Tlingit & Haida 1st Quarter 2022
Tlingit & Haida Opens Anchorage Office The Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) celebrated the opening of its new office in Anchorage, Alaska on February 16, 2022. The office is located in Cook Inlet Housing Authority’s Elizabeth Place building (670 I Street), which is named after Alaska Native civil rights leader Elizabeth Peratrovich. Tlingit & Haida has more than 2,500 tribal citizens in Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley areas and having an office in Anchorage is part of the Tribe’s goal to meet tribal citizens where they’re at. “If you’re Tlingit or if you’re Haida, that doesn’t change with the ground that’s under you. We want to truly serve all of our people,” shared President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson. “We’re going to build partnerships that will continue to make transformative change.” Tlingit & Haida aims to provide more services to people living in Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska. That’s why it was important to have an Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) specialist and attorney located at the Anchorage office. Chief Operating Officer (COO) Roald Helgesen said there are more than 50 cases of tribal children in state custody and the ICWA staff will be there to assist those families. “Our people need and deserve these services,” said COO Helgesen, noting the office’s close location to the bus transfer station and short-term parking will make it accessible for tribal citizens. Continued on page 14
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Beading Circle Support Group Gumboots Go! YouTube Series Foster Care Recruitment 2022 Delegate Elections Transformative Healing for Indigenous Youth Summit Community-Directed Supplemental Relief Programs Virtual President’s Awards Ceremony Language Learning Lunches Community Navigators Needed You Matter Employment Services Former Chief Justice Appointed to Ad Hoc Committee Summer Youth Employability Services Program
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Vocational Training & Resource Center Relaunches Under New Branding Update Your Contact Information Online Disaster & Resiliency Expo Head Start Enrollment Now Open Youth Advocacy Grant Awarded Looking for a New Career? Tlingit & Haida Welcomes New Managers Healing Through Wellness Court Rescue Small Business Relief Program 2nd Annual Youth Summit Held Sign Up to Receive Tribal eNews Violence Against Women Act Reauthorized Anchorage Supplemental Small Business Relief Join the Indigenous Guardians Network
Beading Circle Support Group
Gumboots Go! YouTube Series . Tlingit & Haida launched a new educational YouTube children’s series called Gumboots Go! The videos highlight the Tlingit, Haida and Tsmishian cultures in Southeast Alaska and are the product of a community collaboration with Cedar Group under Tlingit & Haida’s Child Care and Development Block Grant.
In our tradition, no one beads alone. Join our newly formed virtual support group, Shaawat Wooneix, Jaadaa ‘Lagahl Beading Circle, which provides a safe space for tribal citizens to share their lives while working on beading projects together. The free support group will meet via Zoom every Friday evening at 5:30 PM starting May 6, 2022. To register or for more information, please contact Family & Community Engagement Specialist Jeni Brown at jgbrown@ccthita-nsn.gov or 907.463.7396.
The goal is to create engaging content for children that connects them with their Indigenous heritage and celebrates Alaska’s first people. “Representation matters. When I was growing up, it was extremely rare to see our culture represented beyond our own home and certainly not on popular media. So, for kids to be able to see, hear and feel their language and their culture, it’s uplifting,” said President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson. The videos include a song in Xaad Kíl, a weaving demonstration and explanation by Tlingit artist Lily Hope as well as a Tsimshian handwashing song and drum making with Abel Ryan. One video teaches children the importance of living off the land by following a group of uncles out on a deer hunt. Please be advised this episode also includes a lesson on firearm safety. Check out the Gumboots Go! Episodes: www.tinyurl.com/gumbootsgo
Foster Care Recruitment All children deserve a safe and stable home. That’s why Tlingit & Haida’s Foster Care Licensing program is recruiting Alaska Natives and American Indians to become foster parents. Our children need nurturing adults in their lives, especially during times when their families experience a time of crisis or hardship. You can be a very important and vital resource for our tribal children. If you are interested in making a difference in a child’s life and would like to ensure our children are engaged and connected with their culture and traditional values, please consider becoming a foster parent. For more information, contact our Tribal Family & Youth Services department at fostercare@ccthita-nsn.gov. 2
2022 Delegate Elections
Congratulations to Our Newly Elected Delegates! Elections were held in each of Tlingit & Haida’s 21 registered communities. Delegates will serve a two-year term and are the governing body of Tlingit & Haida while Tribal Assembly is in session.
Hoonah [3] Grace Villarreal Frank Wright Veronica Dalton Hydaburg [2] Sid Edenshaw Herbert Nix Sr. Juneau [27] Sue Ann Lindoff Jacqueline Pata Ben Coronell Selena Beierly Douglas Chilton William Martin Gerald Bennett Sr.
COUNCIL O L A F R T
Haines [3] Karen Taug Nancy Keen Sue Folletti
Metlakatla [2] Louie Wagner Jr. VACANT Pelican [1] Harold Allard Jr. Petersburg [2] Nathan Lopez Mary Ann Rainey
IT & HAIDA G San Francisco IN [5] IN L Will Micklin T Laurie Kozisek
Kake [2] Delbert Kadake Henrich Kadake Kasaan [1] Paula Peterson
C E N
Craig [2] Clinton Cook Judy Helgesen
Klukwan [1] Christopher Hotch
Klawock [3] Ernestine Kato Mary Edenshaw Eva Rowan
Donna Rae James Robin Montano Donavin Hannon
Saxman [1] Joseph Williams Jr.
Seattle [29] Catherine Edwards LaVerne Wise Stephanie Rainwater James Price Karen Elliott (Lauth) Andrew Strobel (Price) Joyce Alexander Kathryn Paddock Janet Peele Jocelyn Ketah Kara Mayer (Peele) Carolyn Heersema Joey Ketah Morgan Howard Daphyne Albee Jessica Dominy Selina Wadsworth-Kahklen Harry Watson
1935
Ketchikan [8] Carrie Dodson Helene Simpson Keenan Sanderson Rob Sanderson Jr. Clarence Peele Roberta Hull Romay Edenshaw Rebecca Estrin
TRIBES OF A AN L DI
Angoon [2] Richard George Albert Howard
Juneau Cont. Kenneth Southerland Ella Bennett Kathryn Lawrence Barbara Dude Andrea Cesar Barbara Blake James Jack Sr. Louise Kadinger Ozzie Sheakley Paul Marks II Gloria Jack Arlene Bennett Mary Marks Edward Hotch Leona Santiago Patricia Walker Sandra Demmert Mary Lekanof Robert Edwardson Dionne Cadiente-Laiti
KA AS
Anchorage [11] Charmaine Ramos Tasha Hotch Juliana Smith Alvin Edenshaw Shirley Kendall Gilbert Stokes Marvin Adams Mary Moreno-Soots Patrick Frerich Walter Hotch-Hill Angela Michaud
Seattle Cont. Patricia Allen-Dick Cecilia Tavoliero Karen Nathan Sam Hanlon Constance Simpson Helgesen Rebecca Thompson Voshte Demmert Gustafson Stephanie Masterman Monico Ortiz Miciana Hutcherson Joy Weiss Sitka [7] Patricia Alexander Paulette M. Moreno Robert Sam Gerald Hope Andrew Roberts Harriet Beleal Cathleen Pook Wrangell [3] Susan Stevens Luella Knapp Lavina Brock Yakutat [2] Violet Sensmeier Marry Knutsen
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Transformative Healing for Indigenous Youth Summit Calling all tribal citizen youth in Anchorage! Tlingit & Haida will be hosting a Transformative Healing for Indigenous Youth Summit in Anchorage, Alaska on May 21, 2022 from 8 AM - Noon at the Alaska Pacific University (4101 University Drive). The half-day summit is designed to bring youth leaders (ages 12-24 years old) together to discuss mental health, culturally responsive coping techniques for dealing with stress and other life challenges, and advocacy skills. Addressing these issues helps to empower youth to advocate for change, strengthen their coping skills, and learn ways to support their friends and family, as well as their own mental health wellness. We hope you will join us! For more information on the summit, visit Tlingit & Haida’s website at www.ccthita-nsn.gov/info/events.
Community-Directed Supplemental Relief Programs Tlingit & Haida has launched several supplemental relief programs for tribal citizens under the Tribe’s Community-Directed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) program. The new supplemental relief programs provide one-time assistance and were developed based on recommendations received from local Tlingit & Haida Community Councils (or Delegates if there is no active Community Council) on how best to prioritize and provide meaningful local response to the needs of tribal citizens who have experienced economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Supplemental Relief Programs Available by Community: Anchorage Utility Supplemental Relief – $150 per Household (2,000 Applications Max.) Anchorage Food Supplemental Relief – $500 per Household (2,000 Applications Max.) Anchorage Supplemental Small Business Relief – $5,000 per Tribal Citizen-Owned Small Business Hydaburg Housing Supplemental Relief – $850 per Tribal Citizen (Resident & NonResident) Kake Housing Supplemental Relief – $2,000 per Resident Household – $250 per Non-Resident Tribal Citizen
Petersburg Housing Supplemental Relief – $1,000 per Resident Household – $250 per Non-Resident Household Petersburg Higher Education Supplemental Relief – $250 per Full-Time, Non-Resident Tribal Citizen Student Enrolled in Accredited Higher Education Wrangell Housing Supplemental Relief – $1,000 per Resident Household – $250 per Non-Resident Household Yakutat Housing Supplemental Relief – $500 per Tribal Citizen (Resident & Non-Resident)
Apply Online at www.ccthita-nsn.gov For questions or more information on Tlingit & Haida’s Community-Directed ARPA program, call 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7794 or email CommRelief@ccthita-nsn.gov. 4
Virtual President’s Awards Ceremony Tlingit & Haida is pleased to announce a virtual President’s Awards Ceremony will be held on Friday, May 20, 2022 at 6 PM on the Tribe’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ccthita)! The event honors incredible leaders throughout Southeast Alaska and beyond who have contributed greatly to our people and cultures in various ways. Stay tuned for more information!
Congratulations to Our President’s Award Recipients! Fred Lauth Sr.
President’s Lifetime Achievement Award Seattle, WA President’s Everyday Heroes Awards
Shirley Kendall
Teresa Varnell
Culture Bearer Anchorage, AK
Inspiring Educator Ketchikan, AK
Joseph Hillaire Jr.
Lisa Dewitt-Narino
Ann Stepetin
Dr. Anne Zink
Emerging Leader Hydaburg, AK
Language Learning Lunches Through the work of Tlingit & Haida’s Cultural Heritage & Education department, we now have virtual Xaad Kíl and Lingít language classes available to help our tribal citizens on their language learning journey. The free virtual classes are held over the lunch hour and are intended for beginners, but language learners of all levels are welcome to join. Participants will learn the language structure, including phonetics, vocabulary, word formation and grammatical construction. Xaad Kíl language classes are held every Monday and Wednesday and Lingít language classes are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Language Warrior Ketchikan, AK
Holding Each Other Up Juneau, AK
Tribal Ally Anchorage, AK
Andy Lee
Youth Mentor Juneau, AK
Celebrating Those Who Contribute Greatly to the Tlingit & Haida People... Watch Live on Tlingit & Haida’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ccthita For questions regarding Tlingit & Haida’s virtual President’s Award Ceremony, please contact the Office of the President at 907.463.7103 or deptfob@ccthita-nsn.gov. 5
Community Navigators Needed
You Matter Employment Services You Matter! Tlingit & Haida’s Tribal Child Support Unit (TCSU) has expanded its services to uphold its commitment to family values and providing a holistic approach to child support. TCSU’s new You Matter program is designed to assist non-custodial parents in their journey to fulfill their employment goals. You Matter will serve any non-custodial parent with an open child support case with TCSU. Participants will work closely with an employment services specialist to develop individualized goals to obtain, maintain, or advance employment opportunities. Participants may also seek assistance with modifications, hardship requests, and waivers to assist in getting back on their feet. When participants have better employment and make more consistent payments, they can contribute to the emotional, physical, and financial future of the child. This has the potential to produce stronger families and stronger communities.
Tlingit & Haida is recruiting Community Navigators to serve as a liaison between community residents and the Tribe to enhance knowledge of programs and services, direct requests for technical assistance, and be a local resource for general questions and concerns. Community Navigators are still needed in the following communities: Anchorage, AK Angoon, AK Hydaburg, AK Juneau, AK Kake, AK
Klawock, AK Klukwan, AK Pelican, AK Seattle, WA Wrangell, AK
Community Navigators are fulltime benefited positions with an hourly wage of $23.79 - $30.34. If you have great communication skills and are familiar with tribal, state and federal programs, please consider applying today!
It is important to note that TCSU has kept the employment services position within the department for the purpose of efficiency. It allows the employment services specialist to work closely with the assigned child support case specialist to address the barriers the child support obligation itself has posed. This collaboration will make finding and maintaining employment easier. You Matter intends to fortify a relationship between the noncustodial parent and TCSU so all involved parties in the case can be served more efficiently. If you would like to know more about the You Matter program, please email youmatter@ccthita-nsn.gov or call 907.463.7186.
Follow Us 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 more than 16,600 followers, Instagram account has surpassed 5,100 followers, and Twitter has more than 1,100 followers. Make sure to turn on post notifications so you don’t miss out on updates or events! 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!
Apply Today! www.ccthita-nsn.gov @ccthita 6
@tlingithaida
@tlingithaida
Former Chief Justice Appointed to Ad Hoc Committee Congratulations to tribal citizen and former Chief Justice Michelle Demmert who has been appointed to the Judicial Council of the Ninth Circuit’s (Judicial Council) Ad Hoc Committee on Tribal and Native Relations. The Judicial Council established the Ad Hoc Committee on Tribal and Native Relations in 2021 to identify methods of establishing better communications with and addressing issues related to tribal, Native, and Indigenous peoples’ groups. “I am extremely proud of Michelle and her leadership,” shared President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson. “She rises to every opportunity to advocate for our people. I know she will be instrumental in representing all Indigenous peoples and an invaluable asset to this committee.” Michelle is the daughter of Sharon and the late Lawrence Demmert Sr. of Klawock, Alaska. Her Tlingit name is Jaaghal.aat and she is Ch’aak’ (Eagle) from the Kaax’oos.hittaan (Man’s Foot) clan and the child of the Taakw.aaneidi. “The Ninth Circuit spans several states and includes over 300 tribes with a population of over 1 million people,” said Michelle. “This circuit sees many important Indigenous law cases each year. I am privileged to be appointed to this position and am excited to work with other dedicated leaders appointed to this committee based on their expertise.” Michelle will serve a term through September 30, 2024 and joins 11 other members on the Ad Hoc Committee on Tribal and Native Relations. Among other objectives, the committee is charged with making a recommendation to the Judicial Council on whether it should be established as a standing committee.
Summer Youth Employability Services Program The Employment & Training department is pleased to announce the Youth Employability Services (YES) program application period is now open! The summer YES program will run June 13-August 26 and helps students discover career/education pathways while developing employment skills and learning self-sufficiency. Employment positions will be available with host employers throughout Southeast Alaska communities. Eligibility Requirements: Must be 14-21 (Students) or 16-24 (Non-Student) Must be enrolled with Tlingit & Haida Must be economically disadvantaged Must reside in Southeast Alaska Application Requirements: Complete YES Application Complete Client Vendor Setup form Proof of Tribal Enrollment
APPLICATION PERIOD: April 18-May 20, 2022
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination Parent/Guardian Signature Required for Minors
To learn more about the summer YES program, visit www.ccthita-nsn.gov/info/events or contact the Employment & Training department at 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7333, 907.463.7333 or 477juneauet@ccthita-nsn.gov. 7
Vocational Training & Resource Center Relaunches Under New Branding Over the past year, Tlingit & Haida has reimagined its Vocational Training and Resource Center (VTRC) as a community learning center for Southeast Alaska. Through a rebranding process, the VTRC has transformed into Generations Southeast, a comprehensive center for all people that is rooted in our traditional tribal values. “Generations Southeast was born from the vision we’ve always had for the VTRC,” said President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson. “We’re excited to see this new focus and effort roll out to provide greater opportunities for our people to reach their educational and career goals. Whether you’re looking for vocational training or cultural classes to learn our languages and arts, the Tribe is committed to truly meeting our citizens where they’re at.” The VTRC first opened in 2001 as a State of Alaska post-secondary authorized institution to provide high quality, post-secondary academic and vocational education. For nearly 20 years, staff provided training and career advancement opportunities through vocational classes for career certification, computer classes and workshops. Generations Southeast will offer a variety of in-person and online vocational training courses such as Commercial Driver’s License, business basics, and financial skills, as well as administrative assistant and child development associate certification. There will also be new distance learning courses online where people can take classes in health services, education, business and technology. The goal of Generations Southeast is to build on the foundation of the VTRC and expand opportunities for tribal citizens beyond the traditional career and technical options. “For our communities, career and technical training goes beyond the generally accepted forms of training. Some of the classes around workforce development are art classes. It’s about fully encompassing what it means to us as Indigenous people and meeting the needs of our communities,” said Sarah Dybdahl, Senior Director of Cultural Heritage & Education. For more information on Generations Southeast’s courses, visit www.generationssoutheast.org or email generationssoutheast@ccthita-nsn.gov.
Update Your Contact Information Online Tlingit & Haida’s tribal enrollment records continue to show many tribal citizens with invalid addresses. A list of those with invalid addresses has been posted at www.ccthita-nsn.gov/services/enrollment/EnrollmentInvalidAddressList.pdf. 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. 8
Mark Your Calendars
Disaster & Resiliencey Expo
March Events 1-31: 9-11: 17: 17-19: 21: 21: 28: 31:
Women’s History Month Tribal Enrollment Committee Meeting Delegate Elections Close 2nd Annual Tlingit & Haida Youth Summit Administrative Assistant Level II Training Begins Associate Justice Solicitation Period Closes Seward’s Day (Offices Closed) Executive Council Meeting
April Events 1-30: 1: 1: 1: 18: 18: 20-22: 21: 22:
National Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month Emerging Leader Application Deadline Wear Blue Friday Deadline for Remembrance Photos Executive Council Meeting Application Period Opens for Summer Youth Employability Services Program 87th Annual Tribal Assembly Virtual Memorial Service Earth Day
May Events
1-31: 5: 17-19: 20: 20: 30:
Foster Care Appreciation Month Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & People Awareness Day March & Rally 2022 Virtual Disaster & Resiliency Expo Virtual President’s Awards Ceremony Application Period Closes for Summer Youth Employability Services Program Memorial Day (Offices Closed)
June Events 1-30: 12-16: 13: 16: 18:
LGBTQ+ Pride Month National Congress of American Indians Mid-Year Conference(Anchorage, AK) Summer Youth Employability Services Program Begins Juneteenth Tlingit & Haida Day (Offices Closed)
Visit our website for more information on events: www.ccthita-nsn.gov
Join Tlingit & Haida’s Native Lands & Resources department May 17-19, 2022 for a Disaster & Resiliency Virtual Expo to learn how Southeast Alaska communities can better prepare for any natural disaster or emergency. Trainings and presentations will cover a wide range of topics on emergency preparedness, potable water and what it means to be ‘Red Cross Ready’. Community Partners: Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Capital City Fire/Rescue City & Borough of Juneau Coast Guard Sector Juneau Juneau-Douglas City Museum Ketchikan Indian Community Klawock Cooperative Association Native Village of Eyak NOAA Organized Village of Kasaan Red Cross Juneau University of Alaska Fairbanks UAF Cooperative Extension Service University of Alaska Southeast U.S. EPA For more information, contact the Native Lands & Resources department at lpierce@ccthita-nsn. gov or 907.463.7188. 9
Head Start Enrollment Now Open
Youth Advocacy Grant Awarded Tlingit & Haida was recently awarded a youth advocacy grant from the Spirit of Youth program to improve the behavioral health of young people in Anchorage, Alaska. The grant award will fund Tlingit & Haida's Transformative Healing for Indigenous Youth Anchorage project which aims to increase advocacy skills among Anchorage youth, provide a forum to discuss issues impacting young people today and explore factors that affect mental health. Addressing all of these issues helps empower Indigenous youth to advocate for change, strengthen their coping techniques and support their peers.
Tlingit & Haida Head Start is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year! Head Start promotes school readiness and provides educational activities that support cognitive, social, and emotional development. It’s provided at no cost to enrolled families.
As part of the project, staff from Tlingit & Haida’s Community & Behavioral Services division will meet with the youth leaders to talk about issues important to them, explore factors that impact mental health, and teach coping techniques and advocacy skills. Eight youth leaders, ages 12-24, have been chosen to participate and will organize a half-day, in-person summit in May to teach those skills to their peers.
Who is Eligible? Children between 3-5 years of age. (must be 3 years old by September 1, 2022).
“People are seeing the value in having a young person’s voice,” Fourth Vice President Tasha Hotch said. “Any time where we create a space for younger people to have a platform to share their feelings, their ideas and what they want, and to get a little bit of guidance, it helps them feel comfortable to continue those skills forward.”
Communities Served Angoon • Craig • Hoonah • Juneau • Klawock • Petersburg • Saxman Sitka • Wrangell • Yakutat
Looking for a New Career?
Program Offers Nutritious Breakfasts & Lunches Well-equipped Classrooms Services to Meet Special Needs Parental Involvement Family Support For more information, contact: Tlingit & Haida Head Start at 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7127 or 907.463.7127. 10
Tlingit & Haida is hiring! If you’re a highly motivated individual interested in joining a great team and receiving competitive wages with good benefits, apply for a job with Tlingit & Haida! Here are some of our benefits offered after the 90-day introductory period: 401(k) & Roth Retirement Plans Life Insurance Health Insurance Supplemental Health Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts Dental Insurance & VSP Vision Care Employee Assistance Program
Current Job Openings: www.ccthita-nsn.gov/services/employment/jobs
Tlingit & Haida Welcomes New Managers
Jamie “JC” Cowan
As the Tribe’s Business & Economic Development Manager, JC will bring in grant funding, coordinate on the initiation of capital projects and develop entrepreneurship programs in tribal communities. JC was raised in Phoenix, AZ and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Management from Grand Canyon University.
Mariana Moreno-Goodwin
Mariana was hired as the Tribe’s new Occupational Health and Safety Manager. She is of Quichua/Ecuadorian descent and grew up in a large family in Chicago, IL. She’s married to Yashkanda.ets’ (Sorrel Goodwin). Mariana has a Fine Arts degree and Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
Anthony Lindoff
Kendra Pountney
Anthony is the Tribe’s new Food Security manager and will develop and supervise traditional food security initiatives through collaboration with tribal programs and partners. His Tlingit name is Khaakhootee and he is Kaagwaantaan (Eagle Wolf) from the Gooch Hit (Wolf House of Klukwan). He is also owneroperator of Kaawu Shellfish Co., an oyster farm located outside of Hoonah, Alaska.
Kendra is the Tribe’s new Community & Behavioral Services (CBS) director and will provide administrative management and help the Tribe’s CBS Healing Center become a billable agency with the State of Alaska. She is Tlingit, Kiksadí (Raven/Frog), from the Point House in Sitka, Alaska. She has a background in healthcare administration and worked nearly 30 years for SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium.
Janice Hotch
Janice is the Tribe’s new Business & Economic Development Director and will lead efforts that promote business and economic opportunities for the Tribe, tribal citizens, and Southeast Alaska communities. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Master’s certificate in Government contracting. She served as a Tlingit & Haida Juneau Delegate and is Raven of the L’uknaxádi (Coho).
Autumn Stachura
Autumn is the Tribe’s new manager of the Reentry & Recovery department. She is Tlingit and of the Raven moiety and Frog House in Klukwan. She was born and raised in Wisconsin where she worked as a Probation and Parole Agent for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. She holds a degree in Political Science and Social Change and Development with an emphasis in Law and Justice Studies. 11
Healing Through Wellness Court The Tlingit & Haida Wellness Court is an alternative to the traditional State of Alaska criminal justice system, aimed at addressing the root causes of substance misuse, reducing recidivism and improving one’s overall wellness. Magistrate Judge Trinidad Contreras said the Wellness Court program offers a different way for people to heal and treat their substance abuse issues. “The component is culturally sensitive to the unique community of the Natives here in Southeast Alaska in that there are some unique traumas that Native people experience like intergenerational trauma,” he said. The Tlingit & Haida Wellness Court is a voluntary, four-phased program that provides restorative justice to tribal citizens and their families. The program’s focus is to address substance misuse, reduce recidivism among Alaska Native people and bring holistic healing to the individual through community engagement, collaborative intervention, and cultural and traditional practices. Wellness Court Specialist Jenne Buchmeier said one of the key elements to the healing process is creating safe places where people can share their experiences without judgement. “We all have trauma. Everybody does. And so if you’re really truly wanting to heal, the power is within you. You have to face whatever it is you’re going through,” she said. “For a lot of the people that we would be helping, that would mean putting substances aside. You have to have a sober mind to be able to, to do that healing for yourself.” The Wellness Court program typically lasts 12-18 months but people can work through at their own pace. Staff work to address the underlying issues to participants’ substance abuse problems with therapy, talking circles and connecting people back to their culture. To learn more about the Wellness Court, visit www.ccthita-nsn.gov/government/court/wellnesscourt.html.
Rescue Small Business Relief Program Tlingit & Haida relaunched the Rescue Small Business Relief program in February to provide an additional round of relief assistance to tribal citizen small business owners who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. To be eligible to apply for up to $5,000 in relief assistance, tribal citizens must be a U.S. citizen, 50% owner of a small business with 50 employees or less, and reside in the United States. Tribal citizens who previously received funding under the Rescue Small Business Relief program in 2021 are also eligible to apply. In 2021, the Rescue Small Business Relief program provided assistance to more than 440 tribal citizens, which infused more than $2.1 million into communities where tribal citizens own and operate small businesses. The Rescue Small Business Relief program’s application period will remain open through December 30, 2022 or until all funds have been expended. To learn more about this program and how to apply, visit Tlingit & Haida’s website at www.ccthita-nsn.gov/info/news/rescue/rescuesbg.htm. 12
2nd Annual Youth Summit Held
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Tribal citizen youth participated in Tlingit & Haida’s second annual Youth Summit March 17-19, 2022. The summit provided a space for youth to use their collective voice and learn from each other. The goal of the youth-driven and youth-focused virtual summit was to inspire pride in our culture and heritage and foster a network of sharing, discussion, and community building. This year’s theme was “The Future is Indigenous,” and the summit opened with a powerful keynote address from tribal citizen and former Emerging Leader Miciana Hutcherson. “So now, young leaders, it’s your turn to take the fire and build on it,” shared Miciana during her keynote address. “You’ve already started the flame just by showing up today. Now go forth and burn bright. We can’t wait to watch you shine.” During the summit, youth engaged in talking circles to share their perspective on issues they face today; participated in working sessions to learn how to draft resolutions and learned how to capture their culture on film.
To sign up, please contact:
Communications
Office of the President 9097 Glacier Highway 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.
Youth also heard presentations on Dignity, Respect & Honoring Our Ancestors; Residential Boarding School Institutions; and Our Way of Life – Rites of Passage. Presenters: Sitka Delegate Bob Sam, Ezra Elisoff, Lyric Ashenfelter, Joe Yates, Della Cheney, and Jamiann S’eiltin Hasselquist
Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa to our youth for participating and to our Youth Commission Delegates and presenters for holding up our youth! 13
Tlingit & Haida Opens Anchorage Office Continued from cover
Other departments that will have office space in the building include Tribal Child Support, Grants & Resources, Program Compliance (Tribal Enrollment) and Finance. The Office of the President and Tribal Operations division will have staff there as well. Tlingit & Haida intentionally chose Elizabeth Peratrovich Day for the small gathering which included a special blessing and naming ceremony. Tlingit Elder and Anchorage Delegate Shirley Shaax’ saani Keek Kendall announced the office would be called “Our Own House,” which translates to Náay íitl’aangaa (Xaad Kíl) and Haa aayí hít (Lingít). President Peterson also gave thanks and acknowledgement to the Dena’ina people for sharing their land with us. Cook Inlet Housing Authority President/CEO Carol Gore said it’s a privilege to have Tlingit & Haida in the Elizabeth Place building. “You are on Dena’ina land, but we’re here together. We’re not here as separate people, we’re here as one people. Welcome to this building,” said Gore. During the opening ceremony, Tlingit & Haida presented a $50,000 donation to Catholic Social Services and a $20,000 donation to the Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis (AWAIC). The donations were made to these two organizations based on recommendations received from the Anchorage Tlingit & Haida Community Council (Anchorage Tribes Tlingit & Haida Indians of Alaska) to help the Tribe identify communityspecific priorities to address the local needs of tribal citizens in Anchorage. “We looked at people who were struggling with housing and people who were experiencing any kind of violence in their home,” said Tlingit & Haida Fourth Vice President Tasha Hotch. “We would not be able to do what you’re able to do with that amount of money.” Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa to Paul Kinduneek Marks, Gilbert Stokes and Alvin (Dooner) Edenshaw for providing a blessing for the new office as well.
“Our Own House” Náay íitl’aangaa (Xaad Kíl) • Haa aayí hít (Lingít) Watch the video recording of the opening ceremony: https://youtu.be/slRtgRxgQfI 14
Violence Against Women Act Reauthorized Congress reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) with historic tribal provisions as a part of the omnibus spending package which was signed into law on March 16th by United States President Joe Biden. Tlingit & Haida President Peterson and several of our tribal citizens attended the legislation signing in Washington, D.C. and had the chance to meet with Presient Biden. Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski and three of her colleagues introduced VAWA in the U.S. Senate in February after nearly a year since the U.S. House of Representatives passed the reauthorization of VAWA with Alaska specific provisions championed by late Representative Don Young. The legislation is the result of strong bipartisan work and includes a tribal title that reflects years of input from tribal communities and work with tribal advocates to ensure Alaska tribes are given the tools and resources necessary to address the disproportionate rate of violence against Alaska Native people. It includes key tribal provisions to provide resources focused on preventing violence, protecting victims, supporting survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable for their violent crimes committed. VAWA will not only expand federal resources and access to data available to tribes, but will also allow a limited number of tribes in Alaska to exercise special tribal criminal jurisdiction under an Alaska Tribal Public Safety Empowerment pilot project on a concurrent basis with the State of Alaska.
Anchorage Supplemental Small Business Relief Tlingit & Haida recently launched the Anchorage Supplemental Small Business Relief program to provide additional relief to tribal citizen-owned small businesses. The new wave of funding is specific to supporting tribal citizenowned small businesses who are on Tlingit & Haida’s official voting list for the community of Anchorage and at least 50% owner of a small business. Tlingit & Haida developed the new program in partnership with the Anchorage Tlingit & Haida Community Council (Anchorage Tribes Tlingit & Haida Indians of Alaska) who provided recommendations on how best to prioritize and provide meaningful local response to the needs of tribal citizens registered to Anchorage who have experienced economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribal citizens can apply to receive reimbursement up to $5,000 for eligible business expenses or costs incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will run through June 17, 2022 or until all funds have been expended. The period for reimbursable expenses is January 1 - December 30, 2022. For more information on the Anchorage Supplemental Small Business Relief program, please visit Tlingit & Haida’s website at www.ccthita-nsn.gov or email RescueSBG@ccthita-nsn.gov. 15
Tlingit & Haida
Communications Department PO Box 25500, Juneau AK 99802 www.ccthita-nsn.gov • www.facebook.com/ccthita 907.463.7369
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Preserve our sovereignty, enhance our economic and cultural resources, and promote self-sufficiency and self-governance for our citizens. Join the Indigenous Guardians Network In 2020, Tlingit & Haida and the U.S. Forest Service signed a memorandum of agreement supporting the creation of an Indigenous Guardians Network for Southeast Alaska. This agreement recognizes the critical role and inherent sovereignty of tribes in all aspects of stewardship and the importance of a co-management governance structure in the protection, preservation, restoration, and management of our traditional homelands and waters. Our communities depend on marine and terrestrial resources for food security, health, and sustainable economies. That’s why much of this past year has been dedicated to building the framework of the Indigenous Guardians Network through a steering committee to build the network’s capacity to support Indigenous-led stewardship and catalyze traditional knowledge in the sciences of conservation and natural resource management. To date, a charter has been drafted and priorities and future visions have been identified that promote shared leadership by tribes and other Indigenous entities. The Indigenous Guardians Network is currently building a coalition of partners and invites local community members to join the network and discussion on Indigenous stewardship. For more information on how to join the Indigenous Guardians Network, contact: Native Lands & Resources Department Marco Banda, Environvmental Resource Specialist mbanda@ccthita-nsn.gov • 907.463.7185