Tlingit & Haida 4th Quarter 2023
Agreements Signed for Co-Stewardship of the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area The Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service signed a memorandum of understanding and master participating agreement on September 29, 2023 to formalize their mutual commitment to costewardship of the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area (MGRA).
President Peterson and outgoing Regional Forester David Schmid stand with staff following signing ceremony
“These lands are the traditional territory of our people. As a federally recognized tribe, it’s our responsibility to steward these lands on behalf of our people,” said President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson. “It’s important we have a voice in the management of our ancestral homelands. We have historic knowledge that should be used and shared when it comes to creating future plans for the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. These lands tie us to our ancestors. They help us understand where we come from, who we are, and how to live. We are dedicated to the preservation and protection of the historic and cultural resources in the area.” The purpose of the co-stewardship agreements is to meet the spirit and intent of Joint Secretarial Order 3403, to fulfill trust responsibility with tribes in the stewardship of federal lands and waters. That includes ensuring management decisions affecting the MGRA consider the expertise and traditional, cultural and historical knowledge of the Tlingit and Haida people whenever possible. Continued on page 11
Renovations Underway for Southeast Alaska Native Veterans Memorial Park Public Safety Receives Department of Justice Grants Grant Awarded to Expand Suicide Prevention Services NCAI 80th Annual Convention & Marketplace New Chief Financial Officer Hired Washington Culture Classes NARF Files Amicus Brief Before Ninth Circuit in Wild Fish Conservancy Lawsuit 2024 Native Issues Forum Series Indigenous Aquaculture Collaborative Gathering Good Medicine Exhibit Button Blanket Elections Notice First Lingít Language Immersion Book & Animated Video Produced Under Partnership
Washington Office Opens Congratulations to Peter White! Evergreen Elders Workforce Development Program Áak’w Rock Indigenous Music Festival Held in Juneau TANF Expands Classes for Clients Tlingit & Haida Welcomes New Managers Mark Your Calendar Looking for a New Career? Human Trafficking Awareness Event Online Language Classes Return EPA Grant Awarded to Create Regional Recycling Hub Senator Murkowski Calls on President Biden to Halt Funding for Canadian Mines Save the Date: 89th Annual Tribal Assembly
Renovations Underway for Southeast Alaska Native Veterans Memorial Park
Public Safety Receives Department of Justice Grants
Tlingit & Haida was awarded two critical tribal justice grants, totaling nearly $1.5 million under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) program. Tlingit & Haida received $900,000 to oversee the Tribal Access Program for National Crime Information (TAP), and an additional nearly $600,000 for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office Tribal Resources Grant Program. Southeast Alaska Native Veterans came together in October for a blessing of the Southeast Alaska Native Veterans Memorial Park site where renovations are underway. Tlingit & Haida’s construction company, Southeast General Contractors, is leading the effort to make major improvements, including walls for plaques and two new totem poles. Construction is expected to be completed in late spring 2024. “This is just one way we continue to honor our Veterans,” said President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson. The renovation project led by the Tribe’s Native Lands & Resources Division.
The Tribe was designated as a TAP partner in 2019, a program that enables federally recognized tribes to access the national crime information database for both criminal and non-criminal justice purposes. The CTAS grant funding will enable Tlingit & Haida to significantly enhance public safety through the Tribal Access Program. Once TAP is in place, our Public Safety Division will gain seamless access to essential federal crime databases, such as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), equipping the Tribe with vital resources to assist in the protection of tribal citizens. TAP will also support our Human Resources Department in efficiently conducting comprehensive background checks for potential employees. Additionally. TAP supports emergency child placement and those who live at our non-congregate Reentry & Recovery shelters. Funding from the CTAS grant will provide the resources to hire a TAP coordinator to develop policies and procedures for the program, assist users with training and collect and track data. Funding from the COPS Office Tribal Resources Grant Program will be instrumental in addressing gaps in law enforcement and public safety. Tlingit & Haida plans to purchase land vehicles and marine response supplies, along with communications equipment, to bolster the capacity of the Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) program and improve officer safety. Tlingit & Haida operates the VPSO program in Southeast Alaska with officers in seven communities.
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Grant Awarded to Expand Suicide Prevention Services Tlingit & Haida’s Community & Behavioral Services (CBS) Division was awarded a $3 million Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant to help with suicide prevention. The grant will provide $1 million a year for the next three years to help Tlingit & Haida focus on a Cooperative Agreement project with Careline Alaska, the 988 National Suicide Crisis Hotline. Funding from the grant enables Tlingit & Haida to expand services to serve our tribal citizens who are seeking care across the United States. It will also allow staff to train crisis service providers, including the 988 Careline of Alaska, to work with tribal citizens in culturally appropriate and effective practices. Alaska Native people experience the highest rates of suicide in the country and the need for quality, culturally affirming care is vital. “We know there’s a lack of resources when it comes to mental health, especially in Alaska,” said CBS Clinical Operations Director Jessica Jones. “This grant funding is essential because it allows us to expand our reach and equip more providers to assist our tribal citizens who may be struggling with mental health needs and thoughts of suicide. We want our tribal citizens to have easy access to any care they need, and for all providers to understand the tribal values we live by in our CBS Healing Center.”
NCAI 80th Annual Convention & Marketplace Many of Tlingit & Haida’s Executive Council members and several key staff from the Office of the President participated and represented the Tribe at the National Congress of American Indians’ (NCAI) 80th Annual Convention & Marketplace November 12-17 in New Orleans, Louisiana. One large action item that was voted on was electing the officers to the NCAI board. Two important positions were Vice President for Alaska and the alternate. We would like to thank outgoing Alaska-area Vice President Mike Williams, and alternate Alaska-area Vice President Rob Sanderson Jr., Tlingit & Haida’s 2nd Vice President, for their work over the years at NCAI. Elected by their respective Regional Caucuses, the Regional Vice Presidents serve alongside the Executive Board for a two-year term and together makeup NCAI’s Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is charged with advancing the mission of NCAI to protect and advance tribal sovereignty by representing the issues and priorities of tribal nations throughout the country. Tanana Chiefs Conference’s Chief & Chairman Brian Ridley was elected as Alaska-area Vice President and Tlingit & Haida 5th Vice President Clinton Cook Sr. was elected as alternate for vice president. We are proud to have continued Southeast Alaska representation at NCAI. 3
New Chief Financial Officer Hired Tlingit & Haida is pleased to announce Charlene Robertson as the Tribe’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Charlene will provide oversight of the Tribe’s Finance personnel, fiscal management, general fund budget, and financial reporting. In addition, she will review and negotiate the annual indirect cost proposal process, facilitate the Tribe’s internal audit, and oversee the indirect and internal budgeting and accounting procedures. “I’m honored to be joining Tlingit & Haida’s Executive Team, and excited to connect with the full Tlingit & Haida team,” Charlene shared. “As a tribal citizen, I look forward to contributing to the growth and economic success of our Tribe.” Charlene has more than 20 years of experience in accounting and management. She most recently served as Controller for Bristol Bay Alaska Tourism. Other organizations she has worked for include Sitnasuak Native Corporation, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and the University of Alaska Anchorage. Charlene Robertson
Charlene holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Northwest Nazarene University and a Bachelor of Music degree from Boise State University. For the past six months, Karen Taug has served as interim CFO while Tlingit & Haida recruited to fill the position. Born in Juneau, Alaska and raised in Sitka, Alaska, Charlene is the daughter of Geraldine Brown and Charles Williams. Her Tlingit name is Gunaa Shaa, and she is of the Raven moiety, L’uknax.ádi clan and Daginaa Hít house. She is married to Cory Robertson and has two children, Lena and Hazel.
Washington Culture Classes In her new role as Cultural Heritage Manager, Vicki Soboleff has been busy teaching weaving classes in the Seattle area. So far this year, Vicki has had 39 students complete her cedar basket weaving course, 23 students complete her cedar hat weaving course, and 33 students finish Ravenstail weaving pieces. Vicki also took 5 groups (15 tribal citizens) into the forest to learn how to collect the raw materials from red cedar trees. Stay tuned to our social media pages where we’ll post classes as they become available.
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NARF Files Amicus Brief Before Ninth Circuit in Wild Fish Conservancy Lawsuit The Native American Rights Fund filed an amicus brief in October before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (Ninth Circuit) on behalf of the Southeast Alaska Native Coalition in the Wild Fish Conservancy vs. Jennifer Quan, et al case. The coalition is made up of 16 sovereign tribes, seven Alaska Native Village corporations, Sealaska Corporation, and the Alaska Native Brotherhood and Alaska Native Sisterhood Grand Camp. The amicus brief urged the Ninth Circuit to reverse the partial vacatur of the Incidental Take Statement and cites the lower court ignored how a vacatur would affect Southeast Alaska’s Indigenous communities. Allowing the partial vacatur to stand, which would effectively close the Southeast Alaska Chinook commercial troll fishery. Southeast Alaska’s troll fleet and coastal communities face unprecedented uncertainty and risk due to the Wild Fish Conservancy’s misguided lawsuit against the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) concerning its 2019 Biological Opinion (BiOp) along with the Incidental Take Permit for Southeast Alaska’s king salmon troll fishery. There are nearly 600 commercial power and hand troll permits held by tribal citizens, and the fishery is central to our region and the sustainability of our communities. The Chinook harvest is estimated to make up 44% of the income of trollers. A 2019 study also found the Southeast Alaska troll fleet provides an $85 million economic impact for the Southeast Alaska economy.
2024 Native Issues Forum Series Tlingit & Haida is pleased to host the 2024 Native Issues Forum series! The forums will feature reports and presentations on a wide range of topics important to our tribal citizens and communities. All forums are free and open to the public and will be held in the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall (320 W. Willoughby Avenue) in Juneau, Alaska. If you’re not able to join us in person, all forums will be livestreamed via Zoom and on Tlingit & Haida’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/tlingitandhaida.gov). Forum Dates
Friday, January 26 Friday, February 16 Friday, February 23 Friday, March 22 Friday, April 5
The doors will open at 11:30 AM and all forums will run from noon to 1:00 PM. For questions or more information, contact the Office of the President at 907.463.7142 or otp@tlingitandhaida.gov.
“The closing of the troll fishery for even one season can cause irreparable breaks in intergenerational knowledge,” said President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson. “These are cultural harms that cannot be remedied.” The amicus brief cites those financial losses and subsequent reductions in employment opportunities would likely spur outmigration from the region, causing both economic and cultural harm. 5
Indigenous Aquaculture Collaborative Gathering
Good Medicine Project Button Blanket For two months, staff in our Community & Behavioral Services (CBS) Division worked on a button blanket for the Good Medicine exhibit at the Anchorage Museum. The cream-colored blanket has a deep red border. The interior is lined with different shapes of seaweed. The back of the blanket has the CBS Healing Center logo designed by Miciana Hutcherson and is lined with genuine abalone buttons. The clasp is a s’áxt (Devil’s club) leaf, which is a traditional healing medicine for Indigenous people in Southeast Alaska.
Haa Kusteeyí Celebration May 8-11, 2024 Sitka, Alaska
Indigenous Aquaculture systems have existed for millennia, and continue to unite cultural practices and ecosystems, as well as deepen place-based food connections. Join Tlingit & Haida and partners on Lingít Aaní to gather and connect on the shores of Sheet’ka, the traditional territory of Sheet’ka Kwáan. Registration Coming Soon! For more information on the upcoming Indigenous Aquaculture Collaborative Gathering, please email deptnlr@tlingitandhaida.gov. Nourishing Traditions, Increasing Resilience 6
“This blanket will be used as a part of healing and ceremony as people move on their journey to wrap them and hold them up as they continue to heal, because healing is a lifelong journey,” said CBS Senior Director Dr. Tina Woods. On October 25, the CBS Healing Center team held a special ceremony to dance the robe to life. “Our culture does heal. It’s what binds us; it’s who we are. And in it is the hope we can be what our ancestors were,” said President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson. Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa to cultural regalia artist Maria Abbott who mentored the team and helped with their design and technique. Altogether, she and the CBS healers logged nearly 300 hours working on the blanket. “It’s a piece of artwork that will hopefully be around for generations to come and go through a lot of healing for a lot of us,” Maria shared. The blanket will be on display at the Anchorage Museum during the month of December.
Elections Notice The general election of Delegates, and Community Council Members if any, to the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) will be held on March 21, 2024. Elected Delegates from each community will serve a two-year term and attend the annual Tribal Assembly. Tribal Citizens 18 years of age or older as of March 21, 2024 who wish to declare their candidacy and run for Delegate to Tlingit & Haida must timely submit a Declaration of Intent to Serve form, which will be made available on Tlingit & Haida’s Elections webpage (www.tlingitandhaida.gov/government/ elections/forms). The elections for all Communities will be conducted by electronic voting.
Tlingit & Haida Communities
Anchorage Angoon Craig Haines Hoonah Hydaburg Juneau Kake Kasaan Ketchikan Klawock
Klukwan Metlakatla Pelican Petersburg San Francisco Saxman Seattle Sitka Wrangell Yakutat
Important Dates:
Nomination Period..................January 26 – February 9 (Close of Business) Ballot Information Mailed............................................................. February 23 Voting Period..............................................................February 23 – March 21 Ballot Deadline................................................. March 21 (Close of Business)
Voter Eligibility Requirements:
Enrolled tribal citizen of Tlingit & Haida on March 21, 2024 Eighteen (18) years of age by March 21, 2024 or older Listed on the Official Voting List for the Community you are registered with Note: Ballots must be received by deadline in order to be counted. To ensure you receive election material, please make sure to update your contact information with our Program Compliance Department. For questions on the upcoming elections, contact the Program Compliance Department at 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7146 or elections@tlingitandhaida.gov.
Looking for a New & Rewarding Career? We’re hiring! If you’re interested in joining a great team and receiving competitive wages, as well as educational opportunities to help you achieve your career goals, apply today! Here are just some of the benefits we offer:
15 Paid Holidays 401(k) & Roth Retirement Plans Life Insurance Supplemental Health & Dental Insurance Tuition & Fees Assistance
$30/Month for Health Club Memberships Alternative Schedules for College Education & Fitness Computer Purchase Loan Program
Check out the Careers page on our website for a full list of positions: www.tlingitandhaida.gov • tinyurl.com/thcareers 7
First Lingít Language Immersion Book & Animated Video Produced Under Partnership Tlingit & Haida is thrilled to announce the first of nine Lingít language children’s books and animated videos in partnership with Goldbelt Heritage Foundation (GHF) and Cedar Group. The Kei Naltseen Haa Sgóoni (Our School is Being Strengthened) partnership was formed in 2022 to increase the academic performance of Alaska Native students by providing language immersion through Haa Yoo X’atángi Kúdi (HYXK), Tlingit & Haida’s Lingít language immersion nest preschool. The first book titled, Kuhaantí, tells the story of the orphan Saháan as she journeys through difficult times and learns life lessons that teach her the importance of the tribal value of respect. The book is written entirely in Lingít, without English translations. The goal is to let the Lingít language shine all on its own while inviting folks to begin or continue their language reclamation journey. While the Lingít language is well-documented, there are very few age-appropriate resources in the Lingít language for immersion learning purposes. In an effort to continue providing support for revitalizing Indigenous languages in Southeast Alaska, the books will also be translated and made available in Xaad Kíl (Haida language). Plans are also underway to expand each story to include translations at the middle and advanced level to support teaching and fluency for many learners. Eight additional books and animated videos will be produced over the next two years. Yéil ka Kudatankahídi (Raven and the Salmon House) is the next language immersion story to be published. The foundation for the project began over 10 years ago with Lingít Shkalneegí Haa Yátx’i Kagéiyi Yís, a collaborative collection of stories as part of Tlingit & Haida’s Head Start program and translated into Lingít by GHF with support from Sitka Tribe of Alaska and Teslin Tlingit Council. The following speakers were critical and instrumental in the work to translate these stories: Kaxwaan Éesh George Davis, Shaksháani Marge Dutson, Daasdiyáa Ethel Makinen, L’éiwtu.éesh Herman Davis, Gooch Tláa Anne Johnson, Aanyaalahaash Sam Johnston, Kaakligéi Norman James, Keiyishí Bessie Cooley, Shuwuteen Margaret Bob, Kooxxuhaan Sidney, and La.óos Tláa Ida Calmegane. Ch’eet Wú Joe Binger and Yéil T’ooch’ Tláa Collyne Bunn provided invaluable editorial support as the book was finalized. A book launch celebration was held October 27, 2023 at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall in Juneau. Artists Gat Xwéech Nick Alan Foote and Jaaxsnée Kelsey Mata Foote were there to sign copies of the book. There was also the premiere viewing of the animated version of the book as narrated by X’unei Lance Twitchell. Tlingit & Haida purchased more than 2,000 books that will be available to tribal citizens ages 0-7. For those interested in receiving a free book by mail, sign up online at www.tinyurl.com/KuhaantiFreeBook. To watch the animated video, visit Tlingit & Haida’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/tlingithaida.
When We Know Our Language, We Know Who We Are 8
Washington Office Opens Tlingit & Haida has opened a new Washington office. The office is located in Lynnwood, Washington on the second floor of the Northview Center (20700 44th Avenue West, Suite 220).
Congratulations to Peter White!
With more than 8,200 tribal citizens living in the Washington area now, Tlingit & Haida President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson said this has been one Northview Center Washington Office of his top priorities as the Tribe works to establish a presence in all of our communities. “This is a vision come true and I am really excited that we finally have a true home base in Washington,” said President Peterson. “As I’ve said before, we are committed to removing any barriers that may threaten to disenfranchise our tribal citizens. Centralizing access to our programs and support services is the first step toward doing that. This is just the beginning of what we have planned to better meet the needs our tribal citizens. I see a lot more collaboration and partnerships with agencies and organizations coming from this.” The office space has been secured under a long-term lease agreement and staff who have been working remotely from Washington just settled into their new offices. “We are honored to bring services closer to home for our tribal citizens in Washington and the surrounding area,” said Roald Helgesen, Chief Operating Officer. “We appreciate the co-location of the Seattle Tlingit & Haida Community Council offices to offer more programs for our people.” The office will house 20 full-time staff providing Child Welfare, Child Support, Program Compliance (Tribal Enrollment), Cultural Heritage & Education, Grants & Resources, Tribal Court and Community Navigator services. A large classroom has also been dedicated for the Tribe’s Cultural Heritage & Education Division to host language, arts, cultural education, and educational programs. The office includes reserved office space for the Tlingit & Haida Washington Chapter and Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporation and will provide conference room space for Tlingit & Haida Community Council members to hold their meetings. With a hotel nearby and the new Lynnwood City Center Station Light Rail coming in 2024, itinerant staff will also be able to work from the Washington office with ease.
Please join Tlingit & Haida’s Employment & Training (E&T) Department in congratulating Peter White on his recent education and employment accomplishments! Peter successfully completed his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) course with Southeast Trucking and Training in November and obtained his Class A CDL license. Upon completion of his training, Peter pursued employment and accepted a Lead Equipment Operator position with the State of Alaska, Department of Transportation. The E&T Department provides training opportunities for tribally enrolled citizens through its Job Placement & Training program. If you are enrolled with Tlingit & Haida or another federally recognized tribe and are interested in applying for Training Services, please contact our Job Placement & Training Specialist at 907.463.7929 or via email at jpt@tlingitandhaida.gov.
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Evergreen Elders Workforce Development Program
Áak’w Rock Indigenous Music Festival Held in Juneau Tlingit & Haida was a proud partner of the 2nd Annual Áak’w Rock Indigenous Music Festival! The festival was held September 21–23 in Juneau, Alaska and featured 25 musical acts with 75 artists representing 21 Indigenous cultures from around the world. As the only Indigenous music festival in the country, Áak’w Rock seeks to overcome the historical under-representation of Indigenous performances and create an immersive soundscape of Indigenous dreams, connection, and visions for our future. This is the first year the concert series was held in person at Centennial Hall, the Juneau Arts & Culture Center and the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. The Juneau Arts & Humanities Council is also a co-sponsor of the event.
Are you 55+ years of age and seeking work? Our Employment & Training Department’s new Evergreen Elders Workforce Development program is here to help! The program provides a full range of education, retraining and employment services and is available in several Southeast Alaska communities. Communities Served:
Craig Juneau Klawock Pelican Saxman Tenakee Services provided include learning new skill and technology and retraining and work experience. For more information, please contact Jon Malacas, Program Coordinator, at 907.463.7705 or we@tlingitandhaida.gov. 10
TANF Expands Classes for Clients Tlingit & Haida’s Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Department has been working hard to provide more activities, cultural programming and classes for families receiving assistance. Since the beginning of October, TANF has provided classes, including a S’ikshaldeen (Hudson Bay/Labrador Tea) harvesting, budgeting, cedar rose making, and résumé writing. These new opportunities and collaborations are thanks to Dara Rilatos who joined the TANF Department as Special Programs Coordinator. She grew up in Wrangell, Alaska and is a tribal Instructor Heather Evoy (front right) shows citizen of the Confederated Tribe of Siletz Indians of Oregon. TANF staff how to make cedar roses Dara believes that giving back and working with our tribal citizens has been one of the most incredible ways to thank the stewards of this land for raising her. When she is not working, you can find Dara playing music in various spaces around Juneau. Upcoming classes and workshops for TANF families include Native Youth Olympics, holiday gift making, and several online courses like Microsoft 101 and Business 101. If your family receives TANF assistance in Juneau, Alaska and would like to participate in one of the upcoming classes, contact your caseworker or benefit technician. For general questions regarding TANF, call 907.463.7158 or email 477TANF@tlingitandhaida.gov.
Co-Stewardship Agreements Continued from page 4
The Order also directs that tribal consultation and collaboration be implemented along with federal land management priorities and direction for recreation, range timber, energy production, and conservation of wilderness, refuges, watersheds, and wildlife habitat. “I am honored to sign these co-stewardship agreements with President Peterson,” said Alaska Regional Forester Dave Schmid. “Co-stewardship of the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area recognizes the importance of these lands and waters to the Tlingit and Haida people and helps uphold our nation-to-nation President Peterson and Alaska Regional Forester Dave Schmid Signing Agreements relationship with the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. We look forward to working together in our administration of the area.” Tlingit & Haida and the Forest Service have historically entered into agreements that express a shared vision for collaboration. Both have worked closely on the creation of the Seacoast Indigenous Guardians Network for Southeast Alaska and to implement economic development and workforce development projects in the region under the USDA Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy. Through the co-stewardship agreements, Tlingit & Haida and the Forest Service have committed to work on various interpretive projects, programming and planning efforts that enhance the cultural interpretive programs and displays within the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and Mendenhall Glacier Campground. Tlingit & Haida will also oversee the hiring of interpretive staff for the visitor center and provide cultural training to existing staff. 11
Tlingit & Haida Welcomes New Managers Please help us welcome new members to our management team as well as congratulate those who were recently promoted to strengthen our Tribe and services to our tribal citizens and communities!
Christina Lee
Aaron Angerman
Tammy Jablonski
Congratulations to Christina Lee who was promoted to Reentry & Recovery Operations Manager.
Tlingit & Haida welcomes Aaron Angerman as the Tribe’s new Traditional Food Security Manager. In this capacity, Aaron will lead the oversight and implementation of the Tribe’s initiatives to address food insecurity and promote food sovereignty through collaboration with local tribes, communities and other partners.
Congratulations to Tammy Jablonski who was promoted to Participant Services Manager in the Reentry & Recovery Department. Tammy joined Tlingit & Haida in 2017 and has worked for several departments including Public Safety and Tribal Court.
Christina was hired by Tlingit & Haida in January 2021 as the Reentry & Recovery coordinator. Her Tlingit name is Sheét and she is from the Deisheetaan clan. In her new role, Christina will be responsible for managing the coordination and development of the Tribe’s three non-congregate shelters, which provide sober and supportive housing to people released from incarceration or returning from treatment. Tlingit & Haida has two noncongregate shelters that can house up to 27 men. The women’s shelter, Haven House, is currently under reconstruction after it was destroyed by flooding and demolished in 2021. Construction is expected to be completed in the spring of 2024. Haven House will have nine beds for women. The Reentry & Recovery Department works closely with the Tribal Court and other partners to ensure cohesion in program development and restorative justice practices. 12
The Traditional Food Security Department was formed in 2022 and is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). One of the department’s efforts to address food insecurity is to get our Southeast Alaska Indigenous foods into a Tribe-wide distribution program. Aaron holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He previously worked for SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) and as the tribal administrator for Wrangell Cooperative Association. Aaron was raised in Wrangell, Alaska and is from the L’uknax. ádi (coho) clan, Daginaa Hít (Far Away House).
Tammy was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri and graduated from Western State College of Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology/Social Work. She is licensed case manager (LBSW) with the State of Alaska; a nationally accredited case manager through the American Case Management Association (ACMA); and a certified Peer Support Specialist. Tammy reports that it is an honor to work with Reentry & Recovery, especially after her late husband, a decorated Army veteran, suffered from PTSDdue to childhood and war, which was exacerbated by depression and alcoholism. She says doing this work in his honor and memory is so important for her after witnessing the lack of systems in place to respond adequately to his needs.
Human Trafficking Awareness Event Mark Your Calendars January Events
1: New Year’s Day (Offices Closed) 15: Martin Luther King Day (Offices Closed) 16: Alaska State Legislature Convenes – Juneau, AK 16-18: Tribal Court Training – Ketchikan, AK 19: Executive Council Meeting – Held via Zoom 26: Native Issues Forum – Juneau, AK & Webcast Live
February Events
12-15: NCAI Winter Session – Washington D.C. 16: Elizabeth Peratrovich Day (Offices Closed) 19: President’s Day (Offices Closed) 19: We See You Human Trafficking Awareness Hybrid Event – Juneau, AK & Webcast Live 22-23: Executive Council Meeting – Ketchikan, AK 23: Tlingit & Haida Elections Ballots Mailed & Voting Period Opens 23: Native Issues Forum – Juneau, AK & Webcast Live
March Events
17-23: Juneau Lions Club 75th Gold Medal Basketball Tournament – Juneau, AK 21: Tlingit & Haida Elections Day & Ballot Deadline 22: Executive Council Meeting – Held via Zoom 22: Native Issues Forum – Juneau, AK & Webcast Live
April Events
5: Native Issues Forum – Juneau, AK & Webcast Live 15: Executive Council Meeting – Juneau, AK 17-19: 89th Annual Tribal Assembly – Juneau, AK
May Events
8-11: Indigenous Aquaculture Collaborative Gathering – Sitka, AK 17: Executive Council Meeting – Held via Zoom
June Events
5-8: Celebration – Juneau, AK 10-13: Transboundary Conference – Juneau, AK 14: Executive Council Meeting – Juneau, AK 19: Tlingit & Haida Day
Join Tlingit & Haida’s Community Advocacy program for a hybrid community event to raise awareness on human trafficking. WE SEE YOU
Yee tuwatéen (Lingít) • Dáng t’aláng k ínggang (Xaad Kíl) February 19, 2024
Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall 320 W. Willoughby Ave. Juneau, AK The event will include talking circles and is a great opportunity to learn about prevention strategies and available resources in Southeast Alaska. Refreshments and light food will be provided and a Zoom link will be emailed to those attending online once registration has been received. Register Online:
www.tinyurl.com/thweseeu For more information, contact Community Advocate Natasha Jackson at 907.463.7384 or njackson@tlingitandhaida.gov. 13
Lingít & Xaad Kíl Classes Return
EPA Grant Awarded to Create Regional Recycling Hub The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Tlingit & Haida a $1.5 million Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grant.
We are thrilled to have Shaax’saani kéek’ (Shirley Kendall) and Dag Júus (Rob Yates) back teaching Lingít and Xaad Kíl classes again! Lingít classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 12 PM–1 PM and Xaad Kíl classes are every Monday and Wednesday from 12 PM–1 PM. There will be a holiday break beginning December 20, classes resume on January 3, 2024. All classes are recorded and posted to Tlingit & Haida’s YouTube channel. Lingít Class Zoom link:
ww.tinyurl.com/LingitClass
Xaad Kíl Class Zoom link:
www.tinyurl.com/XaadKilClass
SWIFR is a new grant program authorized by the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act and funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The program supports the implementation of EPA’s National Recycling Strategy to build an economy devoted to keeping materials, products and services in circulation for as long as possible. The grant awarded to Tlingit & Haida will be used for the development of a Solid Waste Management Program (SWMP), which will establish a tribal network and regional hub focused on collecting, transporting, storing, and processing recyclable materials. Earlier this year, Tlingit & Haida signed cooperative agreements with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assist local and municipal governments with projects that develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans. “By taking charge of solid waste management, the Tribe is advancing its sovereignty to meet the unique needs of Southeast Alaska communities,” shared Raymond Paddock, Environmental Manager. “The goal is to strengthen solid waste management locally and regionally by working with tribes and communities to increase landfill diversion, generate compost, and heal the land for future generations.” The grant will also be used to support and increase operations for the Tribe’s current recycling, composting and food waste reduction programs that support the Tribe’s greenhouse, Taay Hít, which produces vegetables for the Tlingit & Haida’s Elderly Services and Early Childhood programs.
Follow Tlingit & Haida on Social Media Tlingit & Haida’s social media presence is growing! We are pleased to share that the Tribe’s official Facebook page has more than 40,000 followers, TikTok is up to more than 12,600 followers, Instagram has surpassed 8,300 followers and Twitter is approaching 2,000 followers. Social Media has proven to be a valuable tool for sharing current information on Tlingit & Haida’s programs, services and activities with tribal citizens and friends. Please help us continue to grow and expand the Tribe’s social media reach by “liking” and “sharing” our posts!
@tlingitandhaida.gov 14
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Senator Murkowski Calls on President Biden to Halt Funding for Canadian Mines In a letter to the United States President Joe Biden dated September 15, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) expressed deep concern the U.S. could be harming our region’s largest salmon and hooliganproducing rivers by funding Canadian mining. As Senator Murkowski articulated in her letter, President Biden has announced potential funding of Canadian “critical minerals” mines in pursuit of energy independence from China and supply chain resilience. But more than two dozen developing, operating or abandoned Canadian gold mines currently contaminate, or threaten to contaminate, the transboundary Alaska-B.C. Taku, Stikine and Unuk rivers, and Tribes and Alaskans downstream continue to be denied a meaningful way to engage in the management of these shared watersheds. “U.S. funding of Canadian mining would counter a decade of Southeast Alaska tribes’ work to protect our traditional lands, waters, and way of life,” said President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson. “We need the U.S. to uphold its trust responsibility to tribes and work with us to ensure these shared rivers are permanently protected, not undermine our efforts. British Columbia is, without our consent, digging up the headwaters of the rivers that have provided our way of life since time immemorial. We thank Senator Murkowski for her leadership on this issue and for her continued defense of our wild salmon.” Senator Murkowski urged the U.S. to pause any financial support for Canadian mining projects until, at a minimum, two conditions are met: 1) B.C.’s abandoned Tulsequah Chief mine, which has been polluting the iconic transboundary Taku River watershed for more than 65 years, must be fully reclaimed and cleaned up and 2) a binding multi-national agreement, consistent with the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909, must be established for the Taku, Stikine, and Unuk Rivers. That agreement must include enforceable protections developed by the sovereign tribes and First Nations of the region. “Rather than providing protections, the United States is staging our traditional homelands and waters to be the sacrifice zones under the Canada–U.S. Joint Action Plan on Critical Minerals Collaboration,” said President Peterson. “Poorly regulated Canadian mining is unacceptably harming, and threatening to further harm, our waters, wild salmon, and traditional ways of life.” Over the course of the last two years, Tlingit & Haida, along with other Southeast Alaska tribes and regional municipalities, has adopted resolutions (EC 22-68) and joined forces with other Indigenous nations to demand a temporary pause in the permitting of new B.C. mines in the transboundary Taku, Stikine and Unuk watersheds until a formal consultation process is in place for impacted tribes, and there is a permanent ban on earthen mine tailings dams upstream from communities and sensitive salmon habitat. For more than a decade, Tlingit & Haida has requested the United States take action under the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909, in which Canada agreed that “waters flowing across the [U.S.-Canadian] boundary shall not be polluted on either side to the injury of health or property on the other.” The U.S. Department of State has the authority under the treaty to pursue protections by referring a boundary waters matter to the International Joint Commission (IJC) for thorough review, and to create Indigenous-led International Watershed Boards to begin the much-needed process to improve the multinational governance of shared resources. Senator Murkowski referenced, and recommended, these solutions in her letter to President Biden, and Tlingit & Haida applauds her leadership. 15
Tlingit & Haida
Office of the President • Communications P.O. Box 25500, Juneau AK 99802 www.tlingitandhaida.gov 907.463.7368 communications@tlingitandhaida.gov
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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.
Save-the-Date 89th Annual Tribal Assembly Mark your calendars! Tlingit & Haida’s 89th Annual Tribal Assembly is just around the corner. More than 100 Delegates, who are the governing body of Tlingit & Haida while in session and represent tribal citizens in 21 recognized communities, will gather April 17-19, 2024 in Juneau, Alaska. During the Tribal Assembly, Delegates will hear reports covering the administrative, governmental, and business activities of the Tribe, review and take action on resolutions and the Tribe’s budgets, and elect the President, Vice Presidents, Chief Justice, Associate Justice, Delegate/Citizen of the Year, and Emerging Leader. The Tribal Assembly will be webcast live at Facebook.com/tlingitandhaida.gov. Videos will also be available to view from the Tribe’s YouTube channel (@tlingithaida). For more information, please email tribalassembly@tlingitandhaida.gov.