Alaska Youth Academy. Better Choices, Brighter Futures

Transcription

1 Dena Nena Henash Our Land Speaks Vol. 39, No. 8 A REPORT TO THE MEMBER TRIBES OF TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE AUGUST 2015 Alaska Youth Academy Better Choices, Brighter Futures In late July, Tanana Chiefs Conference held the 2015 Alaska Youth Academy in Fairbanks, where native youth from throughout the region spent a week learning about the skills needed to pursue a career in public safety. The Academy has youth endure an intense week of boot camp where they had the opportunity to learn a wide array of new skills and knowledge in the areas of fire safety, gun safety, boating safety, CSI classes, survival training and first aide/cpr certification. Youth also gained a crash-course in teen parenting when they had to care for their own Baby Think It Over dolls, which requires the same care as a real life baby. This part of the academy is meant to encourage youth to make responsible decisions at a young age and understand the hardships of teen pregnancy. The lessons taught during the academy give participants the tools to make healthy life choices and encourage them to begin thinking about their long-term goals. This is the third year that Tanana Chiefs Conference has hosted an TCC Staff Meet with Tribal Leaders In July, TCC President Victor Joseph and staff traveled to villages of Nulato and Galena to meet with tribal leadership and discuss the needs and concerns of their community. Earlier this summer they visited the communities of Tok, Tetlin, Tanacross and Fort Yukon. Visits will continue with subregional meetings in Tanana, Eagle and McGrath. PHOTO TO RIGHT: TCC President Victor Joseph with Tribal Administrator Paul Mountain in Nulato Alaska Youth Academy Graduates Interior Alaska Youth Academy in Fairbanks. This year TCC partnered with several agencies including the Alaska State Troopers, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshall, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, State Crime Lab, Alaska Jujitsu Institute, and State of Alaska Public Health Services so that youth experienced a well-rounded and informative academy. This year 38 native youth from throughout the region graduated from the academy. Photos & Full list of Participants on Page 4... In This Issue: Impact of the Native Vote Page 3 How to Stop Drug Trafficking Page 4 Improving Patient Care Page 6 TCC Job Opportunities Back Page

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 Pollock PJ Simon, Jr. /Allakaket 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 Dear Tribes and Tribal Members, August has been a very busy month at Tanana Chiefs Conference, starting with a meeting with the Alaska State Troopers where we discussed Resolution No regarding response, enforcement and the VPSO program. Unfortunately, I have to report that the VPSO program will be losing three officer positions due to budget cuts. This will impact our ability to respond to tribal community requests and limit non-emergency VPSO travel. However, the Troopers indicated that we can have access to their plane, if available, to assist in meeting our community needs. Fall subregional meetings were also scheduled for this month. To date, we have met with the Yukon Flats, Upper Kuskokwim and Upper Tanana subregions. I would like to thank the hosting communities. We will be meeting with Yukon Tanana later this month in Tanana, Lower Yukon in Shageluk at the end of September and Yukon Koyukuk in Huslia in October. Additionally, TCC Staff and I continue meet with two tribal councils per month in their villages. This summer we have traveled to Tok, Tetlin, Tanacross, Fort Yukon, Galena and Nulato. These meetings provide tribes the opportunity to express their needs and concerns. I believe this is important because TCC must ensure our actions are in alignment with tribal direction. In July, I travelled to Rampart to join the community in recognizing Chief Floyd Green, a young leader with a strong vision for the future of his village. Chief Green has made huge strides in uplifting his community, particularly with the reconstruction and re-opening of the Rampart school. This is a significant accomplishment because very few schools that have closed have ever reopened. Congratulations Chief Green and the community of Rampart, what an accomplishment! I would also like to recognize Stephanie Schmidt, Fishery Management Biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, for her continued desire to work with our tribes. Stephanie provided the communities of Nulato and Tanana with salmon this summer during the wildfire evacuations. She also attended the Denakkanaaga Conference in Anvik to provide us with insight into what the future looks like for Yukon River King Salmon. Before closing, I want to congratulate TCC Secretary/Treasurer PJ Simon of Allakaket and his wife Barrette who married on July 25. As hunting season is upon us, I hope you have luck in filling your freezers. Be safe and if you are traveling on the river make sure you wear your life jackets. Frank Thompson/ Evansville Yukon Tanana Leo Lolnitz/Koyukuk Yukon Koyukuk Peter Demoski/Nulato Elder Advisor Gerald Patsy/Nulato Youth Advisor Congratulations CLASS OF 2015 Ana Bassee, Victor Joseph President of Tanana Chiefs Conference Celina Ann Powers Graduated from Lathrop High School in Fairbanks 2

3 TCC to Begin Providing Health Services at The Tok Clinic LLC As of August 16, 2015, Tok Clinic LLC. will no longer be open for business. As of August 16, 2015, Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) will begin providing medical, laboratory, radiological and pharmacy services at both the Upper Tanana Health Center and the site of the existing Tok Clinic LLC. If you have questions please contact the Upper Tanana Health Center at (907) NEED YOUR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA? Any Alaskan student that failed to pass the High School Graduation Qualifying Exam and received a Certificate of Achievement when they finished High School is eligible to receive their Diploma! A student with a Certificate of Achievement can contact their school district and request a diploma. School district contact information can be obtained on the Internet at: education.alaska.gov/districts.html or students can contact the Education Department at TCC at and ask for the either Ava Vent, Education Director or Blanche Murphy, Education Coordinator. Fairbanks Alaska Native Vote Can Keep the Momentum of Change in Motion In October 2013, the City of Fairbanks elected John Eberhart as Mayor of the Golden Heart City. Since taking office, Mayor Eberhart s has made it a priority to engage the Native community into his work as Mayor. October 6th is a short distance away for the next election in the Fairbanks North Star Borough and the Fairbanks City Council. This year, the seats for the FNSB open for election are: Borough Mayor (3-year Assembly Seat A (3-year Assembly Seat F (3-year Assembly Seat G (3-year Borough Mayor from and , but has termed out and will not be eligible for reelection. Outgoing Assembly Seat members for Seats A, F, and G are Van Lawrence, Kathryn Dodge, and Lance Roberts, respectively. The Fairbanks City Council will also have 2 seats open for election: City Council Seat A (3-year City Council Seat B (3-year There are currently around 61,000 registered voters in the Fairbanks North Star Borough. Last race, about only 10,000 voters turned out, which means Alaska Natives could control both the Borough and City governments. For more information on finding where to register or update your registration, your polling place, and information about the election process you can visit the state website: 3

4 2015 Alaska Youth Academy Graduates Anthony John, Fairbanks Autumn Williams, Koyukuk Brenton Benjamin, Anvik Brianna Stickman, Nulato Brian Olin-Duncan, Galena Byron Captain,Tetlin Carolyn Sam, Galena Carrie Kigwak, Barrow Christina Paul, Fairbanks Christopher Jerue, Anvik Clifford Gowan, Fairbanks Corbin Oskolkoff, Nikolai Courtney Saunders, Kaltag Daryl Gray, Allakaket David Kokrine, Fairbanks Derick Atteberry, Fairbanks Durran John, Arctic Village Hillary Demit, Northway Isaiah Potts, Fairbanks Jakob David-Simon, Huslia Jewelynn Henry, Fairbanks Jezzerick John, Arctic Village Jocelyn Patsy, Nulato Katherine Baker, Northway Kimberly Huntington, Galena Kobe Nikolai, Arctic Village Koyote Gemmill, Arctic Village Laura Ekada, Fairbanks Lily Lolnitz, Koyukuk Rodney Demientieff, Holy Cross Sarah Edwards, McGrath Seth Williams, Fairbanks Shane Peters, Fairbanks Shannon Baker, Northway Shianna Joe, Tetlin Thomas Roberts, Nikolai Tia Hollandworth, Arctic Village Tyler Saunders, Fairbanks Got Drug/Alcohol Trafficking Information? Villages throughout Alaska are seeing a large movement of drugs and alcohol entering their communities, especially designer drugs, which result in increased levels of violence. The impact on our communities and children is devastating. The resulting assaults, deaths, sexual violence and accidents brings a lot of grief and trauma to our people. It s time we take a stand together and bring drug traffickers and bootleggers to justice for the harm it brings our villages. Who can you call to report drug trafficking? Fairbanks Airport Police Dispatch: (24 hour contact) Fairbanks Trooper Dispatch: or Galena Troopers: Lower Yukon & Kuskokwim Subregions- call Aniak Troopers: Tok Trooper Post: Please include the following in your report: Who what, when, where, how and possibly why. Name and description of suspect Specific drugs/alcohol info, how they received knowledge of trafficking Reporter may remain anonymous but if they chose to identify themselves (for trial purposes) there is a great possibility for gaining search warrants and later convictions in court. Specific flight information or other transportation information 4

5 TCC Staff Meet with Tribal Leaders Galena Nulato Friend Or Foe? Knowing Who s Who In Your Garden Heidi Rader, Tribes Extension educator for UAF s Cooperative Extension Service & TCC. heidi.rader@tananachiefs.org busy below ground decomposing, cycling nutrients, aerating the soil and controlling pests in the soil. Finally, some beneficial organisms prey on garden pests either directly by parasitism or through competition. Now that you know how important beneficial organisms are in your garden ecosystem, what can you do to make sure your friends find a home in your garden? Minimize your use of broadspectrum pesticides. While they do kill unwanted pests, they also kill beneficial organisms. Till only when necessary. Excessive tilling destroys beneficial organisms that live in the soil. Plant sunflowers, plants that have bolted (especially in the broccoli family), cover crops and other flowering plants. They provide food for a range of beneficials. Establish permanent plantings in or around your garden, including perennial flowers, shrubs and especially native ones. These permanent plantings provide shelter for an array of beneficial organisms. Here is a detailed guide to which plants provide ideal habitat for which beneficial organisms: ly/1ixldcq. It costs a dollar, but I think it s worth it particularly for organic farmers or gardeners. Finally, here s an illustrated guide to providing habitat for beneficials in your garden: While you re making beneficial organisms cozy in your garden, it s true that pests may find it comfortable as well. You ll have to tolerate some level What do you do when you see four-, six, eight- or 100-legged creatures crawling about in your garden? Is your first instinct to smash them? Next time, before you do, ask yourself, Is it a friend or foe? A variety of creatures, big and small, play beneficial roles in your garden, from pollinating plants to preying on pests to cycling nutrients. Some, if not beneficial, are harmless. Then there are those that do in fact damage your garden the pests. There even are some that are sometimes beneficial and sometimes a pest, like robins. They eat insects, but they also eat berries. How do you know who is who? For the most common beneficial insects and spiders, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service published a handy identification guide, which can be found You can also just ask Extension by sending in a photo of the creature in question; visit edu/ces/pests/ for details. Keep in mind that some insects, such as ladybugs, look very different in the nymph stage compared to the adult stage, so you should learn to recognize them at both stages. What do they do that is so helpful to your garden? Butterflies, bees, beetles and flies pollinate plants. Remember the column I wrote about strawberries? Without pollinators, you wouldn t get any strawberries, either. The Georgeson Botanical Garden in Fairbanks compiled a handy list of who pollinates which plants and when it happens; you can find the list at There also are some beneficials who are A flower fly pollinates a poppy. In addition to pollination, immature flower flies also may prey on garden pests. Photo by Heidi Rader. of pests in your garden. When you do need to control pests, try to minimize the negative impact it may have on beneficial organisms. When you encourage a diversity of creatures in your garden, you will benefit from the many services the beneficials provide and you won t experience extremely high pest levels that you might have otherwise. This project was supported by the Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA Grant # Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author (s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 5

6 Health Services Announces New Partnership to Improve Patient Care Tanana Chiefs Conference Health Services primary mission is to provide world-class healthcare to our beneficiaries and their family. To make sure you re aware of improvements we are making in our systems, we wanted to give you an update on an exciting new partnership we re beginning. As of September 1, TCC Health Services is joining the Alaska e-health Network (AeHN), which is an information exchange created to make sure we have the information needed to provide the safest and most effective healthcare for you. What is a Health Information Exchange? The AeHN system provides a safe, private way to share health information between healthcare providers. AeHN helps protect your health information by sending information electronically, rather than using less secure methods such as photocopies, faxes, and mail. What are the Benefits of AeHN? AeHN is designed to: Improve health quality, safety, and effectiveness by making sure your provider has access to medical records that may help in your diagnosis and/or treatment Improve care coordination so your records are available to the providers who need them Improve health outcomes for all Alaskans Ensure privacy and security protections Create faster and more effective emergency treatment Improve patient satisfaction Prevent duplicate testing, negative drug interactions, and allergic reactions What are the Allowable Uses of My Information? AeHN and TCC understand that medical information about your health is personal. Only people who are involved in providing or paying for your care are authorized to access your information. This includes only your medical providers and his/her staff, and any referral providers or other individuals involved in your treatment. Understanding the Purchased/Referred Care Referral Process (Formerly known as Contract Health Services) Every patient that is referred outside of Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center for services not available within the Tribal System to include Alaska Native Medical Center will need to be screened by Purchased/ Referred Care to verify for the following Indian Health Service funding requirements: Tribal enrollment in a Federally Recognized Tribe Residency within the Tanana Chiefs Conference service unit Alternate Resource screening such as Medicare, Medicaid, Veteran Administration, Workers Compensation and other private health insurances The health care service that you need is medically necessary whether or not the referral meets medical priority level of care. When all of these requirements are met a Purchase Order will be issued to the referring provider. The patient is responsible for picking up the purchase order on the day of the appointment and for each follow up visit to ensure that the visit has been approved for payment. These are the Indian Health Services Rules to ensure Purchased/ Referred Care funds are available to sufficiently pay for the services that have been authorized. If you have any questions, please call us at / ext What are the Unallowable Uses of My Information? AeHN is not used to disclose your protected health information or other personal information. People and agencies that are not authorized to access your information include: Anyone who is not involved with your healthcare treatment or billing National Security Agency (NSA) Telemarketers or pharmaceutical agencies Law enforcement or court officers Employers Participation with AeHN is a huge step forward for TCC in providing the best possible care for you and your family. If you would prefer not to join, it is your right to opt out, either partially or fully. If you opt out fully, none of your information will be available in the system. If you opt out partially, your clinical information will only be available in emergency situations. If you have questions about AeHN or the opt out process, please contact the CAIHC Registration Department at , ext TCC Realty Services Tanana Chiefs Conference provides full spectrum real estate services for owners of restricted Native lands. Lands that were allotted to Native people remain in restricted status unless they are transferred or sold out of restriction. These lands typically include allotments and restricted townsite lots. This means that the land is held in trust by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and that there are federally regulated processes for all transactions that apply to Native lands. Tanana Chiefs Conference is the real estate services provider for most locations in our region. Many of Tanana Chiefs Conference beneficiaries are eligible for these services. Visit Our Website 6

7 Rural Community Developmental Disabilities Program Amanda Race, Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Coordinator Tanana Chiefs Conference s Rural Community Developmental Disabilities Program (DD Program) serves individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities and their families living in rural communities within the TCC service area. Currently the program is awaiting State grant funds for Fiscal Year 2016 and are seeking your help with referrals to the DD program, What Is An Intellectual Developmental Disability? Any permanent condition that began before age 22 which interferes in a person s ability to perform activities or to learn new things. Examples include cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, mental retardation and physical impairments or a combination of mental and physical impairments. What Help Is Available? The DD Program helps with arranging and paying the cost of family directed respite care, provides case management, advocacy, and referral, and works with families to develop individual plans of service based on an individual s needs and family preferences. The DD Program Coordinator, or the DDC, is available to assist families and individuals in submitting applications to the State of Alaska for consideration of long-term funding of services for individuals with disabilities. How Are Individuals Chosen? Anyone can contact the DD Program staff in Fairbanks if they believe a child or adult in their family or someone they know may have an intellectual developmental disability. Very often individuals are recommended for the DD Program by other persons, including Special Education teachers, Village Tribal Family Attendees of the DD Program s Day Hab Cultural Camp jarred berries with Dixie Alexander. Youth Specialists, Health Aides & Public Health Nurses. The DD staff will send families a state application to complete and return to TCC. The State of Alaska Senior & Disabilities Services in Anchorage will determine eligibility within 60 days or less. What Is Family Directed Respite Care? Family directed respite care provides primary caregivers relief from the stress of caring for a child or adult with disabilities. Unlike childcare, the purpose of family directed respite care is to give family members free time away from the responsibilities of full-time care. Families of children or adults with disabilities choose the person they want as their respite care provider, and the provider s are paid through the State Funded TCC DD Program. The family directs all schedules with their providers. Family Directed Respite Care Providers must have a clean criminal background check & complete the Indian Child Protection Act (ICPA) background check before they may provide services to families. Providers must also have training in areas such as First Aid & CPR (at least every 3 years), information relative to the individual s disability, physical management techniques, and ways to help individuals with disabilities participate in the same activities in their communities as their peers. Providers are responsible for the costs of training or TCC will find other resources to help pay. Case Management & Advocacy The DD Program staff is available to assist families & individuals in a variety of ways: Helps to set up respite care & other more individualized services to meet specific needs. Assists families & individuals to explore further services & acts as a liaison with other agencies, providing information & referral for: TCC & State Vocational Rehabilitation, Social Security Administration, Special Education services, Public Assistance, Medicaid, Legal Advocacy Services and more. Please ask program staff about Day Habilitation, In- Home Supports, and other Attendees of the Developmental Disabilities Program s Day Hab Cultural Camp in June direct care services that may apply to an individual with intellectual developmental disabilities. Collaboration Of Services With T Programs & Local Agencies The DD Program staff is a member of the Short Term Assistance & Resources (STAR) Council located at the Fairbanks Resource Agency (FRA); they meet quarterly and provide emergency resources to eligible consumers in the Interior. STAR in Anchorage also provides Mini-Grants that are awarded 1x per year to eligible consumers in need of various items needed to improve quality of life & health & safety. The DD staff assists eligible consumers in applying for monthly mini-grants as needed & requested. The DD Program staff is a member of the Disability Abuse Response Team (DART) which is a subcommittee of the Faribanks Domestic Violence/ Sexual Abuse Team. Staff collaborate with several agencies, including TCC Child Protection & DV programs, in response to abuse of people with disabilities as well as any others in need & can be contacted in times of crisis & need for appropriate refferral & resources. The DD program staff collaborate with several local agencies including Fairbanks Native Association, Access AK, Adult Learning Program of AK (ALPA), FRA, as well as own Behavioral Health, CAIHC, Dental & Eye Clinics to assist people with disabilities with resources, referral & wrap around services. Rural Community Developmental Disabilities Program or ext.3231 FAX: DD Care Coordinator, Christina Campbell christina.campbell@tananachiefs.org 7

8 The Council Newsletter 122 First Avenue, Suite 600 Fairbanks, Alaska Phone: (907) ext Toll-free (Alaska): (Out-of-State) Fax: (907) Letters to the Editor, other written contributions and photo submissions are welcome. However, space is limited and program-oriented news has priority. We reserve the right to edit or reject material. Letters and opinions are not necessarily the opinions of Tanana Chiefs Conference. Material submitted anonymously will not be printed. Follow us: NOW SEEKING PHOTOS FOR TCC S 2016 CALENDAR images to thecouncil@tananachiefs.org Photos must include: A Caption (who is in the photos, where was it taken) Your Contact Information ( or phone number) Deadline is October 2nd, 2015 TCC Tobacco Prevention prevention@tananachiefs.org JOB VACANCIES WITH TCC VILLAGE VACANCIES Behavioral Health Aide (Ruby, Anaktuvuk Pass) Community Health Aide/Practitioner (Evansville, Eagle, Hughes, Ruby, Minto, Rampart) Edgar Nollner Health Center Director (Galena) Family Visitor (Tetlin) Squad Boss (Tok) Teacher Aide (Northway) Tok Sub-Regional Primary Care Physician Tribal Workforce Development Specialist (Eagle) Village Public Safety Officer (Northway, Circle, Hughes, Venetie, Huslia, Arctic Village) Wild Land Firefighter Type II Crew Member REGION-WIDE Community Health Aide/Practitioner Medical Coder I FAIRBANKS VACANCIES CAIHC Case Manager/Care Team Lead CHOP Home Care Manager CHOP Subregional Prevention Coordinator Coordinator/Instructor Mid-Level Practitioner Government Relations Coordinator Instructor-CHAP Training Center Medical Director Physician Registration Clerk Rural Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Coordinator Security Officer Apply online at /job-seekers/careers/ Upcoming Meetings/Events Lower Yukon Subregional Meeting September 29-30th Shageluk Yukon Koyukuk Subregional Meeting October 6-8th,2015 Huslia Indigenous People s Day October 12th, 2015