Tlingit & Haida Central Council
Tribal News
January/February 2015
Tribe Adopts New Marriage Statute By a unanimous vote on February 20, the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska’s (Central Council) Executive Council adopted a new tribal statute authorizing its Tribal Court to conduct marriage ceremonies, divorce proceedings, and establish custody arrangements. What is important to note with the passage of this new statute code is that it clearly defines any person may enter into a legal marriage with another person regardless of gender. Central Council is the latest to join a growing list of tribes in the United States that have either amended or adopted new tribal code to recognize gender equality. Central Council’s codification of same-sex marriage is at the vanguard in the State of Alaska. As all federally-recognized tribes, Central Council retains inherent sovereign authority over the domestic relations of its tribal citizens and exercised this right by developing its own laws regarding marriage. “The impetus for the new tribal code on marriage came from two places; exercising our self-determination and sovereign authority and making sure that we provide for equal treatment of our tribal citizens, said President Richard Peterson. “All of our tribal citizens should be provided the same rights. It’s an important statement for the Tribe to make and one that was not difficult for our Executive Council to stand behind.” Tribal Court Chief Justice Debra O’Gara expressed, “We are pleased to expand our Tribal Court to meet the needs of our tribal citizens. Our court can now be utilized by tribal citizens for the happy occasion of marriage without discrimination and regardless of gender.” •
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Tribe Receives Donated Totem Pole Models Client Service Offices Relocate Where is Kyla Daniels-Pate Now? Sign Up for Tribal News Native-Owned Business Directory Notice of Public Comment Period - TANF Three-Year Plan Renewal VTRC Distance Education Program New Program Profiles Booklet Published Tribal Child Support Staff Attend Workshop New Website for Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall Executive Council Meeting Highlight Tribe Welcomes New Management Staff Free Tax Assistance for Southeast Alaska Communities AFN Annual Retreat
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Tribal Consultation Held on Land into Trust Transboundary Mining Update 2015 Elders & Caregivers Workshop & Training Andrew Hope Building to Receive Exterior Upgrade Bering Sea Halibut Bycatch Report Tribal Transportation Program Workshop & Training Manager Highlight: Corrine Garza Tribe Hosts Legislative Reception Lesiglative Reception Snap Shots Foster Care Recruitment Head Start News Tribal Assembly - Save the Date! Mark Your Calendars 2015 Native Issues Forum Schedule
Tribe Receives Donated Totem Pole Models Submitted By: Native Lands & Resources
On January 16, 2015 Central Council received a donation of two old totem pole models orchestrated through the Native Lands and Resources Department with Patricia Bergen of Arizona. The totem pole models were collected by glassware magnate Edward Drummond Libby in the early 1900’s to decorate his “winter home.” When Patricia later purchased the home, the poles had been left behind as part of the décor. After selling the house, she kept the totem pole models and in her letter she stated, “I was concerned that the people who bought it would not be careful of these objects and so I have kept them with me all these years. Having worked in a museum, I am aware of their artistic and monetary value, but most especially of their familial and spiritual value, and that is why I am so happy to send them home.” The one depicting a burial box has been identified as being Kaigani Haida and is supported by two posts, a figure of a bear inlaid with abalone shell and having opercula shell around the edge, the carving of the bear slides off the front of the box to reveal a container which in a full sized pole would have been the burial chamber. This is only a model, not an actual funerary object. The second pole has been attributed to the Southern Tlingit. The top figure is an eagle with a bear holding a fish and a hawk below with a man on its chest which sits on top of a wolf holding a frog. The totems appear to be late 1800’s or work from around 1900 and have traditional paints on them. As objects in private hands they are not subject to repatriation under the Native American Graves Protection Act (NAGPRA). The totems will be displayed at Central Council’s Edward K. Thomas building located at 9097 Glacier Highway in Juneau, Alaska. Central Council extends a heartfelt gunalchéesh and háaw’a to Mrs. Bergen for returning these old and valued totems back to their homeland.
Client Service Offices Relocate The Child Care, Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR), Employment & Training (E&T), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) departments have relocated their offices from the Mendenhall Valley (Mendenhall Mall) to downtown Juneau (Andrew Hope and Federal buildings). The decision to relocate client service offices was based on providing added security for staff and clients, improving the use of office space, providing easier access for clients between service locations, and reducing operating costs. E&T and TANF have signed a lease and moved in to the Federal Building. TVR and Child Care have been temporarily relocated to the 1st floor of the Andrew Hope Building. Once renovations and remodeling have been completed they will be moved up to the 3rd floor.
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Where is Kyla Daniels-Pate Now? Submitted By: Barbara Taug
Therapeutic Massage Therapist, Kyla Pate, has worked her way up to the top. Top of the world that is! This adventurous, 2013 Alaska Career College graduate took her therapeutic skills to Barrow, Alaska to join the Arctic Chiropractic and Physical Medicine team. Kyla Pate is Kiks.adí (raven-frog clan), from the At.uwaxiji Hít Kyla Daniels-Pate (strong house) and is happily married to Martin Pate who is Wooshkeetaan (eagle-shark clan) from Kake, Alaska. Martin is a Marine veteran and currently deployed overseas in Afghanistan with the National Guard. Kyla and Martin anxiously wait to be reunited together on top of the world. They also look forward to learning all that Barrow has to offer. With Kyla’s love of learning of traditional medicine, she has added Thai massage to her skill set and has been taking classes on arctic medicinal plants. Martin plans on joining the Barrow Fire and Rescue Department and finishing his fire science degree. Kyla has already witnessed polar bears, winter Eskimo games, Kivgiq 2015 (Arctic sing and dance gathering), and most unbelievable views of the aurora borealis. She looks forward to the spring whale hunts, the 24 hour summer sun, plant gathering, arctic gardening, and of course for her husband to come home safely!
Thank you Kyla for sharing your adventures with us!
Sign Up for 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 submit your contact information to: Communications Program Office of the President 9097 Glacier Highway Juneau, Alaska 99801 Toll Free: 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7368 Direct: 907.463.7368 Email: communications@ccthita.org To view past issues of our Tribal News, please visit our website: www.ccthita.org/info/newsletters.
Native-Owned Business Directory Central Council’s Business and Economic Development Department (BEDD) is compiling a directory of Southeast Alaska Native-owned businesses to provide support to Southeast Alaska Native entrepreneurs and businesses. The directory is funded through the United States Department of Economic Development Administration’s Partnership Planning Program. A copy of the draft business directory can be viewed at www.ccthita.org/services/community/biz. If you are Tlingit, Haida, and/or Tsimpshian, a licensed business owner, and would like to be included in the business directory, please contact BEDD:
Susie Edwardson
Economic Development Specialist Toll Free: 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7121 | Direct: 907.463.7121 | Email: sedwardson@ccthita.org. 3
Notice of Public Comment Period
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Three-Year Plan Renewal Central Council is accepting public comment for renewal of its Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) three-year plan (2016-2018) in accordance with 45 CFR 286.75(a)(6). Program Description
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Department provides financial assistance to families while emphasizing work participation, education, family stability and responsibility. We identify and focus on employment goals, economic and social obstacles, and the health, safety and well-being of children and families. Caseworkers monitor families as they move through their Tribal Service Plan toward their ultimate goal of self-sufficiency and independence from program services. Eligible families have a 60 month lifetime limit. Communities Served
All Southeast Alaska communities with the exception of Metlakatla. Funding Agencies
State of Alaska and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Comments must be received by March 31, 2015 Please Send To:
Attention: TANF Manager Central Council Tlingit and Haida PO Box 21488 Juneau, Alaska 99802
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VTRC Distance Education Program The Vocational Training & Resource Center (VTRC) is a State of Alaska authorized post-secondary institution that provides training and career advancement opportunities through high quality academic, computer, and vocational education. Currently, the VTRC offers 39 distance education courses in cooperation with Penn Foster, a nationally accredited distance education company. The distance education courses have been approved by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) for the general public and provide an opportunity for students to earn real credentials (certificates, high school diplomas, and national certifications). Any third party payers, be it public or private, are encouraged to call the VTRC to discuss other offerings. Education is the Answer! For more information on the Distance Education program, please contact:
Eli Derenoff
Distance Education Coordinator Toll Free: 800.344.1432 ext. 7145 | Direct: 907.463.7145 Email: ederenoff@ccthita.org
New Program Profiles Booklet Published Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska is pleased to announce it has released an updated Program Profiles booklet. The publication was created to provide our tribal citizens with important information on the wide range of individual and community services offered through Central Council’s programs. In the spirit of our mission, Central Council’s administrative team and staff are proud of the services we provide and are honored to serve our tribal citizens! To access the latest edition of our Program Profiles booklet, please visit our website: www.ccthita.org/services/overview/documents.
Tribal Child Support Staff Attend Workshop
Submitted By: Barbara Laman
On January 27, 2015, Tribal Child Support Unit (TCSU) staff attended a State of Alaska Child Support Services Division (CSSD) workshop in Anchorage. This workshop included several trainings over the course of the day on topics such as Teen Outreach, Administrative Findings and Evidence, and the Life of a Case. Teen Outreach is a service provided by CSSD to reach out to high school students. CSSD staff provide presentations at local schools to provide information about the financial consequences of being a teen parent. CSSD is currently working on producing a video that relates specifically to Alaska. CSSD has expressed interest in collaborating with TCSU staff for future Teen Outreach work projects. The Administrative Findings and Evidence workshop helped clarify how administrative support orders are written and the importance of the findings of fact that go into making a written decision. This information will be helpful for TCSU staff to assist clients who are going through administrative review of their state child support orders. The Life of a Case course demonstrated how specialized and compartmentalized CSSD’s case processing system is. Each stage of a case has its own department and moves forward once a task has been completed. For example, once paternity has been established, the case will move to the support order establishment team or if the non-custodial parent has moved out of state, a case may be assigned to the inter-state referral team. This is in direct contrast to TCSU case processing, where the life of the case is typically assigned to one case specialist. TCSU staff appreciated the invitation to attend the workshop and looks forward to future collaboration with CSSD in an effort to ensure all children are provided with necessary child support services. For more information on the Tribal Child Support Unit, please contact TCSU: Toll Free: 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7132 | Local: 907.463.7132 | Fax: 907.463.7730 | Email: cnore@ccthita.org
New Website for Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall Central Council is pleased to share the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall has officially launched its new website: www. ephall.org. The Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall was renovated in 2014 and includes new floor coverings, wall finishes, suspended ceiling, state of the art audio and visual system, stage lighting, and dimmable LED lighting system. The facility, which is located in downtown Juneau, offers up to 6,000 square feet of event space, a capacity of hosting 1,186 people, and a commercial-grade kitchen.
The Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall is an excellent venue choice for any conference, meeting, reception, wedding, banquet, party, retreat, or concert. For more information on the hall, please contact Property:
Cristina Gregory
Toll Free: 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7777 | Direct: 907.463.7777 Email: cgregory@ccthita.org 5
Executive Council Meeting Highlight Submitted By: Raeanne Holmes
Executive Council Meet with THRHA Board of Commissioners
The Executive Council met January 14-15, 2015 in Juneau, Alaska. Below is an overview of important topics discussed during their two day meeting: Tribal Assembly Planning:
Reviewed proposed changes to Tribal Assembly agenda, resolution process, committee scheduling, etc. roposed Amendments to Statutes & P Constitution:
Discussed the formation of a committee to prepare statutes and amendment to the Constitution. Proposed changes to governing documents will provide for the development of an indigenous language emersion school. Strategic Plan:
Discussed providing outreach to Tlingit & Haida Community Councils for input in the development of the Tribe’s strategic plan. Tlingit-Haida Regional Housing Authority (THRHA) Board of Commissioners:
Discussed criteria for selecting THRHA board members and issue notice of two board vacancies. 2015 Draft Executive Council Priorities:
• Defend budgets for programs, services, functions, and activities. • Earn enterprise revenues to supplement federal/ state funding and the expansion of benefits to all communities. • Acquire trust lands from restored authority for fee-to-trust applications for Alaska tribes. • Continue to improve the delivery of programs, services, functions, and activities to all communities. 6
• Continue to improve reports to and communications with all communities. • Assist in the prevention of violence against women and children following successful efforts to repeal Section 910 of VAWA. • Advocate for co-management and compacting/ contracting initiatives that promote traditional hunting, fishing and gathering (subsistence). • Develop education programs, including a tribal community college and vocational training. • Collaborate with the State of Alaska to achieve formal recognition of tribes, withdrawal of State litigation, and co-management. • Continue to advocate for participation in international issues through permanent and regular status for indigenous governments at the United Nations (UN) and collaboration with the US State Department, and implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Continue to implement traditional native values in all Central Council activities. 2015 Executive Council Meeting Schedule:
Established meeting schedule for the year.
Letter of Support for Emergency Action to Reduce Halibut Bycatch:
Approved a letter in support of the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island’s for emergency action to reduce the 2015 Bering Sea halibut bycatch by 33%. Alaska Regional Coalition Memorandum of Agreement (MOA):
Approved signing of MOA with Bristol Bay Native Association (BBNA), Kawerak, Inc., and Tanana Chiefs Conference to create the Alaska Regional Coalition. to develop a unified voice between regions to provide advocacy on State legislative issues and work to shift State policy toward greater recognition of tribes. The tribal legislative working group meets regularly to discuss State and Federal issues pertaining to Indian policy in Alaska. Resolutions:
Adopted resolution EC 15-02, Refinancing Loan for the Hope Building.
Free Tax Assistance for Southeast Alaska Communities
Tribe Welcomes New Management Staff
Submitted By: Raeanne Holmes
Central Council is pleased to welcome Elizabeth Moore as Employment & Training (E&T) Manager and Grace Singh as Special Assistant to the President. As E&T Manager, Elizabeth will provide oversight of the following programs: Employment Services, General Assistance, Job Placement, Training Services, and Youth Employment Services. Elizabeth brings four years of workforce development program management and five years of tribal management experience, including grants and accounting services with Alaska tribes and community development projects. She returned to Alaska after spending the past two years managing the funds for a nonprofit charter school in Caldwell, Idaho.
Elizabeth Moore
Elizabeth is Yupik and was born in Dillingham, Alaska and raised in the Bering Sea village of Quinhagak. She has two daughters Alexis and Taren and one son Stephan. Elizabeth is also the proud grandparent of five precious grandchildren. Her family continues to reside in her home village of Quinhagak and her birthplace Dillingham. Grace’s new position as Special Assistant to the President combines two former positions: Governmental Affairs Liaison and Assistant to the President. This position coordinates intergovernmental activities through effective management and coordination of federal, state, municipal, and intertribal relations to promote the Tribe’s interests and achieve its goals and objectives.
Central Council’s Business and Economic Development Department (BEDD) has partnered with Tlingit-Haida Regional Housing Authority and United Way of Southeast Alaska to provide free tax assistance services for tribal citizens in the following communities: • • • • •
Angoon Juneau Kake Saxman Prince of Wales Island
Tax assistance services will run Grace holds a Bachelor’s degree in political from February 3 - April 14, 2015. To find out when the tax assistance science with a minor in journalism from services will be in your community, Grace Singh the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She is visit our website: www.ccthita.org/ passionate about tribal sovereignty, subsistence rights, and Alaska Native info/events/. representation. She brings valuable experience working in the Alaska State Legislature and on the Get out the Native Vote campaign. For more information on the tax assistance servcies, please contact Grace was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska and is a Steven’s Village tribal member. Her mother is Renee Matthew Singh from Tanana, Alaska THRHA’s Dawn Wesley, Financial Skills Specialist at 907.780.3117 or and her grandfather is the late Reverend Steven Matthew from Steven’s dwesley@thrha.org. Village. 7
AFN Annual Retreat
Submitted By: Grace Singh
DOI Holds Tribal Consulation on Land into Trust
Submitted By: Grace Singh
The Alaska Federation of Native’s (AFN) board of directors held its annual winter retreat in Kotzebue, Alaska on February 17. Through invitation from AFN, this year’s meeting brought a historic number of elected officials to the table. The AFN board was joined by Governor Bill Walker and Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott, State administrative staff Paulette Schuerch and Craig Fleener, the Alaska Congressional delegation (Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Sen. Dan Sullivan, and Rep. Don Young), and many legislators including House Speaker Mike Chenault and Alaska Senate President Kevin Meyer. The retreat normally does not draw so much attention, however many political leaders attended to express their objection to Department of Interior Secretary Sally Jewel following the Obama administration’s announcement that it would pursue increased protections for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and by limiting oil and gas development off Alaska’s coast in the US Arctic Ocean. Governor Walker’s special appearance included the announcement of Gerad Godfrey as the State’s new Senior Advisor on Rural Business and Intergovernmental Affairs. Lt. Governor Byron Mallott also provided a phenomenal speech about his history with the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and how he hopes to address many of the longstanding Alaska Native issues in his current position as Lt. Governor. 8
A tribal consultation with the United States Department of Interior’s (DOI) Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs (ASIA) Kevin Washburn was held in Juneau, Alaska on December 11, 2015. ASIA Washburn visited Alaska following DOI’s recent administrative decision to acknowledge Alaska tribe’s authority to put land into trust. The decision reversed the ‘Alaska Exception’ for taking land into trust in Alaska, which consequently excluded Alaska tribes from many federal opportunities such as funding under the Department of Justice. The DOI decision is the first step in achieving true self-determination and sovereignty for Alaska tribes, but concerns remain following the State of Alaska’s decision to ask for a six month stay on its appeal in the Akiachak case from 2012. There is no certainty the State of Alaska will acknowledge tribal sovereignty enough to allow Alaska tribes to put land into trust. We urge all tribal citizens to contact the Office of the Governor, Attorney General’s office, and local elected officials to ask for the State to drop the Akiachak case to allow tribal land into federal trust. How to Submit a Land into Trust Application: If a federally recognized tribe wishes to put land into trust, the application must be in writing and request the Secretary of the Interior to take the land into trust specifically for the benefit of the tribe and its tribal members. Applications can be submitted to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the land must qualify under federal Indian laws, be in compliance with NEPA, 602 Hazardous Substances Determinations, National Historical Preservations Act, and US Department of Justice. A Fee-to-Trust Handbook can be found accessed at http://bia.gov/cs/groups/xraca/ documents/text/idc1-024504.
Transboundary Mining Update There are many large scale mines that have been proposed and are in various stages of development in the transboundary region between Alaska and Canada. These mines threaten our pristine waters and salmon on the Unuk, Stikine, and Taku rivers. Central Council’s Native Lands & Resources Department along with 2nd Vice President (VP) Rob Sanderson Jr. continue to work with the United Tribal Transboundary Mining Work Group (UTTMWG), conservation groups, commercial fishermen, and community leaders to educate citizens and leaders about the threats posed by the mining boom in the transboundary watersheds shared with British Columbia. “It is vital that we take action to protect our way of life for our children. We are fortunate to have 2nd VP Rob Sanderson Jr.’s leadership and steadfast dedication on this issue along with our Environmental staff Jennifer Hanlon and Ray Paddock III,” said President Richard Peterson. Rob Sanderson Jr. currently serves as Co-Chair of the UTTMWG, a coalition of federally recognized tribes.
Photo Credit: Melanie Brown
February 11: UTTMWG met to discuss how Southeast tribes can work together to address transboundary mining issues through tribal outreach to the State of Alaska, federal agencies, Alaska’s congressional delegation, First Nations in Canada, and the mining industry. February 27: 1st VP Will Micklin spoke to Jennifer K. Purl who works for the U.S. Department of State
and handles the desk responsible for the United States-Canada environmental treaty issues. Purl agreed to a conference call with Central Council and Southeast Alaska mining consortium representatives to discuss how to advance our interests and concerns. 1st VP Micklin also spoke with U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Commission and will be pursuing further discussion on a bi-lateral role for Southeast Alaska tribes in future talks with Canadian officials.
March 2: UTTMWG Co-Chairs Rob Sanderson Jr. and Carrie James, along with Central Council’s
Environmental Specialist Jennifer Hanlon, met with Lt. Governor Byron Mallott to discuss how the State plans to address the transboundary mining issue throught its newly created transboundary work group. The work group is comprised of the Lt. Governor as chairman and commissioners of the State’s Department of Natural Resources, Department of Fish & Game, and Department of Environmental Conservation. The meeting was very productive and Lt. Governor Mallott assured us the UTTMWG will have a seat on the State’s transboundary work group.
L-R: Jennifer Hanlon, Rob Sanderson Jr., Lt. Governor Byron Mallott, Carrie James
Online Resources:
“Xboundary” Video: vimeo.com/119170132 Salmon Beyond Borders: www.salmonbeyondborders.org Southeast Alaska Conservation Council: www.seacc.org/mining/transboundary-mines Inside Passage Waterkeeper: www.insidepassagewaterkeeper.org/ 9
2015 Elders & Caregivers Workshop
Submitted By: Marilyn Doyle
The Tribal Family and Youth Services (TFYS) Department once again held a successful 2015 Elders and Caregivers Workshop which was held January 15, 2015 at the Juneau Tlingit & Haida Community Council. There were well over 100 elders, caregivers, and community service providers in attendance. Topics covered during the workshop included medicare/medicaid, available resources and services, and legal assistance. Many of the participants expressed positive comments such as “this was one of the best workshops” and “the information and speakers were all excellent.”
It was an honor to have Valerie Davidson as our keynote speaker. Valerie is the newly appointed Commissioner for the State of Alaska, Department of Health and Social Services. She was very personable, had a great sense of humor, and was upfront about the State of Alaska’s commitment to forge ahead with Medicaid expansion despite its big budget deficit. Presentations were also provided by Sioux Douglas, co-chair of the Task Force on Assisted Living for Seniors in Juneau, who spoke about the Juneau Senior Housing and Services Demand Study and Holly Handler with Alaska Legal Services spoke on Advanced Planning for Long Term Care. For more information on the Elderly Service program, please contact: Marilyn Doyle, Elderly Services Coordinator Toll Free: 800.344.1432 ext. 7168 | Direct: 907.463.7168 Email: mdoyle@ccthita.org
Andrew Hope Building to Receive Exterior Upgrade The Andrew Hope Building located in downtown Juneau on West Willoughby Avenue will receive a sleek new upgrade to its exterior starting in July. The existing wood siding is original (1984) and has surpassed its useful life. Although replacing the siding is necessary to extend the life of the building, it also presented the opportunity to infuse tribal elements into the design that reflect our heritage and remind the public of our roots in the Juneau Indian Village. Exterior upgrades will take place on the front and sides of the building. A majority of the siding will be painted, 20 gauge steel, interlocking panels and require very little maintenance. Wood-tone panels made of a phenolic core product will be printed with abstract portions of Central Council’s logo and face the Willoughby Avenue street front. “We expect this renovation project will be an attraction for the Juneau community and tourists. The Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall will benefit from the exposure and once we have the first floor available, we could consider a possible storefront venture,” said Central Council Property Manager Elias Duran. If the Juneau Economic Development Council hosts another competition for building owner improvements for downtown Juneau, we have no doubt our building will be one of the finalists with its new curb appeal! To view a copy of the conceptual plans for the exterior renovations, please visit our website: www.ccthita.org/ info/news. 10
Bering Sea Halibut Bycatch Report
Submitted By: Rob Sanderson Jr.
The amount of halibut being allowed for bycatch is now on the brink of driving the halibut fishermen in the Bering Sea right out of business and risking the destruction of entire fishing dependent communities along with it.
2nd VP Rob Sanderson Jr.
2015 Native Issues Forum Snap Shots
It is important to understand the International Pacific Halibut Commission (Halibut Commission or IPHC) sets the total amount of halibut that can be harvested through permits while the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) has the authority over how much halibut is caught as bycatch.
To encourage better communication and coordination between the two important regulatory bodies, a joint meeting of the NPFMC and Halibut Commission was held February 2-10 in Seattle, Washington. At the meeting, the NPFMC agreed they need to consider greater reductions to the Bering Sea Halibut bycatch and generally increased the maximum reduction from 33% to 50%. A final decision will be made at the next NPFMC meeting schedueled for June 1-9, 2015 in Sitka, Alaska. Please consider sending letters of support and attend the next NPFMC meeting in Sitka. The Tribe is also looking to forward to Governor Walker’s new appointment to the NPFMC. I would like to extend a special thank you to Paul Olsen and Chuck McCallum for working with Central Council on the bycatch numbers. I am also grateful to those who testified at the joint meeting on behalf of their communities, traditions, and resident fishermen that depend on halibut.
At the January meeting, the Executive Council approved a letter in support of the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island’s request for emergency action to reduce the 2015 Bering Sea halibut bycatch by 33%.
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Tribal Transportation Program Workshop & Training Central Council’s Tribal Transportation Department will be hosting the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Tribal Transportation Program (TTP) Workshop March 25-27, 2015 at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall in Juneau. The workshop will provide a roundtable discussion for Alaska tribes to share successes, obstacles, and educational information on the TTP. An introductory half-day TTP training will also be held on March 24, 2015. If you manage a Tribal Transportation Program, are a tribal administrator or a council member and are interested in attending the workshop, please contact the Tribal Transportation Department at 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7763 or vpatterson@ccthita.org.
March 24, 2015 (1 PM - 4 PM) 1/2 Day 101 TTP Training Edward K. Thomas Building 9097 Glacier Highway Juneau, AK March 25-27, 2015 2015 TTP Workshop Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall 320 W. Willoughby Avenue Juneau, AK
Manager Highlight: Corrine Garza Corrine Garza is Haida Eagle/Frog/Sculpin (Suxani) and Tlingit Raven/Coho (Dáanaa Sháawát). She enjoys weaving spruce root and cedar, sewing, and spending time with her three grandchildren (Aaliyah Kato, Gabriella and Marcus Medina) and three children, Jeffrey David III, Dolores Medina, and Roberto Medina. Corrine Garza has been employed with Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska since 1998. As Chief Operating Officer, Corrine oversees the Tribal Operations Department and is responsible for managing and protecting tribal assets. She also provides Corrine administrative support and recommendations to the President in all areas of tribal executive management including policy development. Corrine also provides direct oversight of the following departments: Business & Economic Development, Finance, Head Start, Corrine with her grandchildren Gabby, Marcus, and Aaliya Information Technology, Native Lands & Resources, Property Management, Public Safety, Tribal Transportation, and the Vocational Training & Resource Center. Past Accomplishments:
• Reduced shortfalls from $633,841 in 2010 to $137,906 in 2013. • Developed and submitted contract support cost shortfall claims in the amount of $4.5 million to the DOI for unpaid contract support costs incurred from 2005-2011. • Submitted a Section 17 Corporate Charter that was approved by the Secretary of Interior for the Tribe’s Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporation. • Secured property tax exemption from the City and Borough of Juneau which saves the Tribe $100,000 per year. • Secured sales tax exemption from the City and Borough of Juneau which was a cooperative effort with former President William Martin. Future Initiatives:
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Convert Tribe’s applications to electronic format and make available online. Complete Andrew Hope Building 3rd floor renovations. Complete Andrew Hope Building exterior remodel. Secure tax exempt financing for the Tribe.
Tribe Hosts Legislative Reception Submitted By: Grace Singh
Central Council held a legislative reception on February 13, 2015 at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall in Juneau. The event was co-hosted by the University of Alaska Fairbank’s Department of Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development along with the Alaska Regional Coalition, a newly formed tribal alliance that includes Tanana Chief’s Conference, Kawarek, Inc., and Bristol Bay Native Association. The event featured traditional Alaska Native foods - salmon, crab, herring eggs, and even muktuk.
Legislative Reception Snap Shots
The reception provided tribal leaders, Alaska Native students, and Central Council’s management staff with the opportunity to meet with Alaska State legislators and commissioners to discuss issues surrounding State budget cuts and how it might impact Alaska Natives communities and tribally-administered programs funded by the State. We look forward to hosting future legislative receptions in partnership with other tribal entities to amplify our voice on Alaska Native issues.
A special thank you to All Nation’s Children dance group for their wonderful performance! Foster Care Recruitment What is Foster Care?
Foster Care provides children/youth a temporary home until they can be returned to their families or placed with an adoptive family. Foster parents do not assume legal guardianship of the child and usually a child residing in a foster home will continue to have visits with members of the natural family. Where possible, the intention in fostering is to reunite the child with his or her natural family. There is an urgent need for licensed Alaska Native foster homes. Many of our tribal children are being place in homes that do not share their cultural heritage or traditions. You can be a very important and vital resource for our tribal children. Make a difference in a child’s life!
Roberta James
Tribal Family & Youth Services Toll Free: 800.344.1432 ext. 7350 Direct 907.463.7350 E-mail: rjames@ccthita.org 13
Head Start News Submitted By: Albert Rinehart
Craig Head Start Center Closes Due to unforeseeable circumstances, Tlingit Haida Head Start has made the very difficult decision to close its classroom in Craig, Alaska for the remainder of the school year. The closure is primarily related to the requirement from the Office of the Administration for Children & Families - Office of Head Start to maintain a minimum of two staff in the classroom at all times when children are present. Unfortunately, we have been unsuccessful in recruiting a teacher aide to support our lead teacher in Craig after multiple job advertisements. We are fully committed to reopening Craig Head Start in the fall and will begin recruitment in the late spring or early summer to find the staff necessary to support our lead teacher.
Parent Policy Council with Head Start Management Staff
Parent Policy Council Meets The Head Start Policy Council met February 1-7, 2015 in Juneau, Alaska. The policy council is comprised of parents and/or guardians of Head Start children enrolled in Central Coucil’s Southeast Alaska service area that extends from Saxman to Yakutat. This year’s meeting was attended by Policy Council President Travis Lewis (Community Representative), Tina Williams (Craig), Jamie Erickson (Hoonah), Sabrina Demmert (Klawock), Athena Haley (Petersburg), Delila Wigg (Wrangell), Jeanette Calhoun (Saxman), Pamela Johnson (Glacier Valley), Yanakeen See (Taashuka), and Melodi George (Angoon). The primary role of the policy council is to make sure Tlingit & Haida Head Start is providing quality services to children and families and that the children served are school ready. Head Start defines school readiness as children possessing the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for success in school and for later learning and life. The Head Start Approach to School Readiness means that children are ready for school, families are ready to support their children’s learning, and schools are ready for children. Head Start is a leader in the early childhood field with a strong, clear, and comprehensive focus on all aspects of healthy development, including physical, cognitive, and social and emotional development - all of which are essential to children getting ready for school. The policy council also heard reports from Head Start management staff who are responsible for all of the components of school readiness including, education and cognitive development, mental health and disabilities, health & nutrition, families and community partnerships, enrollment, human resources, transportation, and the budget. The policy council elected Jennifer Crider as President, Tina Williams as Vice-President, and Pamela Johnson as Secretary. Thank you to Travis Lewis for your term as Policy Council President. You will be missed, but take comfort in knowing that you will remain a strong Head Start advocate. The policy council identified the need to increase participation in the area of parent involvement at the local level and has developed an advocacy group to share information about Head Start so people at the local, state and federal levels know how much of a difference Head Start makes in their community. Community visits took place in Hoonah, Saxman, and Yakutat in February. 14
80th Annual Tribal Assembly The 80th Annual Tribal Assembly will be held April 15-17, 2015 at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall in Juneau, Alaska. The selected theme for this year is:
Our Way of Life is Our Future! Agenda At A Glance Monday, April 13th:
• Executive Council Meeting Tuesday, April 14th:
• Registration & Per Diem (Noon - 4:30 pm) • Audit Committee Meeting (9:00 am - Noon) • Finance Committee Meeting (1:00 pm - 4:00 pm) • Joint Finance/Audit Committee Meeting (2:00 pm - 6:00 pm) • Judiciary Committee Meeting (2:00 pm - 6:00 pm) • Resolutions Committee Meeting (2:00 pm - 6:00 pm) • Committee on Committees Meeting (6:15 pm - 6:45 pm) Wednesday, April 15th:
• Opening Ceremony & Call to Order (8:30 am) • Fundraiser Lunch (Noon) Thursday, April 16th:
Mark Your Calendars March Events 7: 11-13: 16-22: 9-12: 12: 12-13: 15-21: 16-17: 17-18: 20: 21: 24-27: 26: 26-31: 30:
Tlingit Family Time NCAI Executive Council Winter Session – Washington, DC 68th Annual Gold Medal Tournament – Juneau, AK Reservation Economic Summit (RES) – Las Vegas, NV Native Issues Forum – Juneau, AK US Department of Health & Human Services Tribal Consultation – Seattle, WA Gold Medal Tournament – Juneau, AK 2nd Annual Native American Leaders Forum – Scottsdale, AZ Southeast Conference Mid-Session Summit – Juneau, AK Executive Council Meeting – Juneau, AK Tlingit Family Time – Juneau, AK Tribal Transportation Program Workshop – Juneau, AK Native Issues Forum – Juneau, AK National Johnson O’Malley Association Conference – Portland, OR Seward’s Day (Central Council Offices are Closed)
April Events 4: 7-9: 13-14: 15-17: 18: 19-22: 26-30: 29-30:
Tlingit Family Time – Juneau, AK National Association of Tribal Child Support Directors – Albuquerque, NM Executive Council Meeting – Juneau, AK 80th Annual Tribal Assembly – Juneau, AK Tlingit Family Time – Juneau, AK National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) Annual Conference – Portland, OR Tribal Self-Governance Annual Consultation Conference – Reno, NV Prince of Wales (POW) Island-Wide Mining Symposium – Klawock, AK
• Fundraiser Lunch (Noon)
May Events
Friday, April 17th:
1: Transboundary Conference – Klawock, AK 2: Tlingit Family Time – Juneau, AK 5-7: T&H Enrollment Committee Meeting - Juneau, AK 16: Tlingit Family Time – Juneau, AK 20-22: Native American Fish & Wildlife Society National Conference – Juneau, AK 25: Memorial Day (Central Council Offices are Closed) 30: Tlingit Family Time – Juneau, AK
• Fundraiser Lunch (Noon) • Memorial Service (3:30 pm) • Banquet/Honor Dinner
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Central Council
Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska 9097 Glacier Highway Juneau, Alaska 99801 www.ccthita.org
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.
2015 Native Issues Forum Schedule Central Council is pleased to co-sponsor the 2015 Native Issues Forums with Sealaska Corporation. The forums provide a great opportunity to hear presentations by invited members of the Alaska State Legislature on topics important to our Native community. Speaker(s):
Jan. 29 Lt. Governor Byron Mallott Feb. 10 Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins & Rep. Chris Tuck Feb. 26 Sen. Dennis Egan / Rep. Cathy Munoz / Rep. Sam Kito III Mar. 12 Rep. Dan Ortiz & Rep. Geran Tarr Mar. 26 President/CEO Elizabeth Medicine Crow - First Alaskans Institute Location: Elizabeth
Peratrovich Hall 320 W. Willoughby Ave. - Juneau, AK Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (Doors open at 11:30 AM) Lunch: Lunch is catered lunch by Abby’s Kitchen and free of charge. Native Issues Forum Media:
Flickr Gallery: www.flickr.com/photos/ccthita/ Webcast Recordings: http://new.livestream.com/accounts/507620/