Join us in celebrating and honoring the 2025 Awards honorees! All of these individuals were recognized at our Honoring Dinner during the 2025 Convention and Full Board of Directors Meeting for their contributions to the safety, wellbeing, security, and success of the communities within our region.
Dedication, innovation, and compassion define this year’s Tanana Chiefs Urban Employee of the Year—Samantha Arbuckle of Health Services. With six nominations, Samantha’s impact on Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center and the patient community is undeniable.
Samantha demonstrates Ch’eghwtsen’ through exceptional communication and care. Her dedication to empowering patients often means going the extra mile to ensure they feel supported. Beyond patient care, she excels in problem-solving and process improvement, bringing innovative solutions that enhance efficiency.
Her contributions strengthen both the team and the mission of Tanana Chiefs Conference. Congratulations, Samantha, on this well-deserved honor!
This year’s Rural Employee of the Year Award was given to Rosalie Egrass of McGrath. Rosalie has been a beloved Head Start teacher in her community for many years. She is known for her classroom leadership and for her dedication to her community. She inspires learning through creativity and play, infusing Indigenous culture into classroom activities. Her students have learned how to process moose meat, make plastic ulus, and design pretend boat motors. Rosalie is heralded by the children, parents, and her peers in the community for going above and beyond to ensure future generations are strong in educational knowledge, culture, and family and community bonds.
TCC is so proud to have Rosalie as part of our Head Start team.We extend our heartfelt congratulations to her and thank her for her dedication to the children of McGrath!
The 2025 Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) of the Year is Sergeant Nate Becker, of Eagle. Sgt. Becker is commemorated for demonstrating unwavering service to his community and beyond, providing exemplary public safety and earning statewide recognition for his professionalism and quick thinking. He has shown an abilty to de-escalate critical situations and was notably honored for his consistent willingness to go above and beyond his call of duty, becoming the VPSO Program’s first Fire Investigator in the state. You can find Sgt. Becker volunteering to assist other villages in need and acting as a dedicated Training Officer, facilitating essential trainings which act to reinforce the high standards of the VPSO Program.
Join us in congratulating Sgt. Becker for his exemplary service as a VPSO. Thank you for your dedication and support to your community and to our VPSO program!
The 2025 Foster Parent of the Year Award proudly goes to Warren and Audrey George of Tanana! Nominated by the Tanana Tribal Council, Warren and Audrey have dedicated over 15 years to providing a loving, stable home for children in need.
Warren, a Nulato Tribal member, and Audrey, a Tanana Tribal member, first became foster parents when the Tribe reached out for urgent placements. Without hesitation, they stepped up, and today, they are raising four thriving children in their home. Despite their busy careers—Warren working on the North Slope and Audrey running her own accounting firm—they ensure their children’s needs are met with unwavering love and care.
They never ask for extra support, yet their generosity and kindness shine through in everything they do. Their humility, warmth, and humor make them beloved members of the community, and the TCC region is truly fortunate to have foster parents like Warren and Audrey. Join us in thanking them for their commitment to our youngest Tribal members.
Interested in becoming a foster parent?
Our Tribal communities need caring families to provide safe, loving homes. Contact Niisha Walsh, TCC’s Tribal Social Services Manager, at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3372 to learn more.
Strong leadership and unwavering dedication are the foundation of a thriving Tribal community. This year, two outstanding individuals are recognized as Tribal Administrators of the Year: Rachel Freireich of Grayling and Karma Ulvi of Eagle. Their commitment, resilience, and tireless advocacy for their communities make them truly deserving of this honor.
Rachel Freireich – Grayling
Rachel Freireich is known for her resilience, strength, and dedication to her community. She goes above and beyond, advocating for youth, fostering strong partnerships with neighboring Tribes, and even volunteering on a fire assignment to ensure the subregional contract crew received their wages. Her reliability and compassion are deeply valued.
Karma Ulvi – Eagle
In Eagle, Karma Ulvi’s deep-rooted commitment to her community has long been evident. She has served in many roles, including Community Health Aide, emergency responder, and Chief, always stepping up when her village needs her. With professionalism, discernment, and strong leadership, Karma turns challenges into opportunities, making a lasting impact on her community.
Rachel and Karma embody the spirit of service and leadership, working tirelessly to support and uplift their communities. Their hard work does not go unnoticed, and their dedication is deeply appreciated.
Congratulations to Rachel Freireich and Karma Ulvi on this well-earned recognition.
Jamey Titus of Northway was given the 2025 Patty Hyslop Leadership in Sobriety Award. Jamey is deeply involved in his community, sharing his time and knowledge to uplift others. From drumming at potlatches to working as Northway’s Youth Worker Supervisor, his dedication to fostering wellness, culture, and growth is recognized.
Jamey volunteers at Culture Camp, coaches students, and serves as a mentor for all ages. As a father, he instills values in his children, passing down skills in hunting, culture, and athleticism. His leadership has made a lasting impact. Congratulations, Jamey, and thank you for your dedication to sobriety and mentorship!