Tlingit & Haida 3rd Quarter 2019
Private Book Collection Donated to Tlingit & Haida
Submitted By: Cultural Heritage & Education
Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) recently received a book collection from distinguished Tlingit educator Dennis Demmert. Over 300 books from Professor Demmert’s personal collection were donated in support of the Tribe’s effort to establish a library. Tlingit & Haida President Richard (Chalyee Éesh) Peterson shared, “Professor Demmert’s life has been dedicated to improving the education, employment, and well-being of all Native people. This invaluable donation represents the dedication he continues to have for our people and it couldn’t have come at a more pivotal moment. Our Cultural Heritage & Education department has been working very hard to reestablish a library and build a solid foundation of resources that supports the Tribe’s vision to create a tribal college.”
Professor Demmert’s book collection housed at the Vocational Training & Resource Center
Professor Demmert’s book collection was built over the course of his life and represents his interests and areas of scholarly study. The collection is a variety of both educational publications, curriculum materials on topics such as tribal management, historical books on Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures and contemporary publications relating to socio-cultural issues.
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Executive Council Meeting Wrap-up Emerging Leader Report Peace Circle Facilitator Training Farewell Bid to Presiding Judge Save-the-Dates: Indigenous Peoples Day & Southeast Alaska AFN Reception Molly of Denali Screening Party Tlingit & Haida Welcomes New Managers Tlingit & Haida Washington Chapter Picnic Delegation Travels to Haida Gwaii Child Support Staff Attend Leadership Symposium
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Professor Dennis Demmert Continued on page 15
Elders Activities 2019 Back to School Celebration Snapshots University Profiles Tlingit & Haida for Climate Change Program Tlingit & Haida Meets with Chief Seattle Club Head Start Nominees Receive AHSA Awards IAK Releases “Spirit” Music Video Traditional Health & Fitness Camp Native Issues Forum Held on Budget Cuts ASTRIDE Camp Held Salmon Fun Run 2020 AFA Negotiations Held
Executive Council Meeting Wrap-up The Executive Council met July 18-19, 2019 in Juneau, Alaska. Reports were provided by Tlingit & Haida President Richard (Chalyee Éesh) Peterson, Chief Financial Officer Theresa Belton, Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporation CEO Richard Rinehart and Head Start Director Amber Frommherz. Other agenda items included review of Alaska Permanent Capital Management investments, report from 4th Vice President Rob Sanderson Jr. on recent accounts of cruise ship discharge, and review of candidates for a vacant seat on Tlingit Haida Regional Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. Public comment was also received from several tribal citizens including Hoonah Indian Association Tribal Administrator Robert Starbard who presented Tlingit & Haida with a sea otter pelt along with a request for the Tribe’s continued commitment to protect exemptions under the Marine Mammal Protection Act that allow Alaska Natives the right to harvest marine mammals for subsistence purposes. There has been growing interest to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act to eliminate exemptions that would allow non-Natives the right to harvest sea otters. Four resolutions were also acted on by the Executive Council which are available on Tlingit & Haida’s website.
Robert Starbard presenting President Peterson with a sea otter pelt
Emerging Leader Report At the Executive Council’s meeting in July, I presented a resolution to establish a Tlingit & Haida Youth Commission. I drafted the resolution after participating on the National Congress of American Indian’s (NCAI) Youth Commission. The vision for the commission is to engage our youth and have an ambassador from each community that creates a collective youth voice within Tribal Assembly. It will teach our youth about parliamentary procedure, professional development and give them the opportunity to work alongside other youth and tribal leaders. My goal is to have our first Youth Commission meeting by this coming Tribal Assembly. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Executive Council and now the work begins! In August, I traveled to Yakutat, Klawock and Glacier Bay, Alaska to represent Tlingit & Haida. In Yakutat, I participated in a Peace Circle Facilitator training hosted by Tlingit & Haida’s Tribal Court. The peace circle model is something that I’d like to incorporate into the Youth Commission to create a sacred space where everyone has a chance to share information on their community’s successes and challenges. I also had the opportunity to return to my Klawock roots. It was an amazing experience to see so many totem poles raised at once and dance with the Heenya Kwaan. For my final trip before heading back to college, I traveled with a group of Hoonah youth to their homelands of Glacier Bay. I was so proud to hear them introduce themselves in Lingít and how well they knew their songs and language. I am so empowered after seeing how culturally tied these Xunaa Kaawu youth are and how connected they are to their homelands. It was an amazing experience to sing, dance and talk to them. Our culture is in good hands with these kids! 2
Shawaan at totem pole raising in Klawock
Peace Circle Facilitator Training Submitted By: Cultural Heritage & Education
The Tlingit & Haida Southeast Appellate Court Project Team hosted a two-day Peace Circle Facilitator training (August 8-9, 2019) in Yakutat, Alaska with more than 40 people attending. Participants from Alaska (Anchorage, Juneau, Kasaan, Saxman, Sitka and Yakutat), Oregon (Portland), and Washington (Chehalis and Seattle) included tribal elders, council leaders, Delegates, Judiciary Committee members, First Alaskans Institute leaders and tribal employees. Cheryl Demmert Fairbanks, Esq., a nationally recognized expert in peacemaking, mesmerized the attendees with her curriculum on peacemaking, historical trauma and self-care, while Mike (Ka.oosh) Jackson was able to share how the Kake Circle Peacemaking Court was implemented in the Southeast Alaska village of Kake. Much of the training required attendees to participate in interactive exercises on facilitating a circle, which allowed participants to immerse themselves in role playing that sparked creativity and healing in this indigenous form of finding justice. Barbara Laman, a Child Support Specialist with Tlingit & Haida’s Tribal Child Support department shared, “We appreciated the opportunity to attend the Peace Circle Facilitator Training. The knowledge and experience provided insight on how the peace circle’s unique cultural approach can be a tool for us to use to strengthen our families by providing an avenue to engage positively which is ultimately in the best interest of children and the family as a whole.” The Appellate Court Project is focused on providing tribes in Southeast Alaska with technical assistance in securing court assessments and resources for tribal court development from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. For more information on this project or the Peace Circle Facilitator training, email Court Administrator Frances Andrews at fandrews@ ccthita-nsn.gov.
Exercising our inherent tribal sovereignty for the benefit, health and wellbeing of our tribal citizens.
Farewell Bid to Presiding Judge
Debra O’Gara
Tlingit & Haida staff extended their well wishes to Tribal Court Presiding Judge Debra O’Gara at a farewell luncheon held on July 19, 2019. O’Gara has begun a new chapter in her career as Magistrate Judge serving the communities of Petersburg, Wrangell and Kake. “Debra has been instrumental in the growth and direction of our Tribal Court and will be greatly missed, but I’m excited for her new role,” shared President Richard (Chalyee Éesh) Peterson. “People are often intimidated by courtrooms and judges,” shared O’Gara. “I’d like them to feel that they are part of a very important process and that their comments and concerns will be considered.” O’Gara earned a Bachelor of Art’s degree in Political Science from the University of Washington, Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Alaska Southeast, and Juris Doctor from the University of Oregon. Her Tlingit name is Djik Sook and she is a Raven from the Teey Hit Taan clan. 3
SAVE-THE-DATES
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Luncheon
Join Tlingit & Haida for a luncheon in celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day! The event will include presentations that highlight the resiliency of our indigenous cultures and tribal values. The event is free and open to the public. FB Event Page:
tinyurl.com/y2ooejrn
Southeast Alaska AFN Reception
Tlingit & Haida and Sealaska are pleased to co-host a reception for tribal citizens and shareholders during the week of the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention in Fairbanks, Alaska! Join us for an evening to meet with Southeast Alaska tribal leadership and enjoy great company, refreshments and door prizes. FB Event Page:
tinyurl.com/yxt5xufm 4
Molly of Denali Screening Party Submitted By: Office of the President
A Molly of Denali Screening Party was held on August 10, 2019 at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall in Juneau, Alaska. Tlingit & Haida Emerging Leader Shawaan Jackson-Gamble served as the emcee for the event which featured an interactive dance performance by Woosh.ji.een President Peterson providing welcome at screening party. and panel discussions with Sovereign Bill, Princess Johnson, Vera Bedard, Frank Katasse and Lance Twitchell. In addition to door prizes and a photo booth, the event included a free breakfast and lunch provided by Smokehouse Catering and numerous community informational booths. The groundbreaking new PBS Kids series is the first national children’s program to feature an Alaska Native lead character. Molly of Denali follows Alaska Native Molly Mabray, a feisty and resourceful 10-year-old Gwich’in/ Koyukon/Dena’ina Athabascan girl, who sets off on adventures that help kids develop literacy skills while modeling Alaska Native values. Several tribal citizens played a major role in creating the show - Sovereign Bill voices the character Molly, Vera Bedard wrote the screen play with contributions made by Sydney Isaacs, Lance Twitchell, Frank Katasse and Joe Yates. “Our children finally have an educational show with a lead character they can identify with and a story line full of adventures that accurately represents our Alaska Native people, cultures and values,” shared Tlingit & Haida President Richard (Chalyee Éesh) Peterson. Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa to all co-sponsors that made this event a success: Tlingit & Haida Child Care, Tlingit & Haida Head Start, AEYC, PBS, SHI, SEARHC, Sealaska and Northwest Strategies.
Tlingit & Haida Welcomes New Managers Tlingit & Haida is pleased to announce the promotion of Talia Eames to Reentry & Recovery Manager, Jodie Gatti to Social Enterprise Manager and the hiring of Jamie Shanley as Child Care Administrator! As the Reentry & Recovery Manager, Talia is responsible for developing and managing the newly formed Reentry & Recovery department, creating community and tribal resources for justice-involved individuals, maintaining system accountability of all reentry and recovery programming and overseeing the Tribe’s reentry transitional housing program, Yak’éiyi Kustí Yinaadei Hít, which will provide sober and supportive housing to men released from incarceration and transitioning back into the community. The Reentry & Recovery department will work closely with the Tribal Court and other partners to ensure cohesion in program development and restorative justice practices. Talia holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science from Chapman University College and will be pursuing her Master of Arts in Restorative Justice this fall. She is Tlingit/Eagle, Kaagwaantaan from the Gooch Hít (Wolf House). Her Tlingit name is Ghaayéitli.
Talia Eames
As the Social Enterprise Manager, Jodie will be responsible for the development, implementation, coordination and promotion of the Tribe’s existing social enterprises (Sacred Grounds Café, Sacred Shine Auto Detailing, Smokehouse Catering and the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall). She’ll also work closely with Tlingit & Haida’s Business & Economic Development (BED) department to evaluate self-sustaining business opportunities with a social development impact that can provide employment opportunities to tribal citizens. Jodie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). She is of Haida and Tlingit descent and from the Yahkw ’Láanaas clan (Raven/Shark House). Jodie Gatti
As the Child Care Administrator under Tlingit & Haida’s Business & Economic Development department, Jamie Shanley will oversee the new Little Eagles and Ravens Nest Child Care Center that is expected to open this fall. Jamie completed her undergraduate studies at Western Oregon University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education with a double minor in Dance and History. She recently completed a graduate program through Pacific Oaks College and earned a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Development. Jamie is Aleut and was born and raised in Kodiak, Alaska.
Please help us congratulate our newest members to Tlingit & Haida’s management team!
Jamie Shanley
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Tlingit & Haida Washington Chapter Picnic President Richard (Chalyee Éesh) Peterson, 3rd Vice President Will Micklin and several staff attended the Tlingit & Haida Washington Chapter’s annual picnic held in Tukwila, Washington on July 13, 2019. It was a beautiful day to celebrate the Tlingit & Haida community in the Washington area and enjoy time with friends and family, make new connections and watching the adults and youth play games.
Chief Justice Testifies Before Indian Affairs Committee Submitted By: Office of the President
Tlingit & Haida’s Chief Justice Michelle Demmert testified before the United States Senate Indian Affairs Committee on June 19, 2019 in a legislative hearing regarding multiple bills which address violence against women in Indian Country and Indigenous communities. The hearing was organized to hear testimony regarding five bills ‒ Savanna’s Act (S. 227), Justice for Native Survivors of Sexual Violence Act (S. 288), Native Youth and Tribal Officer Protection Act (S. 290), Not Invisible Act of 2019 (S. 982) and Bridging Agency Data Gaps and Ensuring Safety (BADGES) for Native Communities Act (S. 1853). “As for the MMIW [Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women] crisis, substantial change is needed,” testified Chief Justice Demmert. “While increasing the response to MMIW cases is important, prioritizing attention to providing the advocacy and support to women and girls to prevent abductions and murders is critical. Support is needed at the front lines where women and girls are experiencing a spectrum of violence from birth to death. Support from the federal government for these much needed services, in addition to the criminal justice reform, will help save Native women’s lives.” Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski was also present at the hearing and is a sponsor of Savanna’s Act. Senator Murkowski acknowledged Chief Justice Demmert in her opening remarks. “What we’re all trying to do is to improve public safety and improve the justice system for our First Peoples, whether they be in Alaska or whether they be in reservations around the country or whether they be in our urban centers,” shared Senator Murkowski. “I want to particularly welcome Michelle Demmert who is the Chief Justice for Tlingit & Haida. She also serves as the NCAI VAWA Task Force Chair. I appreciate a great deal, Michelle, the work you do. Your perspective on the importance of tribal provisions in VAWA, the need to strengthen them, these are so important for our efforts so that we are informed here. The insights that you are able to provide into the unique challenges that face Alaska tribes is so important to this discussion here today.” Gunalcheesh, Haw’aa to Chief Justice Demmert for representing our Tlingit & Haida people and for speaking in support of justice for Native women everywhere! To view her testimony, visit: www.murkowski. senate.gov/press/videos/watch/michelle-demmerts-testimony-on-tribaljustice-legislation.
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Delegation Travels to Haida Gwaii
Old Masset Village Council receiving Tlingit & Haida’s tribal flag
On June 10-14, 2019, a Tlingit & Haida delegation including President Richard (Chalyee Éesh) Peterson, 1st Vice President Yodean Armour, 3rd Vice President Will Micklin, and staff visited Haida Gwaii to discuss issues of common interest and continue to reestablish relations. President Peterson and fellow Executive Council members met with the traditional and contemporary governing bodies that represent the people of Haida Gwaii ‒ the Council of Haida Nation, the Hereditary Chiefs Council, the Skidegate Band Council and the Old Masset Village Council. During the visit, Tlingit & Haida’s Program Compliance (Enrollment) staff held three Tribal ID & Enrollment Drives (two in Old Masset and one in Skidegate). Cultural Heritage & Education Manager Sarah Dybdahl met with the Skidegate Haida Immersion Program to review the program’s efforts to preserve and revitalize the Haida language and also met with language teachers specializing in the Old Masset dialogue. “This was my second visit to Haida Gwaii as we continue to work toward building lasting relationships with our relatives from the Haida Nation,” shared President Peterson. “For too long we’ve let an imaginary, colonial line separate us from one another. After this visit, I feel confident saying that we are well on our way to restoring the ties that have bonded our people since time immemorial. I’m grateful to the people of Haida Gwaii for welcoming us and treating us as family. We hope to return the favor one day soon.”
Child Support Staff Attend Leadership Symposium Submitted By: Tribal Child Support
Tribal Child Support staff had the privilege of attending the National Child Support Enforcement Association (NCSEA) Leadership Symposium August 11-14, 2019 in Minneapolis, MN. NCSEA advocates on behalf of children by promoting sound public policy and allocation of resources to support implementation of policies and enhances professionalism in the child support workforce through nationally recognized conferences, seminars, forums and child support web-talks.
Tribal Child Support staff at the NCSEA Leadership Symposium.
Over 750 child support advocates attended the four-day symposium which provides networking opportunities for those who work in child support from state and tribal agencies. The theme this year was “Leading Forward: Meeting Challenges with Vision and Service” and focused on five leadership tracks: Interagency Collaboration, Service Delivery, Law & Policy, Fundamentals and Emerging Technology & Change Management.
Tribal Child Support staff left Minneapolis with new ideas, tools and insight on how to better engage and serve clients. Relations were strengthened with other agencies and the knowledge of leadership was enhanced. 7
Elders Activities Submitted By: Tribal Family & Youth Services
The Tribal Family & Youth Services (TFYS) Elders program, Wooch yáx haa kusteeyí, has had a very busy summer! Several fun activities were recently coordinated to keep Elders active and promote wellness and healthrelated education. Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa to our Elders! Your presence in our lives gives us all strength! Picnic: On July 18th, a Neech Atx (beach meal) was held at Sandy Beach in Douglas, Alaska with nearly 50
Elders in attendance. Tlingit & Haida President Richard (Chalyee Éesh) Peterson, along with 1st Vice President Yodean Armour, 4th Vice President Rob Sanderson Jr. and Emerging Leader Shawaan Jackson-Gamble also joined the Elders for the lunch-time picnic. The time spent together was filled with good food, laughter, Tlingit song and dance, and wonderful new memories made. Whale Watching: On August 1st, approximately 60 Elders departed Auke Bay under overcast skies and
smooth seas for their annual Whale Watching tour with family escorts and TFYS staff. The Elders were fortunate to see several killer whales, humpback whales and a large group of Steller sea lions. In addition to enjoying the sights, Elders had time to visit, have lunch and share traditional stories, songs and dances throughout the outing.
Kayaking: On August 27th, TFYS staff took five Elders kayaking on Twin Lakes. In partnership with Southeast
Alaska Independent Living (SAIL), Elders and staff learned to enter, paddle, steer, and most importantly, exit a kayak. Elders and staff used single, double and even a triple kayaks. Building off of their tri-weekly Wellness program, Elders practiced and learned balance and fitness principles needed to propel and direct their water craft. Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa to SAIL for providing such an incredible program for our Elders!
For more information on the Elders program, contact Justin Jones at 907.463.7163 or jjones@ccthita-nsn.gov.
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Mark Your Calendars September Events
2019 Back to School Celebration Snapshots
2: Labor Day Holiday (Offices Closed) 3: Linking Generations By Strengthening Relationships® (New 14-Week Session Begins) – Juneau, AK 7: Wellbriety Picnic – Douglas, AK 12: Pumyua Benefit Concert – Juneau, AK 15: Alumni Scholarship Application Period Closes 16-18: T&H Client Service Informational Fairs – POW Island, AK 21: 35th Annual Only Fools Run At Midnight Alumni Scholarship Fundraiser – Juneau, AK 21: San Francisco T&H Annual Picnic – San Jose, CA 23-24: Cultural Tourism Network Meeting – Juneau, AK 23-27: Southeast Environmental Conference – Craig, AK 26-29: Sharing Our Knowledge Clan Conference – Juneau, AK
October Events
3: 3-5: 13-16: 14: 14: 16-17: 17: 15-17: 16: 17-19: 18: 20-25: 24:
Wellbriety for Youth Begins – Juneau, AK 107th ANB/ANS Grand Camp Convention – Anchorage, AK Statewide Elders & Youth Conference – Fairbanks, AK Indigenous Peoples Day (Offices Closed) Indigenous Peoples Day Luncheon – Juneau, AK Power Conference – Juneau, AK Tlingit & Haida Job & Resource Fair – Juneau, AK 16th Annual “Fatherhood Is Leadership” National Conference – Ft. McDowell, AZ Southeast Alaska AFN Reception – Fairbanks, AK 2019 AFN Annual Convention – Fairbanks, AK Alaska Day (Offices Closed) National Congress of American Indians’ 76th Annual Convention & Marketplace – Albuquerque, NM Fatherhood Is Sacred® Program (New 12-Week Session Begins) – Juneau, AK
November Events 4-6: 5-7: 5-7: 11: 14: 15: 28: 29: 29/Dec. 1:
Prince of Wales Island DV/SV Summit – Klawock, AK 2019 Southeast ICWA Workshop – Juneau, AK 4th Annual Tribal Government Symposium – Fairbanks, AK Veterans Day (Offices Closed) Dr. Walter Soboleff Day Observed (Offices Closed) Dr. Walter Soboleff Day Thanksgiving Day (Offices Closed) Native American Heritage Day (Offices Closed) Public Market – Juneau, AK
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University Profiles Tlingit & Haida for Climate Change Program
The Northern Arizona University's Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) recently profiled Tlingit & Haida under it's Tribes & Climate Change Program. The program provides support to and responds to the needs of tribes preparing for and currently contending with climate change impacts. The profiles are by region and provide a tribal perspective to climate change and highlight the work of various tribes and tribal organization that deal with and attempt to respond to climate change and its impacts. The tribal climate change profiles featured on the website are intended to be a pathway to increasing knowledge among tribal and nontribal organizations interested in learning about climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. To view the full profile, visit: www7.nau.edu/itep/main/tcc/ Tribes/ak_tlingit. Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa to ITEP for profiling Tlingit & Haida! 10
Chief Seattle Club Visit Submitted By: Office of the President
ʔALʔAL means “home” in Lushootseed, the language of the Coast Salish indigenous people of Washington’s Puget Sound region. For many of Tlingit & Haida’s struggling tribal citizens in the Seattle area, the Chief Seattle Club has been a home – a place L-R: Emily Edenshaw, Richard Peterson, Samantha Biasca, Colleen Chalmers, Sarah Dybdahl and Will Ware. where they know they can find refuge, rest, receive nourishment and will always feel welcome. While visiting the Chief Seattle Club in July, Tlingit & Haida President Richard (Chalyee Éesh) Peterson and key staff learned from Program Manager Colleen Chalmers and Executive Assistant Samantha Biasca that a majority of the club’s membership are of Tlingit and/or Haida descent. “We are here to be a family and home for our people that might not have family or a home,” shared Colleen. “These are our people no matter what.” Chief Seattle Club is a non-profit, community and day center located in the Pioneer Square district President Peterson and Tlingit & Haida staff visiting with Chief Seattle Club staff and members of downtown Seattle. The club was founded in 1970 to provide a place for urban American Indians and Alaska Natives to nurture, affirm and renew their spirit. In addition to meeting the basic needs of food and housing, the club also provides access to quality nursing care, mental health providers, chemical dependency professionals, traditional healing practices, the Urban Indian Legal Clinic, a Native arts program and gallery, and frequent outings to tribes, pow wows, and museums. Over 90,000 meals are served every year and 262 people were housed through shelter referrals, rapid rehousing, eviction prevention and family housing services. “My heart is just so full of thanks for the work of the Chief Seattle Club,” shared President Peterson. “Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa to them for meeting our people’s needs and for doing what we are not able to do from so far away. This is just the beginning of our partnership and commitment to support the work of the Chief Seattle Club and help bring more cultural programming to the club.”
Tlingit & Haida Nominees Receive AHSA Awards Submitted By: Head Start
Tlingit & Haida Head Start is pleased to announce that three of their nominees were selected by the Alaska Head Start Association (AHSA) to receive awards for their outstanding performance and/or contribution during the 2018-2019 school year! Each year, the AHSA recognizes parents, staff and community partners who go above and beyond in their roles and commitment to helping all of our children be school ready by the time they transition into kindergarten. The awards also unify membership, celebrate success, encourage high quality performance and offer a meaningful way for AHSA to give back to staff, parents and community members. AHSA offers 22 awards in four categories: Parent, Staff, Community and Other. Please join Tlingit & Haida in congratulating this year’s award recipients! AHSA will recognize all 2018-2019 awardees at their annual AHSA Awards Banquet ceremony on Monday, October 14th, 2019 at the Raven Landing Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. Teacher of the Year
Assistant Teacher of the Year
Cultural Awareness
Heather Ayd Juneau Head Start
Donna McKay Wrangell Head Start
Victoria Johnson Goldbelt Heritage Foundation
IAK Releases “Spirit” Music Video Tlingit & Haida’s Ix̱ six̱ án, Ax̱ Ḵwáan (IAK) youth music group has released its third music video, “Spirit.” The music video, which is available on YouTube (https://youtu.be/8n2cG_SuWg4) n explores what’s in a name and manifests Haa Shuká, tying together our past, present and future. IAK originally formed in 2018 with seven youth under Tlingit & Haida’s Native Connections program which focuses on providing space for the youth to develop culturally-based social, emotional, mental and spiritual skills to become healthy and resilient. Each year, new members join the group to create music videos that express their love for their culture and indigenous life in Southeast Alaska. This year, Jaylynn Martin, Arias (AJ) Hoyle, Keegan Kanan, Sierra Flores, Kendra Parks, Kenndra Willard, Arturo Rodriguez, Aidan Wilson and Jordan Bennett created the music video with lead backup vocals provided by Chris Talley and technical support provided by Joshua Laboca with Second2NoneSound. Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa to all who supported our youth throughout their music video project: A’akw Kwáan, T’aaḵu Kwáan, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway, and the City and Borough of Juneau.
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Coeur Alaska Donates Trailers Submitted By: Recovery & Reentry
Coeur Alaska – Kensington Mine recently donated five trailers to Tlingit & Haida’s Reentry & Recovery department to create housing for reentry clients. The trailers, called “sleepers,” were previously used by Kensington Mine to provide sleeping quarters for miners working long shifts. Tlingit & Haida learned the trailers were available after Kensington Mine upgraded their sleeping facilities and offered the trailers to the Juneau Coalition on Housing and Homelessness’ member agencies. Tlingit & Haida accepted the trailers in partnership with Tlingit Haida Regional Housing Authority (THRHA) who has agreed to temporarily store the Sleeper trailers being delivered to storage site on THRHA’s lot trailers on one of THRHA’s empty lots until additional funding is secured to renovate the trailers and a permanent location is identified to operate the reentry housing program. Mark Kiessling, General Manager for Coeur Alaska – Kensington Mine shared, “We appreciate the work being done by Tlingit & Haida’s Reentry & Recovery department. We are proud to contribute to their valuable work by helping fill the need for housing for our fellow community members as they reenter the community.” In addition to the trailers, Coeur Alaska – Kensington Mine also provided Tlingit & Haida with a $20,000 monetary donation to help renovate the trailers. Currently, the trailers are made up of four, double-occupancy, dorm-style units and will be renovated into single occupancy units, office space and bathrooms. The renovation work will be completed by reentry clients under the guidance of an experienced contractor and in partnership with Tlingit & Haida’s Work Experience and On-the-Job Training programs, which provide educational, training and employment opportunities to help clients secure meaningful employment. “This generous donation from Coeur Alaska is extremely helpful in developing resources for our citizens walking through reentry and recovery,” said Reentry & Recovery Manager Talia Eames. “The ability to access housing with a criminal record is especially difficult in our tight housing market. These sleepers will allow us to provide simple housing while our participants get the support they need to successfully transition back into the community.”
ANA Commissioner Meets with Tlingit & Haida Administration for Native Americans (ANA) Commissioner Jeannie Hovland met with President Richard (Chalyee Éesh) Peterson, 2nd Vice President Jacqueline Pata and several managers to learn about the programs Tlingit & Haida administers with ANA funding. Commissioner Hovland oversees ANA’s discretionary funding programs to American Indians, Alaska Native, Tlingit & Haida’s management team members meeting with Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. She serves as an ANA Commissioner Jeannie Hovland advocate for Native Americans and coordinates activities within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop policies, programs and budgets affecting Native Americans all under the authority of the Native American Programs Act. She also serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Native American Affairs and is chair of the Administration for Children & Families’ Native American Affairs Advisory Council. 12
Traditional Health & Fitness Camp Submitted By: Tribal Family & Youth Services
Native Issues Forum Held on Budget Cuts A Special Native Issues Forum was held on July 30, 2019 in Juneau, Alaska to discuss the impacts of the recent budget cuts, share our knowledge, and strategize to support thriving Native communities moving forward.
The 2019 Traditional Health and Fitness Camp explored traditional and healthy ways of living by teaching participants traditional Alaska Native games - a collection of events from across the Global North. The Games were recently introduced in Southeast Alaska and are quickly gaining in interest and popularity. Historically, the games prepared children and young adults for living and hunting in extreme conditions. Each game developed skills, strength and endurance needed to hunt seal, navigate ice floes and communicate between communities.
Attendees were asked to think about how our Indigenous perspectives help us think about cuts to education, power cost equalization, senior benefits and other state-unfunded items for our futures and how to protect our most vulnerable and stand up for our rights and responsibilities as Native people to support thriving communities and families.
The camp was sponsored by the Tribal Family & Youth Services department, Sealaska Heritage Institute, Goldbelt Heritage Foundation and the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council, with support from Alaska Airlines. Eighteen students learned the games, their history and their cultural significance. They also learned about nutrition, fitness, Tlingit language and sportsmanship, all key to successfully practicing and competing in the games. The daily schedule was packed with activities all focused on the traditional games and cultural arts. Students completed a video project that documented various aspects of camp and also exemplified one or more Southeast Traditional Tribal Values. The five-day camp concluded with live game demonstrations and presentations of student video projects of the games, art and values learned at camp. Over fifty family and community members attended the final presentation and dinner. When asked why he completed the camp, one student remarked, “I do NYO because I was alone. I couldn’t find something meaningful. I play so I can feel proud of myself, and get my family back into Native culture, starting with me.” The camp helped him to connect to his culture and, in a larger sense, himself. Another student shared, “I’ve grown up in a pretty harsh environment where not many people believed in me or supported me. In NYO, everyone supports each other and it’s a much healthier environment.” For her, the sport creates a healthy community and environment. 13
Snap Shots from ASTRIDE Camp
ASTRIDE Camp Submitted By: Cultural Heritage & Education
Tlingit & Haida’s Cultural Heritage & Education department held a camp for youth August 29-31, 2019 at the Eagle River United Methodist Camp in Juneau, Alaska. During the three-day camp, high school students listened to traditional Tlingit stories, participated in drumming and dancing, and learned how to process and smoke salmon among other activities focused on building social, emotional and resiliency skills. “This camp was a great educational and cultural experience for both the students and adults,” shared ASTRIDE Coordinator Deena LaRue. “I was very happy to see our cultural educators, specialists and elders quickly connect with the students and provide place-based youth activities that highlighted Southeast Alaska tribal values, language, songs and both Tlingit and inter-tribal drumming.” The camp was coordinated under the ASTRIDE (Achieving Success by Respectfully Targeting Individual Developmental Ecology) project, which is funded under a discretionary grant through the United States Department of Education’s Alaska Native Education Program. The project is an innovative program for Alaska Native students that focuses on increasing adult anchors (caring and connected adults), increasing student achievement, increasing graduation rates, and integrating cultural standards in classrooms. ASTRIDE uses PHlight Club, a Brightways Learning curriculum, which helps students identify their strengths and work with adults and peers to solve problems while keeping each other safe, focused, respected and involved. ASTRIDE partners include five school districts (Chatham School District, Craig City School District, Hydaburg City School District, Klawock City School District and Southeast Island School District); three tribal partners (Hydaburg Cooperative Association, Klawock Cooperative Association and Organized Village of Kasaan; and Brightways Learning, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Missoula, Montana. 14
Salmon Fun Run Submitted By: Tribal Family & Youth Services
Bears, whales, fisher people - oh my! Community members braved the threat of rain to partake in the family-friendly Salmon Run (Xáat át wujixeex) held on July 20, 2019. The community fun run was open to all ages and staged with costumed critters along the 1-mile and 5-kilometer out and back courses on Kaxdigoowu Heen Dei (Brotherhood Bridge Trail). Participants gathered at Riverbend Elementary School’s covered play area to register for the run, peruse informational tables hosted by SEARHC’s Wellness program and AWARE’s Girls on the Run program, and enjoy a few pre-run activities like coloring and making salmon headbands. The Salmon Run is part of the Boys Run I Toowú Klatseen program, a 10-week after school program for boys that helps build positive self-esteem, communication, healthy relationship skills, teamwork and respect through running, discussion and cultural activities. Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa to all who participated in the Salmon Run and shared their strength of spirit with the Boys Run community! A very special thank you to Hooked, Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute and DIPAC for contributing to this year’s Salmon Run and to Tlingit & Haida’s TANF and Child Care departments for donating prizes! Boys Run is seeking volunteer coaches for the fall 2019 season. The program will take place at Harborview, Glacier Valley and Riverbend elementary schools with each week highlighting a Southeast Alaska Traditional Tribal Value. A coach orientation training coordinated by AWARE and Tlingit & Haida will be held on August 24, 2019. Visit BoysRun.org to learn more about how you can become a coach.
Private Book Collection (Cont. from Cover)
Professor Demmert’s Tlingit name is Gunkasíxht and he is Teeyeeneidi from the Raven Dog Salmon House of Tuxekan. He was born and raised in Klawock and attended Sheldon Jackson High School and Junior College before attending the University of Chicago. His career mainly focused on education. He served over twenty years as the Director of Native Studies for the University of Alaska Fairbanks and formerly served as the Executive Director of Sealaska Heritage Foundation and Director of Native Studies at Sheldon Jackson College. Among many other notable public service roles, he served as an Elder Advisor in the late 1990’s to Tlingit & Haida to begin planning for the development of a of a Southeast Alaska Tribal College. To properly store the collection, bookcases were purchased under an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant (Grant # NG-01-18-0142-18). The books will be permanently housed at the Tribe’s Vocational Training & Resource Center in Juneau, Alaska. For more information on this private book collection donation or Tlingit & Haida’s library, contact Cultural Heritage & Education Director Sarah Dybdahl at 907.463.7105 or sdybdahl@ccthita-nsn.gov. 15
Tlingit & Haida
PRESORTED STANDARD
Office of the President • Communications 9097 Glacier Highway, Juneau AK 99801 www.ccthita-nsn.gov • www.facebook.com/ccthita 907.463.7369
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Juneau, AK Permit No. 139
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Preserve our sovereignty, enhance our economic and cultural resources, and promote self-sufficiency and self-governance for our citizens. 2020 Annual Funding Agreement Negotiations Held Submitted By: Tribal Operations
The 2020 Annual Funding Agreement (AFA) negotiations were held with the Office of Self-Governance and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Matt Kallappa, Office of Self Governance Northwest Field Office Manager, and Keith Kahklen, BIA Natural Resources Manager, participated in the negotiations with Tlingit & Haida’s administrative team and tribal leaders representing Compact tribes. Through a Memorandum of Understanding, Southeast Alaska village tribes can authorize Tlingit & Haida to enter into a Self-Governance Compact and AFA that specifies which programs a tribe can provide and identifies applicable funding. By tribal resolution, the following tribal communities have agreed to function as a consortium for certain services and have authorized Tlingit & Haida to compact with the federal government on their behalf: Chilkoot Indian Association, Craig Tribal Association (ICWA & Social Services only), Juneau Tlingit & Haida Community Council, Ketchikan Indian Community (Trust Services only), Klawock Cooperative Association, Organized Village of Kasaan (pending withdrawal from Compact), Organized Village of Saxman, Pelican Community Council, Skagway Traditional Council (Trust Services only), Tenakee Springs Indian Community (Trust Services only) and Wrangell Cooperative Association. The 2020 budget for Compact funds has been projected at $3.96 million for general operations and programs including Burial Assistance, College Student Assistance, Enrollment, Forestry/Natural Resources, General Assistance, Indian Child Welfare Act, Job Placement & Training, Johnson O’Malley and Realty.