Tlingit & Haida Central Council
Tribal News
September/October 2015
Tribe Secures Land Lease with CBJ Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Central Council) is pleased to announce it was awarded a 35-year land lease from the City and Borough of Juneau’s (CBJ) Docks and Harbors department for the 4400 Thane Road property—former location of the Thane Ore House. Central Council will utilize and manage the property to establish a cultural immersion park to educate tourists on the Tlingit and Haida cultures, similar to other indigenous cultural centers. CBJ awarded the land lease to Central Council based on a criteria evaluation which reviewed the proposal’s operational and business plan, capacity of firm, record of performance, established local business, marine related activities, and lease offering.
Thane Road Property
“The immersion park is an economic enterprise for the Tribe that will encompass public and private partnerships,” said Business & Economic Development Manager Myrna Gardner. “We are committed to pursuing economic self-sufficiency for our people and community, and have pledged our resources for job creation and commerce development.” The enterprise is projected to create commerce, promote cultural awareness, increase tourism, and generate over 200 jobs in Juneau from renovation through operation. An integral part of the business plan will utilize Central Council’s Vocational Training & Resource Center (VTRC) and employment and training programs. Central Council currently receives funding from the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of the Interior - Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Department of Labor which is administered for programs that provide on-the-job training, work experience, and vocational training opportunities. Training programs in customer service, cultural etiquette, and sales will be developed under the VTRC to prepare tribal citizens and community members for positions. Cont. on page 10
I N S I D E
• • • • • • • • • • •
Child Welfare Demonstration Grant Received Tribe Receives $1M from Department of Justice Southeast Environmental Conference Client Service Informational Fairs All Staff Strategic Planning Session Success Story - Robert Durgan Restoration of Jordan Creek SEATT Receives National Recognition Bridges Out of Poverty Workshop Mark Your Calendars Employment & Training Open House
• • • • • • • • • • •
Native Artist Market Brotherhood Bridge Rededication Ceremony Emerging Leader Notice of 2016 Delegate Elections Save-the-Date: 81st Annual Tribal Assembly 2015-2016 Election Target Dates Ramah Indirect Cost Settlement Senate Subcommittee Hearings TVR Awarded 5-Year Grant 2015 Southeast Regional ICWA Workshop 40th Anniversary of Tlingit & Haida Head Start
Child Welfare Demonstration Grant Received Central Council was one of eight tribes recently awarded a fiveyear grant from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration of Children and Families totaling $1,125,000. The grant will fund the Indian Child Welfare/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Collaborative Case Management Initiative which continues to strengthen the collaboration between Central Council’s Tribal Family & Youth Services (TFYS) and TANF departments. Using the Systems of Care holistic model, the project focuses on early identification of families at risk for child maltreatment and provides early intervention services. The project leverages in-home prevention services to reduce the number of Alaska Native children disproportionately represented in the Alaska child welfare system. For more information, please contact: Tribal Family & Youth Services Toll Free: 800.344.1432 ext. 7166 Direct: 907.463.7166 Email: mjacobs@ccthita.org
Tribe Receives $1 Million from Department of Justice Submitted By: Tribal Family & Youth Services
The Tribe is pleased to report that notice was received from the Department of Justice (DOJ) that Central Council has been awarded $1 million in grant funding under DOJ’s Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) for two projects—Children’s Justice Act and Tribal Youth Prevention and Delinquency Diversion. Over $97.3 million was awarded to American Indian and Alaska Native tribes to boost law enforcement, improve tribal courts, combat violence against women, address substance abuse, assist youth, and provide services to victims of crime. In Alaska, 17 tribes were awarded funding including the Organized Village of Kake and Metlakatla Indian Community. Children’s Justice Act - $450,000 The Children’s Justice Act project received $450,000. The three-year project will develop and implement a multi-year program of training and system improvements within the TFYS department to support the investigation, prosecution and treatment of cases of serious child abuse, neglect, and child sexual abuse within the Juneau service area. The project model will assess the status and resources of the TFYS department’s Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) program and services in its first year, develop and implement the training and system improvements necessary to address gaps in services in its second year, and disseminate the materials and improvements to other tribes and organizations who are faced with similar challenges in the area of child and family services in the final year of the project. Tribal Youth Prevention & Delinquency Diversion - $550,002 The Tribal Youth Prevention and Delinquency Diversion project received $550,002. The three-year project will identify Native youth between the ages of 12-18 who are at risk for delinquency, academic failure, substance abuse, and involved with the juvenile justice system. The program will provide advocacy services to court-involved youth, work to enhance the Tribal Court to provide for family-related issues in the context of the Tribe’s cultural values, and offer mentoring, tutoring, and work study project options to youth and families. The project will allow Central Council to develop the full capabilities of its Tribal Court to provide peacemaking circles and diversion efforts for tribal youth in legal distress. The primary goal is to enhance Southeast Alaska’s juvenile justice system by providing early intervention and indigenous restorative justice offerings in a culturally appropriate forum for at-risk Alaska Native youth and the families that love them. The project will include building strong collaboration with the State of Alaska’s Judiciary, Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) program, Juneau Police Department (JPD), and Juneau Youth Court (JYC).
2
Southeast Environmental Conference Submitted By: Native Lands & Resources
Central Council, in partnership with the Douglas Indian Association, Prince of Wales Tribal Stewardship Consortium, Sitka Tribe of Alaska, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hosted the Southeast Environmental Conference in Juneau from September 1418, 2015. The annual conference aims to educate Southeast tribes on current environmental priorities, promote capacity building among the Southeast tribal environmental programs, and expand on networking opportunities. The conference topics were identified by the Southeast tribes as President Peterson addresses participants environmental priorities based on a needs assessment that was sent out prior to the conference. This year’s conference focused on the State of Alaska’s triennial review of water quality standards, fish consumption rates, ocean acidification, air quality, marine debris fishing gear clean-up, transboundary mining, and the State Tribal Response Program (Brownfields). The conference had two main components—informational presentations and working group sessions. The first half of the conference was dedicated to informational presentations on potential impacts to Southeast Alaska and how tribes can stay engaged. During the second half of the week, participants picked two main topics and discussed how Southeast tribes can integrate what they learned into tribal environmental work plans. Work group sessions focused on fish consumption rates, water quality standards, and ocean acidification. The last day of the conference focused on Brownfields which are contaminated sites proposed for redevelopment and reuse. Nearly 40 participants attended the conference which included tribal council members and staff from Central Council, Chilkat Indian Village, Chilkoot Indian Association, Craig Tribal Association, Douglas Indian Association, Hoonah Indian Association, Ketchikan Indian Community, Klawock Cooperative Association, Organized Village of Kake, Organized Village of Kasaan, Petersburg Indian Association, Sitka Tribe of Alaska, Wrangell Cooperative Association, and the Yakutat Tlingit Tribe. There was also participation from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, U.S. Forest Service, Southeast Alaska Fish Habitat Partnership, Southeast Soil & Water Conservation District, Rivers Without Borders, Southeast Alaska Conservation Council, Trout Unlimited, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and University of Alaska Southeast.
Client Service Informational Fairs Submitted By: Office of the President
Central Council conducted client service informational fairs in the following communities: Saxman, Wrangell, Craig, Hydaburg, Klawock, and Kasaan. Child Care, Employment & Training, Enrollment, Head Start, Higher Education, Native Lands & Resources, Public Safety, Tribal Court, Tribal Family & Youth Services, Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation, and Tribal Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) all provided program and service information. The fairs provided opportunity for tribal citizens to ask questions, apply for services, and receive a new tribal identification card. Central Council also met with local tribal councils in each community. Central Council is committed to improving our services and addressing issues brought forth during the community visits. Below is a list of top comments received: • •
• •
Expand Tribal Court services and provide mentorship to Southeast Alaska village tribes. Simplify the application process for services. Central Council is currently consolidating all applications for services into one complete application that will be made available online with the ability to save and submit electronically. Boost communications to rural areas through bulletin boards, Facebook, radio, etc. Increase training opportunities to rural communities via distance education and onsite. 3
All Staff Strategic Planning Session Submitted By: Office of the President
On September 28, 2015 Central Council employees participated in a strategic planning workshop facilitated by 6th Vice President Jacqueline Pata. The workshop used the World Café model with a theme of “Setting a Path to Empowered Tribal Citizens and Vibrant Communities”. The workshop engaged employees in roundtable discussions that were prefaced by three simple questions: •
If I gave you one wish for the future of your people, what would you ask for?
•
What needs to be in place to accomplish the vision and what opportunities does this create?
•
We know change requires engagement of heart, mind, and structure. If you really wanted to make your vision come true – how would you make it happen? » » »
What strategies are needed to ensure these changes occur? What immediate steps should we undertake together in the coming year? What role do you see yourself playing to advance these recommendations? “Staff provided valuable insight that will be used to shape the vision and strategic direction of the Tribe. I am really proud of our staff for voicing their ideas, having courageous conversations, and providing valuable input,” said President Peterson. The Executive Council will review the key areas identified during the staff workshop and Delegates will be contacted to provide input via an online survey before the Tribe’s strategic plan is finalized.
Success Story – Robert Durgan Submitted By: Department of Labor
Congratulations to Prince of Wales Island (POW) resident Robert Durgan who recently earned his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Robert was referred to the Ketchikan Job Center’s Career Support & Training Services (CSTS) program by his tribal caseworker. He qualified under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Displaced Homemaker program because he’d cared for his children for several years while his wife worked. As a recently single parent, Robert needed a credential to gain a better paying job. The CSTS program found his plan to be suitable, as his career goal was in high demand: commercial truck driver.
Robert Durgan
CDL training was not available on POW Island. This presented a hardship for Robert to overcome. The CSTS program agreed to help with housing and travel costs, while Central Council paid his tuition. Due to limited availability at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for road tests, Robert had to travel to Ketchikan several times to complete all road exams (another hardship). CSTS helped with more travel and housing as needed. Robert excelled in his training and testing and is now a commercial driver. He drives dump trucks and chip trucks for POW employer Viking Lumber where he gets a lot of overtime. 4
Restoration of Jordan Creek Submitted By: Native Lands & Resources
The Southeast Alaska Watershed Coalition (SAWC), Juneau Watershed Partnership (JWP), Central Council, and Wells Fargo volunteers are constructing a rain garden and snow barrier fencing on Central Council’s property in Juneau by the Airport Shopping Center to protect the Jordan Creek from stormwater pollution. This project is funded by grants in the amount of $89,300 from the Wells Fargo Environmental Solutions for Communities program, Nationall Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the Alaska Clean an Water Actions program administered by thee Alaska Department of Environmental ). Conservation (DEC). Jordan Creek supports habitat for pink, chum, and coho salmon; al steelhead and coastal d dolly varden. cutthroat trout; and Jordan Creek is alsoo listed as impaired by the Alaska DEC duee to poor water qualityy attributed to stormwater. Stormwater contains a variety of pollutants such as fine sediment, heavy metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, de-icing solutions, pesticides, and fecal coliform bacteria. The JWP previously worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) too map the stormwater flows throughout lower Jordan Creek to identify opportunities to improve the quality of stormwater before it enters the stream. Placing a bioswale or rain garden on Central Council’s property was one of many recommendations made by the JWP and USFWS. The purpose of the rain garden is to slow down and retain the stormwater to allow enough time for pollutants to settle out before it enters the stream.
SEATT Receives National Recognition Submitted By: Native Lands & Resources
The Native Lands & Resources (NLR) department is pleased to share its Environmental program will be presenting with the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, Craig Tribal Association, and Petersburg Indian Association next month at the National Harmful Algae Bloom Symposium in Long Beach, CA. The group will speak on the Southeast Alaska Tribal Toxins (SEATT) program and their efforts on monitoring harmful algae blooms (HAB) last year in the Southeast Alaska region and how they plan to build on it. SEATT will also discuss how it developed partnerships and its possible expansion with other tribes in Southeast Alaska. For more information, please contact NLR at 800.344.1432 ext. 7184, 907.463.7184, or rpaddock@ccthita.org.
The mission of the Native Lands & Resources department is to manage and provide services that enhance and protect land, environment, and cultural artifacts.
If you have questions or comments, please contact Raymond Paddock, Environmental Coordinator, at 800.344.1432 ext. 7184, 907.463.7184, or rpaddock@ccthita.org.
5
Bridges Out of Poverty Workshop November 9-10, 2015 The Employment & Training (E&T) department is pleased to share an important training opportunity, “Bridges Out of Poverty” that will provide participants with specific strategies for improving outcomes for clients living in poverty. At the core of tribes is our social services that nurture and protect our families and children, provide assistance to our neediest, and encourage our tribal citizens to seek better opportunities. The training will provide participants with a comprehensive approach to understanding the dynamics that cause and maintain poverty from the individual to the systemic level. Participants will review poverty research, examine a theory of change, and analyze poverty through the prism of the hidden rules of class, resources, family structure, and language. If you are interested in participating, please contact E&T to find out how you can register: Employment & Training Toll Free: 800.344.1432 ext. 7176 Direct: 907.463. 7176 Email: vhoyle@ccthita.org
Mark Your Calendars September Events 1: 2: 3: 7: 14-18: 18:
Craig/Klawock Client Service Fair – Craig, AK Hydaburg Client Service Fair – Hydaburg, AK Kasaan Client Service Fair – Kasaan, AK Labor Day (Offices Closed) Southeast Environmental Conference – Juneau, AK Executive Council Meeting – Teleconference
October Events 7-10: 12: 12-14: 15: 15-17: 18-23: 18: 24: 27-28: 28-Nov 1:
ANB/ANS Grand Camp Convention – Wrangell, AK Executive Council Meeting – Anchorage, AK 2015 Elders & Youth Conference – Anchorage, AK Anchorage Reception for Tribal Citizens & Sealaska Shareholders – Anchorage, AK 2015 Annual AFN Convention – Anchorage, AK 72nd Annual NCAI Convention – San Diego, CA Alaska Day (Observed 10/19 ~ Offices Closed) Brotherhood Bridge Rededication Ceremony – Juneau, AK Native PTAC Workshop – Juneau, AK Clan Conference: Sharing Our Knowledge – Juneau, AK
November Events 9-10: 11: 14: 17: 20: 20: 26: 27: 27-29:
Bridges Out of Poverty Workshop – Juneau, AK Veterans Day (Observed ~ Offices Closed) Dr. Walter Soboleff Day (Observed 11/13 ~ Offices Closed) Native American Heritage Month Celebration – Juneau, AK Executive Council Teleconference – Juneau, AK Employment & Training Open House – Juneau, AK Thanksgiving Day (Observed ~ Offices Closed) Native American Heritage Day (Observed ~ Offices Closed) Native Artist Market – Juneau, AK
Employment & Training Open House Please join the E&T department for an open house to learn more about services offered and see their new Tribal Workforce Center. E&T staff will be available to help tribal citizens apply for services, share information on local job openings and paid training opportunities, and discuss the importance of cover letters, resumes, and what being “job-ready” means. Date: November 20, 2015 Time: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM Location: 320 West Willoughby Avenue (Third Floor) Juneau, AK 99801
Don’t miss this great opportunity to meet E&T staff and get your questions answered! 6
Native Artist Market Submitted By: Business & Economic Development
The Business & Economic Development department is pleased to host its 2nd Annual Native Artist Market over Thanksgiving weekend (November 27-29). The market coincides with Juneau’s Public Market and will be held at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. Don’t miss this great shopping opportunity! The market will feature a variety of handmade Alaska Native products. If you’re looking for unique gifts, come check out our vendors. Examples of what you will find include: sea otter apparel, jewelry, textile weaving, woodwork, Devil’s Club salve, and other Native-made goods. Native Artist Market November 27-29, 2015 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Friday & Saturday Noon - 5:00 PM Sunday Admission: Free Location: Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall 320 W. Willoughby Avenue, Juneau AK 99801 Event: Date: Time:
Vendor tables are available to Native artists on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information or to request a vendor application packet, please contact Annette Ulmer, Economic Development Specialist, at 800.344.1432 ext. 7121, 907.463. 7121, or aulmer@ccthita.org.
Brotherhood Bridge Rededication Ceremony If you’re in Juneau on Saturday, October 24th, don’t miss the opportunity to attend the Brotherhood Bridge Rededication Ceremony that’s being held from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Our very own Roy Peratrovich Jr. designed the historic Brotherhood Bridge that was dedicated on Alaska Day in 1965 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANB). The new Brotherhood Bridge will accommodate four lanes of traffic, a multi-use path on one side and a sidewalk on the other. There will be a procession across Brotherhood Bridge from Vintage Business Park to the Brotherhood Bridge parking area. The procession will begin at 8:30 AM from the field next to the bridge. Parking is available at the Safeway parking lot. Everyone is welcome to participate in the procession. Please arrive prior to 8:30 AM.
Photo Courtesy of Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
7
Emerging Leader Central Council would like to encourage all Community Councils to actively seek young leaders in their community to nominate for the Emerging Leader position on the Executive Council. The position provides young adults with opportunities to acquire important knowledge about Central Council, its processes and organizational structure, and valuable hands-on leadership experience. The Emerging Leader was formerly known as the Youth Representative. The position was created through Resolution 9908: Central Council General Assembly Youth Representative, which passed in 1999, to enhance the leadership skills of our tribal youth. The Executive Council officially changed the Youth Representative title to Emerging Leader during their June 2015 meeting. As an Emerging Leader, he/she has all rights of attendance at all Executive Council meetings but does not have voting privileges. He/she may speak on any business that is before the Executive Council. To view a list of past youth leaders, please visit: www.ccthita.org/ government/council/youth Election of our next Emerging Leader will take place during the 81st Annual Tribal Assembly in April 2016.
8
Notice of 2016 Delegate Elections Submitted By: Office of the President
Central Council would like to remind tribal citizens of the upcoming 2016 Delegate Elections. Last year, the Tribal Assembly revised the Rules of Election which effectively reduced the apportionment of Delegates to one (1) Delegate for every two hundred (200) enrolled tribal citizens per community or fraction thereof, which will approximately reduce the number of Delegates by 30. An official report on the apportionment of Delegates will be issued on December 22, 2015. Elections will be held in each of Central Council’s 21 registered communities in March 2016. Central Council’s registered communities are: • • • • • •
Anchorage Angoon Craig Haines Hoonah Hydaburg
• • • • • •
Juneau Kake Kasaan Ketchikan Klawock Klukwan
• • • • • •
Metlakatla • Pelican • Petersburg • San Francisco Saxman Sitka
Seattle Wrangell Yakutat
Delegates will serve a two-year term and attend the annual Tribal Assembly to conduct business including the election of the President, Vice Presidents, Emerging Leader (formally known as Youth Representative), Tribal Court Chief Justice, and Judges. Tribal citizens must be 18 or older to be nominated and/or vote in the Delegate Elections. Because the apportionment of Delegates is based on the number of enrolled tribal citizens in each community, Central Council encourages all tribal citizens to update their enrollment record contact information. To do so, please complete the online form at: www.ccthita.org/services/overview/forms/form-update-contact or contact our Program Compliance department at 800.344.1432 ext. 7359 or 907.463.7359 and they will be happy to assist you.
Save-the-Date
81st Annual Tribal Assembly April 20-22, 2016 Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall Juneau, Alaska For questions regarding Tribal Assembly, please contact: Grace Singh, Special Assistant to the President Office of the President 9097 Glacier Highway, Juneau AK 99801 Toll Free: 800.344.1432 ext. 7103 • Direct: 907.463.7103 Email: gsingh@ccthita.org
2015-2016 Election Target Dates Election of Delegates to Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska
Appoint Local Election Officials ............................................................................................................By November 1 Local Election Officials will be appointed by the Local Community Council by November 1, 2015. Notice of Enrollment Requirements ................................................................................................... By November 15 A notice stating the enrollment process and deadline will be posted by November 15, 2015. Post Official Voting List............................................................................................................................ December 11 The Local Election Officials shall post the alphabetical list of persons eligible to vote in the community by December 11, 2015. Challenge Voting List ...........................................................................................................................December 11-16 Written protest must be submitted to the Local Election Officials between December 11-16, 2015. The Chairman shall notify Central Council by December 21, 2015. Delegate Allotment Established…………………………………...........................................……..As of December 22 Delegates per community shall be determined based on voter registery as of December 22, 2015. Notice of Delegate Election ..................................................................................................No Later Than February 1 Each Local Election Official shall publish a notice of Delegate Election no later than February 1, 2016 specifying the date of Delegate Election, location and hours for polling, nomination of candidates, and procedures for voting including those for absentee voting. Nominations……………………………………………. ........................................….January 15 through February 5 Nomination lists must be submitted to Central Council by February 5, 2016. Nominations shall be made in a regular or special meeting called for that purpose. List of Nominated Candidates ....................................................................................................................February 12 A complete list of nominated candidates will be published by February 12, 2016. Absentee Voting ....................................................................... By Delegate Election Day - Third Thursday in March Ballots must be returned in time to be counted along with the other ballots on Delegate Election Day. Submit Delegate Election Report ......................................................................No Later Than Third Friday in March A written report will be posted as soon as results are known or no later than close of business the following work day. Challenge Delegate Election ......................................................................COB Monday Following Delegate Election Written challenges must be postmarked within three days of certification and posting of Delegate Election results. Grounds for protest must be listed and substantiating evidence must be included. All written challenges must be addressed to: President, Central Council Tlingit & Haida 320 W. Willoughby Avenue, Suite 300 Juneau AK 99801 For questions regarding Delegate Elections, please contact: Program Compliance 320 W. Willoughby Avenue, Suite 300 • Juneau AK 99801 Toll Free: 800.344.1432 ext. 7359 • Direct: 907.463.7359 Email: ghawkins@ccthita.org 9
Land Lease Cont. from Cover
“I am excited for not only the economic opportunity this will bring to the Tribe, but more importantly the employment possibilities for our tribal citizens and opportunity to showcase our culture in a positive way where we can tell our own stories,” said President Richard Peterson. Central Council’s mission is to preserve our sovereignty, enhance our economic and cultural resources, and promote selfsufficiency and self-Governance for our citizens. We are very pleased to have secured this opportunity to continue to be a strong business partner in Juneau and Southeast Alaska.
Ramah Indirect Cost Settlement Submitted By: Tribal Operations
Central Council is pleased to announce that attorneys for the class—all tribes that had 638 contracts with the Department of Interior (DOI)—negotiated a settlement with the DOI for past indirect shortfalls incurred by the tribe and by 640 other tribes across the country. The attorneys filed a joint motion for preliminary approval of $940 million of a classaction suit against the government. The settlement resolves all claims over unpaid contract support costs suffered during the years 1994 through 2013. Alaska’s tribes will see close to $125 million of those dollars which is roughly 15% of the net settlement amount. Central Council’s share is estimated to be $11 million. For more information, visit: www.rncsettlement.com 10
Senate Subcommittee Hearings Landless Traditional Villages & Alaska Native Veteran Land Allotment Equity Act Submitted By: Office of the President
Two very important bills were heard by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining on October 8, 2015: • S.872, Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act • S.1955, Alaska Native Veteran Land Allotment Equity Act. S.872 would give recognition to the five traditional villages of Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee Springs, and Wrangell that were left out of the original Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971. In 1994, a congressionally directed study determined the omission of these traditional villages from ANCSA was erroneous. To view a video of Leo Barlow (Wrangell) testifying on behalf of landless communities, please visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQHIOMdY5bk. S.1955 proposes to amend ANCSA to provide for equitable allotment of land to Alaska Native veterans. It is the duty, trust responsibility, and legal obligation of the federal government to ensure our Alaska Native veterans who honorably served during the Vietnam era receive legislatively approved allotments on federal land they are entitled to. Central Council strongly supports the passage of S. 872 and S.1955. To track these two bills, please visit: www.govtrack.us.
TVR Awarded 5-Year Grant The Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR) department has secured a five year $3.6 million continuation grant from the U.S. Department of Education - Rehabilitation Services Administration. The federally funded discretionary grant will provide vocational rehabilitation services to Alaska Natives and American Indians with disabilities in Southeast Alaska. TVR has an established record of providing culturally relevant services to individuals with disabilities since 1995. Over the course of the next five years, TVR will focus on increasing outreach to eligible tribal citizens through community visits, partnerships, and use of Central Council’s social media, website, and newsletter. “This grant is competitive and I am very pleased that we can continue to provide these services that are truly critical to the employment, health, and well-being of our tribal citizens with disabilities here in Southeast Alaska,” said President Peterson. For more information on TVR’s services and eligibility requirements, please contact Adam Arca, TVR Counselor, at 800.344.1432 ext. 7358, 907.463.7358, or aarca@ccthita.org.
2015 Southeast Regional ICWA Workshop Submitted By: Tribal Family & Youth Services
T TFYS department hosted an Indian Child The W Welfare Act (ICWA) workshop in Juneau, A Alaska the week of September 14-16, 2015. The w workshop was a follow-up to last year’s ICWA C Conference to review the new BIA guidelines aand how they will affect child welfare work. T The workshop was funded by the Bureau of IIndian Affairs (BIA), TFYS, and Casey Family p programs and was attended by 55 guests ffrom the Alaska Office of Children’s Services TFYS Director Francine Eddy Jones addresses workshop participants ((OCS), attorneys from Alaska Legal Services Corporation (ALSC), Native American Rights Fund (NARF), Southeast tribes, Southeast ICWA representatives, and TFYS staff. Francine Eddy Jones, TFYS Director, welcomed guests and introduced Christy Lawton, Director of OCS, and Kristie Swanson, OCS Tribal Affairs Liaison, to begin an afternoon of discussion to enhance tribal and state partnerships. Day two of the workshop opened with a welcoming by President Peterson who encouraged the audience of tribal, state, and other community stakeholders to approach child welfare work with an open mind and heart, especially as we continue the partnership with Alaska OCS. President Peterson also stressed the importance of the work done by ICWA workers and creating partnerships with other community networks. The morning session included presentations by attorneys from ALSC and NARF, and state & tribal attorneys regarding specific changes in the new BIA guidelines, and workers sharing their experiences in ICWA cases. The 2015 updates are the first updates since the passage of ICWA in 1979. Guests were treated with a dance performance by students from the Harborview Elementary School’s Tlingit Culture Language and Literacy (TCLL) program. The afternoon session continued with tribal elders Paul Marks and David Katzeek who shared what makes someone an expert to speak on a child’s culture and child rearing practices for the purposes of a Qualified Expert Witness in Child in Need of Aid (CINA) proceedings. A panel of tribal representatives also shared strategies on how to engage families in services in large communities with many resources and in rural villages where access to mainstream services is not always an option. The final day of the workshop was devoted to enhancing the courtroom skills of Southeast ICWA representatives. The day opened with a panel of judges which included Juneau Superior Court Judge Phillip Pallenberg and Special Master James Curtain, Sitka Superior Court Judge Leonard Devaney, and Central Council Tribal Court Judges Aurora Lehr and Debra O’Gara. The panel offered informal conversation and advice on speaking up in court hearings. Volunteer attorneys from ALSC, NARF, Alaska Public Defender Agency, and Central Council presented information regarding the life of a CINA case. In the afternoon, presenters discussed the role of a qualified expert witness and how to cross examine and question witnesses at court hearings. All participants appreciated the opportunity to come together to learn, share, and discuss the challenges and successes of child welfare in Southeast Alaska.
Tribal News In an effort to reduce Central Council’s print & postage costs, we encourage subscribers to receive notice of our digital newsletter in place of receiving a printed newsletter. To sign-up, please contact: Office of the President • Communications 800.344.1432 ext. 7368 • 907.463.7368 • communications@ccthita.org 11
Central Council
Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska 9097 Glacier Highway Juneau, Alaska 99801 www.ccthita.org • www.facebook.com/ccthita
PRESORTED STANDARD
PAID
Juneau, AK Permit No. 139
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Preserving our sovereignty, enhancing our economic and cultural resources, and promoting self-sufficiency and self-governance for our citizens through collaboration, service, and advocacy.
40th Anniversary of Tlingit & Haida Head Start Thank you for supporting Head Start over the years! This year marks the 40th anniversary of Tlingit & Haida Head Start! Celebrating four decades of service, Tlingit & Haida Head Start has provided services to families for nearly three gen generations. With a focus on helping our tribal children b become school-ready by kindergarten, Head Start h made a difference in the lives of many children, has f families, and communities. I you or your child attended Head Start, help us celebrate this milestone by If s sharing a photo with us at communications@ccthita.org. C Central Council looks forward to another 40 years of preparing our tribal c children for educational success! For more information on the services available t through Head Start, please visit us online at www.ccthita.org/services/family/ h headstart.