Tlingit & Haida 4th Quarter 2021
Virtual 86th Tribal Assembly Held The Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) convened its virtual 86th Annual Tribal Assembly October 1, 2021 with 95 Delegates present to act on resolutions, hear reports, discuss issues and conduct the business of the Tribe. In a normal year, Delegates would travel into Juneau, Alaska; however, with the COVID-19 pandemic still widespread, the Tribe adapted once again to keep its citizens and communities safe while conducting business. “Together We Prosper” was the theme for this year’s Tribal Assembly which commenced with an opening prayer and introductions of Tribal Host James Jack Sr. of Juneau, AK and Tribal Hostess Bertha Hamilton of Ketchikan, AK who were both recognized for their many years of contributions and dedicated service to their communities and the Tribe. Tlingit & Haida was honored to receive a video keynote address from U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. Secretary Haaland highlighted how hard Indigenous communities have been hit by the pandemic and how it put a spotlight on communities that lack physical infrastructure, including basic resources like running water, sufficient health care and functional broadband. She commended Tlingit & Haida for its leadership on vaccination efforts and relayed the importance of ensuring Indigenous leadership have a seat at the table for strong nation to nation dialogue. Secretary Haaland also shared the Biden Administration’s stimulus package is the largest investment in history for tribal communities and that she is committed to working with Tlingit & Haida to build a better future. Continued on page 14
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2022 Election of Delegates & Officers Virtual Townhall Meeting with Executive Council Elders Holiday Gift Box Giveaway Virtual Scholarship Workshop Tribe Welcomes Cultural Heritage Manager Tlingit & Haida Endorses Alaskans for Better Government’s Ballot Initiative American Rescue Plan Act Consultations Seattle ICWA Office Open and Serving Tribal Citizen Children Enrollment Committee Meeting Held Follow Tlingit & Haida on Social Media Tribe Launches Healing Center Website White House Tribal Nations Summit Tlingit & Haida Announces Recent Promotions Mark Your Calendars Head Start is Recruiting
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Grief & Loss Support Group POWER Conference Goes Virtual Southeast Alaska Tribes Issue Support for USDA’s Plans to Restore Protections of the Tongass National Forest Rescue Relief Backpack Event Deadline Tribal Leaders Selected for Proposed Membership on Self-Governance PROGRESS Act Negotiated Rulemaking Committee Lunchtime Chat with Dr. Elliot Bruhl Cultural Classes We’re Hiring! Update Your Contact Information Online Tribe Purchases Properties in Aak’w Village District Tribe Hires New Office of the President Manager Important Notice: Change of Mailing Address
2022 Election of Delegates Tlingit & Haida is gearing up for its 2022 Election of Delegates that will be held March 17, 2022. Elections are held each even-numbered year. Communities are allocated one Delegate for each 200 enrolled tribal citizens in each Tlingit & Haida community. Any fraction more than 200 (i.e., 201) would constitute two Delegates. Community Councils have the option to hold their community election either by Electronic or Absentee Ballot. There will be no polling locations. Tribal citizens who live within a 100-mile radius of a Tlingit & Haida community are automatically assigned to that community. For those residing outside a 100mile radius, you may select a Tlingit & Haida community of your choice for voting. To vote in the Delegate Elections, individuals must be: Eighteen (18) years of age or older by March 17, 2022 Enrolled citizen of Tlingit & Haida by close of business on March 17, 2022 Listed on the official voting list for the community you reside in Elected Delegates from each community will serve a two-year term and attend the annual Tribal Assembly. Important Dates:
Electronic Ballot Instructions Mailed................................................. February 15 Electronic Voting Period..................................................February 16 – March 17 Ballot Deadline............................................................Close of Business March 17
Note: Ballot must be received by deadline in order to be counted. Please help the Program Compliance staff by contacting them when you move or change your mailing address. This effort will keep our tribal records up-to-date. Their contact information is provided below.
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
2022 Election of Officers The Election of Officers will take place during Tlingit & Haida’s 87th Annual Tribal Assembly in April 2022. Delegates elect the President, Executive Council, Chief Justice, Tribal Judge, and Emerging Leader. In order to run for a Vice-President seat on the Executive Council, you must fulfill the following requirements: Be an elected Delegate from the March 2022 Delegate Elections. Submit a Declaration of Intent to Serve form to Program Compliance 10 days prior to the start of Tribal Assembly. For more information on the upcoming elections, visit www.ccthita-nsn.gov or contact the Program Compliance department: Program Compliance PO Box 25500 Juneau, Alaska 99802 Toll Free: 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7144 Direct: 907.463.7144 or 907.463.7146 Email: enrollment@ccthita-nsn.gov www.ccthita-nsn.gov/government/elections/overview 2
Virtual Townhall Meeting with Executive Council
Elders Holiday Gift Box Giveaway To help bring cheer to our Elders this holiday season, Tlingit & Haida is sending a free holiday gift box full of goodies to Elders who register throughout Alaska and beyond.
President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson was excited to host the Tribe’s first Virtual Townhall Meeting with Executive Council members on November 10, 2021. A series of these events will be taking place to give tribal citizens the chance to ask questions and hear firsthand from each elected officer on the work they’re doing on behalf of the Tribe.
If you are a tribal citizen Elder (65 years of age or older) and would like to receive a gift box, please register online now at www.tinyurl.com/eldersgiftbox. Registration cards are also being sent out via postal mail for those without internet access.
During this initial townhall meeting, the Executive Council introduced themselves and shared some of their priorities:
Alaska Roadless Rule Protecting Sitka Herring COVID-19 Pandemic Infrastructure – Governance, Energy, Clean Water, Broadband Transboundary – Keeping our Rivers Clean Economic Sovereignty Drug & Alcohol Abuse Bycatch Public Safety
Mental & Physical Health Advocacy Equal Representation on Boards and Councils Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Violence Against Women Taskforce Our History, Culture and Way of Life Blood Quantum Education Fish Farms
Tlingit & Haida is fortunate to have a dedicated, well-rounded Executive Council providing representation at all levels – local, municipal, state and national. Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa to each of them for pushing policy priorities forward and advocating on behalf of the Tribe, its citizens and our way of life! To find out when our next Executive Council Townhall Meeting will be, visit our Events webpage at www.ccthita-nsn.gov/info/events.
Gift Box Goodies
Blueberry Tea • Canned King Salmon • Jams • Lap Blanket • Safety Supplies (Flashlight, reflector, face mask and whistle) Deadline to Register:
Friday, January 7, 2022 Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa to Juneau AmeriCorps volunteers who helped us prepare our holiday gift boxes! Wishing our Elders health, joy and love this holiday season! For more information, please email eldersholidaybox@ccthita-nsn.gov.
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Virtual Scholarship Workshop The Navigators program was pleased to host a Virtual Scholarship Workshop for youth on Sunday, November 3, 2021. Participating youth learned how to search for and identify different funding sources and how to apply for scholarships. They also learned about the FAFSA application process and College Readiness programs that can help lead to their success in college. Participating youth received a Scholarship Tracker Sheet with scholarship resources they can apply for to help them achieve their higher education goals. The Navigators program will host another Scholarship Workshop at 2:00 PM on Monday, January 3, 2022. Parents and family are welcome to attend – we recognize that parents are the first foundation that leads to their child’s success in college.
Tribe Welcomes Cultural Heritage Manager Tlingit & Haida is pleased to welcome Stephen Qacung Blanchett as the Tribe’s new Cultural Heritage Manager. As the Cultural Heritage Manager, Qacung will collaborate with tribal programs and partners to support Southeast Alaska Indigenous language, arts and cultural education and preservation initiatives. He will also develop a cultural service plan to identify resources and opportunities to increase the Tribe’s capacity to build out classes, Stephen Qacung Blanchett activities, and events that support tribal citizens, communities, the Vocational Training & Resource Center, and Tlingit & Haida’s programs, services and employees. “Cultural Heritage & Education is excited to welcome Qacung to our team,” said Sarah Dybdahl, Senior Director of the department. “Qacung brings a breadth of experience in creating opportunities and uplifting our Indigenous ways of life through his years of work throughout the state in cultural education and revitalization efforts.” Qacung grew up in Bethel, Alaska and is a performing artist, culturebearer, and an arts and culture educator. He holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Alaska Native Studies from the University of Alaska Anchorage and has nearly 30 years of experience of work in art, education and culture throughout Alaska. He’s served in leadership roles with the Alaska Native Heritage Center, First Alaskans Institute, Pamyua Inc., and other arts, culture, and community service entities. He is a 2019 Dance/USA Fellowship recipient, a 2019 & 2016 recipient of the Rasmuson Foundation’s Artist Fellowship, and a 2015 National Artist Fellowship recipient through the Native Arts and Culture Foundation. “Our cultural practices are key for us to keep our cultures alive, languages alive, and save our people,” said Qacung. “We’re doing this to save our ways of life through art, language, culture, and heritage and bring a light in these dark moon times.”
For more information, contact: Kaley Hoyle Navigators Program PO Box 25500 Juneau AK 99802 907.463.7752 navigators@ccthita-nsn.gov 4
Tlingit & Haida Endorses Alaskans for Better Government’s Ballot Initiative With the full support of the Executive Council, Tlingit & Haida has endorsed the Alaskans for Better Government’s ballot initiative (Alaska Tribal Recognition Act). This historic initiative proposes to amend the uncodified law of the State of Alaska to officially recognize the 229 federally recognized tribes in Alaska and the State’s responsibility to engage in a meaningful government-to-government relationship with tribes. Alaskans for Better Government is a non-partisan group created specifically for the citizen-led initiative and is co-sponsored by Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson, Elizabeth La quen náay Medicine Crow and Barbara Wáahlaal Gíidaak Blake. The ballot initiative is modeled after House Bill 123, a bill sponsored by Representative Tiffany Zulkosky (D-Bethel, District 38). The State of Alaska’s formal recognition of Alaska tribes is long overdue. Through a permanent government-togovernment relationship built on respectful partnership and responsive leadership, we can leverage resources and streamline services to better serve our communities in a way that generates sustainable and long-term impacts. “Alaska tribes play a critical role in the state and in our communities,” said President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson. “Far too many resources have been exhausted to determine if tribes exist. It has repeatedly been legally upheld in U.S. Supreme Court and Alaska Supreme Court and it’s time to move on from challenging our existence. We need to work on bridging our governments and resources to better serve our communities and citizens. With the State of Alaska’s current budget crisis, it’s important for us to all work together.” Certified by the State of Alaska’s Division of Elections on October 11, 2021, the campaign for the ballot initiative is collecting signatures to be placed on the next statewide ballot. The campaign has until January 18, 2022 to submit 36,140 signatures from qualified voters for verification by the Alaska Division of Elections. To learn more about the ballot initiative, read the full release at www.ccthita-nsn.gov/info/press or visit the Alaskans for Better Government’s website at www.alaskansforbettergovernment.com.
American Rescue Plan Act Consultations Tlingit & Haida has continued to meet and consult with Tlingit & Haida Community Council members and Delegates to discuss the Tribe’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Under Tlingit & Haida’s funding plan, ARPA funds have been designated to each Tlingit & Haida Community Council to identify projects that meet the community’s priorities and address the local needs of tribal citizens. After a short pause in community visits, President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson and other key staff resumed their community visits and met virtually October 29th with Ketchikan Delegates and Community Council members. Although ARPA funding was a focus area during their discussion, information was also shared on the Tribe’s Rescue Relief Household program, Rescue Small Business Relief program and the new Community & Behavioral Services (CBS) division. Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa to Rob Sanderson Jr., Carrie Dodson, Roberta Hull, Keenan Sanderson, Helene Simpson and Rebecca Estrin for meeting with our team! 5
Seattle ICWA Office Open and Serving Tribal Citizen Children Keeping Native children in Native homes. That’s the goal of the new Indian Children Welfare Act (ICWA) office in Seattle, Washington. The office opened earlier this year with three staff—an administrative assistant, family caseworker, and an ICWA attorney that serve all 39 counties in Washington. At any given time, the new office’s ICWA Attorney Courtney Lewis shared that they serve about 50 children. Whenever one of our children is taken into state custody the staff work to ensure they are placed with family members or a Native foster family. Staff create safe and nurturing spaces for tribal children and work with the Tribal Family & Youth Services department to make plans that promote healthy families. For more information on the Seattle ICWA office, email wicwamail@ccthita-nsn.gov or call 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7723.
Enrollment Committee Meeting Held Tlingit & Haida’s Enrollment Committee recently came together for a week-long in-person meeting to review pending enrollment applications and relinquishment requests. The meeting was held November 1-5, 2021 in the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall located at 320 W. Willoughby Avenue in Juneau, Alaska. The Enrollment Committee has been able to meet both virtually and in-person, with proper safety protocols in place, since the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic. For this meeting, the decision was made to put together a mitigation plan and hold an in-person meeting due to the significant increase in enrollment applications received. The Tribe has seen an increase in enrollment since the launch of the CARES and Rescue Relief programs. During the November meeting, a total of 928 applications were reviewed by committee members which resulted in 923 newly enrolled tribal citizens. The committee also approved nine relinquishment requests. If you are of Tlingit and/or Haida descent and are interested in enrolling, please contact Program Compliance at enrollment@ccthita-nsn.gov or by calling 907.463.7146 and they will be happy to assist you. Tlingit & Haida’s next Enrollment Committee meeting is currently scheduled for March 9-11, 2022 in Juneau, Alaska.
Follow Tlingit & Haida 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 15,800 followers, Instagram account has surpassed 4,600 followers, and Twitter has more than 1,000 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!
@ccthita 6
@tlingithaida
@tlingithaida
Tlingit & Haida Launches Healing Center Website Tlingit & Haida is thrilled to announce the launch of a new website (cbs.ccthita-nsn.gov) for its Community and Behavioral Services (CBS) Healing Center. “When our people need help, they need it immediately,” President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson said. “This is going to offer a way for them to get some immediate attention and it’s a safe way for people to reach out.” The CBS Healing Center website provides a comprehensive list of services for issues like mental health or addiction, as well as resources for Elders and families. It also describes the different methods staff use in treatment, like decolonizing trauma and wholistic healing through traditional values combined with some aspects of Western medicine. Dr. Tina Woods is a licensed clinical psychologist and the senior director for the new division. She said technology is vital to providing services, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We want people to know what we have available so that, even if they’re stuck at home, they have support,” Dr. Woods said. “They can log on and seek treatment and they can heal with others. We believe we heal together.” Culture Heals Addiction will be an additional resource available soon on the website. It’s an online addictions treatment educational program that’s combined with a 24/7 crisis hotline. Dr. Woods describes it as a self-guided journey through short videos. Another important part of healing is bringing people together to share their stories, which is why the division also created a culturally responsive Grief & Loss support group. “You’re a valuable person,” President Peterson shared. “No matter where you’re at in life, you’re worth it. You’re loved and your Tribe loves you and wants to give you that hand up.”
White House Tribal Nations Summit President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson was honored to participate on the Infrastructure, Housing, and Energy Panel during day two of the White House Tribal Nations Summit on November 16, 2021. The Summit brought officials and leaders together to discuss how the federal government can invest in and continue to strengthen the nation-to-nation relationship and ensure that progress in Indian country endures for years to come. President Peterson joined Shelley Buck of the Prairie Island Indian Community, Acoma Pueblo Governor Brian Vallo of New Mexico, U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, to share priorities and discuss how the administration can best support the infrastructure needs in Alaska and throughout Indian country. 7
Tlingit & Haida Announces Recent Promotions Tlingit & Haida is pleased to announce the promotions of Christa Green to Head Start Director and Raeanne Holmes to Communications Manager. Christa first joined Tlingit & Haida in 2001 as a Teacher Aide for Head Start. She has over 25 years of experience in early childhood education and family support services. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a minor in Early Childhood Education from the University of Alaska. Christa has mentored many early childhood educators throughout Southeast Alaska over the years. In her new position, Christa will work to ensure the program meets all performance standards, review and improve service delivery in partnership with Head Start’s Parent Policy Council, complete all grant reporting requirements, and oversee Head Start employees. “Christa’s years of early childhood education have shined through in her ability to provide leadership during these unprecedented times,” said Sarah Dybdahl, Christa Green Senior Director of Cultural Heritage & Education. “Her commitment to the Head Start program, staff, families and children shows daily. Tlingit & Haida would like to thank Christa for serving as interim director and accepting the management role. We appreciate her and her team’s commitment and dedication to our children.” Christa has lived in Alaska for 42 years and considers Juneau her home. She is an adopted member of the Was´eneidí clan and was gifted the name K´eiltéen by the Bennett family. Christa raised her three children in the community and enjoys playing her ukulele, drumming, writing poetry & songs, and bonfires at the beach. After working seven years in the Tribe’s Communications program, Raeanne has been promoted to Communications Manager. In her new role, she will be responsible for the daily operation of the Communications department, which provides a wide array of print and digital communication support services within the Tribe. Raeanne first joined the Tribe’s workforce in 2006. Working for Tlingit & Haida for the past 15 years, she’s gained extensive knowledge on the governmental, administrative and program level of operations. “I am truly grateful for the support and opportunities for growth I’ve been given while working for my Tribe. It’s led me to discover my passion. Every day, I think about how we can remove barriers to better serve and engage our tribal Raeanne Holmes citizens. These are exciting times of progress for the Tribe and I look forward to the journey ahead and the opportunity to continue to support the incredible work of our tribal leaders, administrative team and departments.” Raeanne was raised in the small Southeast Alaska fishing town of Pelican and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Sheldon Jackson College. Her Tlingit name is Saanjin and she is a Raven from the T’akdeintaan clan and Tax’ Hít (Snail House). She is the third oldest of eight children, daughter of Frederick Mork of Sitka and Eli and Jill Derenoff of Juneau, and granddaughter of the late Raymond and Edith (Max) Mork of Sitka and Gene and Gladys Fleury of Washington. 8
Head Start is Recruiting!
Mark Your Calendars
December Events
1: Lunchtime Chats with Tlingit & Haida - Facebook Live (Update on COVID-19 Pandemic with Dr. Elliot Bruhl) 2: Elders Talking Circles with Guest Speakers Nancy Douglas and Kitty Eddy – FB Live 7, 9 & 11: First Aid/CPR/AED Certification Courses – Juneau, AK 11-12: Cultural Class: Intro to Painting with Abel Ryan – Zoom 11-12: Cultural Class: Natural Dye with Lily Hope – Zoom 13-14: Virtual Alaska Federation of Natives Annual Convention 15: Final Day of Administrative Assistant Level 1 Course 16: Elders Talking Circles with Guest Speakers Nancy Douglas and Kitty Eddy – FB Live 17: Executive Council Meeting (Zoom Conference) 23: Lunchtime Chats with Tlingit & Haida - Facebook Live (Update on Community & Behavioral Services Division) 25: Christmas Day (Observed) 26-31: Smoke Signals Fireworks Sale – Juneau, AK 1-1/7/22: Elders Gift Box Giveaway – Nationwide 31: Rescue Relief Backpack Event Deadline
January 2022 Events
1: New Year’s Day (Observed 12/31) 3: Navigators’ Virtual Scholarship Workshop – Zoom 18: Alaska State Legislature Convenes – Juneau, AK TBD: Native Issues Forums – FB Live
February 2022 Events 13-17: 16: 16-3/17: 21:
NCAI Executive Council Winter Session – Washington, DC Elizabeth Peratrovich Day (Observed 2/18) Electronic Balloting Period for 2022 Delegate Elections Washington’s Birthday & President’s Day (Observed)
March 2022 Events
17: Delegate Election Day 28: Seward’s Day (Observed)
Save the Date
87th Annual Tribal Assembly April 20-22, 2022 • Juneau, Alaska (Pending Current COVID Conditions)
Are you looking for a meaningful career where you can make positive change in the world? Head Start is recruiting team members to help further their mission to enrich the lives of children and families by preparing children for success in school and life.
Classroom and management team coordinator positions now open:
Lead Teachers Teacher Aides Classroom Aides Child Health Coordinator Parent, Family & Community Engagement Coordinator Mentor Coach In addition to regular pay, an emergency premium pay of $4/ hour will be provided for time worked with children during a state of emergency. All employees also receive great benefits! Apply Online: www.ccthita-nsn. gov/services/employment/jobs For questions, contact Human Resources at 907.463.7707 or HumanResources@ccthita-nsn.gov. 9
Grief & Loss Support Group A Healing Journey Together Have you recently experienced loss and need help grieving? The pain of loss can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. Tlingit & Haida’s Community & Behavioral Services Healing Center can help you on your healing journey. We invite you to join our Grief & Loss support group to learn more about the grieving process and healthy ways of coping.
POWER Conference Goes Virtual The 477 Division was pleased to host a Virtual POWER Conference & Job Fair on November 2-3, 2021. This year’s conference focused on staying connected during the pandemic and preparing participants to face challenges and changes while reentering the workforce. On day one, keynote speaker Dr. Tina Woods addressed attendees with inspiring words about caring for ourselves and one another, how the pandemic has affected us, and the importance of holding each other up. During General Session, discussions held in partnership with Career Services Network included: How are you doing at home? How are you managing caring for your children? What are some tips for supporting students if they need to stay home during the pandemic? The General Session continued with what new jobs may look like postpandemic, how and what to do when searching for online jobs, and how to prepare for and what to expect during a virtual interview. The afternoon was reserved for breakout sessions, which included: Writing a cover letter and résumé with Katreena Hayes-Wood from Career Services Network; Online Job Workforce with Glenn Mitchell from Juneau Job Center; Housing 101 with Norton Gregory from Tlingit Haida Regional Housing Authority (THRHA); Financial Cent$ with Louise Kadinger from THRHA; and Caring for our Children with Alice Bagoyo from Tlingit & Haida’s 477 Child Care department.
The group is an open, yet safe and confidential forum facilitated by therapists who use a blended approach of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with traditional grieving practices.
During her keynote on day two, Kate Prussing from Southeast Alaska Regional Resource Center (SERRC) presented about programs and resources available in the community, such as Driver’s Education, JobX, MASST, and Adult Education. A Virtual Job Fair on day two spotlighted local employers who shared information about their organizations, and details about training and employment opportunities. This also provided an opportunity to network with other groups in the community.
Find hope and healing, and join Tlingit & Haida’s Grief and Loss support group today.
Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa to the Tribe’s 477 staff for their hard work, and to all of the businesses and other individuals who provided support to make this Virtual POWER Conference a success!
For more information on how to join, contact our Community & Behavioral Services Healing Center at 907.463.7305 or via email at behavioral_services@ccthita-nsn.gov.
Special recognition goes out to all our participating recruiters and resource organizations: Bartlett Regional Hospital • City & Borough of Juneau • Coeur Alaska Kensington Gold Mine • Juneau Job Center • Juneau Youth Services • Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union 262 • Sealaska Heritage • SEARHC • SERRC – The Learning Connection • State of Alaska, Vocational Rehabilitation • THRHA • Tlingit & Haida Human Resources
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Southeast Alaska Tribes Issue Support for USDA’s Plans to Restore Protections of the Tongass National Forest The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) recent announcement that it plans to issue a proposed rule to restore protections of the Tongass National Forest (Tongass) is as settling as coming ashore after a long storm at sea. The actions taken November 19th make good on the Biden Administration’s commitment to roll back the Trump Administration’s policy that exempted more than nine million acres of the Tongass under the Roadless Area Conservation Rule of 2001 (Roadless Rule). “For Southeast Alaska tribes, one of our highest priorities is to protect the traditional and customary hunting, fishing, and gathering areas within our traditional tribal territory,” said President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson. “We must fight for the protection of these lands and waters and the cultural survival of our people for future generations. Our tribal governments have long sought to work cooperatively with the USDA in decisions that affect the traditional lands of our people. It’s long overdue for the USDA to meaningfully incorporate tribal perspectives into the management and decision-making processes. Our voices will remain unified and it’s time we look at co-governing to protect our traditional homelands and areas of tribal importance.” The Tongass is not only our traditional homeland, but also the largest national forest in the U.S. and last large temperate rainforest in the world. It’s a carbon sink that absorbs up to 40% of the total carbon in the air and approximately 8% of the pollution produced in the U.S. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that if no trees were logged and the land was left unmanaged, its carbon storage could increase by up to 27% by the end of the century. Tlingit & Haida encourages all Alaskans and Lower 48 supporters to stand with our tribal governments and communities by participating in the 60-day public comment period on the proposed rulemaking which opened November 23, 2021. Information on how to provide public comment can be found in USDA’s press release at https://bit.ly/3rqRjmV. To read Tlingit & Haida’s full release, visit: www.ccthita-nsn.gov/info/press.
Rescue Relief Backpack Event Deadline Tlingit & Haida’s Rescue Relief Backpack event deadline is quickly approaching. If you know tribal citizen youth residing outside of Southeast Alaska, please encourage them to apply by December 31, 2021! The Tribe is pleased to provide backpacks funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to ensure tribal citizen youth have the resources they need to stay safe while returning to school. Each backpack includes starter school supplies and a COVID-19 safety kit with a water bottle, face mask, whistle, flashing reflector, hand sanitizer, flashlight, and an educational COVID-19 safety coloring book. Apply Now: www.ccthita-nsn.gov/info/events Application Deadline: December 31, 2021
For more information, please email backpacks@ccthita-nsn.gov. 11
Tribal Leaders Selected for Proposed Membership on Self-Governance PROGRESS Act Negotiated Rulemaking Committee The U.S. Department of the Interior’s (DOI) Bureau of Indian Affairs recently announced proposed membership for the Practical Reforms and Other Goals to Reinforce the Effectiveness of Self-Governance and SelfDetermination for Indian Tribes Act of 2019 (PROGRESS Act) Negotiated Rulemaking Committee. The proposed committee membership list includes both primary and alternate representatives – 14 tribal representatives (seven primary, seven alternate) and 12 federal representatives (six primary, six alternate). Of the 14 tribal representatives selected for the proposed membership, three of Tlingit & Haida’s leaders were included – President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson as a primary representative and both Second Vice President William Micklin and Sitka Delegate Gerry Hope as alternate representatives. The PROGRESS Act was signed into law in October 2020 and has been described as one of the most important pieces of Indian legislation in history that gives greater control and flexibility in the administration of federal programs to Indian tribes. It amends several provisions in Title I (Self-Determination Contracting) and Title IV (DOI Self-Governance Program) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), also known as Public Law (P.L.) 93-638. The DOI is soliciting comments on the proposed membership and the proposal to establish the committee. Comments must be submitted no later than December 23, 2021. Once the membership has been confirmed, the committee will work to reach a consensus using a negotiated rulemaking process to advise the Secretary of the Interior on a proposed rule to implement the PROGRESS Act. The committee is expected to meet three to five times over the course of six to twelve months in order to publish the proposed rule for notice and comment by the statutory deadline of July 21, 2022. Although both primary and alternate representatives are expected to attend all meetings, the primary representatives will be voting members.
Lunchtime Chat with Dr. Elliot Bruhl Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa to Dr. Elliot Bruhl, SEARHC Senior Vice President & Chief Medical Officer, for providing an informative presentation and answering questions on the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines and vaccine boosters during our December 1st Lunchtime Chat! Tlingit & Haida continues to offer Lunchtime Chats hosted by President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson as an opportunity to share information with tribal citizens on current events and the Tribe’s programs and services. Each chat includes a Q&A period and closes with a random door prize drawing. Lunchtime Chats are Facebook Live events so if you follow Tlingit & Haida’s Facebook page, you’ll receive a notice that Tlingit & Haida is holding a Facebook Live event as soon as we start. You can also go to our Facebook page at noon and the live event will be at the top of our timeline. If you are unable to join us online, each session is recorded and posted to Tlingit & Haida’s YouTube channel.
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Cultural Classes
We’re Hiring!
Tlingit & Haida’s Cultural Heritage & Education department is excited to share that they’ve started offering a variety of cultural classes in partnership with award-winning artists and teachers Lily Hope (Tlingit) and Abel Ryan (Tsimpshian)!
Tlingit & Haida is hiring! If you’re a highly motivated individual interested in joining a great team and receiving competitive wages with good benefits, please consider applying for one of the Tribe’s positions!
All classes have limited participation and participants must register in advance and plan to attend for the duration. Class fees are sponsored by the Cultural Heritage & Education department; however, participants must pay a subsidized $40 supply fee or apply for and receive a scholarship in advance. The following classes have been offered or are currently scheduled to take place: Woolen Weaving – Chilkat Protector Masks with Lily Hope Woolen Weaving – Ravenstail Pendants with Lily Hope Northwest Coast Design – Fundamentals of Formline with Abel Ryan Northwest Coast Drum – Making with Abel Ryan Northwest Coast Design –Intermediate Formline with Abel Ryan Fiber Arts – Natural Dye with Lily Hope Fiber Arts – Thigh Spinning with Lily Hope For information on upcoming classes, contact Cultural Program Manager Stephen Blanchett at 907.463.7771 or sblanchett@ccthita-nsn.gov.
Below is a variety of career opportunities. To view the full listing, please visit our website at www.ccthita-nsn.gov and click on Careers at the top of the page. Admin. Assistant • Barista – Retail Associate • Catering & Courier Driver • Cultural Program Coordinator • Early Childhood Educator Aide • Emergency Broadband Benefit • Family Caseworker • Grant Accountant • HR Director • Office Software Specialist • Rescue Funds Eligibility Technician • Resident Manager • TANF Manager • Teacher Aide • Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist • VPSOs • Warehouse Specialist • Workforce Development Specialist For questions regarding any of these positions, please contact: Human Resources 907.463.7707 HumanResources@ccthita-nsn.gov
Update Your Contact Information Online Tlingit & Haida’s tribal enrollment records continue to show a lot of tribal citizens with invalid addresses. Help us to make sure we have your most current contact information on file by updating your information online at: www.ccthita-nsn.gov/services/overview/forms/form-update-contact If you have questions, please contact Program Compliance at 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7146, 907.463.7146 or enrollment@ccthita-nsn.gov. 13
86th Annual Tribal Assembly Continued from cover
During the State of the Tribe Address, President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson reported significant progress being made to realize his vision of economic sovereignty, expanding services to all tribal citizens, creating a Tlingit & Haida campus in downtown Juneau, increased broadband services for Southeast Alaska communities, and advocacy efforts of the Executive Council. In addition to reinstating community liaisons in recognized communities, he also announced a Washington office has opened, an office in Anchorage will open by year end, and plans are underway for an office in California. Reports were also heard from Tlingit & Haida’s Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Development Officer, Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporation (THTBC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), outgoing Emerging Leader, Youth Commission President, Violence Against Women (VAW) Task Force CoChairs, Tribal Court Chief Justice and Court Administrator, standing committees (Audit, Finance, Judiciary and Enrollment), and the Tribe’s newly formed Climate Change committee. During CEO Richard Rinehart’s THTBC report, he outlined the tremendous growth the corporation has achieved. THTBC recorded its highest revenue in the company’s history closing 2020 with an annual revenue of $134 million and a net income of $3.6 million. Based on its performance, CEO Rinehart announced the company issued its first dividend distribution of $1 million to Tlingit & Haida this year. Another highlight during Tribal Assembly was a lunch break premiere of the Tribe’s new cultural video series, “Gumboots Go!”. Delegates were treated to a preview of the first episode which presented Chilkat weaving with Lily Hope. The new series will include eight episodes of cultural education videos for all tribal youth and families developed under the Tribe’s Cultural Heritage & Education department. Elections were held during the virtual Tribal Assembly for two Associate Justice positions, an Emerging Leader, and Delegate/Citizen of the Year. Aurora Lehr was elected Associate Justice for a two-year term, Cheryl Demmert-Fairbanks was elected Associate Justice for a one-year term, Jalen Ketah was elected as Emerging Leader, and Roald Helgesen was elected Delegate/Citizen of the Year. Congratulations to those newly elected and to Tlingit & Haida’s Large and Small Community Councils of the Year: Seattle (Large Community Council of the Year), San Francisco (Small Community Council of the Year), and Anchorage (Large Community Council of the Year Runner-Up). Tribal Assembly closed on a somber note with a virtual memorial service honoring more than 300 tribal citizens who passed away since 2019. Through action taken on the floor of Tribal Assembly, Tlingit & Haida will publish a book of remembrance based on the virtual memorial slideshow. To read the full release or access Tribal Assembly presentations, reports or resolutions, please visit our website at www.ccthita-nsn.gov/government/assembly/events. 14
Tribe Purchases Properties in Aak’w Village District Tlingit & Haida is pleased to announce the purchase of two buildings located at 400 Willoughby Avenue and 410 Willoughby Avenue in the Aak’w Village District. The properties are conveniently located within walking distance to the Tribe’s Andrew Hope Building which houses the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall, Sacred Grounds Café and Smokehouse Catering enterprises along with many service-related programs. “The acquisition of these properties not only brings this land back into the stewardship of Indigenous hands, it also moves us one step closer to fulfilling our goal of creating an all-encompassing campus for the betterment of our citizens,” shared President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson. “Our clients will soon be able to access programs and services from a centralized location.” Tlingit & Haida will soon appreciate the scale of the investment at over 92,000 square feet of office space on a 2.1 acre site including 675 linear feet of frontage on Willoughby Avenue, and 250 linear feet on Whittier Street. Chief Development Officer Will Ware said that renovations and COVID-19 mitigation plans will determine the number of office spaces in each building. The Tribe’s long-term plan is to have administrative and programming staff at the Willoughby campus. For more information, please see the full release at www.ccthita-nsn.gov.
Tribe Hires New Office of the President Manager Tlingit & Haida is pleased to announce the hire of Ralphenia Dybdahl as the new Office of the President Manager. Ralphenia has a strong background in finance and most recently held the position of Executive Assistant at Sealaska Heritage. Her prior work experience includes accounting and administrative positions within the Tribe’s Finance and Public Safety departments. As Office of the President Manager, Ralphenia will provide direct and indirect administrative support to the President. She will also be responsible for ensuring all governmental functions are carried out in an orderly manner as well as serving as liaison to our Delegates and Executive Council. Ralphenia holds a Bachelor’s of Liberal Arts degree from University of Alaska Southeast (UAS).
Ralphenia Dybdahl
She is Wooshkeetaan from Hoonah, Alaska. Her son Bradley is a senior at Thunder Mountain High School and her daughter Lauryn is in eighth grade at Dzantik’i Heeni Middle School. 15
Tlingit & Haida
Communications Department PO Box 25500, Juneau AK 99802 www.ccthita-nsn.gov • www.facebook.com/ccthita 907.463.7369
Communications@ccthita-nsn.gov
PRESORTED STANDARD
PAID
Juneau, AK Permit No. 139
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Preserve our sovereignty, enhance our economic and cultural resources, and promote self-sufficiency and self-governance for our citizens.
IMPORTANT NOTICE Change of Mailing Address Effective December 1, 2021, Tlingit & Haida’s mailing address has changed to a post office box address. As a result of this change, postal mail deliveries will no longer be accepted at previously used mailing addresses for our office locations in Juneau, Alaska. Please send all letters, applications, forms, and any other documents to:
Tlingit & Haida PO Box 25500 Attn: Juneau AK 99802
Please rest assured, any mail currently in route that has been addressed to our office locations will be rerouted to our new address. The consolidation to a single mailing address will support Tlingit & Haida’s development of a new mail sorting facility which will process all incoming and outgoing mail, record and sort mail by department, and deliver via courier service to the appropriate location.