Tribal governing runs in Emerging Leader Kristen Law-Sunnyboy’s family. At the age of 21, Kristen has watched her parents and grandparents work for their Tribes since childhood. Kristen is from Nenana and has two brothers, one of whom acted in the role of Emerging Leader before her. Kristen’s mother, Christina Sunnyboy, is a past Chairman of Toghotthele Corporation. Her grandparents are the late Mitch Demientieff, former Tanana Chiefs Conference President and Chairman of Toghotthele Corporation, and Kathleen Demientieff of Nenana. Kristen is the great grandniece of the late Dr. Al Ketzler Sr., first President of TCC and his wife, Betty Ketzler.
Given Kristen’s family history, it is no surprise that she joined the Emerging Leaders to learn how to follow in her family’s footsteps and to learn from all of the respected leaders and elders from throughout the TCC Region. “I’d like to learn how to not only govern, how to lead my Tribe and village or regional Corporations in the future,” she says, “I want to help teach the future generations our culture and virtues.”
Kristen encourages the youth to be present and show up for their elders and to carry on traditions and culture. “Attend your local gatherings, learn from our elders before we lose any more pertinent information, our cultures, our traditions, and our values,” she urges. She encourages elders to be open and receptive to allowing youth involvement in activities surrounding the preservation of the Native way of life. “The youth helping lead the way into the future together in unity is how we will continue our way of life for future generations.”
TCC is grateful to have Kristen on our Emerging Leaders Committee, and for her dedication to protecting and continuing traditional culture and values!