By Carrie Stevens, UAF Tribal Governance Department Chair and Associate Professor
As directed by the Tanana Chiefs Conference Full Board of Directors (per Resolution 2022-12), TCC leadership has been actively negotiating a self-governance agreement with the Department of the Interior to further co-steward and maintain our traditional ways of life.The Agreement is based on consultation, communication, and relationship to center Tribal voices and priorities on federal public lands and in federal public programs, which is sorely missing. The Agreement will be the first of its kind working directly with the Department of Interior to develop a unified, inter-agency agreement including US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management., and US Geological Survey. The Agreement will commit DOI Agencies to a lasting and sustainable relationship with the Tribes of our region, based on strong communication, respect for Tribal self-determination, responsibility to future generations, and reciprocity with the lands and waters. The Agreement recognizes Tribes and Agencies are stronger together and acknowledges the nation-to-nation relationship and trust obligation between the United States and the Tribes. The primary outcome of the Agreement seeks to establish regular Tribal and Inter-Agency communication, consultation, planning, and prioritizing. The goal of the Agreement is to establish a framework from which to grow Tribal Self-governance Co-Stewardship Agreements over the long-term.
For more information please contact Amber Vaska, Executive Director, Tribal Government and Client Services, Phone 907-452-8251 x3110, Email amber.vaska@tananachiefs.org