a video narrows blood vessels in the heart Each contestant represents that he (less than 5 minutes in length) and lowers oxygen flow. or she is the sole author and owner of describing why voting is We proudly displayed tobacco their submission and that the poster/ important to you and why others prevention education, information video does not infringe any copyright of should get to the ballot box! from our Interior Alaska Coalition a third party; by entering contest, each Eligibility: of Tobacco Free Advocates, and contestant grants perpetual license to • All Tanana Chiefs Conference resources for those wishing to quit. use and distribute submission. beneficiaries not currently

Doyon Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Friday, March 18th, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. Westmark Hotel in Fairbanks

10 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER Signs of Grief and how to manage them Grief is a natural human response • Anger- Includes feelings of symptoms such as loss of sleep or to different life events and though desertion and abandonment appetite or if you have thoughts of experiencing grief is normal in some • Bargaining- Includes feelings of suicide it is important to seek medical capacity—if not managed it can turn “if only” and guilt help immediately. serious. • Depression/Sadness- One There are many different places People tend to experience grief may experience a feeling of to find this help, especially within after death or loss, but those are not emptiness the Tanana Chiefs Conference. Our the only two things that can cause a • Acceptance- Although most may Behavioral Health staff is well trained person to feel sad or even depressed. not ever feel completely “Okay,” to help individuals cope with feelings Alaska has some of the highest rates this stage is about accepting of prolonged grief and depression. of depression due to the unique reality and learning to cope in a To reach our Behavioral Health climate and lack of sunlight during the healthy manner. Consultants and Aids you can contact long winters. There are some tips to help manage your local BHA or phone (907) 459- People can also feel these losses these feelings before they spiral out 3800. If you feel like you are dealing if they become separated from loved of control. First, give yourself the with a behavioral health crisis, we ones, lose a job, lose a pet, when their time it takes to heal and realize this have a walk-in clinician available children leave home, or at any major is different for everyone. It’s important Monday through Friday from 8am to life event. to express your feelings and not to 5pm in Fairbanks. As long as we cope with grief in a keep them bottled up inside—confide You can also reach the after-hours healthy manner—we can help prevent in a trusted loved one, friend, or even crisis team by pager at (907) 496- the serious mental health issues that keep a journal and write out what you 1621. can arise. are feeling. There are also a number Please remember to enter your It’s important to realize that feeling of support groups that area meant contact number so our providers are sad or down at times is normal. Grief to help manage grief. Lastly, don’t able to reach you after hours. can include different phases, and not be afraid to seek professional help if For other resources you can contact all are the same for each individual these feelings become overwhelming. Tanana Chiefs Conference at (907) person. Some of these phases include: Prolonged grief can turn into deep 452-8251. • Denial- World becomes depression. meaningless and overwhelming If you begin to see physical Join RurAL CAP’s Elder Mentor Program

Annual Membership Meeting

Friday, March 11th, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall

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

Phone: (907) 452-8251 ext. 3570 Fax: (907) 459-3884 [email protected]

www.tananachiefs.org

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

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The deadline for the Fall 2016 TCC JOIN OUR TEAM scholarship is April 30, 2016 Applicants must have turned in all paperwork with their completed APPLY ONLINE application prior to that date. Applications can be printed off the TCC www.tananachiefs.org website, or picked up at the Chief Peter John Building.

Village Vacancies For more information contact: Blanche Murphy • Administrative Assistant I (Shageluk) 907 452-8251 ext. 3185 • Behavioral Health Aide (Anaktuvuk Pass) email [email protected] • Clinical Support Staff/Medical Assistant (Nenana) • Community Health Aide/Practitioner (Chalkyitsik, Stevens Village, Ruby, Evansville, Tanacross, Kaltag, UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS Manley Hot Springs, Tetlin) • Edgar Nollner Health Center Director (Galena) JOM AK Native Youth Basketball Tournament • Family Visitor (Grayling) March 14, 2016 • Mid-Level Practitioner-Rural Services (PA or ANP (Tok) Tanana Middle School – Fairbanks, AK • Squad Boss (Tok) TCC ANNUAL CONVENTION • Tok Sub-Regional Primary Care Physician March 14-17, 2016 • Tribal Family Youth Specialist (McGrath, Ruby) Westmark Hotel – Fairbanks, AK • Tribal Workforce Development Specialist (Stevens Village, Evansville, Hughes, Chalkyitsik, Takotna) • Village Public Safety Officer (Allakaket) • Wild Land Firefighter Type II Crew Member (Tok) Region Wide THIS ST. PATRICK’S DAY • Rural Economic Development Specialist • Village Public Safety Officer you don’t need luck to increase your Fairbanks Vacancies chances of living a longer, healthier life. • Administrative Assistant-Finance • CAIHC Prior Authorization Specialist • Central Scheduling Manager For free help quitting, call today and speak with a • Education/Disability Coordinator TCC Behavioral Health Consultant • Facilities/Biomedical Office Manager • HRSA Lead RN Case Manager For tobacco cessation and enrollment • Instructor-CHAP Training Center • Mid-level Practitioner (PA or ANP) (907) 452-8251 * 1-800-478-6822 • OMFRC Camp Laborer • Physician • Residential Care Coordinator-Relief • Residential Support Technician • RN • TTCM Case Manager JOB LISTED WERE OPEN AS OF FEBRUARY 29, 2016