Tlingit & Haida Central Council
Tribal News
May/June 2015
19th Annual Spring King Salmon Derby Wraps-up
Climate Change Training Funds Received
Another successful salmon derby was held last month! Over 800 tickets were sold bringing in over $27,000 for the Tribe’s Alumni Scholarship Assistance program that provides annual scholarship awards to college-bound, enrolled Tlingit or Haida tribal citizens.
The Native Lands & Resources (NLR) department is pleased to announce it received $55,000 in funding from the Bureau of Indian Affairs to coordinate a training on climate change adaptation. The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals and the North Pacific Landscape Conservation Cooperative will host the training December 8-10, 2015 in Tulalip, Washington.
Kyle Sage took first place with a 37.05 pound king salmon he landed from the shore of False Outer Point. In addition to the top 20 prizes for Derby winner Kyle Sage the largest fish weighed in, there were several specialty prizes and ticket drawings. Derby sponsors and prize donors were very generous with over $27,000 in cash, prize, and sponsor donations received. For a complete list of winners, donors, and sponsors, please visit: www.springkingderby.org This year President Richard Peterson challenged Southeast Alaska Native organization CEOs to match his personal donation of $500. Thank you to SEARHC President/CEO Charles Clement, THRHA President/CEO Ricardo Worl, and Sealaska CEO Anthony Mallott for all stepping up and providing a match! A special Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa to our Killer Whale sponsors – Ed & Cathy Thomas, Sealaska, SEARHC, and THRHA.
Thank you to all who participated in and supported the derby!
I N S I D E
• Transboundary Mining • 2015 Higher Education Graduates • Alumni Scholarships • 1st Vice President Will Micklin Appointed to ILRC Board of Directors • News from Tribal Child Support Unit • Head Start Now Recruiting for 2015-2016 School Year • Enrollment Committee Meets • Call to Action - Support HR 2387 • E&T Success Stories
The training will provide an introduction to planning for climate change impacts that will review the adaptation planning work and process of Washington tribes with the intent for Southeast tribes to develop a climate change adaptation plan for the region. For more information, please contact NLR at 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7183 or 907.463.7183.
• Free Mini Workshop • Mark Your Calendars • Stories & Science of Our Transboundary Rivers • Employer Recruitment for Work Experience • New Juneau Summer Walking Event in Partnership with SEARHC • VAWA Repaired: Tribal Sovereignty Over Family Safety Restored • Free Small Business Development Workshop • Tribal News • Child Care Notice - Zero Tolerance for Drugs
Transboundary Mining UTTMWG Members Travel to British Columbia to Promote Awareness and Establish Networks on Transboundary Mining Submitted By: Native Lands & Resources
Last month, members of the United Tribal Transboundary Mining Work Group (UTTMWG) traveled to Vancouver and Williams Lake, British Columbia (BC). The work group traveled with a broader Alaska delegation to promote awareness of tribal concerns in the rapid development of largescale mining activities in northern BC near the headwaters and tributaries of the Members of the Tribal Transboundary Work Group meet with First Nations Taku, Stikine, and Unuk rivers which flow into Southeast Alaska waters. Tribal representatives who traveled to BC include: Richard Jackson, President of Ketchikan Indian Community; Raymond Sensmeier, Yakutat Tlingit Tribe Council Member; Michael Hoyt, Teeyhittaan Clan Leader of Wrangell; and Jennifer Hanlon, Environmental Specialist with Central Council’s Native Lands & Resources department. The UTTMWG met with the United States and Canadian consular offices, and BC Ministry officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Ministry of Environmental Assessment, and Ministry of Environment to advocate for mechanisms such as the International Joint Commission (IJC) through the Boundary Waters Treaty to ensure Alaskan and tribal interests and concerns are heard and addressed. The work group also met with several organized First Nations groups including the First Nations Energy & Mining Council, First Nations Women Advocating for Responsible Mining, Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and the Tsilhqot’in Nation. The UTTMWG has been working closely with First Nations who are also concerned with the mining development in the transboundary region. While in BC, the work group visited Williams Lake to meet with local First Nation leaders who were directly impacted by the Mount Polley tailings dam failure in August 2014. The UTTMWG is very concerned that a similar disaster could occur in the transboundary region with the recent opening of Red Chris Mine in the Stikine watershed which is owned and operated by Imperial Metals – the same company that owns Mount Polley Mine. Central Council continues to work with the UTTMWG to raise awareness on transboundary mining issues and advocate for tribal interest. The UTTMWG looks forward to continuing its work with First Nations to push for an equal seat at the table to ensure tribes are consulted with prior to any decisions being made on projects that can impact our tribal communities in the transboundary region.
Above: Jacinda Mack discussing fishing issues on the Fraser River Right: Fraser River
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2015 Higher Education Graduates Submitted By: Higher Education
Please join Central Council in congratulating our 2015 Higher Education graduates; we are very proud of their accomplishments! To view photos of recent graduates, please visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ccthita. If you have a graduation photo you’d like us to share on Facebook, please email to communications@ccthita.org along with the name of the student and their degree. Craig: Jennifer Cordova-James, B.A. Tribal Governance & Business Administration Haines: Angel Laycock, B.A. Marketing Crystalyn Lemieux, B.S. Health Education Juneau: Michelle Beltran, A.S. COIS Joshua Clark, B.A. Business Macayla Cloyd, B.A. Management Jenna Fuller, A.A.S. Dental Hygiene Garret George-Cheeseman, A.A.S. Construction Management John Hanlon, B.L.A. AK Native Studies & Language Jason Hotch, B.A. Business Management Laura Jim, B.B.A. Accounting Jessika Kearns, B.A. Art History J. Isaac Martin, B.L.A. Social Sciences Justin McKoy, B.B.A. Accounting Minor Camille Mooney-Hubbard, B.S. Nursing Rachel Searls, M.S. Counseling Psychology Elizabeth Thomas, B.A. Environmental Studies Rose Westika, B.S. Information Systems, Cyber-Security Katrina Woodman, B.A. Accounting & Marketing Kasaan: Taylor Bremner, A.A. Elementary Education Kayla Burns, B.A. Psychology Clayton Juneau, B.A. Sociology with Emphasis Criminology Ketchikan: Nicole Smith-Hall, B.A. Early Childhood Education Saxman: Crystal D. Blair, B.B.A. Management Lisa DeWitt-Narino, B.A. Psychology Cara Wallace, J.D. Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy
Alumni Scholarships Submitted By: Higher Education
Mark your calendars! The Higher Education program will be accepting Alumni Scholarship Assistance applications starting July 1, 2015. The scholarship assistance program provides annual scholarship awards to tribally enrolled citizens regardless of service area, community affiliation, origination, residence, tribal compact or signatory status. Award amounts are based on how much funding is raised annually through memorial donations, private donations, vendor/associate solicitations, and the annual Spring King Salmon Derby. The Higher Education program promotes and fosters higher education by providing financial aid, education information, guidance, academic planning, counseling, and assistance to eligible tribal citizens who attend an accredited college or university. To apply for an Alumni Scholarship, please visit: www. ccthita.org/services/education/ higher. For more information, please contact: Leslie Isturis Higher Education Specialist Toll Free: 1.800.344.1432 Direct: 907.463.7133 or 463.7329 Email: listuris@ccthita.org www.hied.org
Wrangell: Daphyne Albee, A.A. Business Administration Mark Peterman, B.S. Nursing Michael Villarma, B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Students noted above are listed by community of origin.
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1st Vice President Will Micklin Appointed to ILRC Board of Directors
News from Tribal Child Support Unit Submitted By: Tribal Child Support Unit
Tribal Child Support Unit collaborates with Alaska Child Support Services Division to present “Think About It” to high schools in Juneau.
In May 2015, Ashley Laurin from the Alaska Child Support Services Division (CSSD) and Amanda Blackgoat from Central Council’s Tribal Child Support Unit (TCSU) presented “Think About It” to students of Juneau-Douglas High School and Thunder Mountain High School. The presentations encouraged students to think about the life choices they make now and the potential child support issues they may encounter in the future based on their decisions. The “Think About It” program is a combination of engaging presentations, interactive student activities, and real life scenarios with a focus on child support. TCSU would like to further collaborate with both CSSD and the Juneau School District to also present in the middle and alternative schools. Educating Alaska’s youth about their financial responsibilities and obligations when having a child is important.
1st Vice President Will Micklin
Central Council is pleased to announce 1st Vice President Will Micklin has been appointed to a three-year term on the Indian Law Resource Center (ILRC) Board of Directors. The ILRC Board meets twice a year and is an important platform to further the interests of American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN). The ILRC was founded in 1978 and is a non-profit law and advocacy organization whose principal goal is the preservation and well-being of AI/AN. The ILRC provides legal assistance for the protection of lands, resources, human rights, environment, and cultural heritage. Will “Yaan Yaan Eesh” Micklin is the son of Michael Micklin and Barbara “Aaneisu” McGrath Bower. His maternal grandparents are Percy and Margaret “Kasi Yei Yaa Yee” Lauth Sherar, and paternal grandparents are Thomas Micklin and Doris Watt. 4
Think About It Facts - 2011 Statistics • Three out of nine females in the United States get pregnant at least once by age 20. • Once a female has a baby before 20 she has an 18% chance of having another baby before she reaches 20. • Alaska ranked 11 out of 51 (50 states + D.C.) for the highest rate of pregnancy. Ethnicity groups to have babies before age 20:
Mother’s Race/Ethnicity Non-Hispanic White Non-Hispanic Black American Indian or Alaska Native Asian or Pacific Islander Hispanic
Alaska U.S. 34% 39% 4% 24% 44% 2% 9% 2% 9% 33%
• 89% of teenage relationships that have children do not last. • It costs $250,000 to raise a child to age 18. This does not include expenses for sports, cell phones, family vacations, and video games. • The child support payment paid monthly will not be enough to raise your child. • Now what if child support is not paid monthly….. Only 7% of all child support is collected in the United States. For more information on TCSU services, please call 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7132 or 907.463.7132.
Tlingit & Haida Head Start Extends Gunalchéesh/Háw’aa to Retiring Employees
Submitted By: Head Start
For the past 27 years, Tlingit & Haida Head Start has been honored to have Martha Moses of Sitka and Karin McCullough of Petersburg, serving Head Start children, families, and teachers. With both ladies retiring, Head Start extends a special Gunalchéesh/Háw’aa and Happy Retirement to them! Martha and Karin have been dedicated teachers, leaders, and advocates for the education of Head Start children and their families. These ladies became strong voices for children and families and incorporated the value of “play is learning” while keeping their focus on the health and education of young children.
Martha Moses
Martha has consistently been a strong articulate voice understanding the struggles of families as they work and raise children in an ever changing world. Her love of culture and cultural values was visible in her classroom and daily curriculum. Children learned daily about their community, culture, and family ties as young learners under her guidance. Martha’s precise direction and her ability to articulate needed changes has been a consistent presence at Head Start staff trainings and teleconferences.
Karin started her career as lead teacher, became a Child Development Associate advisor, then a regional coordinator for Northern Head Start sites. She also took on additional roles as teacher mentor and staff development specialist where she successfully increased the number of teachers with Early Childhood Education degrees. Karin has always been a strong voice for children and families. She was recognized as an Advocate of the Year by AEYC-SEA, received the Alaska Head Start Association Leadership Award in 2013, and was recently recognized by the Petersburg WAVE group as a “Woman of Distinction”. In retirement, both Martha and Karin will continue their involvement with children in their very important roles as grandmothers! And they will remain with the program in spirit and their strong voices will continue to be with us in the work we do for children and families.
Karin McCullough
Head Start also extends a special Gunalchéesh/Háw’aa to Tena Splettstoeszer, Lead Teacher for the Petersburg Head Start Center, who is returning to Minnesota where she will continue her career path in Early Childhood Education. Tena has provided wonderful learning experiences for the Petersburg center’s children over the past four years. We wish her well and say Thank You to her for her dedication to the education of young children. Tena Splettstoeszer
Head Start Now Recruiting for 2015-2016 School Year
Tlingit & Haida Head Start is now accepting applications for the 2015-2016 school year! Head Start promotes school readiness and provides education activities that support cognitive, social, and emotional development. If you have a child between the age of 3-5 and reside in Angoon, Craig, Hoonah, Juneau, Klawock, Petersburg, Saxman, Sitka, Wrangell, or Yakutat, please make sure to apply! For more information or to apply, please visit our website: www.ccthita.org/services/ family/headstart or call 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7127 or 907.463.7127. 5
Enrollment Committee Meets Submitted By: Program Compliance
The Enrollment Committee met May 5-7, 2015 in Juneau, Alaska. The committee reviewed and approved 296 tribal enrollment applications bringing the Tribe’s total enrollment to 29,937. Below is a list of the number of new enrollees by community. Anchorage......... 13 Angoon................4 Craig................. 10 Haines..................3 Hoonah................2 Hydaburg.............2
Juneau............... 72 Kake.....................0 Kasaan.................0 Ketchikan.............5 Klawock...............2 Klukwan..............0
Metlakatla............0 Pelican..................0 Petersburg............5 San Francisco.......9 Saxman................1 Seattle................ 87
The Enrollment Committee is comprised of five Delegates appointed by the President. The committee is responsible for ensuring that any person applying for tribal citizenship is eligible for enrollment by reviewing all documentation relative to the application and certifying eligibility. For more information regarding enrollment, please contact the Program Compliance department at 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7359 or 907.463.7359.
Sitka.....................5 Wrangell..............1 Yakutat.................2 Other................. 73
Enrollment Committee Ella Bennett, Chair - Juneau Martha Johnson, Vice Chair - Ketchikan Jolene Edenshaw - Hydaburg Laverne Wise - Seattle Bertha Karras - Sitka
Call to Action - Support HR 2387 Submitted By: Native Lands & Resources
Please show your support for Alaska Native Veterans! Congressman Don Young recently introduced H.R. 2387, a bill to amend the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) to provide an equitable allotment of land to Alaska Native Veterans. Key points of HR 2387: • Alaska Native Veterans who served during the period beginning August 5, 1964 and ending May 7, 1975 may apply for two parcels not more than 160 acres. • Heirs of deceased Alaska Native Veterans may apply and receive a Native allotment on behalf of the estate. • Approves and reopens any Native allotment application pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971 that was closed by the Department pursuant to Shields v. United States. Central Council urges all tribal citizens and tribes to contact the Alaska Congressional Delegation and members of Congress to support passage of this important legislation: Representative Don Young Washington, D.C. Office 2314 Rayburn House Office Bldg. Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202.225.5765 Fax: 202.225.0425
Senator Lisa Murkowski Washington, D.C. Office 709 Hart Senate Bldg. Washington, DC 20510 Phone: 202.224.6665 Fax: 202.224.5301
Senator Dan Sullivan Washington, D.C. Office B40A Dirksen Senate Office Bldg. Washington, DC 20510 Phone: 202.224.3004 Fax: 202.224.6501
To view H.R. 2387, please visit our site’s News page: www.ccthita.org/info/news For more information, please contact:
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Desiree Duncan Native Lands & Resources Manager Toll Free: 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7183 | Direct: 907.463.7183 | Email: dduncan@ccthita.org www.ccthita.org | www.facebook.com/ccthita
Employment & Training Success Stories Submitted By: Employment & Training
The Employment & Training (E&T) department is pleased to highlight Donovan Frank and Damien R. LofftusGrant, two recent E&T graduates. Donovan graduated from Lewis and Clark State College (LCSC) with an Associates of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology and Damien graduated from the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) with Nissan Automotive Certification in Diesel & Industrial Technology. Donovan Frank Donovan is the son of Raymond Guthrie and Geraldine Frank Guthrie. His grandparents are the late Floyd and Regina Frank. His family originates from the community of Hydaburg. Donovan’s clan is Double-Headed Eagle, sub crest is Frog, Beaver, and Blackfish. He is from the Copper House. Donovan graduated from Ballard High School in 1990. He lived with his mother in Washington until her passing; he was 21 years of age. Shortly after this loss, he came ‘home’ to live with his grandparents in Donovan Frank Ketchikan, Alaska. Donovan later relocated to Juneau, where he met his wife. Realizing he needed to build on his skills to secure employment and financial stability, he decided to go back to school. He applied for and received funding through E&T to attend the 2013 fall start at LCSC. Donovan’s attendance at school was excellent and his instructors said he worked hard to maintain a 3.0 GPA. The “hands on” part of the program provided new skills for working on automatic transmissions, brakes, air conditioning and heating, suspension and steering, and transaxle and electrical systems. This is where Donovan excelled the most. He enjoys taking things apart and putting them back together. “My goal is to someday work in or own a gym, and be employed working on cars,” said Donovan. “Both passions will provide me with steady income. I wouldn’t have made it this far in my education without the assistance from my Tlingit and Haida caseworker and the emotional support of my wife, Cecelia. Their encouragement helped me believe that I can accomplish anything. I will be going back to LCSC in the fall to pursue my Bachelors in Kinesiology. I have two career passions; love for fitness and automotive.” Damien R. Lofftus-Grant Damien is the son of Daniel and Carlene Nore and grandson to Edward and Marlene Grant (Kake). He graduated from Juneau-Douglas High School (2007) where he participated in the Early Scholars program. He is EagleWolf, born and raised in Juneau, Alaska. While attending UTI, Damien earned Student of the Course in seven courses, Director’s List in four courses, achieved Perfect Attendance, and was nominated for Alpha Beta Kappa Honor Society. He shared that the Damien R. Lofftus-Grant with parents Daniel & Carlene Nore hardest part about attending school was the diagnosis classes, in which he achieved Student of the Course. He’s very thankful for the vocational training assistance he received from Sealaska Heritage, Juneau Dip Sticks, and the E&T department. It ensured he could focus on school and obtain his career goals. His mother shared, “He always had a love for cars, even at a young age of two, you could tell he was hooked. He collected matchbox cars and after turning sixteen, he started collecting real cars. It’s so nice and rewarding to see someone follow their dreams and passion and to make it their career.” Damien plans on working for an aftermarket auto shop that provides auto repair and service. He’s gained skills in auto, diesel, and working in aftermarket installs as well as assisting in coordinating local car meets. Someday he hopes to open his own shop and cater to the performance and customizing aspects of the car culture.
Please join E&T in congratulating Donovan and Damien on their recent graduations! 7
Free Mini Workshop “Why Does Medicaid Matter to Me and What is a Clawback Provision?” Submitted By: TFYS Elderly Services
The Tribal Family & Youth Services (TFYS) department is pleased share that its Elderly Services program and the Tlingit & Haida Elders and Caregivers Council will be hosting a free mini workshop, “Why Does Medicaid Matter to Me and What is a Clawback Provision?” Featured guest speakers will include Legal Attorney Vance Sanders and Alaska Legal Services Attorney Holly Handler. The Elderly Services program focuses on providing valuable resources to elders, family members, and caregivers! Workshop: “Why Does Medicaid Matter to Me and What is a Clawback Provision?”
Date: June 30, 2015
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (lunch provided)
Location: T&H Community Council Building For more information on the workshop or services available under the Elderly Services program, please contact: Marilyn Doyle Elderly Services Coordinator Elderly Services Program Direct: 907.463.7168 Toll Free: 800.344.1432 ext. 7168 Email: mdoyle@ccthita.org.
Mark Your Calendars June Events
15-16: Native American Economic Development, Diversification, and Energy Projects Conference – Lake Buena Vista, FL 15-17: RES (Reservation Economic Summit) – Washington, D.C. 17: Fatherhood is Sacred Program – Juneau, AK 18-19: Trauma and Suicide: Breaking the Link Conference – Juneau, AK 19: Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska Day (Offices Closed) 23-24: Executive Council Meeting – Juneau, AK 24: Fatherhood is Sacred Program – Juneau, AK 28-July 1: NCAI Mid Year Conference – St. Paul, MN 30: Free Mini Workshop, “Why Does Medicaid Matter to Me and What is a Clawback Provision?” – Juneau, AK
July Events
1: Fatherhood is Sacred Program – Juneau, AK 1: Alumni Scholarship Application Period Starts 3: 4th of July Observed (Offices Closed) 9-10: 2nd Annual National Native American Leadership Forum – Waikiki, HI 14-15: Tribal Workplace in the Digital Age Training – Juneau, AK 21: Southeast Alaska Native Language Consortium Meeting – Juneau, AK 20-23: Hydaburg Culture Classes – Hydaburg, AK 24: Hydaburg Totem Pole Raising and Feast – Hydaburg, AK 25: Haida Festival Day – Hydaburg, AK
August Events 10-11: 11-12:
Free Two-Day Alaska Native/American Indian Small Business Development Workshop – Juneau, AK Conducting Federally Mandated Background Investigations for Tribal Organizations Training – Juneau, AK
September Events
7: Labor Day (Offices Closed) 9-10: Tribal Self-Governance Strategy Session – Location TBD 14-18: Southeast Environmental Conference – Juneau, AK
October Events
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14: Inaugural Native Alaskan Leadership Forum – Anchorage, AK 15-17: Annual AFN Convention – Anchorage, AK
Stories and Science of Our Transboundary Rivers Submitted By: Native Lands & Resources
On April 3rd, President Richard Peterson and Environmental Specialist Jennifer Hanlon participated in “Stories and Science of our Transboundary Rivers” at the University of Alaska-Southeast Juneau campus which provided an overview on current and proposed large scale mines located on transboundary rivers in British Columbia (BC) that may impact Southeast Alaska and the experiences of First Nations impacted by mining in BC. The event included presentations by filmmaker Ryan Peterson and First Nation representative Jacinda Mack, a screening of the film Xboundary, and a panel discussion with President Peterson and Jennifer. Ryan, an independent Alaska filmmaker, discussed the making of Xboundary, a short film that features interviews with those concerned about transboundary mining including fishermen, tourism guides, First Nations, and the Southeast tribes, and the impacts from the Mount Polley Mines tailings failure in central BC. Xboundary includes interviews with 2nd Vice President Rob Sanderson Jr. and Jennifer. Jacinda, Mining Coordinator for the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council from central British Columbia, shared the impacts of Mount Polley Mine tailings failure to her community and her wishes that this does not happen to any other communities. The presentations were followed by a panel discussion comprised of Heather Hardcastle, owner of Taku River Reds; Dave Chambers, President of Center for Science in Public Participation; and President Peterson and Jennifer. President Peterson talked about his experience in Kasaan with its mining history and the observed impacts this had on the customary and traditional resources such as the herring spawn, his meeting with mining companies, and Central Council’s work – including outreach to media and plans on bringing the transboundary issue to the United Nations. Jennifer talked about the United Tribal Transboundary Mining Work Group (UTTMWG), a group of 13 tribal governments working to protect our ancestral lands and waters in the transboundary region, and how the UTTMWG’s main concern is that the Tribes have not been consulted in any decision-making for the transboundary mines. Nearly 200 participants attended the event and inspired thoughtful discussion. Central Council appreciated the opportunity to provide more awareness on transboundary mining and encourage tribal citizens who want more information on transboundary mining to contact us. You can view Xboundary at: https://vimeo.com/119170132
Employer Recruitment for Work Experience Program Submitted By: Office of the President
The Employment & Training department is recruiting local employers who are interested in partnering with Central Council under the Work Experience program. Providing training opportunities and work experience is key to helping our tribal citizens succeed in life and become self-sufficient. The program is designed to provide Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients and other clients with work opportunities that will lead to increased employability through job skills, knowledge, and work behavior growth. Under the program, TANF recipients are placed in temporary, entry-level positions with partner businesses and organizations. During the employment term, the Work Experience program will cover a portion or all of a participant’s pay. If your business or organization is interested in participating as an employer, please contact: Elizabeth Church, Manager Employment & Training • Work Experience Direct: 907.463.7332 • Toll Free: 800.344.1432 ext. 7332 • Email: echurch@ccthita.org
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New Juneau Summer Walking Event in Partnership with SEARHC July 13th – August 10th
Submitted By: Marilyn Doyle
The Elderly Services program is pleased to announce a new Juneau summer walking event to be held July 13th through August 10th in partnership with SEARHC’s Lifestyle Balance program, Kúx dei yaan tootéen haa kusteeyí (Bringing Back the Strength of Our People). The five-week walking event will focus on Juneau tribal citizens 18 years of age or older who want to improve their general health and wellbeing. As part of the event, presentations will be held every Tuesday in SEARHC’s Lifestyle Balance Classroom that focus on setting personal goals and maintaining good health (July 21, July 28, and August 4).
Pre-Registration Pre-registration for the event will be held on July 10, 2015 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM at SEARHC’s Lifestyle Balance Office (1046 Salmon Creek Lane) and the Vocational Training & Resource Center (3239 Hospital Drive). Registered participants will receive a pedometer, t-shirt, and will have the opportunity to win a pair of Nike N7 shoes. Kickoff Event Don’t miss the kickoff event to be held at Twin Lakes Shelter on July 13, 2015 from 4:30 – 6:30 PM. The first 50 participants who register and attend the Kickoff Event will receive a gift bag.
Don’t miss this great opportunity to challenge and empower yourself to take positive steps towards improving your health! Get outdoors and have some fun! For more information, please contact: Central Council Marilyn Doyle Elderly Services Coordinator Tribal Family & Youth Services Direct: 907.463.7167 Email: mdoyle@ccthita.org
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SEARHC Kathryn Dennis Site Director Lifestyle Balance Program Direct: 907.364.4453 Email: kdennis@searhc.org
Free Small Business Development Workshop
VAWA Repaired: Tribal Sovereignty Over Family Safety Restored Submitted By: Tribal Court
Native people around the world suffer disproportionate levels of violence. The United States of America (U.S.) is unfortunately no different, with the State of Alaska at the head of this demographic and inter-generational crisis. Central Council responded by drafting its own domestic violence statute based in the traditional Tlingit and Haida values of family safety. The inherent tribal authority to regulate family safety was recognized by the U.S. Congress when it passed the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) which mandates that all 50 states recognize with full faith and credit tribal court protection orders. Controversy erupted when Congress sought to address the crisis of violence in Native communities by enhancing recognition of tribal court protective orders over non-Natives; for the first time since its passage, the reauthorization of VAWA failed in the Congress of 2012. With a re-doubled lobbying effort VAWA fared better in 2013, eventually reauthorized and signed into law with a number of added tribal protections. However, VAWA 2013 found itself a brand new provision: a special rule excluding Alaska’s tribes from the recognitions and protections available to Lower 48 tribes. This was an ironic exclusion considering Alaska Natives are statistically among the most vulnerable of all the United States populations. This special rule singling out Alaska left Alaska Natives not feeling so special, and the Central Council’s Tribal Assembly, Judiciary Committee, and Office of the President led a unified outcry against the Alaska exclusion. The tribal pushback was successful, eventually convincing the entire Alaska Delegation to work toward rectification. On December 18, 2014, President Barack Obama signed the repeal of the Alaska exclusion, placing Alaska’s tribal courts on equal footing with Lower 48 tribes as full participants in the tribal provisions of VAWA 2013. Alaska tribal courts can exercise full civil jurisdiction to issue and enforce protection orders involving any person, including non-Natives and citizens of other tribes; the repair of VAWA makes clear that Alaska tribal courts can continue to do as they have done since time immemorial, protect their tribal families from all manner of violence regardless of the race or nationality of the perpetrator. Central Council’s statute, “Title 04 - Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska Child and Family” is available on our website at www.ccthita.org/government/legislative/GoverningDocs. If you or someone you know may benefit from the immediate safety provided by a protection order, please contact our Tribal Court at 907.463.7165 or ljacobs@ccthita.org for assistance with forms and filing.
This is a great opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners! Dates: August 10-11, 2015 Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Location: VTRC 2329 Hospital Drive Juneau, AK
This workshop is hosted by Business & Economic Development in partnership with RedWind. Class materials and refreshments are provided. For more information, please contact Business & Economic Development at emaass@ccthita.org, 463.7139, or 800.344.1432
Tribal News In an effort to reduce our print and mail costs, Central Council’s Communications program encourages subscribers to sign up to receive notice of our online newsletter in place of receiving a printed newsletter. To sign up, please email your contact information to our Communications program at communications@ccthita.org. To view past issues of our Tribal News, please visit our website: www.ccthita.org/info/newsletters. Questions? Please give us a call at 907.463.7368 or toll free at 1.800.344.1432 or. 11
Central Council
Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska 9097 Glacier Highway Juneau, Alaska 99801 www.ccthita.org • www.facebook.com/ccthita
PRESORTED STANDARD
PAID
Juneau, AK Permit No. 139
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Preserving our sovereignty, enhancing our economic and cultural resources, and promoting self-sufficiency and self-governance for our citizens through collaboration, service, and advocacy.
Child Care Notice - Zero Tolerance for Drugs Submitted By: Child Care
The Child Care department knows that nothing matters more than the safety, security, and health of your child(ren). With that in mind, we’d like you to know that marijuana use may be legal in Alaska, but that doesn’t mean federal employees/contractors (child care providers are considered private contractors) can partake. If child care providers test positive, they will be let go. Marijuana consumption was legalized February 24, 2015, in the State of Alaska, but federal law on marijuana use remains unchanged. Marijuana is categorized as a controlled substance under Schedule I of the Controlled Substance Act. Intentional marijuana possession is illegal, even if an individual has no intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense marijuana. In addition, Executive Order 12564, Drug-Free Federal Workplace, mandates that: • Federal employees are required to refrain from the use of illegal drugs; • The use of illegal drugs by federal employees, contractors whether on or off duty, is contrary to the efficiency of the service; and • Persons who use illegal drugs are not suitable for federal employment. Please keep in mind, although it is legal for anyone over 21 years old to consume marijuana in the privacy of their home, it is still illegal if you are a federal employee or private contractor (child care provider). Central Council’s Child Care department is federally funded through the Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). To ensure compliance with federal laws, all child care providers will be tested. We will also be performing methamphetamine residue tests on all provider homes. If you have questions regarding Child Care, please feel free to contact Alice Bagoyo, Child Care Manager, at 907.463.7137 or abagoyo@ccthita.org.