In order to understand rural Alaska – you have to experience it. In July, Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) provided the opportunity for key representatives and leaders from various organizations to experience village life first-hand through a boat tour of the Lower Yukon Subregion.
TCC’s Annual Partner’s Boat Trip aims to bridge the gap between those involved in Alaska’s decision-making process and the realities faced by the communities in rural Alaska–Creating the opportunity for dialogue, learning, and mutual understanding for everyone involved. This year’s boat trip included TCC leadership, alongside representatives from the Department of Fish and Game, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as well as esteemed legislators and commissioners from the State of Alaska.
The purpose of the trip was to foster open conversations with local tribal leaders, community members, and representatives. The participants engaged in meaningful interactions, immersing themselves in the culture and witnessing the daily challenges faced by Tribal members.
Julia Knilcka, Alaska State Director with the US Department of Agriculture, joined the trip for the second time this year, “This experience is invaluable not only to myself, but everyone who has the opportunity to participate in this life and work altering trip. In reciprocity, as guests, it is our duty to build and maintain the working relationships that TCC works so hard to grow.”
Clinton Lasley, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Health and Social Services, stated, “This trip gave us a fresh look at the impressive work happening in each community and the possibilities for more support and partnership. We’re going to build on the connections we made during this trip and find innovative ways to assist our Tribal partners even better. The Alaska Department of Family and Community Services extends a heartfelt thank you to the people of the region for their warm hospitality and for embracing us into their communities.”
Travelling along the river from Shageluk, Grayling, Anvik and Holy Cross not only showcased scenic beauty but also highlighted challenges posed by remoteness, limited resource access, and climate change impacts. Witnessing these hardships firsthand equips decision-makers with invaluable insights that will shape future policymaking.
Chief/Chairman Brian Ridley emphasized the significance of firsthand experiences in shaping high-level decisions. He expressed, “We are deeply grateful to our partners for joining us on this journey. It is crucial that those in important decision-making positions experience rural Alaska to better understand its unique challenges. Only through shared experiences like this can we build stronger bridges of cooperation and empathy.”
TCC plans to continue this annual tradition by bringing representatives to a different subregion each year. This ongoing education effort represents TCC’s commitment to ensuring that policymakers are properly educated before high-level decisions are made and to continue communicating Tribal priorities to those that can truly make a difference. In the future, TCC hopes that the annual boat trips will strengthen the bond between decision-makers and the people they serve, paving the way for a brighter, more collaborative future.
