Commemorating 100 Years Of Tanana Chiefs Conference History

Transcription

1 Dena Nena Henash - - Our Land Speaks Vol. 39, No. 3 A Report to the Member Tribes of the Tanana Chiefs Conference MARCH 2015 Commemorating 100 Years Of Tanana Chiefs Conference History While Tanana Chiefs Conference wasn t officially incorporated until 1962, it was a meeting of Tribal Chiefs in 1915 that is credited as a catalyst to the formation of TCC. In response to the appearance of non- Natives in the Interior, Tribal leaders came together to protect their traditional rights. The first land dispute came in 1915 when the Chiefs organized to protect a burial ground in Nenana from the Alaska Railroad. Land conflicts became an increasing problem and statehood in 1959 only enhanced the threat to Native land interests. Although the Alaska Statehood Act recognized Native land rights, the State quickly put forward plans for projects that would have severely damaged Native land interests. In response, Al Ketzler, Sr. of Nenana helped organize a meeting of 32 villages at Tanana in June Tanana Chiefs Conference in its modern form was born out of this meeting. July 2015 will mark one hundred years since the original 1915 meeting of Chiefs. TCC plans to commemorate this event with a celebration, the details of which will be announced at a later date. During this year s TCC Convention, a historical documentary will debut detailing the centennial history of the organization, the struggles faced during its formation and how Alaska Natives play an integral role in Alaska s history. CAIHC Now Offers Chemotherapy Services At the beginning of February, the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center (CAIHC) treated their first chemotherapy patient in-house. This is a groundbreaking accomplishment for TCC Health Services in that it will allow us to care for select oncology patients closer to their home and to their social support network, said CAIHC Director Jennifer Eden. This effort was made possible through the CAIHC - Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) Chemotherapy Pilot Program, a collaborative approach to providing cancer treatment, which allows some patients to remain closer to home for treatment. Under the clinical supervision of ANMC s oncologist, patients are able to receive chemotherapy at CAIHC by a trained provider, nursing and pharmacy staff. I would like to give all of those who were involved in making this dream a reality a big Thank You! said Eden, The CAIHC- ANMC Chemotherapy pilot program is an exciting and innovative model that we hope to grow and expand upon in the months and years to come. In This Issue: Indian Exemption Page 3 TCC 2015 Convention Page 4-5 In Memory of George Attla Page 6-7 Alaska Youth Academy Page 9

2 Mission Statement Tanana Chiefs Conference provides a unified voice in advancing sovereign tribal governments through the promotion of physical and mental wellness, education, socioeconomic development, and culture of the Interior Alaska Native people. Vision Healthy, Strong, Unified Tribes TCC Executive Board Members Donald Honea Sr./Ruby 1st Traditional Chief Trimble Gilbert/Arctic Village 2nd Traditional Chief Victor Joseph/ Tanana TCC President Julie Roberts-Hyslop/Tanana Vice President Pat McCarty/Ruby Secretary/Treasurer Donald Adams/Tetlin Upper Tanana Nick Alexia Sr./Nikolai Upper Kuskokwim Nancy James/Fort Yukon Yukon Flats Eugene Paul/Holy Cross Lower Yukon Pollock PJ Simon, Jr./Allakaket Yukon Tanana Leo Lolnitz/Koyukuk Yukon Koyukuk Peter Demoski/Nulato Elder Advisor Gerald Patsy/Nulato Youth Advisor President s Report Tribes and Tribal Members, This year s Tanana Chiefs Conference Annual Convention plans to be a powerful one that will provide our Tribes and tribal members with important information as well as promote open discussion on topics affecting our region. This year s agenda items were directly influenced by discussions that TCC Staff and I had with tribal leaders and members over the past year. Some of the Agenda Items include; Land into Trust; Kevin Washburn, Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs will provide an update on Land into Trust, Chinook Salmon and other issues important to our region. Climate Change/Arctic Issues; Evon Peter, Vice Chancellor for Rural, Community and Native education with fellow panelist Larry Hinzman and Knut Kielland will discuss the impacts of climate change on our homeland. Public Safety; Sergeant Jody Juneby-Potts will be leading a panel that will be discussing the Village Public Safety Officer Program and public safety for our communities. Subsistence; Natasha Singh, TCC General Council and Ben Stevens Hunting & Fishing Task Force Coordinator will be providing a progress update on the goals of the task force and recent developments for this year s King Salmon fishing season. As you can see, we will have several influential presenters this year. Additional agenda items will include Regional Development Projects in the Interior, Energy and Fire Crews, just to name a few. Because many of our discussions with tribal leaders focused on Housing and Behavioral Health, we have invited leadership from other Interior Native organizations to be present during our convention. The Interior Regional Housing Authority will be available to meet with the tribes regarding housing concerns and the Fairbanks Native Association will attend to discuss the services available to TCC beneficiaries living in Fairbanks. I am excited to announce that we will have two keynote speakers at this year s convention; Second Traditional Chief Trimble Gilbert and his granddaughter Charlene Stern. These two speakers perfectly represent the basis of this year s convention theme Stronger Together for the Next 100 Years. One hundred years ago the Chiefs from our region came together to fight for a common goal. These traditions of unity are passed on through the guidance, sacrifices and lessons of elders like Trimble Gilbert. It is up to the new generation to take these lessons and lead us into the next century. This will be my first convention as President of TCC and I am hoping for a strong outcome. I look forward to seeing all of you there for a successful and informative 2015 Convention. Ana Bassee, Victor Joseph President of Tanana Chiefs Conference 2

3 New Recommendation from ANTHC on the Indian Exemption Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), every American must have health care coverage, but there are special exemptions that exist for Alaska Native and American Indian people. Alaska Native and American Indian people are exempt from the requirement to purchase insurance if they can show evidence of: Enrollment in a federally recognized Tribe; Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) shareholder status (village or regional), or; Eligibility to receive services from a Tribal health clinic or IHS Facility. Previously, only members of federally recognized Tribes and shareholders of ANCSA corporations had the option to apply for the Indian Exemption when filing their taxes. A recent announcement from the federal government allows descendants, people with a Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) and/or those who are eligible for services through a Tribal health care provider will now be able to claim the Indian Exemption when filing their taxes. IRS Tax Form 8965, titled Health Coverage Exemptions, can be used to claim the Indian Exemption. The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium s (ANTHC) Health Reform team has been assisting people with the Indian Exemption application. The applications sent to the federal government for processing have faced numerous issues. Due to the ongoing issues with the paper application process, the ANTHC Health Reform Team has a new recommendation for those who still need an exemption to avoid the tax penalty for not having health care coverage. The ANTHC Health Reform Team recommends claiming the Indian Exemption when you file your taxes. Frequently asked questions about the ACA: Q: What if I already have health care coverage? A: If you have health care coverage through Medicaid, Medicare, Denali KidCare, Veteran s Benefits or your employer-provided health insurance, you have met the requirements of the Individual Mandate and do not need to purchase additional health care coverage to avoid the tax penalty. You do not need to complete the Indian Status Exemption paperwork if you have health care coverage. However, the Indian Exemption is a lifetime exemption and can be used anytime you have a gap in health care coverage. Q: What if I already received a response with my Exemption Certificate Number? A: Keep the letter with the Exemption Certificate Number (ECN) for you and/or your family in a safe place. You will need to report this number on your taxes. When filing taxes, you will report an exemption certificate number on IRS Tax Form 8965, titled Health Coverage Exemptions. Q: What if I sent in my exemption application but haven t heard anything on it yet? A: Keep a look out for a letter from the Health Insurance Marketplace. It could still arrive. If you don t receive a letter with an Exemption Certificate Number, you can claim the Indian Exemption on IRS Tax Form 8965, titled Health Coverage Exemptions, with your taxes. Q: What if I lost the letter with my Exemption Certificate Number? A: If you received your Exemption Certificate Number in the mail and misplaced the letter, you can claim the Indian Exemption on IRS Tax Form 8965, titled Health Coverage Exemptions, with your taxes. Q: If I don t buy insurance, will I still be able to get health care services at my IHS/Tribal health facility? A: Yes, you will still be able to get care at your IHS/Tribal health facility. The health care services provided at IHS/ Tribal health facilities are not changing; however, you will need to apply for an exemption to avoid the tax penalty. TCC Advocates in Juneau during Legislative Session March will prove to be a lively month of Legislative session in Juneau with many new issues coming to the surface and familiar issues resurfacing. With February behind us there is now approximately two months left in the session, with an end date of April 19th. This February has been busy for legislators and TCC alike and many issues such as fiscal uncertainty, program funding, marijuana, arctic policy, and Medicaid expansion are being brought to the table to take the limelight. TCC has spent significant time last month in Juneau advocating on issues important to the region. In early February Victor Joseph, President, Natasha Singh, General Counsel, and Will Mayo, Executive Director of Tribal Client Services traveled to Juneau to meet with the Alaska Federation of Natives Board of Directors, Legislators, and with the newly formed Alaska Regional Greg Bringhurst, TCC Communications Manager Coalition. Three Executive Board Members, Leo Lolnitz, Julie Roberts- Hyslop, and PJ Simon, were also in attendance for these meetings. TCC has entered into a new opportunity to advocate on behalf of the Tribes with the Alaska Regional Coalition. This partnership between Kawerak, Inc., Bristol Bay Native Association, Central Council of Tlingit and Haida, and Tanana Chiefs Conference was formed with the intention of advocating on behalf of important needs and issues in rural Alaska. Some of the topics discussed were the proposed road to Ambler, Native allotment legislation, expanding Tribal courts, Co-management of the Kuskokwim and Yukon Rivers, Health and Social Services issues, and the Fairbanks Four. In addition to these meetings, on February 17-19th, representatives from TCC spent time in Juneau advocating for region wide capital improvement projects and clinics. Meetings were held with legislators who represent villages in the TCC region including Representatives Edgmon, Talerico, Foster, Nageak and Senators Bishop, Hoffman, and Olson. TCC also met with Senator Kelly s office and Representative Thompson from Fairbanks who are Co-Chairs of the Senate and House Finance Committees. TCC will continue to update the Tribes on current events in Juneau. If you are interested in testifying or writing a letter on an issue, and need assistance in contacting your legislators, please contact Greg Bringhurst, Communications Manager at greg.bringhurst@tananachiefs.org, or Natasha Singh, General Counsel at natasha.singh@tananachiefs.org. 3

4 AGENDA AT-A-GLANCE 2015 Annual Convention & Full Board of Directors Meeting MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY MARCH 16TH, 2015 MARCH 17TH, 2015 MARCH 18TH, 2015 MARCH 19TH, 2015 Call to Order 8:15 a.m. Invocation 8:20 a.m. Elders & Youth Address 8:25 a.m. The Honorable Bill Walker, Governor State of Alaska 10:00 a.m. IRHA Jana George, CEO 11:00 a.m. FNA Steve Ginnis, Executive Director 11:30 a.m. Roads/Regional Economic Development Projects 1:15 p.m. A Centennial History of TCC (Film) 3:00 p.m. Hunting & Fishing Task Force Report 4:00 p.m. ADJOURN Fairbank Chamber Welcome Reception 5:30 p.m. Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall Call to Order 8:15 am Welcome Address 8:30 a.m. In Memoriam 8:45 a.m. Presentation of Colors Alaska Native Veteran Association 9:05 a.m. Committee Assignments 9:20 a.m. Doyon, Limited Aaron Schutt, President & CEO 9:30 a.m. Mayor Welcome Adresses John Eberhart, City of Fairbanks Luke Hopkins, FNSB Bryce Ward, North Pole 9:45 a.m. Intro of Theme and Keynote Speakers 10:15 a.m. Keynote Addresses Trimble Gilbert & Charlene Stern 10:20 a.m. The Honorable Senator Lisa Murkowski 11:15 a.m. The Honorable Senator Dan Sullivan 11:30 a.m. The Honorable Congressman Don Young 11:45 a.m. Honoring Luncheon 12:00 p.m. Climate Change/Arctic Issues 1:15 p.m. Land into Trust & ANILCA Presentation 3:00 p.m. Regional Public Safety Report 4:00 p.m. Native Justice Task Force 4:45 p.m. ADJOURN Fundraiser for Rita Pitka 5:00 p.m. Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall Call to Order 8:15 am Credential Committee Report 8:20 a.m. Roll Call & Establishment of Quorum 8:25 a.m. Financial Report 8:40 a.m. President s Report 9:35 a.m. Question & Answer 10:30 a.m. Arctic National Wildlife Refuge 10:45 a.m. Reconvene & Call Back to Order 1:15 p.m. Health Services Report 1:15 p.m. War on Alcohol 2:00 p.m. Pain Management Panel 2:45 p.m. Question & Answer 3:30 p.m. Community Health Aide Recognition 4:00 p.m. RECESS Denakkanaaga Fundraiser 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall Auction - Live Music - Elder Storytelling Reconvene & Call Back to Order 8:15 am Tribal Client Services Report 8:20 a.m. Strengthening Your Tribal Government 8:35 a.m. Client Development Overview & Strategic Plan 9:20 a.m. Education Summit Report 9:50 a.m. Foster Parents of the Year 9:55 a.m. Intro to Important Natural & Cultural Resource Issues 10:15 a.m. State and Federal Management Plans 10:20 a.m. Rural Energy Update 10:40 a.m. Board of Fisheries Update and Other Issues 11:00 a.m. Fire Crews: Hiring, Training and Season 11:20 a.m. Question & Answer 11:40 a.m. Resolutions Committee Report Consideration of Resolutions 1:00 p.m. Proposed By Law Change(s) Consideration 3:15 p.m. Election Committee Report ELECTIONS 3:40 p.m. ADJOURN TCC Annual Potlatch 5:30 p.m. Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall The convention will be broadcast live on our website. This agenda is subject to change. For an updated agenda visit TCC Convention Bazaar March 18th - 19th Westmark Hotel in Fairbanks TCC Health Fair March 16th - 17th Westmark Hotel in Fairbanks 4

5 2015 TCC ELECTIONS March 19th, :40 p.m. Westmark Hotel TCC would like to clarify that individuals running for a seat in the upcoming Full Board of Directors Elections are not required to undergo a background check. Eligibility Criteria printed in the February 2015 Issue of The Council Newsletter only applies to individuals running as a Presidential Candidate, a seat which is not open this year. SUBREGIONAL ADVISORY BOARD ELECTIONS TCC Executive Board of Directors: Subregional Positions: Upper Kuskokwim Subregion... 3 Year Term Currently Nick Alexia, Sr., Nikolai Lower Yukon Subregion... 3 Year Term Currently Eugene Paul, Holy Cross Eligibility Criteria: Must be a current village director, as authorized by tribal/village resolution. (Article 7, Section 4) Must be residents of the State of Alaska and Alaska Native Members of member villages of the corporation. (Article 4, Section 1) Except for the President, full-time employees of the corporation shall not be eligible to serve as director or officers of the Corporation. (Article 4, Section 2) TCC Advisory Boards The three TCC Advisory Boards make recommendations to the TCC executive board and President. The President has the authority to appoint all individuals to the advisory boards, (Article 7, Section 3), but the President currently allows the subregions to democratically select representatives to each advisory board. All candidates must be Alaska Native. TCC Regional Health Board Yukon TananaSubregion...3 year term ( ) Currently Andrew Jimmie, Minto Yukon Koyukuk Subregion...3 year term ( ) Currently Vacant TCC Education Council Upper Kuskokwim Subregion (McGrath)...1 year remaining(exp. March 2016) Currently Vacant Yukon Flats Subregion...3 year term( ) Currently Charleen Fisher, Chalkyitsik Yukon Koyukuk Subregion...3 year term ( ) Currently Gertie Esmailka, Huslia Interior Athabascan Tribal College Board of Trustees Upper Tanana Subregion...2 years remaining ( ) Currently Vacant Lower Yukon Subregion...3 year term ( ) Currently Vacant Yukon Koyukuk Subregion...3 year term ( ) Currently Maurice McGinty, Nulato FULL BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTIONS AFN Village Representative 1 Seat...1 year term ( ) Currently Julie Roberts-Hyslop, Tanana * The AFN Village Representative seat is not affected by the TCC Bylaws; however, we notify villages of AFN candidates who declare their written intent as a candidate, for informational purposes. IRHA Board of Commissioners Seat A...3 year term ( ) Currently Janet Woods, Chairperson Seat B...3 year term ( ) Currently Robert Walker, Anvik * Must be eligible to serve on TCC Board of Directors - Employees of TCC or IRHA are not eligible to serve as IRHA Commissioners (Article 7, Section 7) * The election of the IRHA seat is not affected by the TCC Bylaws pertaining to the declaration of candidacy requirements; however, we notify villages of IRHA candidates who declare their written intent as a candidate for informational purposes. Officer Positions - TCC Executive Board Secretary/Treasurer...3 year term ( ) Currently Patrick McCarty, Ruby ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Officers must be members of a member village of the corporation and eligible to be selected as a Director of a member village. (Article 5, Section 1) DECLARATION OF CANDIDACY The deadline to submit letters of intent to declare candidacy for any of the above seats was March 6th, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. and needed to be submitted to the below address. Individuals may submit a letter of intent for AFN Village Representative and IRHA Commissioner Seats but they must be nominated from the floor to declare themselves a candidate. Tanana Chiefs Conference ATTN: Norma Dahl, Executive Secretary 122 First Avenue, Suite 600 Fairbanks, AK FAX # (907) ext.3112 Any questions, please contact Natasha Singh in the Legal Department at , extension Annual Membership Meeting Friday, March 13th, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall Doyon Annual Shareholders Meeting Friday, March 20th, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. Westmark Hotel in Fairbanks 5

6 Alaska says Farewell to Legendary Sprint Dog Musher George Attla On February 15th, 2015, Alaska lost the most legendary Alaskan Sprint Dog Musher of all time. At age 81, George Attla, Jr. passed away peacefully at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage surrounded by family and friends after a brief battle with cancer. George s determination, passion and drive has been an inspiration to hundreds of people in and outside of Alaska. George was born August 8, 1933 at a fish camp just below Koyukuk, Alaska, on the Yukon River to the late George and Eliza Attla, Sr. His parents traveled to the Yukon River from their home village of Huslia which is on the Koyukuk River. George was raised in a subsistence lifestyle and spent the majority of his time at fish camp, cabins and spring camp until he contracted tuberculosis and underwent nearly 10 years of treatment in Sitka, Alaska. George began his mushing career in the 1950 s and became a legendary open-class sprint dog racer. George was revered and respected 6 throughout the world for his dog mushing career which spanned over five decades. The movie, Spirit of the Wind, was based on his life. A book of the same title was also published. His book, Everything I know About Training and Racing Sled Dogs, is still considered the musher s guide. Known as the Huslia Hustler, George won 10 Fur Rendezvous World Championship Dog Races, eight North American World Championships and nine International Sled Dog Racing Association unlimited class medals marked his 50th year of competitive sled dog racing. In 2011, George won the Bergman Sam Memorial Koyukuk River Championship in Huslia. Governor Steve Cowper proclaimed April 29, 1988 as George Attla Day. In 2000, George was awarded the Best Musher of the 20th Century. In 2007, he was inducted into the first Alaska Sports Hall of Fame. Most recently, George established the Frank Attla Youth & Sled Dog Care- Mushing Program in memory of his late son. He was able to pass on his knowledge, lifelong experience and passion for dog racing to the younger generation. One of his students, Joe Bifelt, plans on racing in the 2015 Fur Rendezvous World Championship Sled Dog Race.

7 The Huslia Hustler George Attla at the Open North American Sled Dog Race Courtesy of Fairbanks Daily News-Miner TOP ROW: George Attla was a spectator on the final day of the Fur Rendezvous World Championship Sled Dog Race in 2011 (Bill Roth/ADN) George Attla in the 1982 Fur Rendezvous Sled Dog Race, which he won. (BAK/ADN) George Attla runs in the 1983 Fur Rendezvous races in Anchorage (Ron Smith/ADN) George Attla in his dog lot at his North Pole Home. 11/16/1988 (Jim Lavrakas/ADN) BOTTOM ROW: George Attla receives the Al Fox Trophy from Orville Lake. (ADN Archive) George Attla speaks about his youth dog mushing program while sitting with his granddaughter Courtney Agnes, 14, during the 2013 First Alaskans Institute Elders and Youth Conference.(Eric Engman/News-Miner) George Attla 7

8 Alaska Emergency Firefighter (EFF) Update Summary of 2014 The 2014 fire season will be remembered as one of the wettest summers on record in Alaska. For the season there were a total of 393 fires resulting in 233,529 acres burned. This is significantly lower than the 1.3 million acres burned in There was an expectation of a busy start to the Alaska fire season in parts of South Central, Southwest Alaska, and the Tanana Valley due to below normal snowpack and a warmer than normal spring in the forecast. The Funny River Fire (195,858 acres) and 100 Mile Creek Fire (23,270 acres) were the two major fires that occurred during the season. Beginning in June, record setting rains reduced the fire potential across the state and fuels quickly moderated for the remainder of the fire season. Resources were gradually mobilized to the Lower 48. EFF crews actively participated in the fire season both in Alaska and the Lower- 48. A total of 38 EFF crews were ordered for Alaska fires, and 15 Crews were sent to Northern California. Total 2014 wages for EFF crews was $5,993,674. Unfortunately, two crews were sent home due to several incidents involving illegal substances. While crews are not prohibited from going to the L-48 in Gwich in Athabascan Old-Time Fiddle Dance March 18th - 21st, :30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center $10 Admission the future, these incidents do not inspire confidence in the cost versus the benefits of sending crews south for the receiving units. Crew Management In an effort to enhance Alaska s EFF Crews, several programmatic changes were implemented in These changes included upping the maximum crew size on Alaska fires to 20 people, paying qualified chainsaw operators at a higher rate, and streamlining the crew rotation process. As of last year, BLM is also no longer able to provide tobacco products in commissary on incidents. Presentations were held for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Providers Conference in Anchorage on Dec. 2 and with the Alaska Federation of Natives Board of Directors on Dec. 8. Earlier discussions took place at the Youth and Elders Conference and Alaska Federation of Natives Convention in October to seek input and address updates to statewide EFF crew management. BLM is currently proposing to implement drug testing for all AD/EFF on a national level in While the policy has not been formalized yet, it is possible that pre-hire or random drug screening may be implemented at some point during the coming fire season. Due to heightened access restrictions on Ft. Wainwright, BLM recommends that anyone who is interested in fighting fire this year obtain a valid State ID or drivers license, as you can not get on to base without a scan-able ID. Wildland fire information Information about wildland fires in Alaska is available online. The main page for fire information is the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center (AICC) page at ak.blm.gov. There are links to the BLM Alaska Fire Service Emergency Firefighter (EFF) training page, crew rotation lists, and other related information. Other important sites include the interagency blog for wildland fire, BLM Alaska Fire Service also maintains a facebook page at and a Twitter page at BLM_AFS. For more information on the Emergency Firefighter (EFF) program call

9 Seeking Youth to Attend Alaska Youth Academy Each year Tanana Chiefs Conference partners with public safety agencies to bring the Alaska Youth Academy to Fairbanks. The Alaska Youth Academy is a week long residential program that provides a positive environment where youth between the ages of from throughout the region learn about the skills needed to pursue a career in public safety. Youth have the opportunity to earn a First Aide/ CPR Certificate, learn defensive tactics, firearm safety, survival techniques, solve crimes using CSI skills, and much more. Youth also learn about the importance of making good choices while they are young in order to help them qualify for good jobs as adults. This year s academy is set to take place July 27th-31st, 2015 in Fairbanks. The deadline to apply for this year s academy is June 26th, Deadline to Apply June 26th, 2015 Applications can be found online at or by contacting: Katina Charles ext.3353 katina.charles@tananachiefs.org Denakkanaaga Prepares for 2015 Elders & Youth Conference The Denakkanaaga Board of Directors have approved the dates, theme and logo for this year s Denakkanaaga Elders & Youth Conference, which will take place the first week of June in the village of Anvik. This year s theme, which was submitted by the Anvik Tribal Council, is Gitri ingithchagg - Together as One, Embracing the Past, Present and Future. The logo for this year s conference was drawn by 13-year-old Morgan Demoski, an 8th grader at Blackwell School in Anvik. The Denakkanaaga Elders & Youth Conference brings together elders and youth from throughout the Interior Region to address regional Elder issues, concerns and needs. State legislators, Native leaders and other dignitaries will also attend the conference to hear what the Elders and youth have to say. ABOVE: The 2015 Denakkanaaga Elders & Youth Conference Logo. RIGHT: 13-year-old Morgan Demoski. FNSBSD Passes Traditional Chiefs Day Resolution In 2014, the Tanana Chiefs Conference Full Board of Directors passed Resolution No , which called for TCC to encourage the regional school districts to honor Traditional Chiefs Day by educating students about the history of TCC. On February 17th, with the encouragement of TCC Education Director Ava Vent, the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District (FNSBSD) Board Members officially passed the resolution. This means that teachers in the Fairbanks North Star Borough will set aside a day each year to teach students about the history of TCC and the integral role Alaska Natives play in the State s history. TCC will assist the school district by providing copies of the short documentary film A Centennial History of Tanana Chiefs Conference, which is set to debut on the first day of TCC s 2015 Annual Convention. 9

10 CHOP brings Suicide Prevention Training to Rural Communities The Community Health Outreach Program (CHOP) worked with the Behavioral Health Department in August 2013 to get local community members and employees trained as trainers in the Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) suicide prevention model. The CHOP department heard about Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) two years ago on a Cultural Exchange with the Cherokee Nation. QPR is a suicide prevention model that follows the CPR training model. The three steps, question, persuade, and refer are steps any community member or individual can learn to help prevent a suicide in their home town. According to the QPR Institute, Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save lives. The training had been successful in their communities, partly because it was a short training, but mostly because the training can be taught to anyone in the community From the Community Health Outreach Program including youth. The CHOP department worked with the Behavioral Health Department in August 2013 to get local community members and employees trained as trainers in QPR. As a result a total of 23 individuals were trained. To further enhance their experience with the program, CHOP partnered with Sarah McConnell of the UAF Trust Training Cooperative. Sarah is a QPR instructor and was more than happy to travel to rural villages to work with the local trainers to conduct their first community training. Sarah began traveling to TCC communities last spring to provide assistance to local trainers. She was able to work with individuals in Allakaket, Huslia, Kaltag, Ruby and Nulato. Together, they trained a total of 75 community members in QPR. To keep the program moving forward, CHOP partnered with Sarah again to train in additional Secondhand Smoke; What can you do? Secondhand Smoke causes death and sickness in children. Secondhand Smoke causes heart disease and cancers in adults. What can you do? Parents can ban smoking in homes and cars, not allow anyone to smoke near their child. Tribal Leaders can pass a tobacco-free policy for all indoor public places with restriction at entryways and windows (Tribal Resolution) to protect community members health. Everyone can be Healthier Together Call QUIT-NOW or go to for free help, if they or someone they know smokes and wants to quit. Make their homes and vehicles 100% smokefree. Opening a window or using fans or air fresheners does not protect nonsmokers from the dangers of SHS. Not allow anyone to smoke around children and avoid all public places where smoking is allowed. Talk to children about why they shouldn t smoke or be around SHS.(Visit communities this year. To date, she has traveled to the Upper Tanana Subregion, including Tok, Tetlin, Tanacross, Dot Lake, and Northway. She is scheduled to travel to the following communities: Nenana Minto Huslia Koyukuk Galena Tanana Hughes March 11th March 12th March 26th April 6th April 7th April 21st April 22nd Additional communities may be scheduled in the near future. If you would like to request QPR for your community, stop by our booth at the Annual TCC Convention Health Fair. Assist CAIHC in Helping More Patients Remember, if you have scheduled an appointment at the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center in Fairbanks that you are unable to make, be sure to call-in and cancel. This provides the opportunity for another patient to be seen by their provider! You can call Team Teekona ext.1054 Team Deneege ext Team Tudi ext

11 New OB Orientation Offered to Patients The Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center (CAIHC) provides Obstetrics (OB) Orientation for newly pregnant patients. What is OB Orientation? OB Orientation provides the opportunity for pregnant patients to set up their initial Ultrasound, first OB Provider visit, Prenatal labs, and meet our clinical support staff as well as orient to prenatal care processes at CAIHC. Where does it take place? OB Orientation takes occurs on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month in the CAIHC Koyukuk Conference Room from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Is it mandatory? OB Orientation is not mandatory, but is the primary way to ensure patients receive all necessary coordination for quality OB care. This also gives patients a chance to experience group prenatal visits (which leads into centering visits) and become involved in their own care. Walk-In Pregnancy Testing at CAIHC Monday - Tuesday 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Thursday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. NOTE: Pregnancy testing no longer available all day If a patient s pregnancy test is positive, they will have the option of scheduling for new OB Orientation. Village Dental Visits The below schedule indicates when a TCC Dentist or Hygienist will be visiting your community. DATE March 9th-13th March 16th-20th March 23rd-27th March 30th- April 3rd VILLAGE Nenana Evansville Huslia Galena Koyukuk Nenana Nulato Minto Galena Nulato Minto Nenana Tok Nulato Minto Huslia The respiratory system is a sensitive major body system. You can improve your respiratory health in several ways. Topping the list is quitting smoking as the most effective method you can take to keep your respiratory system healthy. Inhaled smoke can damage your cilia, which are hairlike fibers in the trachea that prevent allergens, mucus, and dirt from reaching your lungs. Breathing Easier - Respiratory Health Follow a Balanced Diet Making some changes in your current diet plan will help you improve your respiratory system naturally. High-fat foods can trigger asthma attacks while interfering with medication taken by sufferers of respiratory diseases. Snacking on fruits, nuts, or adding fresh vegetables as well as grains to your meals are good nutrition ideas for a better respiratory system. Extra weight will put more stress on the lungs, making them work much harder and less efficiently. Eat a nutritionally sound diet that helps you maintain a healthy weight. Christine Malone, HS Infection Control and Employee Health Coordinator Identify Common Allergens The most common allergens are pollen, dust mites, mold, and animal dander. Because most of them are found at home, it will help to have a cleaning routine to help keep them at bay! Vacuum, sweep and damp dust frequently in order to reduce dust buildup. Make use of a humidifier to add moisture to the home air. Dry air in your home might cause a scratchy throat or coughing. Plant lovers, be aware that soil can harbor mold spores which can be a respiratory irritant. Limit indoor plants and add a moisture-proof barrier to the soil if this becomes a problem for you. Good Hygiene Respiratory illnesses are usually transmitted in the air or from surfaces. To decrease the risks of catching or sharing a cold, cover your cough with your sleeve or wear a mask, wash your hands before eating, after sneezing or coughing, and after using the restroom. Take advantage of hand-sanitizers to reduce the risk of catching an infectious respiratory illness. Exercise A lot of respiratory ailments could improve with regular aerobic exercise. Consult with your provider before choosing a proper kind of exercise if you have concerns. Practice taking deep, long breaths to send fresh oxygen deep into the bottom of the lungs. This not only helps the lungs function better, it also reduces stress and helps to bring on a sense of calm. Stay Hydrated Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day to stay hydrated and flush toxins from your body. Quit or limit alcohol intake for better respiratory health. Alcohol reduces the fluid in the human body, weakening the immune system and respiratory function. If you drink alcohol regularly, your risk of suffering from poor respiratory health will be increased. 11