Tlingit & Haida Central Council
Tribal News
March/April 2015
80th Annual Tribal Assembly Adjourns
“Our Way of Life is Our Future”
Central Council brought to a close its 80th Annual Tribal Assembly on April 17, 2015 at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall in Juneau, Alaska. Tribal Host Herman Davis Sr. of Sitka and Tribal Hostess Shirley Kendall of Anchorage joined 115 Delegates from Southeast Alaska, Anchorage, San Francisco, and Seattle. Central Council is a regional federallyrecognized tribe governed by 137 Delegates representing nearly 30,000 enrolled tribal citizens. Delegates are elected to a two-year term and are the governing body during Tribal Assembly that possess the sovereign and plenary power to legislate for and govern, conduct and manage the affairs and property of Central Council.
Tribal Assembly - Day One Grand Entrance
“Our Way of Life is Our Future” was chosen as the theme for this year’s assembly to honor the importance of our customary and traditional foods and continue to draw attention to the current threat to our rivers in Southeast Alaska (Taku, Stikine, and Unuk) by upriver transboundary mining development in British Columbia, Canada. Central Council has been diligently working to address the transboundary mining issues through the United Tribal Transboundary Mining Work Group, State of Alaska, and United Nations. A special welcome from Alaska Governor Bill Walker was received on the first day of Tribal Assembly. Delegates used the opportunity to voice their concerns directly on budget cuts to the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) and hastened the adoption of a resolution requesting the Alaska State Legislature to give the highest level of priority to continue funding AMHS operations and vessel replacement planning. Cont. on page 8
I N S I D E
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Manager Highlight: Eddie Brakes Second Chance Reentry Program Kicks Off News from the VTRC 19th Annual Spring King Salmon Derby Congratulations Rose Westika! Foster Care 2014 Annual Report Coordinated Community Response Training “Like” Us on Facebook! Language Activities Congratulations Sha’Meaka King! Francine Eddy Jones Receives 2015 Champion for Native Children Award
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Haida Language Warrior Susie Edwardson Update Your Contact Information Tribe Awarded Energy Grant Tribal Assembly Snap Shots Falmouth Institute Trainings Mark Your Calendars Fatherhood is Sacred Program Sign Up for Tribal News Clean Audit for Central Council Our Executive Council TCLL Program Thanks Central Council Help Us Place Our Next Logo Order Summer Youth Employment Services
Manager Highlight: Eddie Brakes Submitted By: Office of the President
Eddie Brakes was born in Sitka and raised in Juneau, Alaska. He is Eagle of the Kaagwaantaan clan. Eddie graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Business from the University of Alaska Southeast in 1995. His favorite past-time was coaching football between the years (1992-2013) and raising his two lovely daughters, Karli and Marissa, who are both attending college and currently on the Dean’s list. Eddie has been employed with Central Council since 1995 and currently serves as manager of the Tribal Child Support Unit (TCSU). TCSU is a federally funded and approved Tribal IV-D child support program created to ensure that Tlingit and Eddie Brakes Haida children receive the emotional and financial support of both their parents. The TCSU’s services include establishing paternity; locating absent parents; establishing, enforcing, and modifying child support orders; and collecting and distributing child support payments. As TCSU manager, Eddie is responsible for developing, coordinating, and monitoring policies and procedures necessary for the operation of the department. He also participates on national committees, work groups, and boards to coordinate necessary agreements with tribal, federal, state, and/or county child support agencies. Past Accomplishments:
• • • •
Awarded $893,361 in federal funding for fiscal year (FY) 2015 (11th year of funding). Increased child support collections by 18.70% in FY 2014 and distributed $666,793 in child support. Established paternity for 17 children using the Tribal Court process in 2014. Selected to serve as vice president of the National Tribal Child Support Association, board member for the National Association of Tribal Child Support Directors, and board member for the Juneau After School Coalition (BAM). • During his tenure with the Tribe, he assisted in the successful creation and implementation of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (1997-2001), Youth Opportunity Grant (2001-2005), and Comprehensive Child Support Grant (2005-Present). Future Initiatives:
• Increase child support collections by 10%. • Continue to collaborate with Region 10, National Tribal Child Support Association, and other directors that administer Tribal IV-D programs on the development of tribal child support policies and addressing changes to reporting requirements.
Second Chance Reentry Program Kicks Off
Submitted By: Public Safety
Central Council is pleased to announce the Second Chance Reentry program is up and running! The program is funded under a three-year grant award from the United States Department of Justice and will focus on reducing the rate of Alaska Natives returning to prison. Through the program, 75 individuals who are incarcerated or released on probation will receive training (tuition, fees, and books) and employment assistance. All students will receive a structured environment to complete their training program that will result in an apprenticeship, internship, or employment. The program will also coordinate with outside partner agencies to ensure that clients are fulfilling their unique probationary and treatment responsibilities. For more information on the program, please contact Employment and Training Specialist Rocky Estrada Jr. at 907.586.7050 or restrada@ccthita.org. 2
News from the VTRC Submitted By: VTRC
ACPE Approves VTRC Renewal and New Distance Education Classes
Central Council is pleased to announce the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) approved the Vocational Training and Resource Center’s (VTRC) renewal application which authorizes the operation of the training center for a two-year period (through April 30, 2017). The ACPE also approved six new Penn Foster distance education classes: • • • • • •
Child Day Care Management (Home) Pharmacy Technician Human Resources Management Essentials Business Security Facilities Maintenance Technician Powerhouse Operator
“I would like to recognize and thank my staff Krista Staveland, Eli Derenoff, and Kevin Araki for their great assistance with all the paperwork and reports needed for the ACPE application process,” said VTRC Manager Laird Jones. National Johnson O’Malley Conference At the annual National Johnson O’Malley Association (NJOMA) conference in Portland, Oregon, VTRC Manager Laird Jones was elected to the NJOMA board for a three-year term as the Northwest At-Large Representative. Laird was also re-elected as secretary to the NJOMA executive board. In this capacity, Laird will continue to be part of the NJOMA team advocating for the Johnson O’Malley (JOM) program in Washington, DC. L-R: Laird Jones, Kitty Eddy, and Kathryn “Kitty” Eddy was one of four Nancy Douglas certified Native American public school teachers selected to receive a Teacher of the Year award. Ms. Kitty teaches kindergarten/first grade at Harborview Elementary School in Juneau and was integral in the development of the Tlingit Culture Language and Literacy (TCLL) program which she continues to be a part of.
Every year, a JOM program is selected from each region to be recognized as an outstanding or exemplary program. This year, the Wrangell JOM program received the 2014 Exemplary NJOMA Award. Wrangell has a very active and supportive Parent Committee and has worked hard to reach American Indian/Alaska Native students in the Wrangell public schools.
19th Annual Spring King Salmon Derby May 1-31, 2015 Central Council is pleased to announce ticket sales for the 19th Annual Spring King Salmon Derby began Friday, April 24th. The annual Spring King Salmon Derby is the largest fundraiser for Central Council’s Alumni Scholarship Assistance Program (ASAP). The ASAP provides annual scholarship awards to all eligible tribally enrolled Tlingit or Haida citizens attending college regardless of service area, community affiliation, origination, residence, tribal compact or signatory status. Derby tickets may be purchased for $35 at the following locations: • Western Auto Marine 5165 Glacier Highway • Harri Plumbing & Heating 809 West 12th Street • DeHart’s Auke Bay Store 11735 Glacier Highway Weigh-in stations are located at Jerry’s Meats & Seafoods and DeHarts Auke Bay Store. For more information on the 19th Annual Spring King Salmon Derby, contact Higher Education Specialist Leslie Isturis at 907.463.7133 or visit www.springkingderby.org. Good luck to everyone who participates and thank you to all our sponsors, prize donors, and volunteers! 3
Congratulations Rose Westika!
Rose Westika
Central Council congratulates former employee Rose Westika on recently graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems and Cyersecurity from the ITT Technical Institute in Spokane, WA. Rose graduated as a member of the National Technical Honor Society with highest academic honor (3.8 cumulative GPA or better) on March 15, 2015.
Foster Care
Submitted By: TFYS
Central Council’s Tribal Family & Youth Services (TFYS) department is recruiting Alaska Natives and American Indians to become foster parents. Currently, the percentage of tribal children in foster care in Southeast Alaska is 70% which is an extremely disproportionate rate compared to the Native population (22%). There is a great need in Southeast Alaska for culturally appropriate foster care homes for tribal children who are in the legal custody of the State. TFYS strives to provide a culturally competent level of service to tribal children to give them a sense of belonging and acceptance while maintaining cultural connections. Through a new Title IV-E maintentance agreement with the State of Alaska, TFYS is working on tribal foster care licensing in Juneau. Foster care licensing is not new; however, implementing tribal licensing standards is a new process. TFYS will be hosting regular workshops to better assist families interested in providing foster care. We look forward to identifying potential families while doing what we can to hold up the Native foster families who are currently providing safe, stable, and loving homes. TFYS is eager to expand its recruitment efforts so you can expect to see their staff out in the community actively recruiting you to consider becoming a tribal licensed foster home. In recognization of Foster Care Appreciation month, TFYS will be co-hosting a Foster Care Appreciation dinner in May. TFYS is in regular contact with current Native foster homes to provide support, advocacy, education and cultural activities. TFYS also assists Southeast tribes with tribally licensing foster homes in Juneau. If you have questions regarding TFYS’ Foster Care program, please contact Melanie Rodriguez at 907.463.7396 or mrodriguez@ccthita.org.
Rose served the Tribe for over two decades before deciding to follow her heart in to the computer field. Rose is Raven/Dog Salmon and the daughter of Juneau Delegate Ella Bennett and the late Samuel Westika Sr. of Sheridan, Wyoming. She has one son, Trey Westika, and is a very proud grandma to her grandson, Holden Brian Westika. Congratulations Rose! 4
2014 Annual Report Central Council is pleased to announce the 2014 Annual Report is now available online at www.ccthita.org/services/overview/ documents. 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!
A special thank you to Ricky Tagaban for allowing us to use his artwork throughout the Annual Report!
Coordinated Community Response Training Submitted By: TFYS
Language Activities Submitted By: BEDD
The Tribal Family & Youth Services (TFYS) department held a Coordinated Community Response training February 24-26, 2015 in Juneau, Alaska. The training was held to create an interagency, multidisciplinary effort to change the climate of tolerance to intimate partner violence by institutionalizing practices that centralize victim safety and offender accountability. Participants in the training included Central Council programs that have direct contact with women and families, Juneau Police Department, Alaska State Troopers, the Alaska Court System, State of Alaska Office of Children’s Services (OCS), Aiding Women in Abuse and Rape Emergencies (AWARE), and the Tlingit-Haida Regional Housing Authority.
Central Council continues to actively seeking funding to support the development of a Language department.
The training was facilitated by Mending the Sacred Hoop (MSH), a Native-owned and operated non-profit 501(c)3 organization. MSH provided a full schedule of training to help develop Central Council’s protocols to increase community response to tribal victims of domestic violence in Juneau in coordination with public safety.
Until funding is secured, the Business & Economic Development Department (BEDD) is overseeing Central Council’s language activities.
In April, a grant proposal in the amount of $299,900 was submitted to the Administration for Native Americans under the Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance program.
In April, a second Language Consortium meeting was held. The consortium was established to promote collaboration and improve communications with individuals and organizations working with Southeast Alaska Native languages.
Coordinated Community Response Training Participants: Front Row (L-R): Roberta James (TFYS); Magistrate James Curtain (Juneau Court System); Alice Bagoyo (Child Care); Leona Santiago (JTHCC); Marilyn Doyle (TFYS); Le Florendo (TFYS); Mischa Jackson (Johnson O’Malley); Sharon Fleming (OCS); Lily Schmitz (OCS); Holly Oden, MSH Trainer (Duluth, MN); Jeremy Nevilles-Sorell, MSH Trainer (Duluth, MN); Back Row (L-R): Malcolm Hightower (AK State Troopers); Jason Wilson (Public Safety); Unknown (Juneau Police Department); Hilary Young (Juneau Youth Services); Saralyn Tabachnick (AWARE); Tonya Muldoon (AK Senior Protection).
“Like” Us on Facebook! We have grown to over 3,269 “Likes” on our Facebook page. Our goal is to communicate relevant information to our tribal citizens on Central Council’s programs, services, and activities. Our Facebook page is proving to be a valuable tool and we want to make sure it remains active. Help us reach our tribal citizens and don’t forget to “Like” our Facebook page and “Share” our posts!
Central Council continues to host biweekly Tlingit Family Time gatherings and has provided support to Dr. X’aagi Sháawu (Kerri Eggleston) who is documenting fluent speakers for a Tlingit verb documentation project funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Endowment of the Humanities. The project publishes several hundred sound clips recorded from Tlingit first-born speakers in the Juneau community and can be found on Soundcloud and Facebook. For more information on language activities, please contact Susie Edwardson at 907.463.7121 or via email at sedwardson@ccthita.org.
www.facebook.com/ccthita 5
Congratulations Sha’Meaka King
Submitted By: Employment & Training
Congratulations to Sha’Meaka King on obtaining her Cosmetology certificate from Paul Mitchell The School Denver in Lakewood, Colorado. It was Sha’Meaka’s desire to complete two programs which complemented each other, cosmetology and nails. The knowledge she gained from these two programs helped her secure employment as the head stylist in Denver’s fashion week in February.
Sha’Meaka King
Sha’Meaka participated in several school programs while working on her certification. These included joining the student council, working as the design team captain for Paul Mitchell The School Denver, attending fashion shows as a stylist, while combining editorial work at school. She also has an interest in men’s styling techniques so she applied for an internship at a men’s salon. Being an accomplished stylist for both men and women will make her more marketable in the fashion industry.
Sha’Meaka was born and raised in Juneau. She graduated from Juneau-Douglas High School in 2010. She is the daughter of Susettna King and De’Andre King Sr., and granddaughter of Theresa Howard and John Howard Sr. of Angoon. Her moiety is Raven-Sea Pigeon from Hoonah. Sha’Meaka would like to extend her thanks to the Employment and Training scholarship program for assisting with her educational goals and self-sufficency.
Francine Eddy Jones Receives 2015 Champion for Native Children Award
Submitted By: TFYS
Central Council is proud to announce Francine Eddy Jones, director of the Tribal Family & Youth Services (TFYS) department, received the National Indian Child Welfare Association 2015 Champion for Native Children Award. Francine was acknowledge at the 33rd Annual Protecting Our Children National American Indian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect held April 19-22, 2015 in Portland, Oregon. She has been truly instrumental in building collaborations and partnerships across tribal, state, private, and national programs. Ever humble, Francine expressed when receiving the award, “The honor of one is the honor of all.” She has been committed to the mission of the Central Council for 29 years, and has served as the TFYS Director for the past 19 years. Francine was deeply honored to receive this prestigious award and stated, “this award is a tribute to the many people in my life’s journey that have supported me - mentors, professors, colleagues, past and current presidents of the Central Council, friends, and most importantly, my family & staff who have encouraged and supported me through the challenges and successes of working in the field of tribal child welfare.” Francine Eddy Jones receiving blanket during award ceremony
Francine Eddy Jones (center) with TFYS staff from L-R: Cindy Mills, Barbara Terry Jones, Amalia Monreal, and Barbara Dude.
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Haida Language Warrior Susie Edwardson Central Council is extremely proud of Susie Edwardson for her efforts to revitalize the Haida language! Susie was recently featured in two Indian Country Today articles: • http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork. com/2015/04/07/grassroots-haidarevitalization-videos-keeping-languagealive-159822 • http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork. com/2015/03/16/video-what-languagerevitalization-159570 Susie Edwardson
Susie is the daughter of Robert and Sandy Edwardson. She is Raven from the Sgáan ts’ál tl’asdáng (Two-Fin Killerwhale) clan and her family is from Hydaburg and Ketchikan. Susie began learning the Haida language in 2011 with her family. Over time, her interest grew into helping to preserve the Haida language through using social media tools. To check out Susie’s Haida Language Learners YouTube channel and Facebook page, please visit: • www.youtube.com/user/Haidalanguagelearner • www.facebook.com/Haidawordoftheday Susie is employed as an economic development specialist under the Tribe’s Business and Economic Development department.
Update Your Contact Information Currently, our tribal enrollment records show over 4,324 tribal citizens with an invalid address. A list of tribal citizens with invalid addresses has been posted on Central Council’s website at www.ccthita.org/ services/enrollment/enrollmentbadaddresslist.html. If you are listed as a tribal citizen with an invalid address, please take the time to update your contact information using our online address update form at www. ccthita.org/services/overview/forms/form-update-contact. For more information, please contact the Program Compliance department at 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7359 or depttbe@ccthita.org
Tribe Awarded Energy Grant Submitted By: Tribal Operations
Central Council is pleased to announce it has received a grant award of $500,000 from the Department of Energy under its Tribal Energy Program in collaboration with the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs. Central Council was the only tribe in Alaska to receive funding to promote tribal energy sufficiency and foster economic development and employment on tribal lands. The funding will assist Central Council in continuing to seek reductions in operating costs through energy efficiency retrofits to the Andrew Hope Building located in downtown Juneau, Alaska. Energy efficiency measures to be implemented include installation of occupancy sensors, CO2 demand ventilation control, and LED (light emitting diode) lighting. These combined energy efficiencies are projected to result in an energy reduction of approximately 29.9%, which is equivalent to a savings of $15,399 annually. In 2010, Central Council completed preliminary energy evaluations including replacement of the boilers and exterior doors and windows in four tribal facilities. “Our goal is to provide immediate benefits in energy efficiencies and perpetual reduction in operating costs for the Tribe,” said Property Manager Elias Duran.
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Executive Council
Tribal Assembly Adjourns Cont. from cover
Richard J. Peterson President
Will Micklin
1st Vice President
Rob A. Sanderson Jr. 2nd Vice President
Lowell Halverson 3rd Vice President
Jolene Edenshaw 4th Vice President
Marvin L. Adams 5th Vice President
Jacqueline L. Pata 6th Vice President
Edward K. Thomas President Emeritus
Marina Anderson
2015 Student Representative
Save the Date 81st Annual Tribal Assembly
April 20-22, 2016 • Juneau, Alaska 8
Delegates adopted a total of 26 resolutions submitted by Tlingit & Haida Community Councils and Delegates. Key resolutions gave support for the expansion of Medicaid; reduction of halibut bycatch in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea trawl fisheries; passage of a new tribal statute authorizing the development of language immersion charter schools, amendments to the Alaska Native Veterans Allotment Act, establishing an Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the second Monday in October of every year; and the withdrawal of the State’s request for a rehearing in the Tununak II v. State of Alaska case. This year’s assembly increased its focus on program and service activities delivered by Central Council. President Richard Peterson’s State of the Tribe Address focused on representation, collaboration, restructuring, and greater communication on program and governmental activities for transparency and accountability. Chief Operating Officer Corrine Garza provided a report on the operational and financial activities of Central Council. The delegation also heard reports on business development activities under the Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporation; 2014 financial audit; and activities of the Tribal Court which included a recent announcement of the Central Council’s new Title IV-E maintenance agreement with the State of Alaska that increases the role of the Tribe and Tribal Court in child welfare services including foster care placement. Special reports were also heard from the Bureau of Indian Affairs Alaska Regional Director, Alaska Marine Highway System, National Congress of American Indians; and tribal attorney Phil Baker-Shenk on future federal funding and tribal trust lands. All presentations are available on Central Council’s website at www.ccthita.org/government/assembly/events/. In addition to receiving reports, the delegation re-elected Aurora Lehr of Anchorage to a two-year term as Tribal Court Judge, and elected Marina Anderson of Kasaan as Executive Council Youth Representative and Fred Lauth Sr. of Washington as Delegate Citizen of the Year. Each year two community councils are selected to receive recognition for efforts and activities that support the Native community. This year, Juneau was selected as Large Community Council of the Year and Hydaburg was selected as Small Community Council of the Year. On the final day of the assembly, Delegates addressed the very heavy topic of modifying the Tribe’s governing structure in order to reduce general government costs following recent changes in federal regulations for the administration of federal funding. A special governing committee was formed last year to review the governance structure of Central Council and develop proposals that would increase the financial feasibility of the governing body while maintaining adequate representation from communities. After much deliberation, the governing body agreed to amend the Delegate ratio in the Rules of Election eliminating 32 Delegate seats and reducing the total number of Delegates from 137 to 105.
Central Council closed the three-day assembly with a special Honor Dinner at Mount Roberts Tram that recognized the lifetime achievements of Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott. The dinner was co-sponsored by Sealaska and attended by Delegates, Governor Walker and his wife, and special guests. During the event, Governor Walker was adopted into the Kaagwaantaan clan and given the Tlingit name Gooch Waak (Wolf Eyes).
Honor Dinner Snap Shots
“As we closed our 80th Tribal Assembly, I felt reenergized to begin working on the tasks set forth by Delegates,” said President Peterson. “We participated in a process that was engaging, transparent, and empowering. Our Delegates showed us their strength and that unity can be achieved when difficult decisions have to be made to move our Tribe forward.”
Photo by Rick Beasley
Tribal Host & Tribal Hostess
Herman Davis Tribal Host
Shirley Kendall Tribal Hostess
Thank you to this year’s Tribal Host Herman Davis and Tribal Hostess Shirley Kendall for their many contributions to the Tlingit and Haida people. Their accomplishments and years of dedicated service to our people have not gone unnoticed.
Tribal Assembly Election Results
Aurora Lehr Tribal Judge
Marina Anderson Youth Representative
Fred Lauth Sr. Delegate Citizen of the Year
• Large Community Council of the Year: Juneau • Small Community Council of the Year: Hydaburg 9
Tribal Assembly Snap Shots
Tribal Assembly Snap Shots
Falmouth Institute Trainings Submitted By: Tribal Operations
Central Council is pleased to host several trainings in partnership with Falmouth Institute. All trainings will be held at the Vocational Training & Resource Center (3239 Hospital Drive) in Juneau, Alaska. 2015 Training Schedule: May 19-20
Electronic Records Management & Retention for Tribal Organizations. Tuition: $779 June 10-11
Supervision & Management Skills Tuition: $779 July 14-15
Tribal Workplace in the Digital Age Tuition: $779 August 11-12
Conducting Federally Mandated Background Investigations for Tribal Organizations Tuition: $779 For more information on these trainings or to register, please visit the training calendar on Falmouth Institute’s website: www.falmouthinstitute.com
Mark Your Calendars May Events 1: Transboundary Conference – Klawock, AK 1-31: 19th Annual Spring King Salmon Derby – Juneau, AK 2: Tlingit Family Time – Juneau, AK 5-7: Tribal Foster Care Workshop – Juneau, AK 5-7: T&H Tribal Enrollment Committee – Juneau, AK 6: Reverse Mortgages & Simple Estate Planning Mini Workshop – Juneau, AK 14: Fatherhood is Sacred Program – Juneau, AK 16: Tlingit Family Time – Juneau, AK 19-20: Electronic Records Management & Retention Training – Juneau, AK 21: Fatherhood is Sacred Program – Juneau, AK 20-22: Native American Fish & Wildlife Society National Conference – Juneau, AK 25: Memorial Day (Offices Closed) 28: Fatherhood is Sacred Program – Juneau, AK 30: Tlingit Family Time – Juneau, AK
June Events 4: Fatherhood is Sacred Program – Juneau, AK 10-11: Supervision & Management Skills Training – Juneau, AK 11: Fatherhood is Sacred Program – Juneau, AK 13: Tlingit Family Time – Juneau, AK 14-16: Native American Economic Development, Diversification, and Energy Projects Conference – Lake Buena Vista, FL 15-17: RES (Reservation Economic Summit) – Washington, D.C. 18: Central Council Picnic (Offices Closed) 18: Fatherhood is Sacred Program – Juneau, AK 19: Central Council Day (Offices Closed) 23-24: Executive Council Meeting – Juneau, AK 25: Fatherhood is Sacred Program – Juneau, AK 27: Tlingit Family Time – Juneau, AK 28-July 1: NCAI Mid Year Conference – St. Paul, MN
July Events
2: Fatherhood is Sacred Program – Juneau, AK 3: 4th of July Observed (Offices Closed) 9-10: 2nd Annual National Native American Leadership Forum – Waikiki, HI 14-15: Conducting Federally Mandated Background Investigations for Tribal Organizations Training – Juneau, AK
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Fatherhood is Sacred Program Submitted By: Ian Petershoare
The Fatherhood is Sacred program is pleased to announce its next session of workshops beginning May 14th in Juneau. The program covers the sacredness of being a father, principles all fathers must live by, and the importance of Alaska Native/Native American heritage and how it applies to each father in the past, present and future. The program defines a successful fatherhood foundation as one that has a firm grounding in the five aspects of life: creator, choice, teachable, wisdom, and service. During the 12 weeks, we identify the importance of character, integrity, order vs. chaos, power of choice, impact of vision in our relationships, importance of truth, knowledge/experience/ courage, and service. Aside from the curriculum, Family Fun Activity Nights are also held. This is one of the more important aspects of the program; bringing fathers, spouses, and children together to play for a couple hours a week. Some of our activities include swimming, hiking, games, fishing, and other subsistence activities. Fatherhood workshops are led by three certified facilitators. Each facilitator completed ntensive training sponsored by the National Native American Fatherhood and Families Association. Ian Petershoare and Lee Bagoyo will lead the workshops in Juneau. Rodney Campbell will bring the program to Sitka this summer. If you are interested in participating in the Fatherhood is Sacred program or would like more information, please contact Ian Petershoare at 907.463.7737 or via email at ipetershoare@ccthita.org.
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.
Clean Audit for Central Council Submitted By: Finance
The Finance department is proud to report 2014 resulted in another successful audit year for Central Council. Each year, the Tribe undergoes a Single Audit (A-133 audit), which is an organization-wide audit that is required of all tribes that have expenditures over $750,000 in federal grant awards and over $75,000 in state grant awards. BDO, USA LLP completed the Tribe’s financial audit. F or the past two years, the auditors have found the Tribe’s financial statements are fairly stated in all material respects. The auditors also expressed an opinion on internal controls over financial reporting and adherence to compliance requirements. The auditor’s opinion was that there were neither deficiencies or material weaknesses identified in the audit nor were there any audit findings that were required to be reported. hat does all this mean? W The Tribe has met financial management and compliance goals that demonstrate assurance to federal and state government as a recipient of grant funds. Since the Tribe has had a clean opinion for two years in a row and have met the conditions, we are now designated as a lowrisk auditee. This makes the Tribe eligible for reduced audit coverage. This reduction in audit testing is good news for the Tribe as it will reduce the cost of future audits. 13
Our Executive Council
William Micklin 1st Vice President
Robert A. Sanderson Jr. 2nd Vice President
Lowell Halverson 3rd Vice President
Jolene Edenshaw 4th Vice President
Marvin Adams 5th Vice President
Jacqueline Pata 6th Vice President
The Executive Council is charged with enhancing the governance and providing oversight of the performance of program and business activities, of the Tribe. The diverse background and areas of expertise of our Executive Council has been a true strength in the governance of the Tribe. This past year, the Executive Council has focused on securing new seats that will provide the Tribe with more influence on the national level, increase ability to provide input on policy development and funding priorities, and protect our way of life. 2015 Executive Council Priorities: • Develop education programs including a K-12 language immersion charter school, vocational training, and tribal community college. • Continue to advocate for participation in international issues such as Transboundary mining through permanent and regular status for indigenous governments at the United Nations and collaboration with the United States Department of State and implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. • Continue to expand tribal sovereignty through broadening services under Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) through the Tribal Court. • Defend budgets for programs, services, functions and activities. • Earn enterprise revenues to supplement federal/state funding and expand services to communities outside our service area. • 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. • 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 tribal-state-federal co-management and compacting/contracting initiatives that promote traditional hunting, fishing, and gathering (Our Way of Life). • Collaborate with the State of Alaska to formally recognize Alaska tribes, withdraw State litigation against Alaska tribes, and Tribal-State-Federal co-management of fish and wildlife resources. • Continue to implement traditional Native values in all Central Council activities.
Our Mission
Preserving our sovereignty, enhancing our economic and cultural resources, and promoting self-sufficiency and self-governance for our citizens through collaboration, service, and advocacy. 14
TCLL Program Thanks Central Council The Tlingit Culture Language and Literacy (TCLL) program provided a special performance on April 27, 2015 for President Richard Peterson and staff in appreciation of Central Council’s contributions to the program throughout the years. President Peterson was also presented a book written by the students. The TCLL program incorporates Tlingit language and culture into all academic teaching for grades K-5 at Harborview Elementary School. Students receive Tlingit language lessons from elders Kaseix (Selina Everson) President Peterson provides thank you - Deisheetaan (Raven/Beaver); Kingeisti (David Katzeek) - House Leader after receiving book from students. of Shangukeidi (Eagle/Thunderbird); Jigeit Tláa (Irene Hunter Cadiente) Teikweidí (Eagle/Brown Bear); and Yaxdulák (Lillian Austin) - Shangukeidí (Eagle/Thunderbird). The three multi-age classrooms explore the natural surroundings of our area with cultural connections to enhance understanding of the common core standards throughout all subject areas. The program also focuses on building strong relationships with families through family activities and community partnerships. All three TCLL classes gather together in the Harborview gym on Monday mornings to practice Tlingit dancing and listen to elders.
TCLL students perform for President Peterson and staff.
Help Us Place Our Next Logo Order Great news - Central Council has reestablished its logo promotional products to financially support the development of a Language department! Logo promotional product sales kicked off during Tribal Assembly and brought in over $3,000 and we will soon launch an online store for easy shopping. Right now, we are looking for feedback from tribal citizens to place our next order of logo promotional products. Please help us by taking a quick survey to let us know what items you’d like to see Central Council offer (i.e. hats, coats, mugs, sweatshirts, etc.). Your feedback is valuable!
Albert and Serena Hinchman modeling our logo sweatshirts.
Take Our Survey:
www.surveymonkey.com/r/HQB39LS
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Central Council
PRESORTED STANDARD
Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska
PAID
9097 Glacier Highway Juneau, Alaska 99801 www.ccthita.org • www.facebook.com/ccthita
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.
Summer Youth Employment Services The Employment & Training department is pleased to announce it is recruiting youth to participate in the summer Youth Employment Services (YES) program beginning June 2015. Employment positions are available in Southeast Alaska communities. If you are looking for job training and meet eligibility requirements, please consider joining the YES program. Eligibility Requirements:
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Must Be 14-21 years old Must Be Economically Disadvantaged Must Be a Resident of Southeast Alaska Must Be a Tribally Enrolled Alaska Native or American Indian
Required Documentation:
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Complete YES Application Proof of Tribal Enrollment (Original) State Issued Identification Card Social Security Card or US Passport (Original - copy not accepted) • Proof of Southeast Residency
App li c D ea at ion May dline: 15, 2 015
• Proof of Family Income for Past 30 Days • Proof of Registration with the Selective Service for Males 18 Years of Age or Older • Parent/Guardian Signature for Applicants 14-16 Years of Age
To apply, visit our website at www.ccthita.org/services/employment/youth or contact the Employment & Training department at toll free at 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7442.