Tlingit & Haida 3rd Quarter 2021
USDA Announces Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy with Tribes, Partners & Communities July 15, 2021 marked a milestone in the sustainability and stewardship efforts of our people. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its new Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy intended to help support a diverse economy, enhance community resilience and conserve natural resources. The USDA will consult with Alaska tribes and Alaska Native corporations, and engage partners and communities in a collaborative process to invest approximately $25 million in financial and technical resources in sustainable opportunities for economic growth and the community well-being of Southeast Alaska. A key part of the new strategy includes ending large-scale growth timber sales on the Tongass National Forest and focusing management resources to support forest restoration, recreation and resilience, wildlife habitats and watershed improvement. Some old-growth sales will still be offered for community consumption and cultural uses, such as totem poles, canoes and tribal artisan use. The USDA will also commence a rule making proposal to restore 2001 Roadless Rule protections on the Tongass National Forest, returning stability and certainty to the conservation of 9.3 million acres of the world’s largest temperate old-growth rainforest. This sweeping reverse comes after a tribal consultation with Tlingit & Haida, other Southeast Alaska tribes and USDA officials. Continued on page 13 • • • • • • • • • • •
NAGPRA Grant Awarded from National Park Service Lunchtime Chat with Dr. Elliot Bruhl Save the Date: Virtual President’s Awards Ceremony VTRC Courses Newly Elected Youth Commission Officers Haa Aaní Káa Át Kugaxtootéen Summer Adventures New Rescue Relief Programs Announced Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month Tribal Citizen Highlight VOCA Fix Act Signed into Law Follow Tlingit & Haida on Social Media
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
Back to School Backpack Distribution Construction Completed on New Greenhouse 2020 Census Results Sign Up for Tribal eNews Offices Close to the Public Due to Significant Increases in COVID-19 Cases in Southeast AK Tlingit & Haida Welcomes New Staff Attorney Seacoast Trust Launched Tlingit & Haida Launches Broadband Project Upcoming Enrollment Committe Meeting Update Your Contact Information Online Tlingit & Haida Youth Summit Held Community & Behavioral Services Participate in Orange Shirt Day!
NAGPRA Grant Awarded from National Park Service The National Park Service awarded Tlingit & Haida an FY 2021 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) grant in the amount of $88,000 to conduct documentation and consultations with the Portland Art Museum, Indiana University Museum, and Evansville Museum in Indiana. The NAGPRA grant helps ensure the longevity of Native American cultural heritage. Tlingit & Haida received one out of 22 consultation and documentation grants. Once distributed, the grants will help fund museum and tribal staff with travel expenses, consultation meetings and research, all in support of the repatriation process. The grant will be administered by the Native Lands & Resources (NLR) department and will fund the Tribe’s Cultural Resources program to conduct research and documentation and prepare claims for repatriation of cultural items located around the United States. The Cultural Resources program seeks the return and protection of objects of cultural patrimony, sacred objects, funerary objects and human remains in accordance with NAGPRA and the National Museum of the American Indian Act (NMAIA) of 1989. The program also provides technical assistance to communities and tribes throughout Southeast Alaska. Since 1993, the NLR department has been successful in repatriating numerous artifacts on behalf of tribal communities under NAGPRA. To date, Tlingit & Haida has successfully repatriated more than 170 objects. For questions regarding Tlingit & Haida’s NAGPRA grant award, please contact the NLR department at deptnlr@ccthita-nsn.gov.
Lunchtime Chat with Dr. Elliot Bruhl On August 26th, Tlingit & Haida was joined by Dr. Elliot Bruhl, SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, for a Lunchtime Chat to provide an update on the COVID-19 pandemic and Delta variant. Dr. Bruhl provided information on the third dose of the vaccine, demonstrating how some people need a third dose and others do not. The purpose of the third dose is to boost effectiveness for those with weakened immune systems. He also emphasized we are seeing mass outbreaks in areas where people are not getting vaccinated or wearing masks. He also highlighted some positive outlooks for us: • Vaccine Boosters Available (September 20, 2021) • Vaccine Received Full FDA Approval (August 23, 2021) • Vaccines for Children Under 12 (Coming Soon!) Make sure to tune in to our future Lunchtime Chats! If you are unable to join us online, each session is recorded and posted to Tlingit & Haida’s YouTube channel. To watch the full recording of the Lunchtime Chat with Dr. Bruhl, visit Tlingit & Haida’s YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/BruhlVideo. 2
Save the Date: Virtual President’s Awards Ceremony
VTRC Courses The Vocational Training & Resource Center (VTRC) is a State of Alaska authorized postsecondary institution that provides opportunities for training and career advancement through highquality, post-secondary academic and vocational education. Check out the schedule of upcoming courses and register today! Upcoming Courses: Financial Skills (Nov. 1-3)
Tlingit & Haida is pleased to announce a virtual President’s Awards Ceremony will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 6 PM on the Tribe’s Facebook page! The event honors incredible leaders throughout Southeast Alaska and beyond who have contributed greatly to our people and cultures in various ways. Congratulations to our President’s award recipients and stay tuned for more information!
Dr. Dennis Demmert
President’s Lifetime Achievement Award Ketchikan, AK President’s Everyday Heroes Awards
Virginia Oliver
Mary Cruise
Culture Bearer Wrangell, AK
Inspiring Educator Juneau, AK
Simon Friday
David R. Boxley
Matt Carle Sr.
Colleen Echohawk
Emerging Leader Kake, AK
Holding Each Other Up Hydaburg, AK
Admin. Asst. I (Nov. 8- Dec. 15)
Language Warrior Metlakatla, AK
Tribal Ally Seattle, WA
Kyle Worl
Youth Mentor Juneau, AK For questions regarding Tlingit & Haida’s virtual Facebook Live President’s Award Ceremony, please contact the Office of the President at deptfob@ccthita-nsn.gov.
For more information, contact the VTRC at vtrc@ccthita-nsn.gov. 3
Newly Elected Youth Commission Officers
Haa Aaní Káa Át Kugaxtootéen Summer Adventures The Tribal Family & Youth Services (TFYS) department hosted another successful Haa Aaní Káa Át Kugaxtootéen (We Will be Traveling on Our Land) Adventure Club! Tribal citizen youth from 2nd-8th grade safely gathered with COVID-19 precautions in place to explore traditional arts, science and the great outdoors. The adventure club was funded under Tlingit & Haida's Supporting Transition and Educational Promise (STEPS) Neighborhood Community Block Grant in partnership with the Cultural Heritage & Education department. The curriculum was developed by Nancy Douglas, Kitty Eddy and George Holly.
Congratulations to Tlingit & Haida’s newly elected Youth Commission Officers! The Youth Commission is a working body of Tlingit & Haida and provides a space for tribal citizen youth to use their collective voice to influence change and engage in the Tribe’s government process.
Joe Hillaire Jr. President Hydaburg
Tiadola Silva 1st Vice President Angoon
Drew Jackson 2nd Vice President Kake
Patrice DeAsis Secretary Juneau
Sabena Allen Member at Large Sitka
Christianna Edwards Member at Large Seattle
4
The program met twice a week by Zoom and once in person at Sandy Beach and Douglas Island Pink & Chum, Inc.'s (DIPAC) Macaulay Salmon Hatchery. Each week, students participated in culturally-based STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities and outdoor adventures, including halibut hooks, fish traps, fish weirs, jam and scavenger hunts. For questions or more information on the Haa Aaní Káa Át Kugaxtootéen Adventure Club, contact Will Kronick at wkronick@ccthita-nsn.gov.
New Rescue Relief Programs Announced Tlingit & Haida is pleased to announce the launch of the Rescue Relief Household and Rescue Small Business Relief programs. These new direct relief assistance programs are funded under the Tribe’s American Rescue Plan Act funds to assist tribal citizens who have been economically impacted by the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The Rescue Relief Household program provides a one-time financial assistance grant of $1,000 per tribal citizen within an eligible United States household (some exceptions apply). For more information on the program, please email rescuerelief@ccthita-nsn.gov or call 907.463.7711. If you are enrolled with Tlingit & Haida and are interested in applying, the online application is available at: https://tinyurl.com/RescueReliefApplication. The Rescue Small Business Relief program provides tribal citizens who are small business owners and have been impacted by COVID-19 a grant of up to $5,000. Funds must be expended in compliance with federal law and used by the applicant to only pay for business recovery-related expenses (i.e. utilities, internet, phone, payroll, inventory, etc.). For more information on the program, please email rescuesbg@ccthita-nsn.gov or call 907.463.7799. If you are enrolled with Tlingit & Haida and a small business owner in need of relief, the online application is available at www.ccthita-nsn.gov/info/news/rescue/rescuesbg.htm. Note: Please make sure to have your tribal enrollment number and banking information available before beginning your online application. Tribal citizens who do not know their tribal enrollment number may contact Program Compliance to request it via email at enrollment@ccthita-nsn.gov or by calling 907.463.7146. For more information on Tlingit & Haida’s Rescue Relief programs, visit our website at www.ccthita-nsn.gov.
Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month Many of us have been touched by suicide in some way – a loss of life is a tragedy to our families, communities and culture. In recognition of Suicide Prevention and Awareness month, Tlingit & Haida would like to remind all tribal citizens that your life matters and we value each and every one of you. Caring for your mental health now, more than ever before, is so important with the unique challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is not our way to be disconnected from each other and many of our people are feeling isolated, emotional distress and even financial hardship related to COVID-19. Worries and anxiety over COVID-19 and its impact can be overwhelming. Social distancing can make it even more challenging. One of our most important Tribal Values we embrace is to “Hold Each Other Up”. Please take the time to reach out to your loved ones, check on them and lift them up. Suicide prevention is intervention, postvention, and prevention – we can all do our part to help friends and family know they are not alone if they are experiencing difficult times or feeling down. Artwork Description: Semicolons have become an international symbol of suicide prevention representing the point when an author could’ve chosen to end their sentence, but continued on. The author is you and the sentence is your life. We hope that you’ll continue to share your stories with us. For those who are in crisis and do not have a support system, please don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Call the Alaska Careline at 1.877.266.4357 (HELP) or National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.TALK. 5
Tribal Citizen Highlight: Elvia Sosa Koolen
When the COVID-19 pandemic reached Alaska in March of 2020, the Employment & Training department reached out to tribal citizens to see if there was any interest in making masks for our communities. In May 2020, Elvia Sosa Koolen, Anna Ehlers, and Mavis Mayeda began the mask making project. While Elvia had no previous experience operating commercial sewing machines, she quickly learned and began leading the mask making project. This all came easy to Elvia as she has a distinct aptitude for the technicalities and mechanics of the machines. Her desire to learn has opened more opportunities for her, including further training. Elvia is the daughter of Manuel and Elizabeth Sosa Flores of Juneau, Alaska. Her moiety is Eagle Shark and she is married to Adrian Koolen of Ontario, Canada.
VOCA Fix Act Signed into Law Following the Senate’s unanimous passage of H.R. 1652 (S. 611) VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021 (VOCA Fix Act) in July, the bill was signed into law by United States President Joe Biden. For Tlingit & Haida and other Alaska tribes, this was a monumental victory. The Act saves and rebuilds a vital federal funding source essential to addressing Alaska’s lack of available services for victims. The funding is not only critical for victim service organizations in Alaska and across the nation, but also for Alaska tribes who have been developing support and advocacy services to aid victims and address the increase in child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault cases in Alaska and meet the growing demand for services. “The passage of the VOCA Fix Act is key to our victim services,” shared Tlingit & Haida’s Tribal Court Chief Justice Lisa Lang. “This is a muchneeded resource for Alaska tribes and is truly aligned with our tribal core values, self-determination and sovereignty.” To read the full press release, visit our website at www.ccthita-nsn.gov.
Follow Tlingit & Haida on Social Media Social media has proven to be a valuable tool for sharing information on Tlingit & Haida’s programs, services and activities. We are pleased to share the Tribe’s Facebook page has grown to over 15,300 followers, Instagram account has surpassed 4,300 followers, and Twitter has over 960 followers. Make sure you do not miss out on any update or event by turning on our post notifications! To do this, visit our profile on Instagram or Twitter and click the bell icon on our page. Please help us continue to grow and expand the Tribe’s social media reach by “liking” and “sharing” our posts!
Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa to Elvia for her time, talents and efforts that directly benefited our people! @ccthita 6
@tlingithaida
@tlingithaida
Back to School Backpack Distribution Tlingit & Haida’s Back to School Backpack distribution looked a little different this year. Traditionally, the 477 Division hosts a Back to School Celebration in Juneau, Alaska with families gathering at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall to receive a backpack filled with starter school supplies and a special message from Tlingit & Haida President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson. As a drive-thru event this year, families pulled up in their cars at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall where Tlingit & Haida employees and other volunteers greeted them and sent them on their way with backpacks and new school supplies. Although different than how we imagined, the excitement and promise of a new school year filled the air! The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program Coordinator Julie Chapman and her dedicated team organized the backpack distribution. By early August, they had distributed 2,073 backpacks and that number is still climbing! Tlingit & Haida also recently launched a Rescue Relief Backpack program for tribal citizen youth located outside of Southeast Alaska to ensure they have the resources they need to stay safe while returning to school. The backpacks include starter school supplies and a COVID-19 safety kit (i.e., water bottle, face mask, whistle, flashing reflector, hand sanitizer, flashlight, and an educational COVID-19 safety coloring book). To learn more about how to apply, visit www.ccthita-nsn.gov/info/events. The 477 Division would like to extend their appreciation to President Peterson, the Executive Council and volunteers for their support. We hope to be able to celebrate the start of the next school year in person, but until then, Tlingit & Haida wishes all students a great 2021-2022 school year!
Photos contributed by TANF Program Coordinator Julie Chapman 7
Construction Completed on New Greenhouse Tucked behind the Edward K. Thomas building in Juneau, Alaska is Tlingit & Haida’s new dome-shaped greenhouse. The project has been months in the making and is based on a vision for a tribal community garden to create food sovereignty. The greenhouse project is funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and a planning grant from the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF). The design was created by Growing Spaces from Pagosa Springs, Colorado, a company known for its geodesic-shaped greenhouses. With the help of Tlingit & Haida’s construction crew, the project was completed in just over a week.
Newly constructed greenhouse located behind the Edward K. Thomas building in Juneau, Alaska
Lindsey Pierce, an Environmental Specialist in the Tribe’s Native Lands & Resources (NLR) department, believes this will be a good learning experience for Tlingit & Haida. She said the NLR department will be looking for guidance from local experts on soil health, best gardening practices and composting. “It’s awesome being able to stand here and see it come together,” said Lindsey. “I started to get excited when they drew the circle outline on the ground and I cannot wait to see how the produce does this year.” The geometric design of the dome is not only beautiful, but it’s also practical and can withstand Juneau’s weather 365 days a year. The triangular panels forming the dome greenhouse provide a strong structure not replicated in a rectangular shape. The North Wall Insulation (also called “Reflectix”) helps keep the greenhouse cozy during the long winter nights and reflects light evenly onto the plants during the day for maximum growth. In the central air system (also known as the “undersoil heating & cooling system”), a solar panel at the top of the greenhouse produces electricity to power a fan that blows air inside the greenhouse through Greenhouse in early stages of construction pipes buried in the perimeter raised soil beds. The air at the intake is warm in the winter and cool in the summer, which effectively heats or cools the soil depending on the time of year. The intentional design will stand up very well in Juneau’s seasonal climates. For the NLR department who is overseeing the project, the dream is to eventually involve the Tribe's Head Start students in the garden growing process and supply fresh produce to our tribal enterprises such as Smokehouse Catering and Sacred Grounds Café. During the first year, NLR’s team will focus on growing the basics: broccoli, kale, spinach and Tlingit potatoes, some of which were provided by Sustainable Southeast. For more information on the greenhouse project, contact the NLR department at deptnlr@ccthita-nsn.gov.
Food Security • Sustainability • Sovereignty 8
Mark Your Calendars
2020 Census Results
September Events
1-30: 1-30: 3-5: 6: 7 & 9: 11: 13: 14-16: 15: 16: 21-23: 24:
Suicide Prevention Month National Recovery Month 2021 Tlingit & Haida Youth Summit Labor Day (Offices Closed) VTRC Financial Skills Course VTRC Work Readiness & Soft Skills Course Last Day of Adulting 101 Course 2021 Southeast Environmental Conference (Part 1) Application Deadline for Alumni Scholarship Native Issues Form (Topic: Sustainable Southeast Partnership) 2021 Southeast Environmental Conference (Part 2) Emerging Leader Application Deadline
October Events
1: Virtual 86th Annual Tribal Assembly 6-10: Annual ANB/ANS Grand Camp Convention 10: World Mental Health Day 11: Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Offices Closed) 18: Alaska Day (Offices Closed) 21-23: Alaska Federation of Natives Convention 25: VTRC Child Development Associate (CDA) Course
November Events
1-3: VTRC Financial Skills Course 1-5: Enrollment Committee Meeting 8: VTRC Administrative Assistant Level 1 Course (until Dec. 15) 11: Veterans Day 12: Observance of Dr. Walter Soboleff Day (Offices Closed) 14: Dr. Walter Soboleff Day 20: Virtual President’s Awards Ceremony 25: Thanksgiving Day (Offices Closed) 26: Native American Heritage Day (Offices Closed)
December Events
15: Final Day of Administrative Assistant Level 1 Course 25: Christmas Day (Offices Closed)
On August 12, 2021, the U.S. Census Bureau released the 2020 Census P.L. 94-171 Redistricting Data File. The total American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) population increased from 5.2 million in 2010 to 9.7 million in 2020, which is an 86.5% increase. AI/ANs now represent 2.9% of the U.S. population. Although the data shows that those who identify as AI/AN alone fell slightly from 15% to 14.8% in Alaska, those who identify as AI/AN in combination with one or more other races grew from 19.7% to 21.9%. According to the data, Alaska is the most predominantly Native American state (14.8%), followed by New Mexico (8.9%). States primarily use the Redistricting Data File to draw new congressional, state, and local districts that will influence representation, voting, and the allocation of new resources to communities. We are pleased to see the 2020 Census data successfully captured the growing diversity of our AI/AN population. To review the full data file, visit www.census.gov. 9
Sign Up for Tribal eNews
Offices Close to the Public Due to Significant Increases in COVID-19 Cases in Southeast Alaska Due to significant increases in COVID-19 cases in several Southeast Alaska communities, Tlingit & Haida has returned to Phase II of the Tribe’s COVID-19 response plan in July.
Help us reduce the Tribe’s paper consumption and print/postage costs by signing up to receive news from Tlingit & Haida via email! Join other tribal citizens and friends who have subscribed to receive our newsletter, press releases, and other news on the Tribe’s activities and events. To sign up, please contact:
Communications
Tlingit & Haida 2631 Channel Drive Juneau, Alaska 99801 Toll Free: 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7369 Direct: 907.463.7369 communications@ccthita-nsn.gov To view past newsletters, visit our website at www.ccthita-nsn.gov.
Under Phase II, all Tlingit & Haida buildings are closed to the public until further notice. Only essential employees under departments with approved mitigation plans will be authorized to work from Tlingit & Haida's buildings. The Tribe’s Phase II COVID-19 response plan applies to all Tlingit & Haida facilities throughout Southeast Alaska. The decision to close Tlingit & Haida's buildings to the public and return employees to remote work was made at the recommendation of the Tribal Emergency Operations Center (TEOC) which continues to monitor and assess available COVID-19 data. The return to Phase II is intended to help reduce the possible transmission of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of our employees, tribal citizens, general public and communities. “Tlingit & Haida’s phased COVID-19 response plan is built to be a sliding scale that is responsive to emerging COVID-19 data and local case activity," said President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson. "We’ve put a lot of work into developing the Tribe’s infrastructure and ability to flexibly move our employees back and forth between working in the office and working remotely as needed to ensure everyone's safety. As we close our offices once again to the public, we anticipate minimal disruptions to operations.” The Tribe will continue to operate under normal business hours. If you are trying to reach a specific department, please go to Tlingit & Haida’s website (www.ccthita-nsn.gov/contact/overview) for a complete list of all department contacts.
Stay Home • Stay Healthy • Stay Connected 10
Tlingit & Haida Welcomes New Staff Attorney Tlingit & Haida is pleased to announce the hire of Heidi Davis as the new Staff Attorney for the Office of the President. In this position, Davis will provide legal counsel and representation to Tlingit & Haida in the areas of tribal government, federal-tribal relations, federal-state relations, tribal jurisdiction, environmental and natural resources law and policy, economic development, employment, contracts, code drafting and compliance. Davis graduated from the University of Arkansas (UA) at Little Rock with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Political Science. She then went on to obtain her Juris Doctor degree from UA at Little Rock School of Law and graduated in May 2021. “I’m excited and grateful to have been brought on to work for the Tribe,” Davis said. “When I went to Arkansas to pursue my higher education, my goal was always to come home and work for my people.”
Heidi Davis with her two children Jonah and Hannah
Although from Kake, Alaska, Davis was raised in Sitka and Juneau. She is from the Raven Coho clan and is happy to be back in Southeast Alaska, accompanied by her two children Jonah and Hannah. Outside of work, her family has been enjoying exploring tide pools and going on hikes in Juneau. She is eager to show her children how to pick berries and fish, just as she did as a kid growing up in the Southeast Alaska.
Seacoast Trust Launched During a special Native Issues Forum held on September 16, 2021, tribal entities and community partners announced the creation of the Seacoast Trust, a new, long-term approach to funding community-driven economic development in Southeast Alaska. The Trust’s mission is to support Southeast Alaska communities in achieving their goals for community well-being, sustainable economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and natural resource management. Grounded in Indigenous-led stewardship and values, the trust will power the work of Sustainable Southeast Partnership in perpetuity. Earnings from the trust will fund a different kind of conservation, one that understands people and communities are inseparable components of a healthy environment. It embraces a new model for Southeast Alaska where access to capital is the basis for healthy and vibrant communities and economies in tandem with the conservation of natural resources. For nearly a decade, Sealaska, the Nature Conservancy, Southeast Alaska tribes and communities, private industry, nonprofits and many others have been working together toward the shared vision for a stable, regenerative and equitable future for our homelands and people. The ultimate goal is to grow the trust to $100 million and $17 million has been raised so far through contributions made by Sealaska and the Nature Conservancy’s Bezos Earth Fund. To learn more about the Seacoast Trust and how you can support it, visit www.seacoasttrust.org. 11
Tlingit & Haida Launches Broadband Project Tlingit & Haida is one step closer to providing access to improved broadband services in Southeast Alaska. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) formally accepted Tlingit & Haida's application for a 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window (TPW) license after final review of the requirements for the assignment of the spectrum. The 2.5 GHz TPW was offered by the FCC in 2019 to all federally recognized tribes where spectrum was available for assignment at no cost. The TPW provided a unique opportunity for tribes in rural areas to gain access to prime mid-band spectrum to deploy broadband and other next-generation wireless services. According to the FCC, the 2.5 GHz band is suitable for both mobile coverage and fixed point-to-point uses. The first initiative will be to deploy 2.5 GHz through new or existing towers to extend fixed wireless internet service to Wrangell customers and continue to establish a customer base with Southeast Alaska tribes for the last-mile delivery of broadband services to communities. “Improving communications services is about improving the general welfare of our tribal citizens,” shared President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson. “The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the deficiencies in communications connectivity in Southeast Alaska and it’s the Tribe’s priority to work with village tribes to ensure all communities have high-speed internet. We also want to see better connectivity in outlying land areas and waterways where having communication can be often a matter of life and death.” “The 2.5 GHz spectrum is special,” shared Second Vice President Will Micklin. “This is beach front property. It’s the sweet spot on the channel where the fish run. This is midShapefile of Market Area for Tlingit & Haida’s 2.5 GHz bandwidth spectrum that provides a strong signal that travels Wireless Spectrum Application long distances at high speeds with little degradation from obstructions like trees, which is perfect for our rural villages and more dense communities alike. It is also a key building block for future 5G broadband services.” Over the course of the last several months, Tlingit & Haida’s broadband network & systems architects have participated in community visits in Southeast Alaska to share information on the Tribe’s broadband initiative, seek support for the Tribe’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) grant applications, and discuss opportunities to partner with Southeast Alaska village tribes under the 2.5 GHz wireless spectrum. "I am excited to see Tlingit & Haida work with village tribes and use the resources available to remove barriers and close the digital divide in Southeast Alaska," shared Broadband Network & Systems Architect Chris Cropley. “It’s time our villages are brought to the forefront of the digital age.” To read the full press release, visit our website at www.ccthita-nsn.gov. For more information, please contact Broadband Network & Systems Architect Chris Cropley at ccropley@ccthita-nsn.gov. 12
Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy Continued from cover “Our people have been stewards of the Tongass National Forest since time immemorial and we stand in our sovereignty to protect it,” said Rob Sanderson Jr., 3rd Vice President of Tlingit & Haida and a former longtime member of the United States Forest Service (USFS) Alaska Tribal Leaders Committee. “The relationship between governments, as well as USDA and USFS, is an exciting step forward as we work together to integrate our traditional knowledge of protecting our lands and waters.”
Upcoming Enrollment Meeting
The USDA will stand up a locally-based team to consult with tribal governments and Alaska Native corporations. They will also meet with stakeholders, communities and partners, and identify opportunities in the upcoming term to distribute the additional funding for projects and workforce development in the region. The team will actively be looking for ways to support and complement the work of groups including the Indigenous Guardians Network, Sustainable Southeast Partnership, Hoonah Native Forest Partnership, Keex’ Kwaan Community Forest Partnership, Tribal Totem poles laid to rest on Prince of Wales Island Conservation Districts, Southeast Conference, and USDA’s Joint Chiefs’ Restoration Initiative project.
Tlingit & Haida’s Enrollment Committee will meet November 1-5, 2021 to review and act on pending enrollment applications and to request blood quantum corrections. If you are of Tlingit and/or Haida descent and would like to enroll with Tlingit & Haida or request a blood quantum correction, please make sure to submit an application or request by October 25, 2021.
The collaboration between the State, USFS and tribes will continue to build trust and opportunity for our Indigenous people in Southeast Alaska.
Submit Enrollment Application to: ATTN: Program Compliance Tribal Enrollment 320 W. Willoughby Ave., Ste. 300 Juneau, AK 99801
To read the full press release, visit Tlingit & Haida’s website at www.ccthita-nsn.gov.
Enrollment Application: https://bit.ly/38P4Tpt
Update Your Contact Information Online Tlingit & Haida’s tribal enrollment records are showing many tribal citizens with invalid addresses. Help us to make sure we have your most current contact information! Update Your Address Online:
www.ccthita-nsn.gov/services/overview/forms/form-update-contact For questions, contact Program Compliance at 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7359 or enrollment@ccthita-nsn.gov. 13
Tlingit & Haida Youth Summit Held For the first time in Tlingit & Haida’s history, tribal citizen youth from across the United States gathered virtually to create their collective voice and vision. The newly formed Youth Commission, with the support of Tlingit & Haida’s Navigators program, hosted the virtual Youth Summit held September 3-5, 2021. Over 30 youth participated in the summit where they engaged in talking circles to openly discuss issues they are facing today; workshops to learn about Tlingit & Haida’s history, Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), impacts of boarding school institutions, tribal government processes, leadership skills, and budgeting; and working sessions to learn how to draft a resolution and other tools for advocacy. During the Youth Summit, three resolutions were drafted, two of which were put forth to Tlingit & Haida’s Delegates to be considered at the 86th Annual Tribal Assembly: THYC 21-01, Making Alaska Native Language Classes Mandatory for K-12 State of Alaska Public Schools THYC 21-02, Increasing Awareness and Indigenous Management as a Means of Combating Climate Change “It was so inspiring to see our youth at the table ready to use their voice to influence change and so many presenters volunteering their time and energy to share their knowledge and hold up our next generation of leaders,” shared President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson. Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa to all guests and presenters for holding up our youth: Rob Allen, Barbara (Waahlaal Giidaax) Blake, Tyler Breen, Della Cheney, Konrad Frank, Jamiann (S’eiltin) Hasselquist, Arias Hoyle, Jaeleen Kookesh, Aurora Lehr, Courtney Lewis, Elizabeth (La quen náay) Medicine Crow, Michelle Phelps, Heather Powell, Madeline Soboleff-Levy and Gene Tagaban. For questions or more information regarding the Youth Summit, please contact the Navigators program at navigators@ccthita-nsn.gov.
Youth Summit Goals: Provide an opportunity for tribal youth to engage in our tribal government. Inspire pride in tribal youth’s cultural identity and heritage. Strengthen tribal youth’s understanding and engagement with topics relevant to tribal youth. Empower tribal youth leadership, innovation, commitment and sharing of their knowledge. Foster networking, sharing, discussion and community building. Build advocacy within and among tribal youth. 14
Community & Behavioral Services Tlingit & Haida is proud to announce the establishment of the new Community & Behavioral Services (CBS) Division which launched in May of 2021. The CBS Division includes three departments — Reentry & Recovery, Tribal Family & Youth Services and Behavioral Services. It has been a long-standing commitment of Tlingit & Haida to expand programming around prevention, treatment and recovery, and to provide direct clinical care to tribal citizens. The Tribe is happy to finally have the opportunity to expand care around prevention, intervention and recovery services. Dr. Tina Woods, Senior Director of Community & Behavioral Services, seeks to meet tribal citizens where they are at and is looking forward to serving all tribal citizens around the world. Dr. Tina Woods
Through the work of the division, Tlingit & Haida is taking a stronger role in the wellness aspect of tribal citizens and their families. By using a holistic approach to the mind, body and spirit, the division can facilitate greater healing and wellness and give our tribal citizens and families the best opportunity to succeed in life. We have known that multi-generational trauma exists and trauma can have a long-lasting impact on a person’s emotional and psychological well-being if left unaddressed. When working with clients suffering from substance use disorders, trauma and other forms of addiction, it is important to promote healing through a holistic approach. “Trauma lives within us and it comes out when we are triggered by added stress,” said Dr. Woods. “Our brain chemistry changes when we experience trauma — whether it be done to us or we do it to someone. After experiencing trauma, individuals have difficulty in the brain and body recognizing the trauma is over — this habituates the nervous system — hence coping with unhealthy behaviors such as substance abuse.” The division seeks to help individuals clear out the distractions and recognize there is no formula. Each human being is uniquely created and at a different point in time for healing and recovery. For more information on the new division, contact Dr. Tina Woods at twoods@ccthita-nsn.gov. For more information on events hosted by the division, visit our website www.ccthita-nsn.gov. Community & Behavioral Services Healing Center offers the following types of treatment to participants: Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder
Wellness Wednesdays: A new series centered on empowering tribal citizens to improve their Group Therapy overall personal wellness. Talking Circles Tele-behavioral Services: Zoom platform compliant with privacy practices to serve Hope & Resilience: Supporting employees individuals safely in their homes with 1:1 during the COVID-19 Pandemic. counseling or group therapy sessions. Hope & Resilience for Healthcare Workers: Crisis Response Debriefing: Offering support to Supporting health care providers and their individuals, families and communities around families during the COVID-19 pandemic. tragic and sudden loss. Assessments and outpatient Counseling
15
Tlingit & Haida
Communications Department 2631 Channel Drive, Juneau AK 99801 www.ccthita-nsn.gov • www.facebook.com/ccthita 907.463.7369
Communications@ccthita-nsn.gov
PRESORTED STANDARD
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Preserve our sovereignty, enhance our economic and cultural resources, and promote self-sufficiency and self-governance for our citizens.
Participate in Orange Shirt Day! What is Orange Shirt Day? The annual Orange Shirt Day opens the door to global conversation on all aspects of Residential Schools. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of Residential Schools and the legacy they have left behind. When? September 30, 2021 How? It’s simple. Wear an orange shirt! Take a picture and post it on social media with the #OrangeShirtDay and #EveryChildMatters to bring awareness to this issue. For more information, visit www.orangeshirtday.org. There are many virtual events to attend this year and lots of opportunities to support this movement.
PAID
Juneau, AK Permit No. 139